Announcement

**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 08:33 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Some NFL trends, with Week 1 upon us........

-- Falcons’ last 11 games vs AFC teams stayed under the total.

-- Saints covered 11 of their last 12 home games.

-- Chiefs covered their last six games as a home underdog.

-- Buccaneers covered only six of last 27 home games.

-- Vikings are 7-2-1 vs spread in last ten openers.

-- Green Bay covered 13 of last 17 tries as a home favorite.

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Random stuff on a late summer day.........

13) Do all Americans have freedom of speech? Not if you work at Notre Dame, which suspended radio analyst/alumnus Allen Pinkett for three games after he made insensitive comments before the Irish’s opening game with Navy.

Did I agree with Pinkett’s statements? Some yes, some no, and while they were most definitely politically incorrect, people fight wars to protect his rights to state his beliefs. It’s a shame his employers don’t feel the same way about it.

12) Houston Texans will be a very popular pick in knockout pools this week; in large part because of HBO’s Hard Knocks, every Miami Dolphin opponent might be popular until the Fish show they can play a little bit.

11) The question that needs to be asked about the Dolphins is this: Did they need this much of an overhaul? After a dismal 0-7 start LY, Miami did rally to finish 6-10, with Matt Moore at QB. Moore is pretty good.

10) Milwaukee Brewer owner Mark Attanasio seems like a sharp guy; the ceremony for Bob Uecker’s statue at Miller Park last week was tasteful; Attanasio also went on a Brewer TV telecast last week to explain why the team was shutting down young pitcher Mark Rogers for the season.

He didn’t lay it on the manager or GM; he’s the boss, and he told everyone what was being done and why. Smart.

9) Clemson coach Dabo Swinney brought boxer Evander Holyfield in last week to talk to his team, before they played Auburn, something about what it takes to be a champion. Must’ve worked, Clemson beat Auburn for the second year in a row.

8) We told you a few days ago how Savannah State got $385,000 from Oklahoma State to go play there; turns out they’re getting another $475,000 from Florida State to go get hammered there this week.

Industry experts were saying there is no way Savannah should’ve gotten less than a million bucks combined for those two games. I’m sure the school president will be thrilled to read that.

7) Only reason Florida State is playing Savannah State this week is because West Virginia backed out of a game with the Seminoles at last minute, and FSU had trouble finding a replacement they couldn't lose to.

6) Surprised that 28 of New England’s last 38 games went over total.

5) Before the Giant-Dallas game Wednesday, the last NFL game played on a Wednesday was in 1948, when the Rams beat Detroit 44-7.

4) We often hear announcers/coaches say how this isn’t the right time to panic; OK, so when exactly is the right time to panic?

3) There are 2,477 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2) Eureka College plays Division III college football, no scholarships; their QB is Sam Durrey, and he threw for a college record 736 yards in Eureka’s 62-55 win over Knox last Saturday. His leading receiver was Jordan Kindred, who caught 15 balls for 235 yards for the Red Devils, in his first-ever organized football game. Kid was a basketball player before this.

1) If you’re a real good college athlete with a future in the pros, why would you not take some basic business classes and learn how to handle your own money, so you don’t put your wealth at risk by letting agents handle it? Not many people can be trusted around millions of dollars.

Its very sad that guys like Allen Iverson and Terrell Owens are broke; it just is, and they’re hardly the only ones.

**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 08:38 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Tulsa at Seattle
The Shock look to take advantage of a Seattle team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games. Tulsa is the pick (+10) according to Dunkel, which has the Storm favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+10). Here are all of today's picks

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Game 601-602: Tulsa at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 109.538; Seattle 110.874
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 1 1/2; 157
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 10; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+10); Over

WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, September 6

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TULSA (6 - 20) at SEATTLE (11 - 14) - 9/6/2012, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-3 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 10-1 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Thursday, September 6

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Trend Report
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10:00 PM
TULSA vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Tulsa

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**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 08:40 AM

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Baltimore
The Yankees look to take advantage of a Baltimore team that is 0-4 in Jason Hammel's last 4 starts. New York is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Game 901-902: Colorado at Atlanta (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 15.931; Atlanta (Hudson) 15.450
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Over

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Miami (12:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Estrada) 14.238; Miami (Johnson) 15.079
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Miami (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-125); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Germano) 13.723; Washington (Zimmermann) 16.093
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-230); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-230); Under

Game 907-908: NY Yankees at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Phelps) 15.577; Baltimore (Hammel) 15.241
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-105); Over

Game 909-910: Texas at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 15.521; Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.203
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-135); Under

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, September 6

Hot pitchers
-- Hudson is 4-1, 2.84 in his last five home starts. Chacin is 2-1, 1.50 since he came off the DL.
-- Milwaukee won last four Estrada starts (2-0, 2.00 in last three).

-- None in AL. Check out our NFL writeups on the NFL page.

Cold pitchers
-- JJohnson is 0-4, 3.94 in his last five starts.
-- Zimmerman is 0-2, 7.92 in his last four starts. Germano is 0-3, 10.43 in his last three starts.

-- Hammel is 0-4, 7.78 in his last four starts, last of which was July 13. Phelps is 0-1, 5.09 in his last three outings.
-- Hochevar lost his last two starts, allowing 13 runs in 9.2 IP. Feldman is 0-5, 6.99 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Colorado won 11 of its last 17 games. Braves won three of four.
-- Brewers won 13 of their last 16 games.
-- Washington won seven of its last eight games.

-- Orioles won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Every Week 1 NFL game is analyzed on our NFL page.
-- Rangers won 13 of their last 18 games. Royals won 11 of last 16 at home.

Cold Teams
-- Marlins lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Cubs are 6-14 in their last twenty games.

-- Bronx Bombers lost 12 of their last 18 games.

Totals
-- 13 of last 17 Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in Miami's last eleven games.
-- Six of last nine Washington games went over the total.

-- Nine of last twelve Bronx games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in Kansas City's last five games.

MLB

Thursday, September 6

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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
COLORADO vs. ATLANTA
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado

12:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of NY Yankees's last 15 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Yankees

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. KANSAS CITY
Texas is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
Texas is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Kansas City is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home

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MLB

Thursday, September 6

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Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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STREAKING

Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies (2-4, 4.85)

Chacin allowed one run over seven innings and picked up the win Saturday against the Padres. The righty has been impressive over his last three starts, allowing just three runs over 18 innings. He has a tough road start opposite Tim Hudson and the Braves next.

Marco Estrada, Milwaukee Brewers (2-5, 3.85)

Estrada allowed one run on four hits and struck out 10 over seven innings, but was left with a no-decision against the Pirates last time out. The right-hander has been brilliant over his last three starts, allowing just one earned run over his last 18 innings pitched. He toes the rubber in Miami against the Marlins on Thursday.

SLUMPING

Scott Feldman, Texas Rangers (6-11, 5.01)

Feldman surrendered four runs over six innings and was tabbed with the loss in his last outing against the Indians. The righty has taken the loss in each of his last five starts and looks to turn things around against the Royals, a team he has a 1.46 ERA against in two starts this season.

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals (9-8, 3.01)

Zimmermann was rocked for eight runs over 3 2/3 innings and did not factor in the decision Saturday against the Cardinals. His ERA jumped from 2.63 to 3.01 following Saturday’s breakdown and the right-hander has failed to pick up a win in his last four starts. He draws the Cubs on Thursday

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**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 08:54 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, September 6

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COLORADO (56 - 79) at ATLANTA (77 - 60) - 12:10 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 56-79 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 14-31 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
COLORADO is 56-79 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 91-122 (-31.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 52-84 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 20-45 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 77-60 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 75-59 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 52-31 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 47-30 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HUDSON is 17-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 145-66 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 16-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 75-26 (+24.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 12-20 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-1 (+3.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CHACIN is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 8.38 and a WHIP of 2.172.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HUDSON is 4-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.87 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-2. (+4.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (67 - 69) at MIAMI (60 - 77) - 12:40 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. JOSH JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 67-69 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 26-41 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-19 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 22-29 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 67-69 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-51 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-36 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 57-25 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 60-77 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 31-37 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MIAMI is 3-11 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
MIAMI is 59-75 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 38-53 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 32-43 (-12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 27-32 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-3 (+0.6 Units) against MIAMI this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.8 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. MIAMI since 1997
ESTRADA is 0-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 7.56 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
JOHNSON is 3-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.339.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.6 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 85) at WASHINGTON (84 - 52) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN GERMANO (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-85 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-51 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-46 (-23.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-85 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-43 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-62 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-53 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 3-20 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
GERMANO is 13-29 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GERMANO is 6-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 84-52 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-14 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 81-52 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-33 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 58-35 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 53-30 (+17.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-1 (+3.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JUSTIN GERMANO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GERMANO is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (77 - 59) at BALTIMORE (76 - 60) - 7:05 PM
DAVID PHELPS (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 106-95 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 61-70 (-24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-60 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-25 (+16.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 37-30 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-15 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 30-22 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 69-52 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-47 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 54-46 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 31-28 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 46-35 (+23.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 72-80 (+30.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 165-106 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-7 (+3.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PHELPS is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.570.
His team's record is 2-5 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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TEXAS (81 - 55) at KANSAS CITY (61 - 75) - 8:10 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 43-38 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FELDMAN is 6-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 0-5 (-7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 6-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 4-10 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 46-45 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 36-36 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-15 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
HOCHEVAR is 25-18 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 135-87 (+17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 246-356 (-97.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-4 (+2.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
FELDMAN is 3-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. TEXAS since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 0.959.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 11:21 AM

Thursday's betting tips: Pitt profitable versus Big East foes

Weather watch

-- Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Kauffman Stadium, where the Royals host the Rangers Thursday. There’s a 70 percent chance of showers in the later hours of the evening, which could soak the later innings.

Betting news and notes

-- The Marlins are a staggering 17 games under .500 in manager Ozzie Guillen’s first year at the helm. Miami has just two victories during a nine-game homestand that ends Thursday. The Fish are -122 home faves for the series finale with the Brewers.

-- The Nationals are trying to complete their second four-game sweep in a month. They swept four from Houston from Aug. 6-9, with P Jordan Zimmermann winning the final game of the series. Zimmermann hit a career high for wins back on Aug. 9, but he is winless in four starts since and he's coming off his worst outing of the year. Washington is a -230 favorite in Chicago Thursday.

-- Pittsburgh has won its last four Big East openers, and five of its last six. Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings with Thursday’s opponent, Cincinnati, and 20-7 ATS in their last 27 conference contests. Pitt is a 4-point road underdog Thursday.

-- Tomas Berdych upset Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Wednesday. He’s priced at +900 to win the final Grand Slam of the season. Novak Djokovic is the favorite at -125.

-- Browns CB Joe Haden is expected to play versus the Eagles in Week 1 with his four-game ban for a positive drug test expected to start in Week 2. Haden is one of the better shutdown corners in the NFL and will be assigned to Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Cleveland is a 9-point underdog versus Philadelphia in Week 1.

-- Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia is expected to return behind home plate for Friday’s game against the Red Sox. Arencibia missed time due to a fractured hand suffered on July 25.

**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 09:15 PM

CFL
Dunkel

Calgary at Edmonton
The Stampeders look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games in Week 11. Calgary is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Eskimos favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+2 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Game 491-492: Calgary at Edmonton (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 113.860; Edmonton 114.890
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 1; 46
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 2 1/2; 50
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+2 1/2); Under

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Game 493-494: Hamilton at Toronto (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 109.290; Toronto 113.684
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 4 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Toronto by 3; 53
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-3); Over

Game 495-496: Montreal at BC (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 115.698; BC 123.979
Dunkel Line: BC by 8 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: BC by 5 1/2; 52
Dunkel Pick: BC (-5 1/2); Over

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Game 497-498: Saskatchewan at Winnipeg (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 113.861; Winnipeg 108.710
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 5; 53
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 3 1/2; 50
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-3 1/2); Over

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 11

Friday, September 7

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CALGARY (5 - 4) at EDMONTON (5 - 4) - 9/7/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 64-91 ATS (-36.1 Units) as a favorite since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 4-4 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, September 8

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HAMILTON (3 - 6) at TORONTO (5 - 4) - 9/8/2012, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 5-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 6-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTREAL (6 - 3) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (6 - 3) - 9/8/2012, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 3-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, September 9

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SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 5) at WINNIPEG (2 - 7) - 9/9/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 93-67 ATS (+19.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in September games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-2 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 11

Home (18-18). Favorites (14-22), Over (18-18). West 11-7 vs East.

Same four matchups this weekend as last, just different home fields.........

Calgary (5-4) @ Edmonton (5-4)-- Stampeders beat Eskimos 31-30 at home last week, as Edmonton missed FG on their last drive; third win in last four games for Calgary, which is +5 in turnovers in last four games, after being -6 in its first five contests. Calgary won its last two home games; underdogs covered all four of their home games. Edmonton is 3-1 at home; they're 3-0 vs spread this season in game following a loss. Four of last five Calgary games stayed under total; three of last four Edmonton games went over.

Hamilton (3-6) @ Toronto (5-4)-- Argonauts (+3.5) won 33-30 at Hamilton last week, avenging 36-27 loss from earlier in year; it was fifth game in a row Hamilton allowed 20+ points in second half, outscored 95-41 in last four, all losses. TiCats are 1-3 on road, 2-1 as road dogs, losing by 3-7-12 points. Underdogs covered three of four Toronto home games, with Argos losing last two; they're 5-1 when scoring 20+ points, 0-3 when they score less. Five of last six Toronto games stayed under total; seven of nine Hamilton games went over.

Montreal (6-3) @ BCLions (6-3)-- Alouettes snapped BC's four-game win streak with 30-25 win last week, despite gaining only 383 yards, their lowest output in last six games. Montreal won its last four games- they're 6-0 when they scored 30+ points, 0-3 when they don't. Lions won three of four home games, allowing average of 21 ppg in its home games. Alouettes won last two away games, at Winnipeg and Edmonton, after losing their first two. Six of last eight Montreal games went over total; six of Lions' last seven games went under.

Saslatchewan (4-5) @ Winnipeg (2-7)-- Coaching chamge didn't exactly help in last week's 52-0 loss in Regina; Riders outrushed them 175-46, outgained them 441-142 and had three takeaways (+3), but win snapped 5-game Saskatchewan skid, so not like Riders are having smooth sailing either. Bombers are 3-7 vs spread this season but respectable 2-2 at home, with losses by 10-3 points. Winnipeg was outscored 69-10 in first half of their last four games. Four of last six Roughrider games, three of last four Winnipeg games went over the total.

CFL

Week 11

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Trend Report
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Friday, September 7

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary

Saturday, September 8

1:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Hamilton's last 11 games when playing Toronto
Hamilton is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing Hamilton
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Hamilton

4:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Montreal is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Montreal is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games when playing Montreal
British Columbia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Montreal

Sunday, September 9

1:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games
Winnipeg is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan

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**Udog** · 09-06-2012, 09:23 PM

NASCAR betting: Ready for a wild ride at Richmond

With so much on the line, Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 Richmond International Raceway could be the wildest race of the season to date. This marks the final event in NASCAR’s regular season and finalizes the field for the 10-race 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup.

While the top of the field is locked in, there are still three spots up for grabs and 10 drivers who can mathematically contest for them.

Chief among those on the outside looking in is Kyle Busch. Currently Kasey Kahne holds the provisional wildcard spot with Busch looking to knock him off that bubble. Given the history of Joe Gibbs Racing here at Richmond, Busch has a great chance of doing just that Saturday night.

Kyle won here in the spring and was sixth in this race last season. Overall, he has four wins here - three of those coming in the last five Richmond races.

“We were in this situation in 2009 and we had to go to Richmond and finish five spots ahead of Brian Vickers and we finished fifth, which was great,” Busch told the media. “But Brian Vickers finished eighth, so we missed the Chase that night. Not necessarily one that you bank on going there and getting a win or anything like that. You feel like you can run well, but you can’t guarantee it, either.

"Again, you just do what you’ve got – do what you need to do to run as well as you can. There are definitely never any guarantees you’re going to show up to the racetrack and win. You’ve just got to work hard, communicate with your crew chief the best you can and not get too frustrated when things aren’t exactly correct. But, yet, be determined enough that you can get them fixed and get out there and make the most of your opportunities.”

Of the remaining hopefuls, Jeff Gordon could be the toughest. He was third in this race last season but finished outside the top 20 in two of the last four including a 23rd place finish here in the spring. However with the experience that Gordon carries in here and his raw determination to race his way into the Chase, Gordon could be one to watch Saturday night.

"We're going with guns loaded ready to do battle," said Gordon. "This race is always intense and I expect it to be a pretty crazy night.

"It's a little bit different because it's a short track (compared to last week's race on the 1.54-mile Atlanta track). I think everybody expects there to be a little more pushing and shoving on the short track. I've been saying all along that I think it's going to come down to the last lap at Richmond - and we're going to fight all the way down to that last lap.

"Our focus won't be on what 'this team' is doing or what 'this driver' is doing. We're just going to focus on our own program like we always do. We'll focus on tuning the car, communicating and working the setup the best we possibly can to try to have the fastest race car.

"I'm not going into the race thinking that we've got to finish 12 positions ahead of Kyle. I'm thinking we have to win."

Even Busch has his eye on Gordon factoring him in when Busch was asked about his confidence of making the Chase.

“I feel OK. I’m not saying I’m for sure going to be in at all,” he said. “Anything can happen. Jeff (Gordon) is no slouch at Richmond, either. He will be fine. I feel like he’s the guy we’re racing – the 24 car. We’ll just have to see how it all plays out. Jeff could give us a run for our money.”

Although a Ford hasn’t won here since 2005, one driver needing a win to make the Chase is Carl Edwards. He’s had a miserable string of bad luck, but still has a shot of making the Chase. Out of the three cars in the Roush-Fenway Racing stable, Edwards has the best Richmond record. With his teammates already secured in the Chase, Edwards desperately wants to join the party. He was second in this race last season and in the spring he led 206 laps before a late race penalty took him from contention and left him in 10th. He has never won here, but that could change Saturday night.

“We’re going to Richmond to win,” Edwards said. “We need some luck and we need it to be good luck. We’ve passed more cars in the last month than we’ve passed all year. I wouldn’t go to Richmond with any other team, in any other car. I feel like the No.99 Ford is the favorite there because of how we ran in the spring and we’re settling for nothing less than victory lane.”

Tony Stewart is looking to make a strong statement. While he is assured of at least a Wild Card spot, he needs to be seeded in the top 10 in the Chase to get the bonus points for his three wins this season. Stewart hasn’t won here since 2002 but finished third in the spring and in the top ten the two races prior. He could easily steal the spotlight Saturday night.

“It is my favorite track,” Stewart said. “It’s not one of them; it’s the favorite track of mine on the circuit. It seems like we have to race ourselves and race the racetrack versus racing each other a lot of times. You do have to race each other, obviously, but there are a lot of times during the race when you have the flexibility to move around on the racetrack and try to find a spot your car likes better than somewhere else. A lot of times on a short track you don’t have the flexibility. You’re more narrowed down with what groove you’re going to be in.”

Bottom Line: 63 of 112 races have been won from the top five starting positions, including 22 from the pole. The last driver to win from the pole was Kyle Busch on May 1, 2010. The furthest back in the field a race winner has started was 31st, by Clint Bowyer in the 2008 spring race

Odds to win the Federated Auto Parts 400 (Courtesy of JustBet)

Denny Hamlin 9-2
Kyle Busch 9-2
Jeff Gordon 8-1
Jimmie Johnson 8-1
Tony Stewart 8-1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 10-1
Brad Keselowski 10-1
Kasey Kahne 10-1
Kevin Harvick 12-1
Matt Kenseth 20-1
Greg Biffle 20-1
Carl Edwards 20-1
Clint Bowyer 20-1
Mark Martin 25-1
Martin Truex Jr. 25-1
Ryan Newman 50-1
Joey Lagano 60-1
Jamie McMurray 100-1
Jeff Burton 100-1
Juan Montoya 100-1
Kurt Busch 100-1
Sam Hornish, Jr. 100-1
Marcos Ambrose 100-1
Paul Menard 100-1
David Ragan 300-1
Regan Smith 300-1
Aric Almirola 300-1
Bobby Labonte 300-1
David Gilliland 300-1
Field (Any Other Driver) 50-1

Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 9/6 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 9/6 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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