The Bum's Sports Page For Sunday August 2nd Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

At the Gate - Sunday

August 2, 2015

American Pharoah looks ready to go as he makes his first start since winning the Triple Crown as the heavy favorite in Sunday’s $1.75 million Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park.

The colt is 1-5 on the morning line and the bridejumpers likely will be out in full force, as the show pool likely will see some serious action.

I am not accustomed to picking heavy favorites on top, but of the seven foes taking him on this afternoon I cannot find one that has a legitimate shot of pulling off the upset.

American Pharoah has put in six works since his score in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 6, and by all accounts, his Triple Crown run does not appear to have taken much out of him. In his five wins this year, his only tough race was the Kentucky Derby (G1) where he won by a length.

He won the Rebel (G2), Arkansas Derby (G1), Preakness (G1) and Belmont by a combined 26 ¾ lengths.

Add to that the fact that Bob Baffert has owned the Haskell, and it makes it tough to try and beat the favorite. Baffert has won the Haskell a record seven times and has won it in four of the past five years including last summer with Bayern.

If the colt does not get tested today, it seems possible he could return in four weeks for the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. The New York Racing Association has upped the ante, increasing the Travers purse to $1.6 million if the Triple Crown winner shows up for the marquee event of the summer meeting.

The Haskell will be televised live this afternoon at 5:00 ET on NBC and is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge ‘Win and You’re In” race for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Overshadowed by the Haskell is today’s $200,000 Shuvee Handicap (G3) which features a great match up between Untapable and Stopchargingmaria.

Untapable won six of her seven races last year including taking the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). She has won just one of her three starts this year and comes into the race off a runner up finish in the Ogden Phipps (G1).

Stopchargingmaria loves the Spa main track, winning the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Alabama (G1) last year. The Todd Pletcher trainee is coming off a sharp win in the DuPont Distaff (G3) at Pimlico in her last outing.

Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Md Sp Wt (1:00 ET)

6 Too Discreet 3-1
8 Brooklyn Speights 8-1
10 Leavemeatthegate 6-1
1 Heated Verdict 4-1

Analysis:

Too Discreet makes his debut for the Clement barn that hits at a 11% clip with first time starters. The colt is by Discreet Cat out of the stakes winner To Marquet ($198,236) who has dropped three turf winners and a pair of takes winners, top earner Discreet Marq ($1.2 million).

Brooklyn Speights makes her debut for the Ward barn that is 20% winners with first timers. The gelding has a solid enough turf pedigree, by Big Brown out of a Speightstown mare who has dropped one other foal to race, not a winner yet.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 1,6,8,10
TRI: 6,8 / 1,6,8,10 1,6,7,8,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 10 The Shuvee Handicap G3 (6:07 ET)

5 Stopchargingmaria 2-1
4 Untapable 7-5
3 House Rules 5-1
6 Tiz Windy 8-1

Analysis:

Stopchargingmaria was off a beat slow when bobbling coming out of the gate and came with a good late run to win the DuPont Distaff (G3) at Pimlico. That snapped a two race losing streak and she is back on her favorite surface. Last year here she won the CCA Oaks (G1) and Alabama (G1) over the main track and has won three of four with a second in her career here. She owns the edge in early and mid pace numbers and may have the tactical advantage over our second choice in here.

Untapable was nearly unstoppable last year winning six of seven starts, but she has lost two of three this year and was no match for Wedding Toast last out in the Ogden Phipps (G1), beaten five lengths. The extra ground here will suit her as she won the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at today's distance last fall at Santa Anita. She gets hammered at the betting windows every time out and will be more of the same here.

Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 4,5 / 3,4,5
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Monmouth Park:

MTH Race 11 The Oceanport G3 (5:05 ET)

7 Kharafa 5-2
5 Heart to Heart 2-1
6 Lochte 3-1
3 Old Time Hockey 3-1

Analysis:

Kharafa made a good late rally to get up late and win the Elkwood here last out going a mile. The gelding has now landed in the money in 22 of his 26 starts on grass in his career. He comes in here sharp with three wins in his last four starts.

Heart to Heart did not fire his best last out in the Poker (G3) where he checked in seventh behind repeat winner King Kreesa, who won the Forbidden Apple in his next outing on July 11. Two back off the bench he ran a solid second in the Red Bank (G3) here, beaten just a half-length for the top spot. He figures to bounce back with a better effort here.

Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 5,7 / 3,5,6,7
TRI: 5,7 / 3,5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,7

Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga

R1: #8 Brooklyn Speights 8-1
R3: #4 Runway Ready 8-1
R4: #4 Achnaha 8-1
R5: #3 towering Moon 10-1
R7: #4 Elusive Talmo 15-1
R8: #5 H Man 10-1
R9: #5 Frazil 10-1
R10: #6 Tiz Windy 8-1
R11: #6 Elusive Strike 8-1

Good luck today!

[StarDust Bum]

Haskell, Jim Dandy Breakdown

July 31, 2015

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah returns to the racetrack, just eight weeks after racing in to history with an authoritative score in the G1 Belmont Stakes, when he faces six rivals in the G1 William Hill Haskell Invitational going 1 1/8 miles at Monmouth Park.

Trained by Bob Baffert, the Eclipse Award winning champion Two Year Old from last year didn’t make his sophomore debut until March as foot and suspensory issued delayed the start of his 2015 campaign. When he did return, he promptly romped in both the G2 Rebel and G1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.

Made the 5-2 choice in Louisville for the G1 Kentucky Derby, regular rider Victor Espinoza had to whip him 32 times in the stretch but he did manage to wear down Firing Line and Dortmund to win the roses by a length.

Two weeks later at Pimlico, a deluge just minutes before the G1 Preakness turned the track into a sea of slop and American Pharoah relished the off going, leading the field from gate-to-wire from his rail draw to win once again by open lengths.

In the Belmont, Espinoza was left alone on the front end and managed to turn the “Test of the Champion” into the crowning of one, as he again led at every pole to win by over five lengths to become the twelfth Triple Crown winner in the history of Thoroughbred racing.

He’s trained brilliantly for the Haskell, a race Baffert has won a record seven times, including four of the last five runnings, most recently with Bayern last season. Espinoza will have his usual seat atop American Pharoah and they’ll break from post 3.

Upstart will be making his first start since his Derby debacle. It’s been a crazy year for upstart and his trainer Rick Violette. It started off promisingly enough with a sharp tally in the G2 Holy Bull to start the season before things started to get interesting.

He appeared hopelessly beaten in the G2 Fountain of Youth before grinding out a 2 ¾ length win only to get disqualified in what many feel was a terrible call by the Gulfstream stewards. Then, when second in the G1 Florida Derby, it appeared as though he was interfered with by the winner Materiality and there wasn’t even an inquiry. Now, in his first start in three months, he’ll try and pull off one of the biggest upsets in racing lore with new rider Joe Bravo in the saddle. They’ll break from the rail.

Mr. Jordan has finished first or second in all six of his starts, including four victories. He won all three starts as a juvenile, including a pair of minor stakes at Gulfstream Park West, for his trainer Eddie Plesa before starting this season with a second place finish and a victory in a minor stakes at Gulfstream where he was disqualified. Last time out, when reunited with Paco Lopez, Mr. Jordan sat just off to pace before scoring by a head as the 2-1 favorite in the local prep for this, the G3 Pegasus. He’ll break from post 4.

Though still eligible for an entry level allowance contest, Keen Ice will be making his first start since his third place Belmont finish in here, trying the champ again for trainer Dale Romans. Earlier this season, Keen Ice was third in the G2 Risen Star and finished seventh in the Derby. Kent Desormeaux rides from post five.

William Hill Haskell Invitational - Post Position & ML Odds
1 - Upstart 6/1
2 - Competitive Edge 8/1
3 - Nonna's Boy 30/1
4 - American Pharoah 1/5
5 - Mr. Jordan 15/1
6 - Keen Ice 12/1
7 - Top Clearance 30/1
8 - Dontbetwithbruno 30/1

Todd Pletcher entered three in the Haskell but will likely scratch Competitive Edge and run him in the G2 Jim Dandy on Saturday at Saratoga. In his stead, Nonna’s Boy and Dontbetwithbruno will represent the Pletcher barn. Both owned by Mike Repole of Uncle Mo/Stay Thirsty fame, Nonna’s Boy will break from post three having gone gate to wire over the Monmouth turf course in his grass debut just two weeks ago, a race in which his stablemate Dontbetwithbruno finished second. Rider assignments have yet to be firmed up.

Finally, Top Clearance will be seeking his third consecutive win when he makes his stakes debut in here for trainer Wayne Catalano from post 6. Top Clearance broke his maiden sprinting two back before taking an entry level allowance contest in his first try around two turns in his local debut last out. Abel Castellano rides.

Before they run the Haskell, Frosted will kick off his second half campaign in the G2 Jim Dandy going 1 1/8 miles on Saturday afternoon up at Saratoga for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Unlike American Pharoah’s picture perfect season, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride of a season for Frosted. A second place finish to start the season in the Holy Bull to start the year was followed by one of the more talked about performances of the year when he finished fourth after appearing to be home free on the far turn.

A complete overhaul followed. A minor throat surgery was performed to help his breathing, McLaughlin made a change to the blinkers he added in the Fountain of Youth and made a rider change to his current jockey, Joel Rosario. McLaughlin’s moves were rewarded with a powerful, off-the-pace tally in the G1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

In the Kentucky Derby, Frosted was one of the only horses making up any ground late when he rallied to finish fourth before taking a run at the champ on the far turn of the Belmont before finishing a solid second in the Belmont Stakes. Frosted will break from post 6.

Texas Red makes his third start of the season and since upsetting the B.C. Juvenile last season with a powerful last to first run that produced a 6 ¼ length score at over 13-1.

Trained by Keith Desormeaux and ridden by his Hall of Fame riding brother Kent, Texas Red rallied to finish second in his seasonal bow, the G2 San Vicente at Santa Anita going seven furlongs. A foot issue kept him sidelined for five months until Independence Day when he returned in the G3 Dwyer at Belmont. In the Dwyer, Texas Red again rallied from the back of the pack to finish second to the undefeated Speightster. He’ll break from post three.

Competitive Edge was a perfect four for four going into the G2 Woody Stephens on Belmont day but never fired and finished last of six for Pletcher. A two time winner as a juvenile, with both wins, including the G1 Hopeful, coming over this course, Competitive Edge won a minor stakes at Gulfstream as well as the G3 Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard earlier this year. John Velazquez rides from post 4.

The Bill Mott trained Japan had a little better luck on Belmont day, winning the first race of the day, the WinStar Easy Goer, against just two other rivals, both of whom have come back to win. This will be just the fifth start of Japan’s career as he’ll be looking for his third consecutive win having broken his maiden two starts back. Junior Alvarado rides from post 2.

Tekton, also entered in the Curlin on Friday at the Spa and G2 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer on Saturday, would break from post 5 for trainer Tony Dutrow and rider Alex Cintron. Tekton finished second by a head in the G3 Pegasus at Monmouth last out after taking an allowance/optional claimer at Pimlico by over 10 lengths two starts back. Frammento will be making his first start since finishing off the board in both the Derby and Belmont for trainer Nick Zito. Jose Lezcano rides from the rail.

Jim Dandy Stakes - Post Position & ML Odds
1 - Frammento 20/1
2 - Japan 10/1
3 - Texas 7/2
4 - Upstart 3/1
5 - Competitive Edge 4/1
6 - Tekton 10/1
7 - Frosted 2/1

[StarDust Bum]

Storm have been hot at the betting window lately

The Seattle Storm are one of the worst teams in the WNBA this season, but have found a bit of success at the betting window of late. Seattle has gone 5-1 against the spread in their last six games heading into its meeting with the New York Liberty Sunday afternoon.

Oddsmakers opened the Liberty as 8.5-point favorites but that has since moved up to -9 with tipoff mere hours away.

The Storm and Liberty have met once this season with New York posting an 81-77 victory but it was Seattle which covered as 4.5-point home dogs in that matchup.

[StarDust Bum]

Rays OF Souza fractures hand

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr is headed back to the disabled list after X-rays revealed that he suffered a fractured left hand in Saturday's game.

Souza left Saturday's 11-7 loss against the Boston Red Sox after getting hit on his left hand by a pitch from starter Joe Kelly in the top of the fifth inning. He remained in the game until the top of the sixth.

Souza, 26, was on the DL last month with a finger injury. He is batting .214 with a team-leading 15 home runs, 34 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 89 games.

The Rays plan to place Souza on the 15-day disabled list and recall outfielder Mikie Mahtook from Triple-A Durham prior to Sunday's game in Boston.

[StarDust Bum]

If only the Brewers could face lefties every day

The Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs for the finale of a four-game series Sunday afternoon. The Brew Crew has dropped the first three games of the series but will be glad to see that Cubs are expected to start southpaw Clayton Richard.

The Brewers have gone 12-9 against left-handed starts in 21 games this season, compared to a 32-52 record against righties.

Milwaukee has won back-to-back games against lefties heading into Sunday's game. They defeated Jeff Locke and the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 back on July 19 before defeating Patrick Corbin and the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 on July 24.

The Brewers, who are expected to start Kyle Lohse, are -106 while Richard and the Cubs are -102.

[StarDust Bum]

Pelfrey struggling for Twins in recent starts

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey is 0-5 in eight starts since defeating the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7.

Pelfrey has allowed eight runs twice in that span and lasted four innings or less three times.

He'll give it another shot against the Seattle Mariners Sunday afternoon. He has lost his lone career start against Seattle in 2013, when he gave up three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 frames, and struggles against Seth Smith (7-for-14).

[StarDust Bum]

Holy $hit betting stat of the day: Phillies unstoppable since All-Star break

Aug 02, 2015

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the All-Star break with a 29-62 record, making themselves the laughing stock of the league heading into the midsummer classic. Since then, however, the Phils have gone a ridiculous 12-2 and the only people laughing are bettors who are cashing in on the MLB's hottest club.

The Phillies have been averaging 5.57 runs scored per game since the All-Star break, while their opponents are averaging just 3.07 runs per game.

The NL East club was pegged as a favorite twice in those dozen wins - July 19 against the Miami Marlins (-141 with Cole Hamels pitching) and in Saturday's 12-2 thumping of the Atlanta Braves (-116). They have been lofty underdogs in a number of those wins, cashing as +165, +241, +186, +164 and +245 pups to line their backers' pockets.

With Adam Morgan scheduled to take the bump Sunday afternoon, they have the chance to finish off a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves. The Phils have outscored the Braves 25-6 through the first three games including a 9-3 win Friday and the aforementioned victory Saturday. Julio Teheran is scheduled to start for the visiting Braves - who have lost six-straight games and nine of their last 10 heading into Sunday's meeting.

[StarDust Bum]

Norris to make Tigers debut Sunday

Daniel Norris, the centerpiece of the Detroit Tigers' return in the David Price trade to the Toronto Blue jays, will make his debut for his new club when the Tigers visit the Baltimore Orioles Sunday afternoon.

The 22-year-old made five starts for the Jays earlier this season and pitched well in four of those outings, but issued 12 walks in 23 1/3 innings. He sports a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and 1.50 WHIP so far this season.

Norris and the Tigers are presently +168 while the Orioles, who are projected to counter with Ubaldo Jimenez, are currently -183.

[StarDust Bum]

Tigers' Martinez exits game

Aug 01, 2015

Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez fouled a pitch off his left knee and left Saturday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles in the third inning.

The Tigers announced that Martinez has a knee contusion and listed his status as day to day. X-rays on the knee were negative.

Martinez completed his at-bat and remained in the game for another inning before he was replaced by Tyler Collins.

The 27-year-old Martinez leads the Tigers in home runs this season with 28 and has 68 RBIs.

[StarDust Bum]

Report: Lucchino to step aside as Red Sox CEO

Aug 01, 2015

Larry Lucchino will leave his post as president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox later this year, according to multiple reports Saturday.

An announcement by the team is expected next week.

The 69-year-old Lucchino joined the Red Sox in 2002. His contract is set to expire at the end of the 2015 season.

"We are hopeful and confident that we will conclude an agreement with Larry going forward where he will continue to be an integral part of upper management," Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said, according to the Boston Herald. "He will have less of an everyday role, but he will continue to have an important strategic role not just with the Red Sox but also within Major League Baseball."

The Herald reported that 42-year-old executive vice president and COO Sam Kennedy is expected to take over for Lucchino but will not be involved in baseball operations or assume the title of CEO.

Lucchino was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in February that likely contributed to the decision.

"I'll be 70 in September. That's sort of why I'm ready to step back," Lucchino told The Boston Globe on Saturday.

Kennedy, who has been sought by several professional sports franchises the past few years, declined to comment. His primary duties with the Red Sox are business operations, broadcasting, marketing and tickets.

Kennedy also worked for Lucchino with the San Diego Padres as executive director of corporate partnerships and broadcasting before moving to Boston.

[StarDust Bum]

Seahawks sign LB Wagner to $43 million deal

Aug 02, 2015

The Seattle Seahawks signed All-Pro Bobby Wagner to a four-year, $43 million extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid middle linebacker.

The fourth-year player agreed to the extension late Saturday night, according to multiple media reports.

Team owner Paul Allen later confirmed Wagner's extension on his Twitter account: "@Seahawks signed LB @Bwagz54 to a 4 year extension tonight! #GoHawks."

Wagner's is the second megadeal completed by the Seahawks in two days. Quarterback Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $87.6 million contract before training camp began Friday.

When word of Wagner's deal got out Saturday night, Wilson tweeted, "My bro!!!! #BigTime."

On Friday, Wagner expressed some annoyance that his deal was not yet done, responding to a question about a deadline by saying, "Now. That's my deadline."

"If it happens, it happens," he said. "All I know is at the end of the season you all know that I'm the best linebacker in this league, and that's my focus. Everything else will take care of itself."

Coach Pete Carroll was emphatic Friday that the Seahawks plan to sign him soon.

"We're on it," Carroll said. "Whoever thought that we were done with that thing, that was not right. We're on it, and we're going to keep competing to get that done. We have planned for this for a long time, and nothing has changed at all in that. Our guys are working at it by the hour."

Wagner, 25, has recorded 364 combined tackles and nine sacks in three NFL seasons since being selected in the second round of the 2012 draft out of Utah State. He made his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams last season when he made 104 tackles and two sacks.

[StarDust Bum]

Bills claim OT Jones off waivers from Titans

Aug 01, 2015

The Buffalo Bills claimed offensive tackle Terren Jones off waivers from the Tennessee Titans on Saturday.

Jones, an undrafted rookie in 2013, has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans.

--------------------------------

Dolphins claim WR Hamilton off waivers

Aug 01, 2015

The Miami Dolphins claimed wide receiver Cobi Hamilton off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

To make room for Hamilton on the 90-man roster, the Dolphins waived wide receiver Kai De La Cruz.

The 6-foot-2, 201-pound Hamilton spent part of the previous two seasons on the practice squads of the Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles. The Bengals signed him to the 53-man roster on Dec. 31, and he made his NFL debut in their wild-card playoff loss at the Indianapolis Colts.

Hamilton originally was a sixth-round draft pick of Cincinnati in 2013.

---------------------------------

Hoyer, Mallett officially begin QB competition

Aug 01, 2015

HOUSTON -- There were cameras everywhere and everything was a circus. But nothing changed between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett as the Houston Texans opened training camp and kicked off the team's first-ever preseason true quarterback competition.

Like the beginning of OTAs and minicamp, Hoyer started with the first team and Mallett ran the second. Like all the non-contact workouts that preceded Saturday's public practice session, head coach Bill O'Brien said there was nothing to read into who played with whom and how the Texans' top two quarterbacks were handled.

"Everybody gets reps with everybody else. We don't look at it as a first team and a second team and a third team and all that," O'Brien said at the team's practice facility, with the coach shaded beneath a tent, an HBO "Hard Knocks" camera zooming in and an overhanging microphone capturing every word.

Then came the real questions.

After offseason workouts and a six-week layoff, does O'Brien have a better feel for when he'll announce his Week 1 starter?

"No," he said.

Does Hoyer have an edge after Day One? Mallett?

"No," O'Brien said.

Hoyer was more efficient and smoother Saturday. He also missed throws that NFL starters make and rarely wowed watchers. Mallett had three consecutive incompletions near the goal line and was noticeably off target at times. He also threw a touchdown bomb to Nate Washington that elicited one of the biggest cheers of the day from a constantly cheering crowd.

"Both guys had some good plays and both guys had some plays they'd probably want to have back," O'Brien said.

While O'Brien was tight-lipped, linebacker Brian Cushing returned with a smile. No player was more excited to be sweating at camp than Cushing, the inside linebacker who suffered through a two-year ordeal after undergoing two surgeries on the same knee.

"I'm out here to return to form," Cushing said. "This is the best I've felt in a while."

In the offseason, Cushing worked out with a demon-like intensity. But he got to spend more time as a father and husband instead of undergoing dawn-to-dusk rehabilitation at NRG Stadium.

At last year's training camp, Cushing was rehabbing. He wasn't cleared for practice until the third preseason game.

"This (practice) was nothing compared to (last two camps), injury-wise," he said. "I couldn't do anything this time last year. I could hardly run."

Cushing disclosed during the offseason program that the operations on his knee forced him to learn to walk again. Now he's running full speed and hoping to play well enough to convince the coaches he can be the every-down player he was before the first surgery in 2012.

"I don't have to overcome anything or rehab," he said. "I can just go full force right into practice and work on football."

--------------------------------------------

Bears' Jennings plays semantics in nickel

Aug 01, 2015

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Asked if he could be called a nickel back now, Tim Jennings said, "No, you can call me a cornerback."

Jennings, nonetheless, will be in the slot position as the third cornerback this season when the Chicago Bears go to the five-defensive back package.

He originally was slated for this duty last year and played there in the opener before Charles Tillman's season-ending injury. Then he stayed at left cornerback.

"With the defense we'll be running now, it fits well to what I'm trying to do, what they'll want me to do," Jennings said.

Former Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball figures to move into the left corner spot when Jennings moves to the slot.

Jennings called the experience last year a big help because now he knows what the position entails.

"It's kind of really playing the whole field," he said. "I know how to leverage, just kind of being mindful, being a student of the game. With my knowledge and my experience, it should fit well."

--Quarterback Jay Cutler can't say he is as familiar with the offense as he was when last year's camp started, but at least this coaching staff has him feeling good in what could be a make-or-break year for him.

"I'm comfortable with these guys," he said. "I've known some of these coaches throughout my career.

"They've had a lot of success in this league and they're trying to bring it here. I feel good about it, but I think we have a great group of players on the field right now offensively, guys that mesh together."

Ironically, Cutler and other veterans see a closeness developing two years after Marc Trestman tried to force togetherness on the team by switching around lockers to break up position groups.

"This year, we're back to learning another offense and a new group of guys and I think the locker room has changed a little bit more than it has in the past," Cutler said. "So there's a lot of newness to this group that everyone's going to have to get used to. We're going to have to work out some personalities and see how it all meshes together."

--Pernell McPhee sounded a bit wistful when talking about how well he worked with pass rushers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil while with the Baltimore Ravens.

"All three of us were, like, three guys who we're each different so we kind of complemented each other," McPhee said. "Sometimes Suggs set up the speed rush and I'd go inside. Sometimes I'd set up the speed rush and power and he'd go inside. Dum, we always played off the other. If I'd go inside sometimes he'd come over the top. We all complemented each other in different ways of the game. But I'm here now.

"They're my boys, man. Plus Haloti (Ngata), (Courtney) Upshaw. Bu right now I'm a Bear. I've got new brothers. And that's what I'm looking forward to."

--Having successful veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio scheming offenses has given Bears players a perceived boost in confidence.

Jennings said it will lead to a strategic advantage.

"I think he puts guys in positions to make plays," Jennings said. "We're looking forward to him putting us in the right position. He's a very smart coach, so the team that we play is going to be different every week.

"And he's going to be able to stategize. He's a very smart man as far as putting guys in position to make plays."

--Jeremiah Ratliff lined up largely at nose tackle early in camp, although he'll also play at end in the 3-4. The 34-year-old stiff-armed reporters' questions about how long he wanted to play.

"That's a later discussion. This is the first day of training camp, man," he said.

Then he admitted it's not the first time he has had to do this. His children ask him, too.

"Oh, yeah, they ask me that," he said. "Before I left out the door, they're just like, 'Is this your last year?' I told them the same thing."

--By the second day of training camp, the Bears' top 2015 draft pick on the field was center Hroniss Grasu, a third-round selection from Oregon.

Second-round pick Eddie Goldman left the field in the second practice because of dehydration. The Florida State nose tackle was also dehydrated during his first rookie camp practice and left the field.

Wide receiver Kevin White, the team's first-round pick from West Virginia, went on preseason PUP while trying to build his cardio after offseason time missed because of an unspecified shin injury. He is expected back on the field at some point in camp.

Cornerback Kyle Fuller left the field and talked to trainers near the end of the second day of practice on Saturday with what coach John Fox described as a "tweaked" ankle. Fox didn't know the extent of the injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Big Ten Media Days: No more cupcakes on schedule

Jul 31, 2015

CHICAGO -- The Big Ten mandates a beefed up nonconference schedule in 2016 that won't include Football Championship Series programs who could once count on a big payday and often a loss.

So long Illinois State, Richmond and Appalachian State.

Nice knowing you Florida International, Indiana State and Western Illinois.

The second-tier football programs on current or recent Big Ten schedules will vanish after this season.

Big Ten commissioner James Delany, who outlined changes as well as a nine-game Big Ten regular-season schedule during this week's conference football media days, said the College Football Playoff Committee wants teams from top-tier conferences to schedule only FBS programs.

"We'll have one major intersectional game each year against an autonomy conference," Delany said. "We'll have nine conference games, which allows us to play each other on a more regular basis, which I think is important as conferences expand. We'll have a championship game. And then we'll have all of our games against FBS competition."

Some Big Ten schools have already adapted and others are in final years of contracts with FCS schools.

"It took a little while to get here because of schedules and expansion," Delany said. "But all of our coaches and players and athletic directors are committed to this platform. We think it's what our fans want. We think it's what our players want. And we think it's what the College Football Playoff committee wants."

FOOT IN THE DOOR

Coming off an 8-5 season and a bowl appearance, Rutgers coach Kyle Flood carries both a winning reputation and a top-notch brand as he persuades recruits to join his program.

"You attach yourself to a brand like the Big Ten and you play in what we believe is the premiere athletic, academic conference in the country and in the most competitive division in all of college football," Flood said.

"If you're recruiting the right kind of players, they want to play that kind of football. And I really believe there's no doubt it's elevated our recruiting over the last two years.”

Rutgers posted wins over Michigan, Indiana and Maryland in its inaugural Big Ten season and beat North Carolina 40-21 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

The Scarlett Knights return 14 starters from that team (five on offense, five on defense and four specialists). Perhaps the leading returnee is wide receiver Leonte Carroo, who opted out of 2015 NFL Draft contention for another college season.

"He's one of the premier playmakers in the country," Flood said. "When he made a decision to come back to Rutgers for his senior year, our program got better. And it gave him an opportunity to do some things in his career that he had not accomplished yet."

Carroo said he had no regrets.

"You have to know that the NFL isn't going anywhere and you can play that game the following year," he said. "I knew my degree was important to me. That was a big factor."

RETURN TO NORMALCY

With scandals and sanctions the norm during the past few years, Penn State still isn't sure what a regular football season feels like.

The Nittany Lions are about to find out.

Scholarships were restored and a bowl game ban was lifted last year while a lawsuit growing out of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal at the school was settled in January.

The late Joe Paterno also had all his wins restored, making him once again the winningest coach in college football history.

"So many positive things falling into place for us right now," second-year Penn State coach James Franklin said. "Penn State being able to get the scholarships back, having an opportunity to go to bowl games, the way recruiting is going, the way we played in the bowl, and the way the season ended."

The Nittany Lions beat Boston College 31-30 to complete a 7-6 season.

"I'm really happy for our kids and our program," Franklin said. "We're coming into this season with nothing floating over our head. They have the ability to be able to chase their dreams at the very, very highest level. So really, really excited."

Penn State returns 40 letter-winners, including 15 starters -- eight on offense and seven on defense. Among the returnees is senior tackle Anthony Zettel, a preseason All-American candidate and one of 13 Big Ten players to watch, as selected by the league.

Zettel, redshirt sophomore wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton and senior safety Jordan Lucas all received All-Big Ten preseason citation by national preview publications.

HEALTHY ALL AROUND

Jerry Kill's health is fine and Minnesota football is feeling pretty upbeat. too.

The Golden Gophers went 8-5 for the second straight season last year and had Kill's first winning Big Ten record, finishing 5-3 in the Big Ten West. They also qualified for a Jan. 1 bowl game, falling to Missouri 33-17 in the Citrus Bowl.

The Minnesota coach suffered epileptic seizures during his first three seasons at Minnesota -- including a 10-day hospitalization in 2013 -- but reports he's now in good health.

"I'm doing great," he said. "I've been seizure free now for over a year and a half. I feel great. What else can I say but I'm doing good."

Kill received two Big Ten coach of the year awards last year and welcomes back 15 starters from that group, including five on offense and seven on defense.

The Gophers, however, face a challenging schedule with consensus No. 2 TCU at home on Sept. 3 and a November clash at reigning national champion Ohio State.

"We'll be good up front and that's where it all starts," he said. "(Quarterback) Mitch (Leidner) has had an outstanding offseason. He's a year older. He went to Peyton Manning's camp, which he was invited to, which I think was good for him."

[StarDust Bum]

Pac-12 Media Days: USC in the midst of resurgence

Jul 31, 2015

The biggest theme of Pac-12 Media Days was that USC, presumably, is back.

"You voted us to be the conference champions," Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian said Friday on the second and final day of the event, held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif. "We're appreciative of that, but the reality is we need to put our best foot forward every time we take the field."

USC hasn't been conference champ since coach Pete Carroll's final season in 2008, and it hasn't won the Pac-12 South division since the league expanded in 2011. The program's last national championship -- later vacated by the BCS because of NCAA sanctions -- came in 2004.

But the Trojans' talent flashes back to the good ol' days following its re-emergence from NCAA sanctions and scholarship limitations: A Heisman candidate quarterback (Cody Kessler), some of the most elite athletes in the country (linebacker/safety Su'a Cravens, cornerback/receiver/returner Adoree' Jackson, receiver JuJu Smith) and an offensive line that has once again turned into a strength.

All of this five-star talent apparently has a chip on its shoulder, too.

"Me, personally, I haven't done anything," Kessler said. "Neither have any of these guys. All this stuff that is out there is cool and all, but I'm a 10-4 and 9-4 quarterback."

The message is that those USC records from the past two seasons haven't been -- and won't be -- good enough.

"Nobody is going to look back go, 'Oh, they went 9-4; that's awesome,'" Kessler said. "The most important thing to me is winning every game."

USC, which added arguably the nation's top recruiting class, lost three games last season by less than a touchdown and also fell to crosstown rival UCLA for the third consecutive season. Kessler was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the country as a junior, completing 69.7 percent of his passes, with 39 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The offense often played it safe last season but has the horses to attempt more downfield throws, which is one of the teaching points to Kessler.

"I coach quarterbacks harder than any player on the team," Sarkisian said, relating a story about Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs.

"Duncan gets ripped by Gregg Popovich after one game, and he goes, 'If Pop can't coach me that hard, how is he going to expect to coach everybody else that hard?' So, I coach Cody harder than anybody else. I expect Cody to be better at the most critical moments in the biggest games than he was a year ago. That is what is going to define him."

While USC has a Heisman candidate at quarterback, Oregon has to replace one.

Jeff Lockie was the backup to Marcus Mariota last season, but much of the offseason hype has been about Eastern Washington graduate transfer Vernon Adams, who isn't expected to arrive until a few days into fall camp, needing to complete one more summer class. Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said Friday he was only going to talk about quarterbacks currently in the program, an effective "no comment" about Adams.

Lockie, a junior who attempted 28 passes last season, doesn't have the same athletic profile as Mariota.

"From an analogy standpoint, he's a point guard," Helfrich said. "He knows everything about our system. He executed it almost flawlessly in the spring. He had a great spring. ... I have total confidence in Jeff. Our players do, too."

The Ducks, who lost to Ohio State in last season's national championship game, were picked to win the Pac-12 North in a vote of league media. Oregon received 37 first-place votes; the eight others went to Stanford.

NOTES:

Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez rambled when asked if it was "refreshing" to have a returning starting quarterback (sophomore Anu Solomon) for the first time in his four years with the Wildcats. "Refreshing? I think a nice, cold beer or a Bacardi and Coke or maybe even a nice ice tea, sweetened, is more refreshing. What was the question again?" ... USC coach Steve Sarkisian presumably took a little shot at the sartorial splendor of Oregon when asked about his recruiting approach. "We fall back on our rich tradition," he said. "We're not going to take the field in 13 different uniforms." Ducks fans quickly noted on Twitter that Sarkisian is 0-6 against Oregon as a head coach, losing by an average of 25.8 points. USC plays at Oregon on Nov. 21. ... Cal junior QB Jared Goff was listed as a top-10 pick in an early NFL mock draft by ESPN's Todd McShay. "It hasn't changed him a bit," Cal coach Sonny Dykes said of the expectations. "If anything, it's made him more focused on improving our team and our program. He's very unselfish. He gets it."

[StarDust Bum]

Big Ten conference college football betting preview: Plenty of talent returns to Ohio State

Jul 21, 2015

Covers Expert Will Rogers breaks down the best ways to wager on the Big 10 and gives his season win total picks for each of its members heading into the new college football campaign.

Ohio State Buckeyes (2014: 14-1 SU, 10-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: -260
Season win total: 11

Why to bet the Buckeyes: No team enjoys as much quarterback depth as the Buckeyes, who boast three signal callers that are all considered legitimate Heisman hopefuls. They return plenty of talent from last year's championship squad, including star running back Ezekiel Elliot, who ran for 1402 yards and a dozen TDs last season. This year's schedule presents very little problems, with their toughest game looking like a home game against Michigan State.

Why not to bet the Buckeyes: The only thing not to like about this team is that expectations are sky high. OSU is going to be a heavy favorite week in and week out, and it's not going to be easy to live up to all the hype. There's also a potential for a quarterback controversy that could prove to be a distraction to the team.

Season win total pick: Over 11

Michigan State Spartans (2014: 11-2 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +800
Season win total: 9.5

Why to bet the Spartans: Conner Cook returns at quarterback for the Spartans after throwing for 3214 yards and 24 TDs with just eight INTs last season. Senior All-American Jack Allen is the rock in what is projected to be one of the best offensive lines in the country.

Why not to bet the Spartans: With the loss of Big10 Receiver of the Year Tony Lippett and 1500 yard rusher Jeremy Langford leaves the Spartans with unproven players at key positions on offense. The schedule isn't going to be easy either, hosting Oregon in Week 2, and playing on the road in Columbus in November. When it's all said and done, it's hard to see the Spartans knocking off the defending champs.

Season win total pick: Over 9.5

Wisconsin Badgers (2014: 11-3 SU, 6-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1200
Season win total: 10

Why to bet the Badgers: Last year Wisconsin ranked 4th in the nation in total defense, and 17th in scoring defense. This season's squad will boast a ton of talent with the likes of junior outside linebacker Vince Biegel who led the team with 16.5 tackles for a loss, and senior outside linebacker Joe Schobert, who recorded 13.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. They will have plenty of experience in the secondary with both starting corners returning along with senior safety Michael Caputo.

Why not to bet the Badgers: The quarterback position was a glaring weakness for Wisconsin in 2014, and they bring back five year senior Joel Stave for another year. He threw more picks (10) than he did TDs (9) last season, completing just 53 percent of his passes. The Badgers have high hopes for junior running back Corey Clement, but he's got big shoes to fill replacing Melvin Gordon.

Season win total pick: Under 10

Nebraska Cornhuskers (2014: 9-4 SU, 8-4-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1700
Season win total: 8

Why to bet on the Cornhuskers: First year head coach Mike Riley brings a more relaxed approach to Nebraska, which is in stark contrast to his predecessor Bo Pelini, who has a reputation for being a bit of a hot head. While he will make the transition to more of a pro-style offense, the transition will be made easier with Tommy Armstrong Jr. returning at quarterback after throwing for 2695 yards and 22 TDs last season.

Why not to bet on the Cornhuskers: They will need to replace All-American running back Ameer Abdullah, who ran for 1583 yards and 18 TDs in 2014. Nebraska will not have much time to settle in under a new coach and a new system, as they are thrown right into the fire with tough non-conference games against BYU and Miami in the first three weeks.

Season win total pick: Over 8

Michigan Wolverines (2014: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet on the Wolverines: Michigan's defense was one of the more underrated units in the country last year, and they finished 2014 ranked 7th in the country in total defense. They bring back 24 of the 29 players that appeared on the final depth chart last year, and they bring talented freshman Jabrill Peppers into the mix.

Why not to bet on the Wolverines: Last season under Brady Hoke the Wolverines ranked 107th nationally in passing, and it's likely going to take a while before we see vast improvements. There is still a ton of uncertainty at the quarterback position, and a lack of offense could put too much pressure on the defense.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Penn State Nittany Lions (2014: 7-6 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2500
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Nittany Lions: Last year quarterback Christian Hackenberg was sacked 44 times (the most in the Big10). Inexperience on the offensive line was their biggest weakness in 2014, and that's something that has been addressed. They return six starters from last year's O-line, and we should see Hackenberg improve on a miserable 2014 season.

Why not to bet the Nittany Lions: Hackenberg regressed in 2014, throwing more picks (15) than TDs (12). While you can certainly blame a lot of that on an inexperienced offensive line, we could see some of the same problems carry over into the 2015 season.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Minnesota Golden Gophers (2014: 8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +3500
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Golden Gophers: The Gophers bring back seven starters on defense, and they are in good hands with last year's Big10 Coach of the Year Jerry Kill. “We’ve got a chance to be a really, really good football team,” Kill says. “We’re very athletic on both sides of the ball.”

Why not to bet the Golden Gophers: They return only four starters on offense and junior quarterback Mitch Leidner completed 51 percent of his passes throwing for 11 TDs and eight INTs. They ranked 119th in the nation in passing in 2014, and it's more than likely that a struggling offense will put a ton of pressure on their defense.

Season win total pick: Over 5.5

Iowa Hawkeyes (2014: 7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4500
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Hawkeyes: The departure of quarterback Jake Ruddock is likely to be a positive thing for the Hawkeyes, who hope that junior C.J. Beathard will be more of a playmaker. Ruddock was often criticized for being too conservative, while Beathard wasn't afraid to air it out, showing off his powerful arm.

Why not to bet the Hawkeyes: If Iowa's loss to Tennessee in the TaxSlayer Bowl is any indication of what to expect from this year's defense, the Hawkeyes will be in big trouble. The Vols ran for 283 yards in that game, winning by a score of 45-28.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

Northwestern Wildcats (2014: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +8000
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Wildcats: With 15 starters returning from last season's depth chart, the Wildcats should have a chance to improve on a 5-7 record in 2014. They bring back talented running back Justin Jackson who ranked 4th among Power 5 freshman in all purpose yards (98.9 per game). They also have Christian Jones coming back at WR, and he led the team in receiving the last two years.

Why not to bet the Wildcats: There are still plenty of question marks at the quarterback position, and whoever wins the job will be thrown into the fire in a Week 1 game against Stanford. Playing at Duke two weeks later might not be a cakewalk either.

Season win total pick: Under 6.5

Maryland Terrapins (2014: 7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +12000
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Terrapins: Senior Caleb Rowe steps in at quarterback after throwing for 489 yards, five TDs and four INTs in four appearances last year. They should have more size on an improved offensive line, and they return proven playmakers at receiver and last year's top two running backs Brandon Ross and Wes Brown.

Why not to bet on the Terrapins: The conference schedule looks brutal with road games at East Lansing and Columbus, and home games against Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin. The bad news for Maryland is that they will face much stiffer competition in the Big10 this year.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

Indiana Hoosiers (2014: 4-8 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +14000
Season win total: 6

Why to bet the Hoosiers: Nate Sudfeld is back at quarterback for the Hoosiers after missing the second half of last season with a shoulder injury. Head coach Kevin Wilson was able to fill a few holes with players coming over from UAB, after the school discontinued it's football program.

Why to not to bet the Hoosiers: It's not going to be easy to replace Tevin Coleman who ran for 2036 yards and 15 TDs in 2014, and was the best running back in school history. The defense has a long way to go after allowing 32.8 points per game, ranking 102nd nationally.

Season win total pick: Under 6

Illinois Fighting Illini (2014: 6-7 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 3.5

Why to bet the Illini: Wes Lunt returns at quarterback after throwing for 1729 yards, 14 TDs and just three INTs in 2014. Those are pretty impressive numbers when you consider that he missed five games and battled injuries throughout the season.

Why not to bet the Illini: Leading receiver Mike Dudek tore his ACL back in April, and he'll miss at least the first half of the season. They have a tough conference schedule with home games against Wisconsin, Nebraska and Ohio State, and road games at Penn State and Iowa.

Season win total pick: Over 3.5

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2014: 8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +30000
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Scarlet Knights: Kyle Flood's offense appears to be in good shape, despite having to replace quarterback Gary Nova. They boast a talented backfield with the likes of Paul James, Justin Goodwin, Josh Hicks, Robert Martin and Desmon Peoples. Leonte Caroo had 55 catches for 1086 yards and 10 TDs last season, and he chose to forgo the NFL draft and will return for his senior season.

Why not to bet the Scarlet Knights: They ranked dead last in the conference in almost every defensive category a year ago, and they lost to Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan State by a combined score of 180–44.

Season win total pick: Under 5

Purdue Boilermakers (2014: 3-9 SU, 6-5-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +30000
Season win total: 4

Why to bet the Boilermakers: Purdue will return six players on the offensive line that saw time as starters in 2014, and quarterback Austin Appleby will be back at quarterback. Appleby threw for 202 yards and a TD on 15-of-20 passing in a win over Illinois in his first start.

Why not to bet on the Boilermakers: After the win over Illinois, Purdue lost it's final six games of the season. Appleby threw for just eight TDs and 10 INTs in those six losses. There doesn't appear to be enough talent available to compete with the big boys of the Big10.

Season win total pick: Under 4