One Thread For Tip Sheets!!!!

[casheasy]

I'll start this thread for tip sheets so people aren't cluttering up the board with requests. Anybody that wants one or has one can post it here. Monte or Wayne, if you guys want to kill this go ahead, or if you want to "sticky" it, that's fine also. I've got POWER SWEEP so that's what I'll post.

POWER SWEEP
---------------------------------------------

College
***********
4* Texas Tech
3* Ohio St
3* Arkansas
2* Washington
2* Oregon
2* Florida St

Underdog Play of the Week: Penn St

Pro
***********
4* Carolina
3* Indy
2* STL
2* SF

[Art]

Thanks.

Always appreciate your input here.

[tbut14]

cash do you have the totals

[casheasy]

Here ya go!!!!

3* Car/NO OVER 39.5
3* Det/Chi Under 38.5
3* Hou/Indy OVER 42
2* Sea/Cin Under 42
2* Dal/TB Under 37

He sometimes gets some funny numbers for his totals, but these should be close enough. Good luck.

Art that picture makes me laugh every time. Good job on those teasers!

[wayne1218]

[Sports Guru]

THE RED SHEET

RED SHEET ONLINE RATINGS:
89 & ABOVE: SUPERIOR PLAY
88 & BELOW: ABOVE AVERAGE PLAY

NEBRASKA 48 - Iowa State 10 - (12:30 EDT) -- Line opened at Nebraska minus 22, and is now minus 23½. A year ago, the Cyclones ran off 6 straight wins, behind QB Wallace's brilliance, climbing into the top ten in the land. But they were murdered in their showcase match with Oklahoma, & it has been all down hill since. They are on a 3-11 SU slide, as well as a 1-10 spread run. Their defense has been mauled by the week, & ranks 108th in the nation. Check allowing 107 FDs the past 3 weeks! A week ago, they hosted Texas, & were outgained 346-45 in the first half. Yes, the list of their current dismal performances is long indeed.The Huskers, on the other hand, field the nation's #2 defense. Not only that, but scoreboard is finally reflecting their on-field showing. Revenge is game's name.
RATING: NEBRASKA 89

Syracuse 34 - PITTSBURGH 31 - (12:00) -- Line opened at Pittsburgh minus 7½, and is now minus 7. A year ago, the Panthers turned an early 3-0 deficit into a 48-3 lead, before eventual 48-24 win over the Orange. That one ended an 11-game series losing streak to the 'Cuse. Pitt wound up last season with a 38-13 blowout of OregonSt in the Insight Bowl, & with 15 starters back, including the most dangerous combo in the nation (Rutherford-to-Fitzgerald), great things were expected this year. However, the Panthers are struggling, with their "D"Ranking 86th in the nation. Emergence of Orange QB Anderson (20-of-27 vs BC), complements Reyes' brilliant running, behind an ever-improving "O" line. Yet another revenger.
RATING: SYRACUSE 89

Arizona State 31 - UCLA 24 - (10:00) -- Line opened at Ucla minus 3½, and is now minus 3. A week ago, we had the Sun Devils as a high choice on Pointwise, & they failed to bring home the bacon at NoCarolina, despite winning SU on a 5-yd Walter pass on the game's final play. An outright loss in that one would have marked their 4th in 5 games, with the distinct possibility of towel tossing. However, that comeback ensures an all-out effort here. In that narrow escape vs UNC, Walter threw for 408 yds, & now has 724 the past 2 weeks, to go along with 6 TD passes. Spells trouble for Bruins, who rank 69th in aerial defense. And Ucla ranks
114th in rushing offense. Devils are finally showing pre-season potential.
RATING: ARIZONA STATE 88

CLEMSON 45 - North Carolina 14 - (12:00) -- Line opened at Clemson minus 13, and is now minus 13½. This one goes directly against one of the strongest current trends in college ball, namely the success of the visitor when the Heels take the field. The guest is on a 16-3 ATS run in UNC games. However, it was 16-2 before LW's miss, so all things come to an end. A week ago, as noted above, the Tars went down on the game's final play, which is the ultimate drainer. Heels rank 107, 111, & 116 in rushing, passing, & total "D". Not proper credentials in attempting to contain efficient Tiger offense. And defensively, Clemson ranks 22nd. The series favorite has covered 12-of-15, for yet another edge. Lay the pts!
RATING: CLEMSON 88

TEXAS A&M 38 - Oklahoma State 33 - (3:30 -- Line opened at OklahomaSt minus 6, and is still minus 6. We earlier had the smoking Cowboys as a 10-pt winner in this one, but respected sources have convinced us that this is the spot to step out with the Aggies. OkieSt is in off a pair of monumental drainers (38-34 win over KansasSt, & 51-49 triumph over TexasTech), & has arch-rival Oklahoma up next week. If this doesn't represent a flat spot, the term has no meaning. There is no questioning the ability of 'Pokes' quick-strike offense, but A&M posted73 pts in its last hoster, & has been contained only by Nebraska's 2nd-rated stop unit. Franchione regroups Aggies, after that horrid 8 turnover showing vs the Huskers.
RATING: TEXAS A&M 88

PITTSBURGH 30 - St Louis 20 - (1:00) -- Line opened at Pick-em, and is now Pittsburgh minus 1½. To say that the Steelers have been a disappointment, in the NFL's early going, would be a hugeunderstatement. A year ago, Pitt was a single play from making it to the AFC title game, & was figured to be there again. But, since its opening week blowout of Baltimore, Pittsburgh has impressed only in its narrow loss at Denver. Not only that, but check near identical 30-13 & 33-13 home losses in its last hoster. However, Steelers had last week off, & are 14-5 ATS at home off a pair of losses. Rams have been great at home, but this marks 1st road trip in more than a month, & they've been less than special on natural turf.
RATING: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 88

NEAR CHOICES (Rated 87): Purdue, Tulsa, Stanford, Mississippi -- NFL: Tampa, New Orleans, San Diego

[chief59]

reliability

how good are these tip sheets

[casheasy]

They're about as good as services. Which is to say about average....

[BettorsChat]

POINTWISE COLLEGIATE & PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PROPHECY

COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
1* CLEMSON over North Carolina
1* PURDUE over Michigan
2* GEORGIA TECH over Maryland
2* WYOMING over San Diego State
3* TOLEDO over Ball State
4* ARIZONA STATE over Ucla
5* TULSA over Southern Methodist
5* MINNESOTA over Illinois

Detailed Analysis of NCAA Key Releases

Purdue 24 - MICHIGAN 23 - (12:00) -- Wolves have scored 87 pts in their last 5 quarters, along with 57 FDs in last 2 outings. Check 275 RYs at Illinois, after averaging just 83 in previous 4 games. Boilers on 6 game run (SU & ATS), & have 15, 19, & 13½ minute time edges in last 3. Purdue rush "D" the key here.

CLEMSON 45 - North Carolina 10 - (3:30) -- Check the stats of UNC's final play loss to ArizSt. That's right, a 598-331 yd deficit. Heels field the worst "D" in the nation, & won't contain the streaking & balanced Tigers, who've held the likes of GT, Va, & NCSt to 45, 53, & 70 RYs respectively. Covered first chalk role by 9. reeling from 45-14 home loss to Memphis, as 5-pt chalks. Stand at 5-2, with losses by 47 & 31 pts. If rush "D" returns, could give Tcu anxious moments.

Wyoming 33 - SAN DIEGO STATE 30 - (9:00) -- Cowboy upset of BYU wasn't in classic 'Poke style. No offensive TDs, after 48 pts previous week. Aztecs can't run (43 ypg last 3), & are in off 11, 12½, & 22 pt ATS losses. Threw 59 passes vs NMex: 7 pts. That says it all. Bramlet had field day LY, & will again.

GEORGIA TECH 27 - Maryland 20 - (7:30 - ESPN) -- Both squads had LW off. The Terps have been one of the better "go-to" squads for the past 2½ seasons, but note that they are on an 0-4 road spread slide, by 20 ppg. Had a 44-yd deficit vs Duke in last outing. Jackets have posted 3 outright upsets, so a revenge call.

NFL KEY RELEASES
2* TAMPA BAY over Dallas
3* NEW ORLEANS over Carolina
4* CLEVELAND over New England
4* TENNESSEE over Jacksonville
5* CINCINNATI over Seattle

Detailed Analysis of NFL Key Releases

TAMPA BAY 30 - Dallas 13 - (1:00) -- The Cowboys are possibly this season's #1 NFL story. Parcells' genius has guided them to 5 wins thus far, which matches their total wins in each of the previous 3 years (5-11, 5-11, & 5-11). Check RY edges of 51, 54, 136, 65, & 51 in 5 of Dallas' 6 games. Check also, the 'Boys 25-9 FD edge over the Lions. They do seem to get better with each game. However, this week presents a huge roadblock. Catching the Bucs off a loss has been pure murder for their foes. After Tampa's first 2 setbacks, it won 31-10 (14½ pt cover), & 35-13 (19-pt cover). Bucs ceded 458 yds at SanFran, & had a 212-68 RY deficit. This showcase contest again presents them with a golden opportunity. Bucs are amazing 19-1 ATS after being upset. Too much, even for Parcells, who almost took Buc job LY.

NEW ORLEANS 26 - Carolina 13 - (4:15) -- Season's first revenge setup, as the Panthers recorded 19-13 win over the Saints, just 3 wks ago. Carolina had its perfect record snapped in style with 37-17 home loss to the Titans (21-pt ATS loss), with Davis managing only 20 RYs. Must try to regroup vs a Saint squad, which may have finally found itself in thrashing of Atlanta. In that one, McAllister reached 100 RYs for the 4th straight wk, complementing Brooks' 352 PYs. Carolina has squeaked by in its last 3 RGs, winning by 4, 3, & 3 pts (last 2 in OT), but it ends here. Saints are no 1-wk wonders.

[BettorsChat]

THE GOLD SHEET

The Gold Sheet EXTRA!!! Technical Play of the Week
HAWAII over Utep...Warriors have owned series, especially at Aloha Stadium, where they’ve covered last five vs. Miners. UTEP only 5-15 vs. line away since 2000.

NFL KEY RELEASES
DENVER by 10 over Baltimore
DALLAS by 3 over Tampa Bay
OVER 42 total points in the Houston-Indianapolis game

Detailed Analysis

Denver 23 - BALTIMORE 13 —Even if it’s Danny Kanell at QB this week (Beuerlein 3 ints. and a finger injury last week), prefer more sophisticated offense of Denver vs. the limited package being run by the stilllearning Kyle Boller (3 TDP last week, but two of them in the 4th Q after Balt. was down 34-10). Improved Bronco defense (15 ppg prior to last week at Minn.) will enjoy not facing the dynamic Culpepper/Moss threat. Denver’s two losses have come by one point at K.C. on a 4th-Q PR TD, and vs. perfect Vikes.

Dallas 20 - TAMPA BAY 17 —Have great respect for T.B.’s nasty mood after its bad-looking 24-7 loss (allowed 458 yds.) in S.F. But the only major knock against Dallas these days (Cowboys have won & covered 5 straight) is that they’ve played some weak opponents. But Bucs hardly looking strong, with RB Altstott, WR Jurevicius & CB Kelly out. Mobile QB Q. Carter (3 TDP in 1st H last week) making more good plays each game. And Dallas WRs & DBs appearing to be all Bill Parcells had hoped, with insiders reporting Cowboys secondary speed is allowing the Tuna to be very aggressive with his defense.

OVER THE TOTAL INDIANAPOLIS 30 - Houston 22 —With Houston defense down a couple of notches with NT Payne & CB Glenn out and top LB Posey gone in free agency, can’t expect Titans to stop Peyton Manning & elusive, durable little WR Harrison (6 TDC already). But Houston offense has more punch with quick LSU RB Domanick Davis (129 YR vs. Jets in first start) joining speedy Miami WR A. Johnson as rookies in Titan lineup. Indy coach Dungy resorted to some live, heavy-hitting drills in bye week in effort to improve Colts often-shoddy tackling (26th vs. rush).

==========================================

NCAA KEY RELEASES
SYRACUSE by 4 over Pittsburgh
BOSTON COLLEGE by 16 over Notre Dame
NORTHERN ILLINOIS by 7 over Bowling Green

Detailed Analysis

Syracuse 34 - PITTSBURGH 30 —Impressed by resiliency Syracuse howed in bouncing back from trouncing at Va. Tech for dominant 39-14 win over BC. Young Orange defense steadily improving. And savvy sr. QB R.J. Anderson (20 of 27, 2 TDP, ran for 73 yds. & a TD last week) still hasn’t thrown an interception TY. Pitt sr. QB Rutherford (21 TDP, only 3 ints.) & star soph WR Fitzgerald (13 TDC, 145 ypg) will get theirs. But Panthers are banged up, and defense (499 ypg last 4) declining.

BOSTON COLLEGE 30 - Notre Dame 14 —ND offense showing somesigns of turning things around under stewardship of frosh QB Quinn. But, Irish defense showed some major cracks in allowing USC QB Leinart 351 YP & 4 TDs. BC has steadiest offensive threat on field in RB Knight (nation’s top rusher—134 ypg), so expect major bounce-back effort from Eagles. BC defense allowing just 3.7 ypc and a stingy 5.5 ypp this season.

Northern Illinois 28 - BOWLING GREEN 21 —NIU banged up a little in DL, but nothing seems to faze the 7-0 Huskies TY. RB Turner (929 YR), QB Haldi & WR Fleck are terrific triplets at their own level (maybe at any level?). Bowling Green QB J. Harris a dangerous character, but Falcon ground game often inconsistent (only 3.3 ypc vs. Div. I-A prior to last week’s 33-20 win at yielding E. Mich.). Huskies 8-2 last 10 as a dog & 14-1 SU last 15

[BettorsChat]

THE SPORTS REPORTER

SUMMARY OF NFL PLAYS:

BEST BETS
*CINCINNATI over SEATTLE by 11
SAN FRANCISCO* over ARIZONA by 21

RECOMMENDED PLAYS
*BALTIMORE over DENVER by 10
*MINNESOTA over N.Y GIANTS by 16
CAROLINA over *NEW ORLEANS by 10
N.Y. JETS over *PHILADELPHIA by 6

SUMMARY OF NCAA PLAYS:

BEST BETS
*IOWA over PENN STATE by 24
*CLEMSON over NORTH CAROLINA by 25
*BOWLING GREEN over NORTHERN ILLINOIS by 18
NORTH TEXAS over *MIDDLE TENNESSEE by 16

RECOMMENDED PLAYS
RUTGERS over *TEMPLE by 7
PURDUE over *MICHIGAN by 4
ARKANSAS over *MISSISSIPPI by 9
TENNESSEE over *ALABAMA by 12
*NEBRASKA over IOWA STATE by 33
ARIZONA STATE over *UCLA by 6
*CONNECTICUT over AKRON by 2
*HOUSTON over TCU by 2

[BettorsChat]

THE GOLD SHEET EXTRA

PURDUE
Purdue has been one of the nation’s hottest pointspread teams since the middle of last season and will seek to continue that trend at Ann Arbor when visiting Michigan Saturday afternoon. The Boilermakers, a featured play in the Power Underdog system this week, have covered their last 6 outings in ’03 and are now an eye-opening 11-2 vs. the line their last 13 games on the board. And please note the Wolverines’ troubles in recent years as a short-to-intermediate favorite (3-7 points) under HC Lloyd Carr, notching a poor 2-12 spread their last 14 in that role.

MINNESOTA
Why buck a good thing? Or, in the case of Illinois, not buck a bad thing?
Whatever, the Fighting Illini have been in complete retreat the past several weeks, dropping their last five pointspread decisions in ’03. And things don’t look to get any better with potent Minnesota visiting Champaign-Urbana Saturday afternoon. The Golden Gophers have been reliable road favorites lately, covering all three chances in that role in ’03, continuing a positive trend for HC Glen Mason (he’s 7-2 as road chalk since ’98 ). Note that Minnesota has also won and covered 3 of the last 4 in this series, all wins by 21 or more.

BOISE STATE
Now, that’s more like it! Boise State, struggling to overcome big numbers
earlier in the season, got back into a familiar groove last weekend with a
dominating win at SMU. It’s likely to be more of the same on the home blue carpet of Bronco Stadium when hosting San Jose State Saturday night. Recent meetings between these two have been bloody affairs-for the Spartans, that is, outscored a whopping 101-14 the past two years vs. Boise. Going back a bit further, please note the Broncos’ impressive 17-6 home chalk mark since 1997.

HAWAII
After an uncharacteristic pointspread slump, Hawaii appears to be back
to its old self, winning and covering its last two outings in explosive fashion while recording an impressive +13.25 AFS (Away From Spread) mark in the process. That’s all good news for the Warriors when they entertain UTEP Saturday night at Aloha Stadium. And Hawaii has literally feasted upon the Miners in their recent visits, winning and covering in UTEP’s last 4 visits to the islands by a whopping 41 ppg margin! And please note the Miners’ extended pointspread woes on the road (5-15 vs. line last 20 as visitor).

TENN.-J’VILLE “OVER”
The Tennessee offense has been hot, hot, hot the past few weeks, scoring 30 or more in 4 straight, with the Titans going “over” the total their last three. And there’s little reason to expect anything different than another “over” when HC Jeff Fisher’s squad travels to Alltel Stadium for a battle against Jacksonville Sunday afternoon. As for the Jags, they have been an “over” team for the past few years at home, going “over” 15-8-1 their last 24 as host.

[BettorsChat]

CONFIDENTIAL KICK-OFF

* - Denotes Home Team RATINGS: 11 - Exceptional, 10 - Strong, 9 - Above Average

11 *MINNESOTA over N.Y. Giants
Late Score Forecast:
*MINNESOTA 30 - N.Y. Giants 13

Minnesota is the hottest team in the NFL, as the Vikes are 6-0 SU & vs. the spread and welcomed back QB Culpepper in win vs. Broncos. Minny has great chemistry this season, and Vikings’ big, veteran OL is playing extremely well. Minnesota defense much improved, cutting points allowed from 28 ppg LY to 17 ppg through the first six games TY. New York is having problems, especially on offense & special teams. The Giants have scored just 26 points total in dropping their last three games SU & vs. the number, all after their bye week. Giant QB Kerry Collins has thrown 7 interceptions in the losing streak, contributing to N.Y.’s -8 TO ratio this year. This doesn’t bode well for the Giants, as Minnesota has been feasting on takeaways all season, compiling a league-best +12 count. Giants have had injuries that have contributed to their problems. LG Seubert broke his leg vs. Philly. PK Matt Bryant is out with a hamstring injury (he had replaced vet Hollis, who was put on the PUP list in preseason, along with long-snapper Ryan Kuehl). CB Peterson is out until December. Minny is in much better shape and in top form.

10 *NEBRASKA over Iowa State
Late Score Forecast:
*NEBRASKA 45 - Iowa State 10

In “down” 2002 season, Nebraska went 3-5 SU in Big XII, with first loss of sub-par conf. campaign coming 36-14 vs. sr.-laden, Seneca Wallace-led Iowa State squad at Ames. Now it’s Cyclones (0-5 SU & vs. spread last 5, only 1 cover in last 10 games) who are “down.” So, look for Huskers to get some payback at Lincoln, where “Blackshirts” are allowing only 7 ppg TY. ISU has suffered rash of injuries in trenches on both sides of ball. And new QBs RS frosh Flynn & jr. Love haven’t come close to replacing the versatile Wallace’s play-making ability. Disappointing Cyclone rush attack (only 132 ypg) won’t generate much vs. swarming NU stop unit (only 101 ypg rushing, 3.1 ypc). And opportunistic Huskers have 29 takeaways TY. With ISU offense (possessing ball for only 23 mins. pg last 3) going 3-and-out way too often, Nebraska power ground game (256 ypg, 4.3 ypc) will wear down thin Cyclone defense. Lay it with resurgent, revenge-minded host.

10 *OREGON over Stanford
Late Score Forecast:
*OREGON 37 - Stanford 14

Sure, Oregon’s fortunes have taken a downturn since home win over Michigan on September 20. But Northwest scouts report Ducks healthier and ready for strong effort off bye week after hitting rock-bottom in embarrassing 59-14 loss at Arizona State. Oregon defense (only 83 ypg rushing, 2.6 ypc) tough up front, and grounded Stanford aerial attack (only 176 ypg, less than 50%, 6 TDP, 10 ints.) unlikely to do much damage to maligned Duck 2ndary. Top Cardinal QB RS frosh Trent Edwards probably won’t play after separating his shoulder in loss to Wash. State last week. Sr. Chris Lewis (13 starts, less than 50% in his career), whose lack of accuracy has prevented him from holding starting job, will likely be under center for Stanford. Oregon QBs Fife & Clemens (combined 267 ypg passing) much more likely to make plays down field vs. Cardinal stop unit that has only 4 ints. and is allowing 281 ypg passing. Ducks ready, willing & able to snap current 3-game losing streak in resounding fashion.

10 *FRESNO STATE over Rice
Late Score Forecast:
*FRESNO STATE 42 - Rice 10

Long-time WAC scouts report that still-upbeat, 3-4 Fresno State (1-1 in conference; played in postseason L4Ys) firmly believes it can still make a minor bowl with a strong finish after surviving brutal early season slate, which included Tennessee, Oregon State and Oklahoma. Bulldogs now-healthy QB Pinegar (325 YP & 3 TDP in LY’s meeting) and quality corps of receivers (WR Berrien has NFL potential) should go absolutely wild (again) vs. a youthful, smallish and soft Rice 2ndary (10 TDP, 1 int.) that’s been baffled by skillful passers all season. And with extra week to prepare due to needed bye week, stacked FSU defense should do effective job containing Owls notso- dynamic option that’s only generating 17 ppg (down from 23 ppg LY). It certainly seems Rice’s HC Hatfield has paid only lip service to an improved passing game this campaign, as still-one-dimensional Owls average a meager 71 ypg passing, with just 2 TDs & 8 ints. Rice just 3-6 as DD road dog since ‘00.

10 AKRON over *Connecticut
Late Score Forecast:
AKRON 30 - *Connecticut 31

CKO scouts somewhat surprised that healthy, offensively-potent (32 ppg, 7th nationally in passing) Akron is catching DDs vs. an overpriced UConn squad that has unimpressively blown out 3 of the most hapless teams in America (Indiana, Army & Buffalo are combined 1-21 SU, 5-14-1 vs. number). Have plenty of faith that Zips underappreciated but multi-dimensional, 6-4 jr. QB Frye (66%, 15 TDs, 6 ints; 30 straight starts!), speedy RB Hendry (646 YR, 4.6 ypc), and deep WR corps, featuring big-play 6-1 sr. Cherry (NFL scouts interested; 46 grabs) able to trade points all the way with a productive but not-so-explosive Husky offense (29 ppg) that lacks blazing speed at wide-out. Keep in mind, feisty Akron has never been out of a game TY, when you consider that both Wisconsin (scored 2 TDs in final 6 mins.) and Miami-Ohio (21-0 run in last 9 mins.) didn’t pull way until final period. Also, worth noting that Owens’ squad possesses the superior PK Swiger (10 of 12 FGs) and is 4-1 last 5 as DD road dog. Tiring Husky “D” has allowed 36 ppg last 3 vs. major foes.

TOTALS: Seattle-Cincinnati UNDER 42 —Seattle defense improved under Ray Rhodes; both teams have gone “under” 5 of 6 TY...Miami-San Diego UNDER 38 —Both teams prefer to pound the ball on the ground with their premium RBs; Miami has gone “under” five straight, while young Chargers off their best efensive game of the year.

HONORABLE MENTION (Nine-Rated Games): MISSOURI (+3) vs. Texas Tech—B.J. Symons and TT offense super-quick, but Red Raider defense ulnerable to Mizzou’s veteran ball-control offense and speedy, double-threat QB Brad Smith...TEXAS A&M (+5½) vs. Oklahoma State—OSU, which lost ts only tough road test at Nebraska, coming off back-to-back draining efforts vs. K-State and Texas Tech; Coach Fran has A&M offense cookin’ (when it doesn’t give the ball away)...AUBURN (+4) at Lsu—After poor start, Auburn has been living up to its preseason billing with four straight ******; LSU anged up at RB, while Auburn super-deep...LA.-LAFAYETTE (+3) vs. Idaho—Ragin’ Cajun offense improving (68 points last 2 games); Idaho has lost of its last 21 on the road, including one at Lafayette...SAN FRANCISCO (-6½) at Arizona—Niner RBs & OL (212 YR), QB Garcia, & WR T. Owens had their best games in weeks vs. Tampa Bay for a “buy” signal, considering the underrated play of the defense (21 sacks vs. Arizona’s 4).

[BettorsChat]

PLAYBOOK BY MARK LAWRENCE

UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:
Syracuse over PITTSBURGH by 3

5 STAR PLAYS
BOWLING GREEN
STEELERS
VIKING OVER

4 STAR PLAYS
TEXAS A & M
BUCCANEERS
STEELERS UNDER

3 STAR PLAYS
NEBRASKA
JAGUARS
49ERS OVER

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF RATED SELECTIONS

UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK
Syracuse over PITTSBURGH by 3
Syracuse has won six in a row in Pittsburgh, all as a favorite. In
fact, the Orangemen have been favored in each of the last 13
meetings in this series, winning 11 of the last 12 games straightup. Walt Harris had his team practicing in full pads after the loss to Notre Dame, yet they still allowed over 500 yards (for the 3rd time in their L4 games) to Rutgers. Homecoming favorites have been perpetual moneyburners and Pitt's bolting for the ACC has their minds elsewhere. Take the points in this upsetmaker!

5 BEST BET 5
BOWLING GREEN over N Illinois by 17
There’s no reason not to believe that this game will be for the MAC West title. We respect Northern Illinois and its accomplishments but this has to be the Huskies toughest assignment of the season. Bowling Green has won 10 straight home games, gained season high yardage against EVERY opponent and owns the #2 offense in the nation (512 YPG). NIU's win last year snapped BeeGees 8-0 start, denying them a 10-win season and a bowl berth. Payback!

4 BEST BET 4
TEXAS A&M over Oklahoma St by 10
After two thrilling wins over Kansas State and Texas Tech in
Stillwater, the Cowboys take to the Big Twelve road for the first
time this season with Oklahoma on deck. A&M is 6-1 ATS at home
with revenge and 11-3 ATS in its last 14 chances as a home dog.
More importantly, Franchione is 29-13 ATS against teams off a
SUATS win, including 17-6 at home. Fran's your man today!

3 BEST BET 3
NEBRASKA over Iowa St by 31
The Cyclones have allowed a whopping 145 points in their last three Big Twelve games and they’re 1-11 ATS in the first of BB away games. We’re not going there. Nebraska is 15-2-1 ATS when they get more than 42, 9-2 ATS at home against Iowa State, and 13-3 ATS in its last 16 SU revenge wins. That's correct. Last year's stunning 22-point loss in Ames dropped the Huskers mark to 23-2 in this series S/78. Nebbish improves to 14-3 ATS in revenge wins!

5 BEST BET 5
PITTSBURGH over St Louis by 14 Pittsburgh at home off a loss with a week of rest against a foe off a DD win. Sounds good. Doesn't it? Believe it or not, it's only happened twice in 23 years. Here's some better stuff. The Rams are just 1-9 SU on the road in their last nine chances, 2-11 ATS against teams off a bye week and 1-6 ATS at AFC sites. Pitt is 17-7 ATS at home in October and 9-1-1 SU in its last 11 home games vs the NFC. With their backs to the all, it's curtains for Louie! Carolina is 3-8-1 ATS off a home loss. Be careful here. Marc Lawrence's BEAT THE PRO pick in this game is on New Orleans.

4 BEST BET 4
JACKSONVILLE over Tennessee 10
The Titans proved, once again, that they are the best underdog
team in the NFL. They scored 37 against previously undefeated
Carolina without breaking a sweat. Today they change roles against the well-rested Jags. J'ville is 4-1-1 ATS in their last six tries as division home dogs and 9-3-1 ATS in their next game after scoring 10 or less. Yes, we acknowledge the fine job Jeff Fisher is doing, but we also like the stats Jack Del Rio's squad has posted in his rookie season. An you know we really like home puppies that have the better running game and the better defense.

3 BEST BET 3
TAMPA BAY over Dallas 17
The Bucs finally get to come back to the place where they suffered their worst embarrassment in the Warren Sapp era. We're sure that all of you remember how the Bucs blew a 21-point lead to Indianapolis in the last four minutes of the game then lost in overtime. Now, they get a chance to win back their fans. That chance will come against a team that is 5-10 ATS on the road off a SU win, including 1-13 ATS when that win came against a nondivision team. Tampa is 10-2 ATS in the first of BB home games and - check out the Incredible Stat of the Week... it's mind-boggling!

[BettorsChat]

WINNING POINTS NEWSLETTER

SUMMARY OF NFL PLAYS:

BEST BETS
**** Pittsburgh over St. Louis by 17
*** Buffalo over *Kansas City by 8

RECOMMENDED SELECTIONS
*New Orleans over Carolina by 11
Dallas over *Tampa Bay by 4

NFL TOTALS:

**OVER: Houston at Indianapolis – The Texans are giving up an average of more than 28 points per game, and the potent Colts offense figures to be even stronger with the return of Edgerrin James to the lineup.

UNDER: Cleveland at New England – The Browns have held more than half their opponents to 13 or fewer points, but could encounter problems on offense with backup linemen dealing with Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s multiple defensive looks.

UNDER: New York Jets at Philadelphia – Only one team has scored more than 23 points on the Jets, while the Eagles are getting healthier on defense with the return of cornerbacks Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor.

SUMMARY OF NCAA PLAYS:

BEST BETS
**** NOTRE DAME over BOSTON COLLEGE* by 14
*** PURDUE over MICHIGAN* by 8

RECOMMENDED SELECTIONS
Tennessee over Alabama* by 14
Syracuse over Pittsburgh* by 3
Texas A&M* over Oklahoma State by 4
Virginia* over Troy State by 14

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF BEST BETS

****BEST BET
*Pittsburgh over St. Louis by 17
The Rams take to the road for the first time in five weeks. They haven’t met the Steelers in seven years and will be on grass for the first time this season, where their record against the spread the past three years is a dismal 4-11. The Rams were just 1-7 SU last year on the road. This is a special game for the Steelers. It’s their 1,000 regular season game, and the FOX network crew will note the historic occasion by broadcasting their pre-game show live from a studio set up in Heinz Field. The Steelers ranked fifth in rush defense going into their bye, and the Rams still figure to be without Marshall Faulk and maybe his backup Lamar Gordon (check status). So don’t expect the Rams to have any kind of successful ground attack. The Steelers’ rebuilt offensive line has had trouble protecting QB Tommy Maddox, who hasn’t thrown a TD pass the past 14 quarters and has been picked off 19 times the last 14 games. Maddox has been pressing too much. Given an extra week of preparation, look for the Steelers to regroup and be primed for this matchup. Getting left offensive tackle Marvel Smith back this week is a huge key for Pittsburgh. He’s missed the past three games with a pinched nerve forcing the Steelers to use more combos than a drive-through Wendy’s hamburger joint with their offensive linemen. All that shifting around has had a negative effect on Maddox. The Steelers’ 2-4 record is deceiving when you consider the quality of their opponents. The combined record of their foes is 24-15 heading into Monday. The Rams are a carpet team that plays much better at home. This is Pittsburgh’s spot. Expect them to be well prepared, solidified at last on the offensive line and to play with a great deal of urgency knowing they can kiss their season goodbye if they fall to 2-5. PIITSBURGH 30-13.

***BEST BET
Buffalo over *Kansas City by 8
Going into Monday night’s game against Oakland, the Chiefs ranked fourth from the bottom in total defense, including last in rush yardage allowing 4.9 yards per carry. Their last three foes had rushed for 202, 176 and 183 yards against them. While faster and more athletic defensively than last season, the Chiefs still are not a physical unit. The Bills have a balanced offense with Drew Bledsoe throwing to star WR Eric Moulds, and Travis Henry rushing. Bledsoe should be able to effectively go after cornerbacks Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon, who only have marginal coverage skills. Turnovers and big plays by kick and punt return star Dante Hall have masked some hidden Kansas City deficiencies that include a weak rush defense, a mediocre passing attack and vulnerable secondary. Consider the Chiefs were tied 10-10 with the Ravens in the fourth quarter before Hall broke the game open with a 97-yard kickoff return. The Broncos out-gained the Chiefs by 208 yards, but lost by one point on a fantastic 93-yard punt return by Hall. The Packers blew a 17-point fourth quarter lead when a tipped pass led to a Kansas City interception return for a touchdown. The Chiefs also were out-gained in that game, too, until overtime. The Chiefs’ record wouldn’t look so gaudy if they had lost a couple of these games. The Bills’ defense is coming around as newcomers Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams and Lawyer Milloy learn the system. This is a tough turnaround spot for the Chiefs despite being at home. The Chiefs were nip and tuck with Denver three weeks ago, beat Green Bay in overtime two weeks ago and were on the national stage again this past Monday playing their old arch-rival the Raiders. Those games take a toll. Note to totals players, the Bills have gone under in 15 of their last 17 dating back to last season. BUFFALO 24-16.


**PREFERRED
*New Orleans over Carolina by 11
Stop Stephen Davis and you stop the Panthers. It helps, too, to have a hot quarterback, which Aaron Brooks was last week for the Saints, throwing for 352 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints piled up 497 yards of offense against Atlanta in a 45-17 victory. That win should give the dangerous, but ego damaged Saints a boost of needed confidence. We realize the Panthers’ defense is nowhere as bad as the Falcons’ defense, and Carolina has won nine of its last 11. So is picking the Saints an overreaction from last week? No. When the teams met three weeks ago the Saints still out-gained the Panthers, 344-309, despite Brooks not being sharp. Brooks is playing much better now. The Panthers’ excellent defensive line won’t be able to tee off on Brooks because RB Deuce McAllister is having a second straight brilliant season, going above the 100-yard rushing mark each of the past four weeks. Defensively the Saints have held their last three foes, Carolina, Chicago and Atlanta, to an average of one offensive touchdown. New Orleans has held four of their seven opponents to less than 20 points. The Saints definitely will be keying on Davis, but they also know the tendencies of Carolina QB Jake Delhomme. Before coming to Carolina this season, Delhomme was the Saints’ backup QB for five seasons. NEW ORLEANS 27-16.

**PREFERRED
Dallas over *Tampa Bay by 4
The Cowboys have won and covered all but one game, are 3-0 on the road and have lost only two fumbles all season. So why not take a shot with them against the struggling Super Bowl champions? Through Week 6 the Cowboys ranked third in defense and fourth in offense. And that was before out-gaining Detroit, 330-150, in a 38-7 romp this past Sunday so the ratings are sure to climb. Talking playoffs is no longer a foreign subject anymore in Dallas. The Cowboys are off to their best start in eight years and their confidence is growing and growing. The Cowboys had been 5-11 the prior three seasons under Dave Campo, mainly because they couldn’t win on the road. Bill Parcells has changed that. Dallas already has more road victories this season than the two previous years combined. Veteran wideouts Terry Glenn and Joey Galloway have rejuvenated their careers thanks to Parcells and QB Quincy Carter, who has displayed a willingness to throw downfield. The Bucs haven’t been anything special at home under Jon Gruden, going 7-4. They have dropped three of their past four at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs’ defense has given up big yardage two of the last three weeks, and their offense has become one-dimensional because of lack of a consistent ground attack. DALLAS 21-17.

****BEST BET
NOTRE DAME over BOSTON COLLEGE* by 14
After seemingly finding themselves in that solid win at Pittsburgh two weeks ago, Tyrone Willingham and the Fighting Irish were rudely reminded of just how far they have to go to be back among the nation’s elite again in that decisive rout in South Bend vs. Southern Cal. Before they can compete with the likes of the Trojans they will need a significant upgrade in speed and big play ability, which can only be solved by future recruiting classes. But that does not mean that they are without certain strengths right now, and much like the road win two weeks ago, their tools can carry the day here. Now they are not facing any kind of talent disadvantage, which means that the discipline of Willingham, tenacious running of Julius Jones, and a defense that can dominate when not facing the U.S.C. caliber of athletes, all come to the front. Motivation is easy to find, with films of last year’s 14-7 home loss to these Eagles reminding them of a bitter afternoon in which the Irish were uncharacteristically the ones making mistakes – they led 22-9 in first downs and 357-184 in total offense, but turned the ball over five times, including an interception that was returned for a TD. Boston College has not been dominating anyone with the defensive front this season, which is somewhat hidden by a soft early schedule (perhaps only Miami of the first seven opponents will be bowl bound), and Quinton Porter and the rest of the skill people on offense are average at best. NOTRE DAME 30-16.

***BEST BET
PURDUE over MICHIGAN* by 8
When an experienced Purdue squad arrived to spring practice dedicated to make up for 2002’s disappointing campaign, there was the promise of major things ahead. And that cast has more than held up to the pre-season promises, going 4-0 SU and ATS in revenge games so far. They will at least make it 5-0 ATS with the points being offered here, and with the veterans they have on their roster calling for the outright win on this field is not asking too much at all. That senior-laden defense is allowing only 66 yards per game on the ground and can keep Chris Perry in check here, which forces the inconsistent John Navarre to have to carry the load, something that we question his ability to do against a quality defense (something he has rarely had to face this season). Meanwhile the offense is also the ideal type to use as a road underdog, having turned the ball over only seven times in seven games. Maturing Kyle Orton turned in the best game of his career at Wisconsin last week, largely because he has veterans in John Standeford and Taylor Stubblefield that do not mind playing in hostile Big 10 environs. Those two combined for an amazing 30 catches at Madison last Saturday, and they lead a ball control attack that has a remarkable advantage of 103 offensive snaps over conference opponents in their three Big 10 games this season. Hard to find any edges that the host has in any particular matchup this week, so a “money line” should also be in order. PURDUE 28-20.