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I'm glad it helps, Jimmy! I hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving! Good luck today!
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NCAAF
Friday, November 26
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Tips and Trends
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Auburn Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide [CBS | 2:30 PM ET]
TIGERS: Auburn has dealt with turmoil and the spotlight over the past month. Despite the pressure, they simply keep winning football games. Auburn is a perfect 11-0 SU this season, including 3-0 SU on the road this year. The Tigers are 7-4 ATS this season, including ATS wins in 4 of their last 5 games. Today will be the first time this season Auburn will be the listed underdog. QB Cam Newton won't be able to win this game himself, not against this Alabama defense. Newton is the likely Heisman Trophy winner this season, as he has accumulated more than 3,300 total YDS this season with 38 TD's. In the SEC, those numbers are simply staggering. Defensively, the Tigers have allowed 24 PTS or more to 5 of their previous 6 opponents. In order to keep their perfect season alive, Auburn will have to play their best defensive game of the season today. The Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games. The Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win. Auburn is 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. The Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win. Auburn is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Tigers are 3-9 ATS last 12 road games overall.
Over is 5-1 last 6 conference games.
Key Injuries - DL Mike Blanc (suspension) is questionable.
Projected Score: 24
CRIMSON TIDE: (-4, O/U 58) Alabama has been all but eliminated in the BCS Championship race, but they still have plenty of say in who does make it. With a SU win tonight, the Crimson Tide can knock Auburn out of the top 2 ranked teams in the BCS. Alabama is 9-2 SU and 7-4 ATS overall this season. The Crimson Tide are a perfect 6-0 SU at home this year. Alabama is just 1-3 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. The Crimson Tide are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Alabama has only allowed 1 of their previous 5 opponents to score more than 10 PTS against them. For the season, the Crimson Tide are giving up just 12.8 PPG, 2nd best in the nation. Watching this impressive defense go up against Cam Newton will be worth the price of admission alone. QB Greg McElroy has thrown for nearly 2,400 YDS and 17 TD's this year. McElroy is the leader of a balanced offense that is averaging 35.3 PPG, 20th best in the country. Alabama is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. The Crimson Tide are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games played in November. Alabama is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU win. The Crimson Tide are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Crimson Tide are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Crimson Tide are 6-1 ATS last 7 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 16-6-1 last 23 conference games overall.
Key Injuries - RB Trent Richardson (leg) is questionable.
Projected Score: 34 (SIDE of the Day)
Boise St. Broncos at Nevada Wolfpack [ESPN | 10:15 PM ET]
BRONCOS: (-14, O/U 68) Boise St. is inching closer and closer to perfection, as they are a perfect 10-0 SU this season. Boise St. is jockeying for BCS position, as they are trying to finish ahead of TCU for the critical #3 spot in the BCS. A loss by either Oregon or Auburn would more than likely put the Broncos in the BCS Championship game. Boise St. is also an impressive 8-2 ATS this year, with all but one of their games played as a double digit favorite. The Broncos are also a perfect 5-0 ATS on the road this season. QB Kellen Moore has been an outstanding leader of this balanced Broncos offense, as they rank in the top 20 both rushing and passing this year. Moore has thrown for nearly 2,500 YDS and 28 T's this season against only 5 INT's. Moore is quite likely to be a Heisman finalist this year. RB Doug Martin has rushed for a team high 938 YDS this season, including 9 TD's. The least talked about facet of Boise St. is their defense. This defense is stout and rugged, and they've held 3 teams scoreless this season. The Broncos are only allowing 11.5 PPG this season, 2nd best in the country. The Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games against a team with a winning home record. The Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Denver is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Broncos are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Friday games overall. Denver is 40-19-1 ATS in their last 60 games following an ATS win.
Broncos are 19-7 ATS last 26 road games overall.
Under is 6-1 last 7 conference games.
Key Injuries - LB Byron Hout (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 38 (UNDER-Total of the Day)
WOLFPACK: Tonight's game is arguably the biggest game in school history. Nevada is nationally ranked and have a chance to earn a share of the WAC Championship with a SU win tonight. The Wolfpack are 10-1 SU, including a perfect 6-0 SU at home this year. Tonight is Senior Night, which will make this an emotional night considering how many Seniors play a key role on this Wolfpack team. Nevada has only been an underdog once this season, and they beat California SU at home earlier this season. The Wolfpack is just 2-5 ATS in their past 7 games, but the majority of those games came as a large favorite. Duel threat QB Colin Kaepernick has been amazing this season, as he's totaled 3,400 YDS this season with 35 TD's this year. Kaepernick is 16 rushing YDS away from having the distinction of throwing for more than 2,000 YDS and rushing for more than 1,000 YDS in the same season. Kaepernick will be playing his final home game of his career tonight. Nevada averages 44.1 PPG this season, 4th best in the nation. In order for the Wolfpack to pull off the upset tonight, their defense will have to play their best game of the season. Only 20 PTS separate these 2 teams over their past 3 meetings. The Wolf Pack are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games played in November. Nevada is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games overall. The Wolf Pack are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. The Wolf Pack are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Nevada is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU win.
Wolfpack are 8-3 ATS last 11 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Over is 8-2 last 10 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Key Injuries - WR Chris Wellington (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 23
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NCAAF
Saturday, November 27
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What Bettors Need to Know
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Michigan Wolverines at Ohio State Buckeyes (-16.5, 63.5)
Anyone who derives joy from watching football teams make big plays should be interested in the latest renewal of the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. Both teams are loaded with big-play potential, meaning Saturday’s game at The Horseshoe could be more compelling than usual.
Michigan (7-4, 3-4 Big Ten, 3-8-0 ATS) is bowl eligible for the first time in the three-year tenure of coach Rich Rodriguez. No. 8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1, 8-2-1 ATS) is one victory away from nabbing a piece of the conference championship for the sixth consecutive season.
Ohio State leads the series 57-43-6, including last year’s 21-10 victory. The Buckeyes have won the last five meetings, and eight of the last nine. Michigan hasn’t won in Columbus, the site of Saturday’s game, since 2000.
Odds
Oddsmakers posted this spread at 18 point in favor of OSU. However, action on the underdog has dropped the line to 16.5 as of Friday afternoon. As for the total, the number was posted at 63 and has moved half a point to its current standing.
Dual dual-threats
Both teams are led by big-play quarterbacks. Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor needs 67 yards to become Ohio State’s career rushing leader among quarterbacks. Pryor, one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, has thrown for 2,331 yards this year, the second consecutive season he has surpassed 2,000 yards. Pryor leads an offense that averages 39.6 points. The Buckeyes are 15-1 when Pryor scores a rushing touchdown, and 26-1 when he throws for a score.
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson set a single-season NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He gained 121 yards against Wisconsin last week, and has rushed for 1,538 yards. He’s also scored 14 rushing touchdowns, and thrown for 2,229 yards and 16 scores. Robinson’s second half of the season has been less dramatic, as the constant pounding and innovative defensive schemes have slowed him somewhat. But the Wolverines are averaging 36.8 points under Robinson’s direction.
Supporting cast
In addition to the quarterbacks, each team has other dangerous weapons in its arsenal.
Ohio State has a stellar ground game in Daniel “Boom” Herron, who leads the team with 893 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s scored in 10 consecutive games and needs 68 yards to reach 2,000 for his career. Dane Sanzenbacher has 49 catches for 818 yards and nine touchdowns, and DeVier Posey has 45 catches for 696 yards and five touchdowns.
Michigan answers with receiver Roy Roundtree, who has four games with 100 or more receiving yards. Roundtree has 58 catches and six touchdowns and Darryl Stonum, expected back from an ankle injury, has 35 receptions and four touchdowns. Stonum is also a threat as a kick returner.
Orange you glad?
With Wisconsin most likely headed to the Rose Bowl (the Badgers handed Ohio State its only loss), the Buckeyes are likely bound for the Orange Bowl for a game with the ACC Champion. Michigan appears slated for a game against Missouri in the Insight Bowl on Dec. 28 at Tempe, Ariz.
Trends
- Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Ohio State.
- Wolverines are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.
- Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Weather
The forecast is calling for partially cloudy skies and game-time temperatures in the high 30s in Columbus Saturday. There will be high-to-medium winds blowing West across the field at speeds of up to 20 mph.
LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks (-3.5, 54)
Louisiana State never makes it look easy, but it almost always manages to pull out a win.
The No. 6 Tigers will be looking to wrap up a BCS at-large bid when they visit upset-minded Arkansas in the battle for the Golden Boot trophy in Little Rock on Saturday.
Hats off
LSU (10-1, 6-1 SEC, 5-6-0 ATS) has been living on the edge all season, pulling out close wins in the final minutes on a consistent basis behind coach Les Miles’ trick plays and a whole bunch of luck. That strategy hasn’t been the easiest thing for fans to deal with, but it certainly has worked as the Tigers sit fifth in the BCS standings and have a great chance to grab an at-large bid to a BCS bowl game.
Its hopes of an SEC championship were dashed when Auburn beat Georgia, however, leaving LSU sitting in second place in the SEC West Division behind Auburn - the only team to beat LSU this season.
Auburn has one more game to play this weekend but has assured itself of a spot in the conference championship game by virtue of the tiebreaker over LSU.
No matter, the Tigers will be happy to take the money and exposure that comes from an at-large BCS bowl, though the Razorbacks will be yet another strong test in a season full of tight games.
Miles did not need to break out the trick playbook on Saturday but still had to watch as his team needed a touchdown on its final drive to secure a 43-36 victory over Mississippi.
Stevan Ridley rushed for a 7-yard touchdown with 44 seconds remaining and the Tigers made a two-point conversion to provide the decisive score. The Rebels had time for a few plays at the end, but Patrick Peterson intercepted Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli as time ran out to seal it.
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who has drawn the ire of LSU fans from time to time for his erratic play, was at his best last week, passing for a career-high 254 yards and a score while adding three rushing touchdowns.
Hog wild
The No. 12 Razorbacks (9-2, 5-2, 8-3-0 ATS) will not make it easy on the Tigers and could very easily pull out the victory with an offense capable of poking holes in even the stingiest of defenses. Arkansas earned a 38-31 victory at Mississippi State in double overtime on Saturday and is averaging 44.8 points during its current five-game winning streak, gaining over 500 yards per game.
After relying mostly on the arm of Ryan Mallett during the first part of the season, the Razorbacks have rediscovered the running game lately, averaging 179.1 yards on the ground in the last seven games with Knile Davis getting the bulk of the carries.
Arkansas is currently 12th in the BCS standings and has its own hopes of an at-large BCS bowl berth, though it will need a win Saturday and probably some more help along the way.
The Razorbacks are no strangers to strong competition, with six teams on the schedule currently ranked in the Top 25. They have won two of the last three meetings against LSU. The last five games between the schools have been decided by five points or less.
Trends
- Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
- Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings.
- Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
Weather
The forecast in War Memorial Stadium is calling for partially cloudy skies and game-time temperatures in the high 50s. There is a slight breeze blowing Northwest at 10 to 15 mph.
No. 14 Oklahoma at No. 10 Oklahoma State (-2.5, 67.5)
The Big 12 South Division championship is on the line Saturday when Oklahoma State hosts Oklahoma in a renewal of the Bedlam series at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.
BEDLAM LIVES HERE
By definition, bedlam is a place or situation full of noise, frenzied activity and confusion.
It is a place where you can easily lose your mind.
The difference between the traditional definition of bedlam and the great state of Oklahoma’s definition of bedlam is simple: Cowboy and Sooner fans are encouraged to lose their minds.
The term has been used to categorize every game between OU and OSU.
Since 1904, there has been a scheduled football game between the Sooners and Cowboys, and until 1995, fans could not call it a rivalry by any stretch of the imagination.
From the first game played, when the Sooners won 75-0, OU has dominated the series to the tune of 80-15-7 against the Pokes.
But to OSU’s credit, from 1995 to 2004 neither team won more than two games in a row.
With the start of the new millennium, the Cowboys have reemerged as a team to be reckoned with in the storied Big 12 South, now more than ever.
Saturday will mark the first time the Cowboys will be ranked higher than the Sooners in any national college football poll going into the Bedlam since 1997.
CONSISTENT COWBOY
OSU star running back Kendall Hunter is hoping to do what he has never done before - rush for at least 100 yards against Oklahoma.
For a 4,000-yard rusher, Hunter is certainly one of the nation’s most underrated players. With 1,461 yards this season, Hunter is about to capture his second Big 12 rushing title in three seasons.
He is a Doak Walker Award finalist and has 20 100-yard performances, yet the 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior seems to get little acclaim.
"Probably the backbone of what we do," offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said. "Kendall has been the consistent force of what's happened around here for three or four years. He's the guy people look at as the (model of consistency)."
Hunter is one of 16 OSU seniors who will be playing his final game at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Hunter says he's aware that the Cowboys are 0-3 against OU during his career.
"As long as we win, (stats) don't matter," Hunter said. "It would be a lot of fun to win this one. I wasn't healthy last year. I'm healthy now and our offensive line has been great."
On a career total of 685 carries, Hunter has averaged six yards per attempt. The Cowboys are 20-5 in the 25 games Hunter was healthy and in the starting lineup.
Said quarterback Brandon Weeden: "The most consistent player in the country - it's got to be Kendall Hunter."
JUSTIN TIME
Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon, the nation’s leader in receiving yards and the Cowboys’ main home run threat, sprained an ankle last week at Kansas, but is expected to play against Oklahoma.
When asked about how Blackmon will match up against Oklahoma’s 55th ranked secondary, OSU QB Weeden responded: "I'm sure they are going to have an eye on Blackmon. They are going to know where he is at all times, but I like my chances. He faced a good corner against Nebraska ... and he was able to have some success (5 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs). I like him on my side."
Blackmon made only one catch for three yards in a loss to the Sooners last season, when less-than-healthy QB Zac Robinson threw for only 47 yards.
Look for Blackmon to draw double coverage throughout the game.
"If he gets a lot of man-to-man coverage, he takes that personal," said Weeden.
DEMARCO-BLE
OU senior RB DeMarco Murray is about to set another milestone.
He'll become just the seventh Sooner to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season twice with 27 more yards against Oklahoma State.
Murray’s history in this series is noteworthy.
In 2007, he missed the game after he suffered a fractured kneecap trying to recover an onside kick in a loss at Texas Tech.
In 2008, he compiled 285 all-purpose yards, including a momentum-changing 68-yard kickoff return. In 2009, he rushed for 72 yards and two touchdowns.
In two games versus OSU, Murray has 145 yards rushing, 196 yards on kickoff returns, 15 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
"He's pretty good blocking, too," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.
Like his adversary Kendall Hunter, Murray takes a bad rap for being injury prone.
The injuries that ended his seasons in 2007 and 2008 were flukes. Trainers say the maladies were rare, virtually unheard of even among athletes.
He is the heart and soul of one of the nation's best offenses and just the fact that he's passed names like Steve Owens and Joe Washington is as much a testament to his will as it is to his talent.
“DeMarco's biggest attribute is he's so skillful at so many things," coach Bob Stoops said. "He's excellent running routes. He's got great hands. He's got speed out there when he does get the corner on somebody. He can run the football. He's a great pass protector picking up blitzes. He's so strong.
“He's just versatile. He can do everything. And in an offense like ours, we take advantage of that. We like being able to do multiple things with him. He's perfect for it."
BY THE NUMBERS
• Average winning score in this series is 28-10, OU.
• Oklahoma owns 31 10-plus win seasons, the most in the nation. The last 10-win season by the Sooners was in 2008.
• The Sooners are 28-11 straight up against teams with .800 or better winning percentages under coach Bob Stoops.
• Oklahoma State enters the game ranked No. 1 nationally in total offense (552 YPG), No. 2 in passing (363.6 YPG) and No. 3 in scoring 45.3 PPG).
• Under Mike Gundy, the Cowboys are 26-10-2 ATS a favorites, but only 8-13 straight up and against the spread under his command versus greater than .800 opponents.
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NCAAF
Saturday, November 27
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Tips and Trends
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LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks [CBS | 3:30 PM ET]
TIGERS: LSU keeps winning, regardless of how improbable they appear to be. Credit Coach Miles, because he keeps finding ways to win. LSU is still very much in the hunt for the BCS National Championship game, as they are 10-1 SU in the brutal SEC. The Tigers have only played 3 road games this year, as they are 2-1 both SU and ATS. LSU is 2-1 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Tigers are dismal passing the football, so their ground work is critical to their offensive success. LSU is averaging 186.4 YPG on the ground, 30th in the nation. RB Stevan Ridley has rushed for 967 YDS and 12 TD's this season, both team highs. LSU allowed a season high 36 PTS last week, something that simply can't happen this evening if they expect to win. For the entire season, the Tigers are only allowing 16.5 PPG, 8th best in the nation. The Tigers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. LSU is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games played on turf. The Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win. The Tigers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Tigers are 3-11 ATS last 14 games played in November.
Under is 11-2 last 13 games following an ATS loss.
Key Injuries - CB Ramon Broadway (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 20
RAZORBACKS: (-3.5, O/U 54) Arkansas is playing their best football of the season, as they've won their past 5 games coming into this afternoon. The Razorbacks are 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS overall this season. Arkansas is 4-1 SU and 4-0 ATS in home games this year. Today will be the first time this season the Razorbacks are a single digit home favorite. Arkansas is averaging nearly 38 PPG this season, 13th best in the nation. Star QB Ryan Mallet has thrown for nearly 3,275 YDS and 27 TD's overall this year. RB Knile Davis has come on strong this year, as he's rushed for more than 1,000 YDS and 12 TD's this year. Very quitely, the Razorbacks have been playing sound defense. For Arkansas to win both SU and ATS this evening, they will have to shut down this LSU offense. The Razorbacks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games overall. Arkansas is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. The Razorbacks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win. Arkansas is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a winning road record. The Razorbacks are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games played in November. Arkansas is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games played on turf.
Razorbacks are 12-2 ATS last 14 games following a SU win.
Over is 13-3 last 16 games played in November.
Key Injuries - T Alex Hurst (leg) is questionable.
Projected Score: 31 (SIDE of the Day)
Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma St. Cowboys [ABC | 8:00 PM ET]
SOONERS: Oklahoma has been impressive in their past 2 games, winning by huge numbers against stiff competition. The Sooners are 9-2 SU and 6-5 ATS overall this season. Oklahoma is ranked 14th in the nation, a few weeks removed from a top 3 ranking. Both of the Sooners SU losses have come on the road this year, and they are just 1-3 ATS as well. QB Landry Jones leads the 4th ranked passing offense in the country, as the Sooners are averaging 324 YPG. Jones has thrown for nearly 3,500 YDS and 30 TD's in his own right. WR Ryan Broyles might be the best receiver in the nation, as he has 106 receptions for 1,300 YDS and 12 TD's this year. Oklahoma is going to have to play their best game of the season defensively tonight if they are to earn yet another road win. Oklahoma has allowed 20.4 PPG this season, 29th in the nation. The Sooners are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 conference games. The Sooners are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games played in November. Oklahoma is 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a SU win. The Sooners are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Sooners are 1-5 ATS last 6 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Under is 17-8 last 25 games overall.
Key Injuries - DT Adrian Taylor (achilles) is out.
Projected Score: 34
COWBOYS: (-2.5, O/U 67) Oklahoma St. is playing one of their biggest games in school history tonight. The Cowboys are 10-1 SU this season, and can clinch a birth in the Big 12 Championship game with a SU win tonight. The Cowboys have been so dominant this season, that they are 9-2 ATS this season, with the vast majority of their games coming as the listed favorite. QB Brandon Weeden has been amazing this year, as he's thrown for nearly 3,800 YDS and 30 TD's this season. Weeden directs the 3rd most prolific scoring offense in the country at 45.3 PPG. RB Kendall Hunter has been scintillating in his own right, rushing for nearly 1,475 YDS and 16 TD's this year. The Cowboys have lost their past 7 meetings against the Sooners, so revenge is likely in order. The Cowboys are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Oklahoma St. is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games. The Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. Oklahoma St. is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games played on fieldturf. The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played in November.
Cowboys are 7-1 ATS last 8 games following a SU win.
Over is 8-2 last 10 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Key Injuries - S Victor Johnson (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 41 (OVER-Total of the Day)
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