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**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 10:58 PM

How to bet bowl season: A handicapper's guide

The college football bowl season provides a number of challenges and opportunities for sports bettors but also unique factors for handicappers to consider.

The long layoff, potential suspensions of players, differing motivation, neutral fields, warmer weather, coaching rumors, live movements, and traveling fan bases, are all factors that generally don’t come up during the regular season.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when betting on bowl games and a few tips to help boost your profits this holiday season.

Who is coaching the team?

Once the regular season concludes in early December, it’s open season on head coaches. Coaches can be fired and hired away with no consideration given to the upcoming bowl game.

Often times when a coach decides to leave the school for a better job or if he got fired, he is still permitted to coach in the bowl game. But sometimes interim head coaches are thrust into the role of head coach in the bowl.

Who is playing in the game?

December means bowl games as well as college finals.

Sometime before the bowl game, coaches are given a list of players who are academically ineligible to play. And then there are the players who get in trouble while on the road and get sent home from the bowl. Keep an eye for suspensions and dismissals.

Long layoff

Every team playing in a bowl game has at least a two-week layoff and it is often four weeks to a month between games.

Both teams have to deal with the rust that can come with 30 days with no games, but perennial bowl teams generally excel in this phase of preparation. Not only have many of the players on repeat bowl-bound teams been through the situation before, but coaches have a practice and travel schedule they generally stick to each year.

Another thing that goes with the long layoff is line moves. Sides and totals can look drastically different between December 5 and New Year’s Day. Locking in a line early or waiting to take a game are both calculated risks. Savvy handicappers can more often than not accurately predict bowl game line moves.

Weather

Most bowl games are either played in a dome or in warm-weather climate, but not all of them. There are cold-weather games and bowl games in baseball parks, where field conditions can be an issue. Weather is more likely to affect the total than the side.

Neutral sites

Bowl games are played at neutral sites with rare exceptions, like when Boise State played in the Humanitarian Bowl on its home field. Some teams just played in conference championships at neutral sites, while it could be a first for other teams.

Past conference performance

Bowl tie-ins with conferences are generally unchanged year to year, and looking back over the past decade can reveal some trends on how conferences fare in certain bowl games against other conferences. Some matchups are even, others are one-sided.

Motivation

All things considered and looking at the big picture, motivation is the biggest factor in handicapping bowl games, aside from the teams themselves.

Aside from the BCS National Championship Game and most of the BCS bowl games, many teams motivation can be questioned.

When attempting to gauge motivation be aware of the team's preseason ranking (are they overachieving or underachieving), performance in their last game and last few games (coming off a heart-breaking loss or long winning streak), what bowl game if any they played in last year (were they in the Rose Bowl this time last year and now in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl), coaching situation (are they playing for a lame duck coach), and the opponent (is a ACC team going against a MAC team).

**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:00 PM

College football betting: Bowl mismatches outside BCS

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Temple Owls vs. Wyoming Cowboys (6.5, 48.5)
Bernard Pierce/Matt Brown vs. Wyoming’s run defense

In 12 games this season, Temple has attempted 184 passes (15.3 per game) and has run the ball 576 times (48 per game) for more than 3,000 yards. Bernard Pierce has gotten most of it, going 248 times for 1,381 yards (5.6 average) and 25 touchdowns. Matt Brown has another 867 yards on 142 carries (6.1 average).

There’s little doubt what Temple is going to try to do and Wyoming appears to be the perfect team to do it against. The Cowboys rank 115th out of 120 teams in rushing defense, allowing 231.4 yards per game.

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (-14, 66)
Kellen Moore vs. Devils’ defensive backs

Boise State hasn’t been as consistently overwhelming as many had hoped this season. But the Broncos still have one of the top receiving corps around, and a senior quarterback in Moore that can get it to them.

Moore has thrown for 3,507 yards, 41 TDs and just seven INTs. He and the rest of the team’s seniors have been one of the school’s most successful classes and are poised to go out a winner.

ASU, meanwhile, has lost four straight, giving up big passing numbers to Pac 12 bottom feeders Arizona (370) and Washington State (494) during the span.
Moore must be licking his chops studying an Arizona State defensive backfield that ranks 107th against the pass (270.9 ypg). The Broncos will also look to make a statement following the major BCS snub.

Valero Alamo Bowl

Washington Huskies vs. Baylor Bears (-9, 78)
Robert Griffin III vs. Huskies’ defense

Griffin is a dual-threat offensive juggernaut for Baylor. He threw for 3,998 yards, 36 TD and six INT, completing 72.4 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 655 yards and nine scores.

Washington has been dismal against quarterbacks who can throw, allowing 283.8 yards per game through the air which is fifth-worst in the nation. And that number is lowered because the likes of Stanford’s Andrew Luck, Oregon’s Darron Thomas and USC’s Matt Barkley. They barely passed in the second halves against Washington because of big leads.

Leading a Baylor offense that ranks No. 5 in passing (356.2 ypg), there’s a good bet Griffin may not be throwing much in the second half either.

Capital One Bowl

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (-2.5, 48)
Tyler Martinez vs. Gamecocks’ defense

Martinez is an explosive runner who’s able to break away from most defenses and change games with his feet. But he’s also Nebraska’s quarterback and when he needs to throw, it’s a hold-your-breath moment for Huskers fans.

Martinez has completed just 55.9 percent of his passes for 1,973 yards, 12 TDs and seven INTs.

Nebraska had better get ahead early so it can run all the time, because USC’s defense doesn’t allow much through the air. The Gamecocks rank second in the nation in pass defense (133 ypg) and have intercepted 18 passes. In the last three games, USC has allowed a paltry 70 ypg through the air.

AT&T Cotton Bowl

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (-8, 62.5)
Razorbacks’ pass offense vs. Wildcats’ defensive backs

Tyler Wilson has thrown for 3,422 yards, 22 TDs and six INTs. He even threw for more than 200 yards against Alabama and LSU. He also had a QB rating of more than 120 and 148 in those games respectively.

Jarius Wright has 1,029 yards receiving and 11 TDs, one of four of Wilson’s targets with 490 yards or more.

The Wildcats have been torched through the air. They’re allowing an average of 267.2 yards, 104th in the nation. That includes 502 yards against Oklahoma State, 346 against Baylor, 461 against Texas Tech and 505 against Oklahoma. The Razorbacks are licking their chops.

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman

Toledo Rockets vs. Air Force Falcons (3, 69.5)
Rockets’ run offense vs. Falcons’ run defense

Toledo’s offense uses a passing attack that averages an impressive 272 yards per game to run the ball. The Rockets average 222 yards per game on the ground, the eighth-most in the nation.

That balance shows why Toledo averages a whopping 42.2 points per game.

The speed – but lack of size – of Air Force makes the squad strong against the long ball. But the Falcons have struggled to slow down running games, allowing 228 yards per game - 112th out of 120 teams. In AFA’s last game, it beat hapless Colorado State 45-21, but Rams’ Chris Nwoke still rushed for 29 for 269 and two TD. If the Falcons can’t slow down the rush against bad teams that can’t pass, how will they slow down a team that can?

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Northwestern Wildcats (10, 65)
Dan Persa vs. Aggies’ pass defense

Persa, Northwestern’s cerebral quarterback, isn’t going to throw the ball over the Aggies’ beleaguered defensive backs. But he will throw underneath them, again and again.

Persa completed 74.3 percent of his passes this season, the best percentage of any starter in college football. Conversely, A&M’s defense allowed QBs to throw at a 62-percent clip, which is among the very worst among the 70 teams that are playing in a bowl game.

The problem is, A&M isn’t great at making the quick tackle. The team allows 280.5 pass yards per game, ranking 113th.

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl

Florida Gators vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (2, 44)
Gators’ pass defense vs. Buckeyes’ pass offense

Buckeyes freshman quarterback Braxton Miller is going to be very good eventually. But he’s still learning.

Miller has completed just 50 percent of his passes for 997 yards. OSU’s 124.1 pass yards per game ranks 116th out of 120 teams.

Florida’s had its own problems this season, but passing defense is not one of them. The Gators still have NFL-caliber talent in the backfield and rank 10th in slowing the pass. Quarterbacks only connected on 52.8 percent of their passes and have just 13 passing TDs against Florida.

Miller’s going to need a lot of help from the Buckeyes’ inconsistent running game to give him a chance against that defensive unit.

**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:02 PM

NCAAF
Dunkel

Bowl Season

Utah State vs. Ohio
The Bobcats look to take advantage of a Utah State team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games as a favorite. Ohio is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Bobcats favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+3). Here are all of this year's bowl picks.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Game 201-202: Temple vs. Wyoming (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 90.929; Wyoming 82.730
Dunkel Line: Temple by 8; 52
Vegas Line: Temple by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-6 1/2); Over

Game 203-204: Utah State vs. Ohio (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 80.283; Ohio 82.433
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 2; 53
Vegas Line: Utah State by 3; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+3); Under

Game 205-206: UL-Lafayette vs. San Diego State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 77.657; San Diego State 83.898
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 6; 54
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 4 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-4 1/2); Under

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 207-208: Florida International vs. Marshall (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 79.092; Marshall 76.693
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 2 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Florida International by 4 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (+4 1/2); Over

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

Game 209-210: Louisiana Tech vs. TCU (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 95.001; TCU 102.713
Dunkel Line: TCU by 7 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: TCU by 10 1/2; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+10 1/2); Over

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Game 211-212: Arizona State vs. Boise State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 87.653; Boise State 104.748
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 17; 62
Vegas Line: Boise State by 14; 66
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-14); Under

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Game 213-214: Nevada vs. Southern Mississippi (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 92.571; Southern Mississippi 104.816
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 12; 57
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 6; 61
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-6); Under

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26

Game 215-216: North Carolina vs. Missouri (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 91.805; Missouri 94.841
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 3; 56
Vegas Line: Missouri by 5; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (+5); Over

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 217-218: Western Michigan vs. Purdue (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 85.101; Purdue 84.010
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 1; 57
Vegas Line: Purdue by 2 1/2; 60
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+2 1/2); Under

Game 219-220: Louisville vs. NC State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 89.152; NC State 95.634
Dunkel Line: NC State by 6 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: NC State by 2 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-2 1/2); Over

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 221-222: Toledo vs. Air Force (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 90.673; Air Force 89.560
Dunkel Line: Toledo by 1; 63
Vegas Line: Toledo by 3; 69 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+3); Under

Game 223-224: California vs. Texas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: California 92.524; Texas 99.560
Dunkel Line: Texas by 7; 51
Vegas Line: Texas by 3; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-3); Over

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

Game 225-226: Notre Dame vs. Florida State (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 99.588; Florida State 99.480
Dunkel Line: Even; 49
Vegas Line: Florida State by 3; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (+3); Over

Game 227-228: Washington vs. Baylor (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 89.696; Baylor 105.849
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 16; 75
Vegas Line: Baylor by 9; 78 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-9); Under

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Game 229-230: Tulsa vs. BYU (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 93.093; BYU 97.390
Dunkel Line: BYU by 4 1/2; 59
Vegas Line: BYU by 2 1/2; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-2 1/2); Over

Game 231-232: Rutgers vs. Iowa State (3:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 94.343; Iowa State 97.752
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 3 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+2); Under

Game 233-234: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State (6:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 88.839; Mississippi State 92.641
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 4; 52
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 7; 48
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+7); Over

Game 235-236: Iowa vs. Oklahoma (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 88.149; Oklahoma 104.431
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 16 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 14; 58
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-14); Under

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Game 237-238: Texas A&M vs. Northwestern (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 104.900; Northwestern 92.720
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 12; 69
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 9 1/2; 65
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-9 1/2); Over

Game 239-240: Utah vs. Georgia Tech (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 89.540; Georgia Tech 91.387
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 2; 47
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3 1/2); Under

Game 241-242: UCLA vs. Illinois (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 87.586; Illinois 85.928
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 2; 52
Vegas Line: Illinois by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+2 1/2); Over

Game 243-244: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 91.338; Vanderbilt 97.492
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 6; 45
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 2 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-2 1/2); Under

Game 245-246: Virginia vs. Auburn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 88.190; Auburn 88.591
Dunkel Line: Even; 51
Vegas Line: Auburn by 2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+2); Over

MONDAY, JANUARY 2

Game 247-248: Penn State vs. Houston (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 91.199; Houston 99.323
Dunkel Line: Houston by 8; 52
Vegas Line: Houston by 5 1/2; 57
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-5 1/2); Under

Game 249-250: Michigan State vs. Georgia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 100.686; Georgia 106.720
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 6; 47
Vegas Line: Georgia by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (-3 1/2); Under

Game 251-252: Nebraska vs. South Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 97.574; South Carolina 94.573
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 3; 51
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 2 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+2 1/2); Over

Game 253-254: Florida vs. Ohio State (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 91.473; Ohio State 92.755
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 1 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Florida by 2 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+2 1/2); Over

Game 255-256: Wisconsin vs. Oregon (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 107.209; Oregon 114.843
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 7 1/2; 65
Vegas Line: Oregon by 6; 72
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-6); Under

Game 257-258: Stanford vs. Oklahoma State (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 107.590; Oklahoma State 116.255
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 8 1/2; 70
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 3 1/2; 74
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-3 1/2); Under

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

Game 259-260: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 102.697; Virginia Tech 105.078
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 2 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Michigan by 2 1/2; 51
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+2 1/2); Over

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

Game 261-262: West Virginia vs. Clemson (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 94.860; Clemson 94.321
Dunkel Line: Even; 64
Vegas Line: Clemson by 3 1/2; 60 1/2
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (+3 1/2); Over

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Game 263-264: Kansas State vs. Arkansas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 100.762; Arkansas 109.530
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 9; 58
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 7 1/2; 63
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-7 1/2); Under

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Game 265-266: SMU vs. Pittsburgh (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 76.927; Pittsburgh 92.300
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 15 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-4 1/2); Over

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Game 267-268: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 87.246; Northern Illinois 88.172
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 1; 59
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 1 1/2; 62 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+1 1/2); Under

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Game 269-270: Alabama vs. LSU (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 120.084; LSU 117.801
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 2 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Pick; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama; Over

**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:02 PM

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Bowl Season

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Saturday, December 17

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TEMPLE (8 - 4) vs. WYOMING (8 - 4) - 12/17/2011, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WYOMING is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UTAH ST (7 - 5) vs. OHIO U (9 - 4) - 12/17/2011, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO U is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LA LAFAYETTE (8 - 4) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (8 - 4) - 12/17/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAFAYETTE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
LA LAFAYETTE is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAFAYETTE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Tuesday, December 20

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FLA INTERNATIONAL (8 - 4) vs. MARSHALL (6 - 6) - 12/20/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLA INTERNATIONAL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
FLA INTERNATIONAL is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Wednesday, December 21

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LOUISIANA TECH (8 - 4) vs. TCU (10 - 2) - 12/21/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TCU is 91-66 ATS (+18.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
LOUISIANA TECH is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Thursday, December 22

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ARIZONA ST (6 - 6) vs. BOISE ST (11 - 1) - 12/22/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 101-61 ATS (+33.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 101-61 ATS (+33.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 81-51 ATS (+24.9 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
BOISE ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 60-28 ATS (+29.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
BOISE ST is 70-40 ATS (+26.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
BOISE ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after playing a conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Saturday, December 24

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NEVADA (7 - 5) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (11 - 2) - 12/24/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SOUTHERN MISS is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Monday, December 26

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N CAROLINA (7 - 5) vs. MISSOURI (7 - 5) - 12/26/2011, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Tuesday, December 27

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W MICHIGAN (7 - 5) vs. PURDUE (6 - 6) - 12/27/2011, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LOUISVILLE (7 - 5) vs. NC STATE (7 - 5) - 12/27/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
LOUISVILLE is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) against ACC opponents since 1992.
NC STATE is 42-64 ATS (-28.4 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Wednesday, December 28

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TOLEDO (8 - 4) vs. AIR FORCE (7 - 5) - 12/28/2011, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
TOLEDO is 55-34 ATS (+17.6 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CALIFORNIA (7 - 5) vs. TEXAS (7 - 5) - 12/28/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 15-33 ATS (-21.3 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Thursday, December 29

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NOTRE DAME (8 - 4) vs. FLORIDA ST (8 - 4) - 12/29/2011, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WASHINGTON (7 - 5) vs. BAYLOR (9 - 3) - 12/29/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 62-92 ATS (-39.2 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
BAYLOR is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Friday, December 30

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TULSA (8 - 4) vs. BYU (9 - 3) - 12/30/2011, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.
BYU is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
BYU is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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RUTGERS (8 - 4) vs. IOWA ST (6 - 6) - 12/30/2011, 3:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WAKE FOREST (6 - 6) vs. MISSISSIPPI ST (6 - 6) - 12/30/2011, 6:40 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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IOWA (7 - 5) vs. OKLAHOMA (9 - 3) - 12/30/2011, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Saturday, December 31

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

TEXAS A&M (6 - 6) vs. NORTHWESTERN (6 - 6) - 12/31/2011, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday this season.
TEXAS A&M is 4-19 ATS (-16.9 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
NORTHWESTERN is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
NORTHWESTERN is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

UTAH (7 - 5) vs. GEORGIA TECH (8 - 4) - 12/31/2011, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
UTAH is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
UTAH is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
UTAH is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
GEORGIA TECH is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

UCLA (6 - 7) vs. ILLINOIS (6 - 6) - 12/31/2011, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UCLA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
UCLA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

CINCINNATI (9 - 3) vs. VANDERBILT (6 - 6) - 12/31/2011, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

VIRGINIA (8 - 4) vs. AUBURN (7 - 5) - 12/31/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Monday, January 2

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PENN ST (9 - 3) vs. HOUSTON (12 - 1) - 1/2/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

MICHIGAN ST (10 - 3) vs. GEORGIA (10 - 3) - 1/2/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) in road games after playing a conference game since 1992.
MICHIGAN ST is 25-50 ATS (-30.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1992.
GEORGIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
GEORGIA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
GEORGIA is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
GEORGIA is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

NEBRASKA (9 - 3) vs. S CAROLINA (10 - 2) - 1/2/2012, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

FLORIDA (6 - 6) vs. OHIO ST (6 - 6) - 1/2/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OHIO ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

WISCONSIN (11 - 2) vs. OREGON (11 - 2) - 1/2/2012, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

STANFORD (11 - 1) vs. OKLAHOMA ST (11 - 1) - 1/2/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
STANFORD is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
STANFORD is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Tuesday, January 3

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MICHIGAN (10 - 2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (11 - 2) - 1/3/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Wednesday, January 4

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W VIRGINIA (9 - 3) vs. CLEMSON (10 - 3) - 1/4/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in road games against ACC opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Friday, January 6

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KANSAS ST (10 - 2) vs. ARKANSAS (10 - 2) - 1/6/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as an underdog this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Saturday, January 7

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

SMU (7 - 5) vs. PITTSBURGH (6 - 6) - 1/7/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Sunday, January 8

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ARKANSAS ST (10 - 2) vs. N ILLINOIS (10 - 3) - 1/8/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

Monday, January 9

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

ALABAMA (11 - 1) vs. LSU (13 - 0) - 1/9/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
LSU is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
LSU is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
LSU is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
LSU is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
LSU is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
LSU is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ALABAMA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ALABAMA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ALABAMA is 37-18 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
LSU is 2-1 against the spread versus ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
LSU is 2-1 straight up against ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:03 PM

NCAAF
Short Sheet

Bowl Season

Saturday, 12/17/2011

New Mexico Bowl - University Stadium - Albuquerque, NM
TEMPLE vs. WYOMING, 2:00 PM ET
TEMPLE: 7-0 ATS vs. non-conference
WYOMING: 8-1 Under this season

Idaho Potato Bowl - Bronco Stadium - Boise, ID
UTAH ST vs. OHIO U, 5:30 PM ET
UTAH ST: 1-4 ATS off SU win
OHIO U: 0-7 ATS Away playing w/ 2+ wks rest

New Orleans Bowl - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
LA LAFAYETTE vs. SAN DIEGO ST, 9:00 PM ET
LA LAFAYETTE: 7-0 ATS as an underdog
SAN DIEGO ST: 10-24 ATS off BB ATS wins

Tuesday, 12/20/2011

St. Petersburg Bowl - Tropicana Field - St. Petersburg, FL
FLA INTERNATIONAL vs. MARSHALL, 8:00 PM ET
FLA INTERNATIONAL: 2-12 ATS off bye week
MARSHALL: 12-3 Under off ATS win

Wednesday, 12/21/2011

Poinsettia Bowl - Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
LOUISIANA TECH vs. TCU, 8:00 PM ET
LOUISIANA TECH: 7-0 ATS as an underdog
TCU: 13-4 Over after leading prev game by 24+ at half

Thursday, 12/22/2011

Maaco Las Vegas Bowl - Sam Boyd Stadium - Las Vegas, NV
ARIZONA ST vs. BOISE ST, 8:00 PM ET
ARIZONA ST: 8-2 Over in all games
BOISE ST: 0-6 ATS 2nd half of season

Saturday, 12/24/2011

Hawaii Bowl - Aloha Stadium - Honolulu, HI
NEVADA vs. SOUTHERN MISS, 8:00 PM ET
NEVADA: 1-5 ATS in bowl games
SOUTHERN MISS: 12-4 ATS off SU dog win

Monday, 12/26/2011

Independence Bowl - Independence Stadium - Shreveport, LA
N CAROLINA vs. MISSOURI, 5:00 PM ET
N CAROLINA: 6-0 Under after gaining 6.75+ yards/play
MISSOURI: 9-0 Under on turf

Tuesday, 12/27/2011

Little Caesars Bowl - Ford Field - Detroit, MI
W MICHIGAN vs. PURDUE, 4:30 PM ET
W MICHIGAN: 1-5 ATS vs. Big 10
PURDUE: 1-5 ATS as neutral field favorite

Belk Bowl - Bank Of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC
LOUISVILLE vs. NC STATE, 8:00 PM ET
LOUISVILLE: 6-0 ATS as underdog
NC STATE: 42-64 ATS as favorite

Wednesday, 12/28/2011

Military Bowl - RFK Stadium - Washington, DC
TOLEDO vs. AIR FORCE, 4:30 PM ET
TOLEDO: 19-7 ATS after 2 game road trip
AIR FORCE: 8-0 Over off cover as DD favorite

Holiday Bowl - Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
CALIFORNIA vs. TEXAS, 8:00 PM ET
CALIFORNIA: 7-0 Over vs. non-conference
TEXAS: 0-6 ATS if 70+ total pts scored last game

Thursday, 12/29/2011

Champs Sports Bowl - Citrus Bowl Stadium - Orlando, FL
NOTRE DAME vs. FLORIDA ST, 5:30 PM ET
NOTRE DAME: 4-9 ATS in bowl games
FLORIDA ST: 19-8 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Alamo Bowl - Alamodome - San Antonio, TX
WASHINGTON vs. BAYLOR, 9:00 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 6-0 ATS off bye week
BAYLOR: 10-2 Over this season

Friday, 12/30/2011

Armed Forces Bowl - Gerald Ford Stadium - Dallas, TX
TULSA vs. BYU, 12:00 PM ET
TULSA: 7-30 ATS off BB games w/ 60+ total pts scored
BYU: 6-0 ATS off bye week

Pinstripe Bowl - Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY
RUTGERS vs. IOWA ST, 3:20 PM ET
RUTGERS: 26-10 Under vs. non-conference
IOWA ST: 23-11 Under in all games

Music City Bowl - LP Field - Nashville, TN
WAKE FOREST vs. MISSISSIPPI ST, 6:40 PM ET
WAKE FOREST: 8-1 Under off loss by 17+ points
MISSISSIPPI ST: 8-1 Under when the total is between 42.5 and 49

Insight Bowl - Sun Devil Stadium - Tempe, AZ
IOWA vs. OKLAHOMA, 10:00 PM ET
IOWA: 12-4 Under vs. Big 12
OKLAHOMA: 6-1 ATS off conference loss

Saturday, 12/31/2011

Meinke Car Care Texas Bowl - Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX
TEXAS A&M vs. NORTHWESTERN, 12:00 PM ET
TEXAS A&M: 4-19 ATS Away off bye week
NORTHWESTERN: 5-1 ATS vs. Big 12

Sun Bowl - Sun Bowl Stadium - El Paso, TX
UTAH vs. GEORGIA TECH, 2:00 PM ET
UTAH: 46-26 ATS as an underdog
GEORGIA TECH: 16-31 ATS off bye week

Fight Hunger Bowl - AT&T Park - San Francisco, CA
UCLA vs. ILLINOIS, 3:30 PM ET
UCLA: 9-0 ATS after allowing 37+ points BB games
ILLINOIS: 7-0 Under off 6+ straight up losses

Liberty Bowl - Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium - Memphis, TN
CINCINNATI vs. VANDERBILT, 3:30 PM ET
CINCINNATI: 12-2 Under after allowing 3.75 or less yards/play last game
VANDERBILT: 8-20 ATS off win by 17+

Chick-Fil A Bowl - Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA
VIRGINIA vs. AUBURN, 7:30 PM ET
VIRGINIA: 9-2 Under this season
AUBURN: 13-4 ATS off conference loss by 21+

Monday, 1/2/2012

Ticket City Bowl - Cotton Bowl - Dallas, TX
PENN ST vs. HOUSTON, 12:00 PM ET
PENN ST: 8-2 Under this season
HOUSTON: 6-0 Over when the total is between 56.5 and 63

Outback Bowl - Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL
MICHIGAN ST vs. GEORGIA, 1:00 PM ET
MICHIGAN ST: 16-2 Over after gaining 6.25+ yards/play BB games
GEORGIA: 8-2 ATS as favorite

Capital One Bowl - Citrus Bowl Stadium - Orlando, FL
NEBRASKA vs. S CAROLINA, 1:00 PM ET
NEBRASKA: 7-0 ATS after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better
S CAROLINA: 2-12 ATS after having won 6 or 7 out of their last 8 games

Gator Bowl - Everbank Field - Jacksonville, FL
FLORIDA vs. OHIO ST, 1:00 PM ET
FLORIDA: 0-8 ATS after 1st month of season
OHIO ST: 11-3 ATS vs. non-conference

BCS - Rose Bowl - Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
WISCONSIN vs. OREGON, 5:00 PM ET
WISCONSIN: 6-0 ATS off bye week
OREGON: 24-10 Over as favorite

BCS - Fiesta Bowl - University of Phoenix Stadium - Phoenix, AZ
STANFORD vs. OKLAHOMA ST, 8:30 PM ET
STANFORD: 6-0 ATS vs. non-conference
OKLAHOMA ST: 8-0 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points

Tuesday, 1/3/2012

BCS - Sugar Bowl - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
MICHIGAN vs. VIRGINIA TECH, 8:30 PM ET
MICHIGAN: 22-9 Over w/ rest
VIRGINIA TECH: 13-4 ATS off 3+ Unders

Wednesday, 1/4/2012

BCS - Orange Bowl - Sun Life Stadium - Miami, FL
W VIRGINIA vs. CLEMSON, 8:30 PM ET
W VIRGINIA: 4-15 ATS Away vs. ACC
CLEMSON: 12-3 Under in bowl games

Friday, 1/6/2012

Cotton Bowl - Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TX
KANSAS ST vs. ARKANSAS, 8:00 PM ET
KANSAS ST: 7-1 ATS as an underdog
ARKANSAS: 13-3 Under on neutral field

Saturday, 1/7/2012

Compass Bowl - Legion Field - Birmingham, AL
SMU vs. PITTSBURGH, 1:00 PM ET
SMU: 1-11 ATS after a win by 3 pts or less
PITTSBURGH: 11-2 Under off an Over

Sunday, 1/8/2012

GoDaddy.com Bowl - Ladd-Peebles Stadium - Mobile, AL
ARKANSAS ST vs. N ILLINOIS, 9:00 PM ET
ARKANSAS ST: 8-2 ATS as favorite
N ILLINOIS: 0-5 ATS as neutral field favorite

Monday, 1/9/2012

BCS National Championship Game - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
ALABAMA vs. at LSU, 8:30 PM ET
ALABAMA: 15-2 Under after scoring 42+ Points
LSU: 7-0 ATS off win by 28+ pts

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:04 PM

NCAAF

Bowl Season

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DECEMBER 17, 2:00 PM
TEMPLE vs. WYOMING
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Temple's last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Temple's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wyoming's last 5 games
Wyoming is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

DECEMBER 17, 5:30 PM
UTAH STATE vs. OHIO
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Ohio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 17, 9:00 PM
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 5 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
San Diego State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
San Diego State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 20, 8:00 PM
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL vs. MARSHALL
Florida International is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Florida International is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Marshall is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Marshall is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 21, 8:00 PM
LOUISIANA TECH vs. TCU
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana Tech's last 7 games
Louisiana Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
TCU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of TCU's last 12 games

DECEMBER 22, 8:00 PM
ARIZONA STATE vs. BOISE STATE
Arizona State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Arizona State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Boise State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boise State's last 8 games

DECEMBER 24, 8:00 PM
NEVADA vs. SOUTHERN MISS
Nevada is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nevada's last 6 games
Southern Miss is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern Miss's last 5 games

DECEMBER 26, 5:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA vs. MISSOURI
North Carolina is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of North Carolina's last 6 games
Missouri is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Missouri is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 27, 4:30 PM
WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. PURDUE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Western Michigan's last 8 games
Western Michigan is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Purdue is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Purdue is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games

DECEMBER 27, 8:00 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Louisville's last 9 games
Louisville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of North Carolina State's last 6 games
North Carolina State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

DECEMBER 28, 4:30 PM
TOLEDO vs. AIR FORCE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toledo's last 5 games
Toledo is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Air Force's last 12 games
Air Force is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 28, 8:00 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of California's last 9 games
California is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games

DECEMBER 29, 5:30 PM
NOTRE DAME vs. FLORIDA STATE
Notre Dame is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Notre Dame is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Florida State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida State's last 5 games

DECEMBER 29, 9:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BAYLOR
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Baylor's last 10 games
Baylor is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 30, 12:00 PM
TULSA vs. BYU
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 7 games
Tulsa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing BYU
BYU is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
BYU is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tulsa

DECEMBER 30, 3:20 PM
RUTGERS vs. IOWA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Rutgers's last 9 games
Rutgers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Iowa State is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Iowa State's last 6 games

DECEMBER 30, 6:40 PM
WAKE FOREST vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wake Forest's last 6 games
Wake Forest is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Mississippi State's last 10 games

DECEMBER 30, 10:00 PM
IOWA vs. OKLAHOMA
Iowa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Oklahoma is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Oklahoma is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games

DECEMBER 31, 12:00 PM
TEXAS A&M vs. NORTHWESTERN
Texas A&M is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas A&M is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Northwestern is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northwestern's last 5 games

DECEMBER 31, 2:00 PM
UTAH vs. GEORGIA TECH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games
Utah is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Georgia Tech's last 7 games
Georgia Tech is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 31, 3:30 PM
CINCINNATI vs. VANDERBILT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
Cincinnati is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Vanderbilt is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Vanderbilt's last 7 games

DECEMBER 31, 3:30 PM
UCLA vs. ILLINOIS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UCLA's last 8 games
UCLA is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Illinois is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Illinois is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 31, 7:30 PM
VIRGINIA vs. AUBURN
Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Virginia's last 10 games
Auburn is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Auburn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

JANUARY 2, 12:00 PM
PENN STATE vs. HOUSTON
Penn State is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Penn State's last 11 games
Houston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games

JANUARY 2, 1:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. OHIO STATE
Florida is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Florida is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ohio State's last 5 games
Ohio State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

JANUARY 2, 1:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
Nebraska is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nebraska's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of South Carolina's last 10 games
South Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

JANUARY 2, 1:00 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. GEORGIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Georgia's last 10 games
Georgia is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games

JANUARY 2, 5:00 PM
WISCONSIN vs. OREGON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Wisconsin's last 10 games
Wisconsin is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oregon's last 6 games
Oregon is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games

JANUARY 2, 8:30 PM
STANFORD vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Stanford's last 6 games
Stanford is 19-1 SU in its last 20 games
Oklahoma State is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games

JANUARY 3, 8:30 PM
MICHIGAN vs. VIRGINIA TECH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan's last 6 games
Michigan is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Virginia Tech is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Virginia Tech is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games

JANUARY 4, 8:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. CLEMSON
The total has gone OVER in 9 of West Virginia's last 11 games
West Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Clemson's last 5 games
Clemson is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

JANUARY 6, 8:00 PM
KANSAS STATE vs. ARKANSAS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas State's last 7 games
Kansas State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Arkansas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arkansas's last 5 games

JANUARY 7, 1:00 PM
SOUTHERN METHODIST vs. PITTSBURGH
Southern Methodist is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Southern Methodist is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games

JANUARY 8, 9:00 PM
ARKANSAS STATE vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Arkansas State's last 14 games
Arkansas State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northern Illinois's last 6 games
Northern Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

JANUARY 9, 8:30 PM
ALABAMA vs. LSU
Alabama is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing LSU
Alabama is 3-4-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LSU
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LSU's last 6 games when playing Alabama
LSU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 12-12-2011, 11:06 PM

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

New Mexico Bowl

This should be good game if only because both teams thrilled to be in a bowl game; Temple is in second bowl since 1979 (lost 30-21 to UCLA in '09 bowl), Wyoming is in its third bowl since '93 (won bowls in '04, '09, both as double digit underdogs). Cowboys covered last four games as an underdog, winning five of last seven SU. Owls ran ball for 200+ yards in each of last seven games- they lost to Penn St. in September 14-10 (+8) . Temple is 4-4 as a favorite thi season. MAC non-conference favorites are 4-3 vs spread this year; MWC road underdogs are 4-8, 2-1 if spread is single digits. Mountain West teams won this bowl the last four years, with average total in the last three, 71.3.

Idaho Potato Bowl

Utah State lost the first Idaho Potato Bowl 35-19 to Cincinnati back in 1997, last bowl Aggies played in; State won its last five games to get to this bowl, with all five wins by 4 points or less, or in OT- they're 2-6 vs spread as a favorite. Ohio U hasn't played on a Saturday since October 22; they're playing their 4th bowl in last six years, but lost last three, by 28-7/21-17/48-21 scores. Bobcats' bowls last two years were in domes; their punter whined when he found out they were coming here. Ohio also won its last five games; they are 1-1 as underdog this year. WAC faves are 7-5 out of conference this year, 3-1 on road. MAC road underdogs are 10-16 vs spread, 4-3 if spread was single digits. WAC teams are 3-5 in last eight Idaho Bowls. Utah State should have edge in fan support.

**Udog** · 12-14-2011, 12:31 PM

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

New Orleans Bowl

UL-Lafayette is in its first bowl, they'll be very excited to be playing in New Orleans under 1st-year coach Hudspeth, who was 66-21 as a head coach at D-II North Alabama, before being an assistant at Mississippi State for two years. Ragin' Cajuns (+37) lost 61-34 in season opener at Oklahoma State, 45-37 (+13) in finale at Arizona; they're 7-0 vs spread as an underdog this year. San Diego State (-3) beat Navy 35-14 at home in Poinsettia Bowl LY, their first bowl in 12 years; Aztecs are just 2-5 vs spread as a favorite this year. Both teams have senior QB's-- Aztecs have one of best RBs in country in Hillman. San Diego State coach Long lost four of his last five bowls while coaching at New Mexico. Sun Belt underdogs are 16-11. MWC non-conference favorites are 4-12. Sun Belt teams are 4-1 in last five NO Bowls, after losing four of first five.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl

Conference USA teams lost this bowl last three years, but they were up against Big East teams; now Sun Belt's Florida International comes east from Miami to play in its second bowl- they beat Toledo 34-32 in LY's Little Caeser's Bowl. Florida International won its last three games, all by 11+ points- they beat UCF of Conference USA 17-10 in September, a team Marshall lost to 16-6. Thundering Herd lost five games by 20+ points this year, is still bowling, thanks to 23-22 win over Memphis, in game Marshall was -6 in turnovers. Herd has a freshman QB while the Panthers have senior Carroll, who started his career at Mississippi State. Over last five years, Sun Belt teams are 3-1 in bowls vs C-USA teams, 6-4 overall; C-USA teams are 11-19 in last 30 bowl games. Average total in first three editions of this bowl was 61.0.

**Udog** · 12-14-2011, 11:02 PM

Where the action is: Early line moves for bowl games

For our weekly look at football lines on the move, we chatted up Todd Fuhrman, race and sportsbook analyst at Caesar's in Las Vegas. With the bowl season just around the corner, we take a break from the NFL to focus in on college pigskin. Here are some thoughts about why these odds are jumping around.

Utah State vs. Ohio Open: +3.5 Move: +1.5

This one looks like it could be tricky. Neither team has shown much consistency against the number.

"I would assume that Utah State would be favored simply because they played a tougher schedule," ESPN's Mike Bellotti told reporters. "And they could easily be 9-3 or 10-2 instead of 7-5."

Still, it doesn't sound like Ohio's exactly jacked to be playing in Idaho.

"Idaho?? Who the [expletive] wants to play there in December??" Ohio punter Paul Hersey tweeted earlier this month.

Iowa vs. Oklahoma Open: -15.5 Move: -13.5

This line move can't come as much of a surprise considering everything that has gone on with the Sooners this season. They were hyped as the preseason No. 1 team in the nation, so you have to question their motivation at this point in the year - especially with all the rumors kicking around.

"Team turmoil is apropos for the unrest going on in Norman," Fuhrman says. "This is a team that grossly underachieved this season and I can't imagine they see the Insight Bowl as a reward for a season gone awry. Iowa DC Norm Parker will be retiring after the game so I think Iowa will play inspired defensive football and have enough on offense to keep this game competitive.Couple that with Kirk Ferentz's tremendous track record as a bowl underdog and this line move makes a whole lot of sense.

Louisville vs. N.C. State Open: -1.5 Move: -3

Even though the Cardinals have covered in seven of their last eight, bettors don't seem sold yet. Coach Charlie Strong isn't happy, either. He's been griping lately because just three of his players were voted all-conference.

"Tom O'Brien has been filling holiday wish lists for years as an ATS machine during bowl season," Fuhrman says. "N.C. State made major strides as the season went on and will really benefit from the extra practices. I'm personally not sold on Louisville as a team despite their marked improvement from the beginning of the year but it came against softer Big East competition. Teddy Bridgewater is one of the best QBs the nation hasn't heard of so his involvement in the game alone makes the Cardinal an intriguing dog if the price climbed above 3.

Alabama vs. LSU Open: -1.5 Move: +1

Here we go again. Looks like we're in for a lot of yo-yo action with this line up until kickoff.

"I'm honestly surprised by this line movement," Fuhrman says. "We anticipated public money on LSU but the fact wiseguys quickly grabbed Alabama on the opener had me scratching my head. I think we'll see pretty good two way action as we get closer to kickoff although right now it's just been a steady trickle of LSU money since the first few days we had the game open for wagering."

**Udog** · 12-16-2011, 06:06 PM

NCAAF

Saturday, December 17

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Saturday's NCAAF bowl game action: What bettors need to know
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New Mexico Bowl

Temple Owls vs. Wyoming Cowboys (+7, 50.5)

NEW MEXICO BOWL STORYLINES

1. The 2011 bowl season kicks off with one team – Wyoming – which cannot stop the run, meeting another – Temple – which cannot stop running. So it should come down to whether the Cowboys, who are 115th among the 120 FBS teams in run defense, can figure out a way to stop the No. 7 Owls’ rushing attack. If they do, Temple and its No. 117 passing attack could be in trouble.

2. Temple is making its fourth appearance in a bowl game (1-2). Its last was a 30-21 loss to UCLA in the 2009 EagleBank Bowl; its first was a 20-14 loss to Tulane in the inaugural Sugar Bowl in 1935 under coach Glen “Pop’’ Warner. Wyoming is 6-6 and has won two straight, including a 35-28 victory in double overtime over Fresno State in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl.

3. The teams had one common opponent in 2011. Temple lost to Mid-America Conference foe Bowling Green 13-10 while Wyoming defeated the Falcons 28-27. Both games were on the road.

4. The Owls are No. 3 in points allowed – behind Alabama and LSU – at 13.8 and 15th in total defense (313.5 yards per game).

TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Temple -6.5.

ABOUT WYOMING (8-4, 5-2 Mountain West, 7-5 ATS): The Cowboys, who finished third in the MWC behind Top 25 teams TCU and Boise State (their two conference losses), have won three of their last four games. Dave Christensen and Brett Smith were named MWC coach and freshman of the year, respectively. Smith threw for 2,495 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 10 scores. Wyoming has scored and allowed 324 points this season. The Cowboys won the only previous meeting, 38-23 in 1990.

ABOUT TEMPLE (8-4, 5-3 MAC, 8-4 ATS): Junior Bernard Pierce is sixth in the country with 125.5 rushing yards per game and has a school-record 25 touchdowns this season. Temple has won 30 games in the last four years, the most by a senior class in school history, and their 25 victories over the past three seasons is also a school record. The Owls registered their first victory over an FBS school, 38-7 at Maryland on Sept. 24. Temple needs 39 points to set a school record for points in a season (399 in 1979).

TRENDS:

* Owls are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
* Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Owls last four games overall.
* Under is 5-0 in Cowboys last five games overall.

PREDICTION: Wyoming 31, Temple 17 – The Owls haven’t won a game against a winning team all season, and they won’t start now.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Utah State Aggies vs. Ohio Bobcats (+1, 59)

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL STORYLINES

1. Neither Ohio nor Utah State has had much success in bowl games, going a combined 1-11. The Aggies haven’t appeared in a bowl since a 35-19 loss to Cincinnati in the 1997 Humanitarian Bowl. The Bobcats haven’t ever won a bowl game (0-5 all-time), but this is their third consecutive bowl appearance and fourth under coach Frank Solich, who took over the program in 2005.

2. These two teams are expected to put up a good amount of points, as both rank in the Top 25 nationally in total offense. Utah State does its damage on the ground, ranking sixth in the country at 277 rushing yards per game, while Ohio utilizes a more balanced attack.

3. Both teams enter this bowl game on relative hot streaks. The Aggies won five in a row to finish in a tie for second in the WAC, while the Bobcats posted five straight victories to win the MAC’s East Division before falling in the conference championship game to Northern Illinois.

4. Utah State running back Robert Turbin was 10th in the country with 118 rushing yards per game and tied for fifth with 23 touchdowns, but he might find things more arduous against Ohio. The Bobcats finished third in the MAC allowing only 126 yards per contest on the ground.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Line: Utah State -1.5

ABOUT OHIO (9-4, 6-2 Mid-American Conference, 6-7 ATS): As good as the Bobcats’ 2011 campaign has gone, it could’ve been even better. Ohio was ahead 20-0 at halftime of the MAC Championship Game against Northern Illinois before surrendering 23 unanswered points to lose on a field goal as time expired. In the loss, the Bobcats’ offense was held to less than 400 yards for the first time in eight contests. Before that, the Bobcats had rattled off five straight victories behind strong play from quarterback Tyler Tettleton, who finished the year with 26 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions.

ABOUT UTAH STATE (7-5, 5-2 Western Athletic Conference, 6-6 ATS): Turbin, a junior, was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year after totaling 1,580 total yards and 23 scores, but he didn’t close the year on a hot streak. He failed to top 100 yards and didn’t find the end zone in narrow victories over Nevada and New Mexico State. The Aggies — picked by coaches to finish fifth in the WAC — lost to only Fresno State and conference champion Louisiana Tech to finish in a tie for second.

TRENDS:

* Aggies are 0-5 ATS in their last five games as favorites.
* Bobcats are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as underdogs.
* Over is 4-1-1 in Aggies last six vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 7-0 in Bobcats last seven non-conference games.

PREDICTION: Utah State 34, Ohio 28. Neither offense will find much trouble putting points on the board, and the Aggies will come through with a late score for the victory.

New Orleans Bowls

UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs. San Diego State Aztecs (-4.5, 59)

NEW ORLEANS BOWL STORYLINES

1. San Diego State had to sweat out the bowl selection process despite having eight victories and was one of the last teams to receive an invitation. Louisiana-Lafayette figures to have a boisterous game-night following with its campus located just two-plus hours west of New Orleans.

2. Both teams excel at putting points on the board and have solid quarterbacks. The Aztecs averaged 29.8 points with Ryan Lindley (2,740 yards, 20 touchdowns) becoming the school’s all-time leader in passing yards with 12,277. The Ragin’ Cajuns average 32.3 points with quarterback Blaine Gautier throwing for 2,488 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 20 TD passes match the school mark held by Jake Delhomme (20 in both 1995 and 1996).

3. San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman has 1,656 yards (second-most in school history) and ranks third in the nation in rushing yards per game (138.0) while rushing for 19 touchdowns. Louisiana-Lafayette is average at stopping the run, ranking 55th nationally while allowing 144.5 per game.

4. Louisiana-Lafayette is playing in its first bowl game in 41 years. Coincidentally, San Diego State’s appearance in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl was the Aztecs’ first bowl contest in 41 years. The Aztecs are 4-4 in bowl games; the Ragin’ Cajuns are 1-1.

TV: ESPN LINE: San Diego State -4.5

ABOUT LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt, 8-4 ATS): The Ragin’ Cajuns lost their last two regular-season games after a surprising 8-2 start. Louisiana-Lafayette rolled off six straight wins after being thrashed by Oklahoma State 61-34 in its opener. The Ragin’ Cajuns have returned seven interceptions for touchdowns, tied for second in college history behind this season’s Southern Mississippi squad (eight). Cornerback Bill Bentley and safety Jemarlous Moten each returned two of their three interceptions for scores. Bentley (shoulder) is expected to play. Alonzo Harris (638 yards, eight touchdowns) is the team’s top rusher, while Javone Lawson (54 receptions, 899 yards) and Harry Peoples (53-647) are Gautier’s top targets.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (8-4, 4-3 Mountain West, 5-7 ATS): The Aztecs won their final two games and four of their last five games to muscle their way into a bowl game. San Diego State has been splendid in the second half of games, outscoring opponents 207-72. Three of their four losses were to Michigan, TCU and Boise State. Cornerback Larry Parker has been a turnover machine with seven interceptions and three forced fumbles and linebacker Miles Burris (19 tackles for loss) has eight of San Diego State’s 28 sacks. Hillman had an ankle injury late in the season but will be close to 100 percent for the bowl game.

TRENDS:

* Ragin' Cajuns are 5-0 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Aztecs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as favorites.
* Over is 7-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last eight non-conference games.
* Under is 5-2 in Aztecs last seven non-conference games.

PREDICTION: Louisiana-Lafayette 37, San Diego State 31 – The game means infinitely more to the Ragin’ Cajuns and the crowd support helps Louisiana-Lafayette to is first bowl win since the 1943 Oil Bowl.

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**Udog** · 12-17-2011, 12:04 AM

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

Poinsettia Bowl

TCU won four of its last five bowls, allowing 19 or less points in all five games, but they were in Fiesta/Rose Bowls last two years, do they have same enthusiasm level for third trip to this game in last six years? Frogs won 27-7 (-12), 17-16 (-3) in previous visits here; dogs covered three of last four in this event- over last five years, double digit dogs are 10-7 vs spread in bowls. Louisiana Tech won/covered last seven games after 1-4 start; they're 6-0 as underdog this year; Bulldogs won last bowl in '08; this is second time they've left home state for bowl (lost Humanitarian Bowl in '01, 49-24 to Clemson). TCU also won last seven games; they allowed 50-40 points in two losses, 50-48 to Baylor in season opener, 40-33 in OT to SMU September 30, which is their last loss. Over last five years, MWC teams are 4-3 in bowls vs WAC teams, with underdogs covering five of the seven games.

Las Vegas Bowl

Arizona State had season from hell, losing last four games (allowing 36.0 ppg) to finish 6-6, costing Erickson his job- they hired Graham as coach this week. ASU is playing in first bowl since '07- they're 2-3 in last five bowls, allowing 40-41-52 points in last three. Boise State is one missed FG away from playing in BCS bowl; they won this game 26-3 (-16) LY over Utah, are 3-2 in last five bowls, winning by 1-7-23 points. Boise's senior QB Moore has had great career, with 49-3 career record. Eight of last nine ASU games went over the total. MWC teams are 4-12 as non-conference favorites this year; Pac-12 underdogs are 4-8, 1-3 if getting double digits. MWC teams won four of last six bowls vs Pac-12 squads (1-1 as favorite). Underdogs are 4-3 vs spread in last seven Vegas Bowls. Over last five years, double digit bowl favorites are 7-10 vs spread.

Hawai'i Bowl

Over last five years, Conference USA teams are 3-1 in bowls vs WAC teams, with average total in those games 82.0. Southern Miss lost coach Fedora to North Carolina, but he's coaching this game, 10th bowl game in row for USM, but first time in last six years they've left south for bowl. Nevada lost four of last five bowls, losing this game 45-10 (1-2) to SMU two years ago; they also lost last three visits here to play Hawai'i, by 7-7-6 points. Golden Eagles are 11-2 but lost to Marshall/UAB, with loss to hideous Blazers a red flag. Nevada is 1-2 in games where pointspread is single digits, with those games decided by total of 11 points. Average total in last eight Hawai'i Bowls is 83, as teams try to impress recruits with wide-open play on Christmas Eve; underdogs are 5-3 vs spread in those eight games. Senior QB Davis is starting his 45th career game for Southern Miss squad that cost C-USA $10M by knocking off Houston in conference championship game.

Independence Bowl

Over last five years, Big X teams are 3-0 in bowls vs ACC teams, with wins by 3-3-5 points (dogs 3-0 vs spread); over last five years, teams from Big X are just 13-26 vs spread in bowl games, 4-9 when favored. Missouri is 1-4 as a favorite this year- Tigers allowed 37+ points in four of five losses. Tar Heels have new coach, but he's coaching his old team out in Hawai'i; they're 2-4 in last six games after 5-1 start. UNC is 1-2 as an underdog this year. North Carolina is playing in its 4th straight bowl, with previous three decided by total of 6 points. Favorites covered this bowl last five years; last dog to win here was Mizzou in '05, its last visit here (also lost here in '03). Underdogs are 29-13 vs spread in ACC bowl games the last five years, with ACC teams 14-6 as underdogs. Missouri is jumping to SEC next year; this game is in Shreveport, SEC country.

**Udog** · 12-17-2011, 10:15 AM

NCAAF

Bowl Season

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Bowling for Dollars: College football bowl season picks
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Bowl season – college football’s advent calendar.

Just like those chocolate-filled packages with the little windows, bowl season is a countdown to bigger and better things. Whether your calendar ends on Dec. 31 or keeps on trucking through to the GoDaddy.com Bowl and beyond, the daily doses of NCAAF make this the most wonderful time of the year.

Some people wonder why there are so many bowl games. Surely we could do without games like the New Mexico Bowl and the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.

Those people obviously don’t know the joy of placing a bet on some random team you’ve only read about twice, curling up in front of a roaring flatscreen and yelling at players you’ve never heard of and will never hear of again, all for a $20 wager on the short underdog.

These holiday pleasures are yours for the taking - maybe not, if you’re following me during bowl season. I capped the regular season with a 24-32 record for my College Four-Play picks, never doing better than 2-2.

But bowl season, like the New Year that caps it, is a chance for new beginnings. I had a lot a fun writing these columns each week and, despite my record, I hope you all had a chuckle or two reading them.

Enough with the gushing, let’s crack open that first window on the advent calendar and see if we can make this a Christmas to remember – Kenny and Dolly style bitches!

New Mexico Bowl: Temple vs. Wyoming (+7, 49.5)

You might not be jacked up for this game, but Bill Cosby sure is. The Temple alum told reporters this week that he just wants “to see us represented by great football players and great gentlemen". Cliff Huxtable would never steer us wrong.

Pick: Temple -7

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs. Ohio (+1.5, 58)

The last time the Aggies took on a dual-threat like Ohio QB Tyler Tettleton was against Hawaii, and we all know how that game ended. Utah State was getting murdered before the Warriors got the call. No fix on the Smurf Turf.

Pick: Ohio +1.5

New Orleans Bowl: UL Lafayette vs. San Diego State (-4.5, 59)

The Ragin’ Cajuns are back in a bowl for the first time in more than 40 years. And it just so happens to be in their backyard. I’ll take those 4.5 points, thank you very much.

Pick: UL Lafayette +4.5

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Florida International vs. Marshall (+4, 48.5)

Vinny Curry, Marshall’s All-American DE, is projected to go in the middle of the first round in the 2012 NFL Draft. While you may not be watching this toilet bowl, plenty of pro scouts will be.

Also, happy first day of Chanukkah to all my Jewish friends.

Pick: Marshall +4

Poinsettia Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. TCU (-10.5, 55.5)

The Horned Frogs have failed to cover in their last three bowl games and come into this Dec. 21 contest against a LaTech team that has won seven SU and ATS heading into bowl season.

Pick: Louisiana Tech +10.5

Las Vegas Bowl: Arizona State vs. Boise State (-14, 65.5)

When bowl betting theories collide. What’s worth more to bettors: Arizona State being coached by fired-and-replaced Dennis Erickson or Boise State’s lack of motivation after getting the BCS snub? Seeing that BSU is moving on to greener pastures in the mishmash Big East, this game could be a job interview for Erickson.

Pick: Arizona State +14

Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. Southern Mississippi (-6, 61.5)

So this is what you get for winning the C-USA and knocking off the sixth-ranked team in the country – a trip to Hawaii. The Golden Eagles come to paradise fat and happy with the future of their program up in the air, since head coach Larry Fedora took the gig at UNC. Nevada, on the other hand, has been to Hawaii every other season and won’t be distracted like so many other teams when they come to the island.

Pick: Nevada +6

Independence Bowl: North Carolina vs. Missouri (-5, 52.5)

North Carolina closes out an embarrassing chapter in the program’s history in Shreveport, putting to rest scandal and underachievement. Interim head coach Everett Withers is a little pissed he didn’t get the job and with a new coach and a new era on the way, UNC will roll over to a very good Mizzou team.

Pick: Missouri -5

Little Caesar’s Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Purdue (-2.5, 60)

Is it just me or should this spread be the other way around? Western Michigan can score points in a hurry while Purdue just did enough in the Big Ten to earn a bowl game.

Pick: Western Michigan +2.5

Belk Bowl: Louisville vs. North Carolina State (-2.5, 44.5)

The Wolfpack finished the regular season with a bang, covering in three of their last four games. North Carolina State led the land in interceptions with 24 – that’s two picks per game. When the spread is as tight as this one, those INTs are game changers.

Pick: North Carolina State -2.5

Military Bowl: Toledo vs. Air Force (+3, 69.5)

These types of bowls make you want to handicap the same way you did multiple-choice tests in high school: A, B, C, D, A, B, C, D…

Pick: Toledo -3

Holiday Bowl: California vs. Texas (-3, 47.5)

After a year absence, the Longhorns are back in bowl season. Texas may have scored a better matchup if it didn’t fall apart – literally – at the end of the schedule. However, the Horns are healthy, especially RB Malcolm Brown, and ready to start their climb back to the top of the college football mountain.

Pick: Texas -3

Champs Sports Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Florida State (-3, 46.5)

Brian Kelly is going to kick himself for benching QB Tommy Rees in the second half versus Stanford. The sophomore’s confidence took a shot to the pills and chances are he won’t finish the game for Notre Dame against a tough FSU defense.

Pick: Florida State -3

Alamo Bowl: Washington vs. Baylor (-9, 78)

I did some digging into the record of recent Heisman winners in their following bowl games and stumbled upon some startling stats.

While the past two Heisman honorees were winners SU and ATS in their subsequent bowl game, the winner of college football’s top individual award is just 5-7 SU and 4-8 ATS during bowl season.

Sorry RG3. The numbers don’t lie.

Pick: Washington +9

Armed Forces Bowl: Tulsa vs. BYU (-2.5, 55.5)

When you look back at Tulsa’s four losses, you can’t help but take those 2.5 points. The Golden Hurricane lost to Oklahoma, Ohio State, Boise State and Houston – all of which ranked in the Top 25.

Pick: Tulsa +2.5

Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs. Iowa State (+1.5, 44.5)

Rutgers has a short trip to the Bronx for this bowl game. But New Yorkers have never been kind to people from New Jersey, and ISU can hurt you in a lot of ways.

Pick: Iowa State +1.5

Music City Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State (-6.5, 48)

Wake Forest has been a notorious good bet in bowl games, going 4-1 ATS in their last five. But the Deacons were open about how drained they were after the finale versus Vanderbilt and face an opponent with just as good a record in bowl games – 4-0 ATS in last four.

Pick: Mississippi State -6.5

Insight Bowl: Iowa vs. Oklahoma (-13.5, 58)

I’m capping this game like I do my Xmas shopping: Whaaaaa, Oklahoma at under two touchdowns?! Boom. Done.

Pick: Oklahoma -13.5

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Northwestern (+9.5, 65)

Texas A&M may not be an SEC team yet, but they’re certainly being treated like one with all those points going the other way. The Aggies are a big 0-fer in their last five bowl games while NU has been money in the postseason and versus Big 12 opponents.

Pick: Northwestern +9.5

Sun Bowl: Utah at Georgia Tech (-3.5, 50.5)

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham was looking forward to not having to face the triple-option any more when the program joined the Pac-12. Well, here comes Georgia Tech right down triple-option lane. The Utes struggled against triple-option Air Force before leaving the MWC, going 3-1 SU but 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings.

Pick: Georgia Tech -3.5

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: UCLA vs. Illinois (-2.5, 47)

Let’s call it what it really is: The Kraft Fight Hungry Coaches Bowl. Both Roon Zook and Rick Neuheisel are out of a job on New Year’s Eve, so don’t be surprised if they start indulging in the “holiday cheer” by halftime.

Pick: Illinois -2.5

Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt (-3, 48.5)

Zach Collaros is 50/50 for this game while recovering from a broken ankle. But, in all honesty, it may not matter. Munchie Legaux (great name) has been steady under center and may actually fit into the Bearcats offense better than his predecessor.

Pick: Cincinnati +3

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Virginia vs. Auburn (-1.5, 49)

The line hasn’t moved much, despite Auburn star running back Michael Dyer being suspended for the bowl game. What that tells me is that books have a hell of a lot of respect for the Tigers' backups Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason.

Pick: Auburn -1.5

TicketCity Bowl: Penn State vs. Houston (-5.5, 56.5)

Houston is bummed after blowing the C-USA title game and shitting the BCS bed in the final game of the season. On top of that, head coach Kevin Sumlin took the money and ran for the SEC promise land with Texas A&M, leaving no one at the wheel for the Cougars.

Pick: Penn State +5.5

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Georgia (-3.5, 50)

The Spartans face a familiar bowl foe in the Outback Bowl, having faced Georgia just three years ago in the Capital One Bowl. Michigan State fell 24-12, giving up 21 points in the second half. That loss is part of a 1-4 ATS slide for MSU in its last five bowl games.

Pick: Georgia -3.5

Capital One Bowl: Nebraska vs. South Carolina (-2.5, 46.5)

Speaking of bowl skids, South Carolina is mired in a nasty one. The Gamecocks are 1-4 ATS in their last five bowl appearances and Steve Spurrier is looking forward to ending this drama-filled season.

Pick: Nebraska +2.5

Gator Bowl: Florida vs. Ohio State (+2, 44)

You’ve got to think new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has shared a few secrets with OSU interim coach Luke Fickell about his former team. Remember when the Raiders traded coach Jon Gruden to the Bucs, then got squashed in the Super Bowl?

Pick: Ohio State +2

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon (-6, 72)

I want this to be a really, really good game, so I’m hoping the finish is closer than six points. Wisconsin’s girth versus Oregon’s speed is a great way to ring in the New Year.

Pick: Wisconsin +6

Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Oklahoma State (-3.5, 74)

Fresh off his win at the Chevron World Challenge, Tiger Woods is back to being a respectable member of the community and is Stanford’s honorary captain for the Fiesta Bowl. We all know where the party’s at when the Cardinal win.

Pick: Stanford +3.5

Sugar Bowl: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech (+2.5, 51)

Wouldn’t this game be better with Houston or Boise State butting heads with the Wolverines? For those of us begging for a playoff system, please Michigan, stuff the ball down the Hokies’ f#ckin' throats.

Pick: Michigan -2.5

Orange Bowl: West Virginia vs. Clemson (-3.5, 60.5)

Clemson could have been without two offensive weapons for the Orange Bowl. Backup RB Mike Bellamy has been suspended for violating team rules and star freshman WR Sammy Watkins got a scare when the NCAA looked into his face appearing on a flyer for a Xmas party. Watkins apparently had nothing to do with it and is expected to play – and beat WVU.

Pick: Clemson -3.5

Cotton Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arkansas (-7.5, 62.5)

Kansas State was every bettors’ favorite team this season. The Wildcats came out of nowhere to finish the year 10-2 with a 9-3 record ATS. Bill Snyder took home Coach of the Year honors and everything looks cherry heading into the Cotton Bowl. That’s why I’m betting the Hogs.

Pick: Arkansas -7.5

Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. SMU (+3.5, 48)

Pittsburgh’s coach left. Southern Methodist’s coach stayed. The line has shrunk nearly three points since.

Pick: SMU +3.5

GoDaddy.com Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois (+1, 62.5)

Like any good mix tape, you’ve got to bring it down a little bit before giving the people what they really want. It’s also been a ploy of professional wrestling, booking a ladies tag match or something dumb before the main event. If you’ve got to bet this game – and you do – go with the best player on the field, Chandler Harnish.

Pick: Northern Illinois +1

BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama (-1, 40)

I’m thrilled about this rematch and couldn’t care less about people who cried and whined about having Alabama and LSU go at it again. Who else are you going to put in there? This game is going to be examined more thoroughly than Scarlett Johansson at a breast checkup, so I’ll keep it short and sweet.

Pick: LSU +1

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**badger** · 12-17-2011, 11:17 AM

Who the hell is Dunkel???

**Udog** · 12-17-2011, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by badger View Post

Who the hell is Dunkel???

The Dunkel Index is the original power rating system for sports. Here's a portion of their home page:

82 and Still Going Strong!
This season marks our 82nd consecutive year of producing the Dunkel ratings -- a record in longevity that no other index or system can match. Created in 1929 by Dick Dunkel, Sr., as the original power rating system, the Dunkel Index has consistently produced top-quality ratings and picks for sports fans everywhere.

Picking games is a lot like investing. You have to analyze the data, determine the trends and process it all into a clear, rational decision. At Dunkel, we do all that for you. We follow every team from week-to-week and program the information into time-tested, mathematical formulas that consistently produce high-quality picks. But we take it one step further. Instead of hiding behind fuzzy, seat-of-the-pants speculation, we tell you exactly what the margin of victory should be. That way you can compare our numbers with what others are saying and determine the picks you like best.

The Index is the oldest and one of the most respected power rating services in existence. It is still family-owned and operated by a third generation of Dunkels, who thoroughly research every game. No pick is posted without applying the Dunkel method and we stand behind every call. Our track record of proven success has attracted followers across the country and internationally.

Announcement

NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Bowl Season (12/17 - 1/9)

NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Bowl Season (12/17 - 1/9)

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