Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:50 PM

Virginia Tech at Miami

October 31, 2012

The switch to the ACC for the Thursday night matchups provided a dud last week with Clemson blowing out Wake Forest. This week's matchup has the potential to be a gem with two former national powers looking for a path to the ACC Coastal title. This rivalry provided an exciting game last season with fourth quarter lead changes and the winning score in the final minute and as the line suggests, Virginia Tech and Miami could be in line for another tight game. Here is a look at the teams and the history in this series.

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes
Venue: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2012
Time/TV: 7:30 PM ET - ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech -1 ½, Over/Under 57½
Last Meeting: 2011, Virginia Tech (-7½) 38-35, at Virginia Tech

The ACC Coastal division is wide open with Duke currently leading the way at 3-2. Virginia Tech and Miami are certainly in the mix as North Carolina is not eligible for the postseason this year. While the Atlantic champion, likely Florida State or Clemson, will be a heavy favorite over the Coastal champion in the conference championship game, the Coastal champion has won four of the past five title games. The winner of this game could be in the driver's seat for the division title.

This is the first of two back-to-back Thursday night affairs for a Virginia Tech team that has lost three of the last four games to fall to 4-4. The Hokies are 2-2 in conference play and only once in the eight years that Virginia Tech has been in the ACC has the team lost more than two conference games. Virginia Tech has also never finished worst than second in the Coastal division. Frank Beamer has not had a five-loss team since 2003 and he has not led a team at .500 or below since 1992. The Hokies will be solid favorites the final two weeks of the season against Boston College and Virginia, but they host Florida State next week, making this is a pretty critical game.

Expectations were pretty low for Miami this season with self-imposed and NCAA sanctions starting to grab hold of the once dominant program. Miami squeaked by Boston College in the opening week of the season and then was hammered by Kansas State, a loss that no longer looks so terrible. The Hurricanes are 3-2 in ACC play and 4-4 overall and while a few losses have been ugly, they have all come against highly regarded teams. Three of Miami's four losses have come against top 10 teams. Miami has lost three straight after starting the ACC season 3-0, but if they win Thursday, they have winnable road games to close the conference season, at Virginia, and at Duke.

The Hurricanes have posted solid offensive numbers led by a passing attack that is putting up 288 yards per game. Junior quarterback Stephen Morris has passed for 2,200 yards already this season, but he has completed just over 57 percent of his passes and only has 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Miami has not had a consistent rushing attack and part of that has been due to playing from behind in several games. The main issues for Miami have been on defense however. The 'Canes have allowed over 32 points per game on nearly 500 yards per game. Only one FBS opponent has been held to fewer than 32 points this season.

Virginia Tech is accustomed to featuring one of the top defenses in the nation, but this season the Hokies have very average numbers, allowing 370 yards per game including an alarming 167 yards per game on the ground. The numbers are far better than what Miami has done on defense, but the schedule has not been nearly as difficult. Virginia Tech is incredibly 0-4 away from home this season with the defense allowing 465 yards and 37 points per game in the non-home games. The Hokies have also lacked stable production on the ground with their leading rusher featuring just 338 yards on the season. Quarterback Logan Thomas is a duel-threat, but he has been turnover-prone and he is completing less than 54 percent of his passes and already with as many interceptions as he had all last season.

Thomas is a big, mobile quarterback and Miami had serious problems containing Collin Klein early in the year. Miami has been out-rushed in every game since the opening week, often by a significant margin, but this has been a team that can put together great scoring stretches, delivering wild runs to win against Georgia Tech and N.C. State earlier this season. The home team has won four of the last five meetings in this series, but Virginia Tech has owned the recent ATS history, including covering in the last five trips to Miami. Both teams have battled injuries on the offensive line and in the backfield which seems to be the root of many of the problems for both offenses.

Line Movement: Virginia Tech opened as a two-point road favorite. The line did briefly climb to -2 ½, but has since dropped to -1 ½. The total has elevated slightly from 57 to 57 ½.

Last Meeting: Last season in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech led most of the way after opening with a 14-0 lead. A touchdown seconds before halftime kept the margin at 14 points and that lead was cut to 10 entering a wild fourth quarter. The teams traded touchdowns in the first three minutes of the final quarter and Miami got within three a few minutes later. The Hurricanes broke a big run from now Miami Dolphin Lamar Miller to take the lead with less than three minutes to go. Logan Thomas and the Hokies had the last laugh with a 19-yard run to clinch the win with under a minute to go. Both teams had big days on offense, combining for over 1,000 total yards and Thomas had one of his best overall games. The star running backs for both teams are now in the NFL and former Miami quarterback Jacory Harris started for the Hurricanes.

Series History: This rivalry has moved from the Big East to the ACC, but Virginia Tech has dominated the recent meetings. Miami won seven straight in this series from the 1981 Peach Bowl to 1994, while Virginia Tech is 12-5 S/U since then, including winning S/U in each of the last three seasons and in seven of the last nine. The Hokies are also 17-7 ATS since 1981 in this series including covering in nine of the last 11, although Miami covered as an underdog last season.

Virginia Tech Historical Trends: Virginia Tech is 0-3 S/U and ATS in road games this season and 0-4 S/U & ATS in non-home games. That goes against a great recent run as a road performer for the Hokies, going 32-6 S/U and 28-10 ATS from 2004 through 2011. Since 1994, Virginia Tech is 40-23 ATS as a road favorite including going 21-8 ATS since 2004. The Hokies have been less successful as a very slight favorite, going just 17-14-1 ATS as a favorite of three or less, though still going 10-4-1 ATS in situations as a slight road favorite.

Miami, FL Historical Trends: It is no secret that the Miami program has hit hard times in the last decade or so. Miami is just 25-40 ATS at home since 2002. Miami is 5-2 as a home underdog in that span, however, including going 2-0 ATS in the home underdog role this season. Miami is still 49-20 S/U since 2002 at home, as this is still a team that does not often lose at home, rather often failing to live up to expectations as favorites.

There are two additional games Thursday night this week:

Eastern Michigan at Ohio 6:00 PM ET
Line: Ohio -17, Over/Under 57

The perfect start for Ohio was showing signs of decay with a couple of narrow wins against light competition, but last week the Bobcats were not able to dig out of an early hole, losing to Miami, Ohio. The Bobcats now are in a tough four-way race for the MAC East title and the schedule after this week will get more difficult. Ohio was held to a season-low 20 points last week and there will be opportunities to get back on track against an Eastern Michigan team that has allowed almost 38 points per game. This is a second straight road game for the Eagles and the short week will also present a challenging set-up. Statistically, Ohio has been a far better team on both sides of the ball, but the Bobcats have failed to cover in four straight games and the dreams of a perfect season have been dashed.

Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky 9:15 PM ET
Line: Western Kentucky -9, Over/Under 54

Western Kentucky bounced back from its first conference loss by sneaking by Florida International last week, but it was clearly a flat performance. The Hilltoppers will need help to get back in the Sun Belt race, as this is a team that needs a few more wins to ensure a bowl bid after being left out af 7-5 last season. Middle Tennessee State could also make a postseason run after going just 2-10 last year. The Blue Raiders have won three road games this season, but Western Kentucky has been the vastly superior defensive team in this matchup. The Hilltoppers are 7-1 ATS on the season, as these teams went to overtime last season with Middle Tennessee State losing despite a sizable yardage advantage.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:52 PM

NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 10

Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)
The Hokies look to take advantage of a Miami (FL) team that is coming off a 33-20 loss to Florida State and is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Virginia Tech is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hokies favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-1 1/2). Here are all of this week's lined games.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Game 303-304: Eastern Michigan at Ohio (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 69.136; Ohio 84.122
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 15; 62
Vegas Line: Ohio by 17; 57
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+17); Over

Game 305-306: Virginia Tech at Miami (FL) (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 92.435; Miami (FL) 88.328
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 4; 51
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 1 1/2; 57
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-1 1/2); Under

Game 307-308: Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky (9:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 75.661; Western Kentucky 90.377
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 9; 54
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-9); Under

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:53 PM

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Week 10

Thursday, November 1

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E MICHIGAN (1 - 7) at OHIO U (7 - 1) - 11/1/2012, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO U is 1-0 against the spread versus E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
OHIO U is 1-0 straight up against E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VIRGINIA TECH (4 - 4) at MIAMI (4 - 4) - 11/1/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 44-23 ATS (+18.7 Units) as a road favorite since 1992.
VIRGINIA TECH is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1992.
VIRGINIA TECH is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games since 1992.
VIRGINIA TECH is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road lined games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA TECH is 2-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIDDLE TENN ST (5 - 3) at W KENTUCKY (6 - 2) - 11/1/2012, 9:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
W KENTUCKY is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
W KENTUCKY is 2-0 against the spread versus MIDDLE TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
W KENTUCKY is 1-1 straight up against MIDDLE TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:54 PM

NCAAF

Week 10

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Trend Report
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Thursday, November 1

6:00 PM
EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. OHIO
Eastern Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Ohio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ohio is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

7:30 PM
VIRGINIA TECH vs. MIAMI
Virginia Tech is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Virginia Tech's last 9 games when playing Miami
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Virginia Tech
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Virginia Tech

9:15 PM
MIDDLE TENNESSEE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Middle Tennessee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Middle Tennessee's last 6 games on the road
Western Kentucky is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games at home
Western Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:56 PM

NCAAF

Thursday, November 1

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Nine things bettors should know about EMU-Ohio
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Eastern Michigan at Ohio Bobcats (-17, 57.5)
Time: 6 p.m. ET on ESPNU

1. Ohio is No. 1 in the nation with only three turnovers lost. Eastern Michigan ranks 82 in the nation in that category with 17.

2. Temperatures are expected to be in the low-30s tomorrow night with winds at 11 mph. There’s a 20 percent chance of rain.

3. Ohio – the MAC East preseason favorite – has failed to cover its past four games, ranging as a favorite from 6.5 to 23.5 points.

4. Ohio is hinting it may mix up its playbook more than you might expect for a short week. They’re going to work in Ryan Boykin more at running back and have some designed QB runs. Head coach Frank Solich said it’s because teams have caught on to their option. Miami (Ohio) had six sacks last week in a 23-20 upset and held Ohio to 162 rushing yards, after averaging 210.4 per game on the season.

“We've got to get more production in terms of running more read-type of plays or more quarterback-design kind of runs, because right now they're zeroing in on our running back pretty well," Solich told reporters.

5. Eastern Michigan ranks 114th in the nation in scoring defense and owns the worst rushing defense in the country with 302.4 yards against per game.

6. Ohio ranks 106th in third-down efficiency this season. Solich says that’s due to having too many third-and-longs, which he hopes to correct by mixing things up Thursday.

7. Ohio’s Matt Weller has made 17-of-24 field goals including a 56-yarder last week. He ranks third in the nation in FG percentage.

8. EMU has been outscored 67-27 in the first quarter and shut out five times in the opening frame this season.

9. Ohio is 0-6 against the spread in its last six games against teams with a losing record at the time the Bobcats played them. New Mexico State is the only FBS team they’ve beaten by more than 17 points this season.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 06:57 PM

NCAAF

Thursday, November 1

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Virginia Tech at Miami: What bettors need to know
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Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes (+1.5, 57)

Despite recent struggles for both teams, a berth in the ACC championship game may be on the line when Virginia Tech visits Miami on Thursday. Virginia Tech has dropped three of four games, but the Hokies have beaten Duke and Georgia Tech in the Coastal Division already and North Carolina is not eligible for postseason play.

The Hurricanes have lost three consecutive games after a strong start and still have destiny in their own hands. Both teams have been inconsistent running the ball, so the game will likely be in the hands of quarterbacks Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech and Miami’s Stephen Morris.

The Hokies won last year’s battle 38-35 and another shootout is expected with the Hurricanes allowing 32.4 points per game and the Hokies 24.0 – 35.3 in the last three.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Virginia Tech opened as high as -2.5 and has been bet down to -1.5. The total is set at 57 points.

WEATHER: The forecast for Sun Life Stadium is calling for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 70s. Winds are expected to blow WSW at 8 mph.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (4-4, 2-2 ACC, 2-6 ATS): The Hokies are off to their worst start through eight games since 1992 and are winless in three road games. Coach Frank Beamer said the effort has been there, but execution needs be more consistent. Thomas has been intercepted 10 times in the last six games and completes only 53.6 percent of his passes. The Hokies are in the lower half of the nation in rushing and J.C. Coleman has the only 100-yard effort. Virginia Tech has turned the ball over 15 times and allowed an average of 409.2 yards in the last six contests after allowing 254.5 in the first two with one turnover. The Hokies' Cody Journell has made 10 straight field goals.

ABOUT MIAMI (4-4, 3-2, 5-3 ATS): The Hurricanes lost to North Carolina and a pair of teams now ranked in the top seven – Notre Dame and Florida State – in the last three games. Miami comes in off 12 days of rest for the final stretch, where it can achieve its goals with improved defense. Miami has allowed almost 500 yards per contest, ranking 116th out of 120 teams in the nation, and is second to last in rushing defense (249.3). One problem is that opponents have possessed the ball an average of 10:14 more per game. Running backs Mike James and Duke Johnson - both with more than 400 yards - have the talent to help turn those numbers around.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Miami.
* Hokies are 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings in Miami.
* Hokies are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.
* Underdog is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman has 31 tackles combined over the last three games.

2. Virginia Tech’s Kyshoen Jarrett is fourth in the nation in punt returns (18.1).

3. Miami leads the series 17-12, but Virginia Tech has won the last three meetings.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 07:00 PM

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 10

Thursday's games
Ohio U lost for first time last week, but they'd been flirting with danger, as their last four wins vs I-A opponents were all by seven or less points. Bobcats are 2-6 vs spread last eight games as home favorites- they won last four games vs Eastern Michigan, but only one of those was in last five years (30-17 in '10). Eastern is 1-7 this year, 1-3 as road underdogs, losing road games by 11-38-16-21 points. Eagles are 17-20-1 as dogs on road, since 2007. MAC home favorites are 11-5 vs spread in conference play. Five of seven EMU games went over the total.

Virginia Tech/Miami are both down a little this year; Hokies lost three of last four games, are 0-4 away from home, allowing 37 ppg- since '05, VT is 17-9-1 as road favorites, but 0-2 this year. Miami is honoring former coach Jimmy Johnson at this game; what they need are a few of his old players. Hurricanes lost last three games, scoring 12.3 ppg; they're 3-4 vs I-A teams, and allowed 32-36-37 points in the three wins. Hurricanes are 7-3 as underdogs under Golden. ACC home underdogs are 6-5 vs spread in league play. Last three Miami games stayed under the total.

Middle Tennessee won three of last four games with Western Kentucky, but lost 36-33 at home to Hilltoppers LY; last two games in series were won by total of 4 points. Blue Raiders are erratic, beating Ga Tech by three TDs, but losing to a I-AA team and getting waxed 45-3 at Miss State. WKU won five of last six games, covered six of last seven; they're 2-5 as home favorites since moving up to I-A- they lost last home game in OT to UL-Monroe. MTSU allowed 442 rushing yards last two games, a red flag. Sun Belt home favorites are 3-12 vs spread in conference play.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 07:01 PM

NCAAF
Short Sheet

Week 10

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Eastern Michigan at Ohio U, 6:00 ET ESPNU
Eastern Michigan: 12-4 Over off a conference game
Ohio U: 0-4 ATS vs. teams with losing records

Virginia Tech at Miami FL, 7:30 ET ESPN
Virginia Tech: 10-1 ATS as a road favorite of 3 points or less
Miami FL: 6-1 Under in November

Added Game:

Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky, 9:15 ET ESPNU
Mid Tenn State: 1-7 ATS in November
Western Kentucky: 16-4 ATS vs. conference opponents

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2012, 07:07 PM

Thursday, November 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Virginia Tech - 7:30 PM ET Miami +1 500

Miami - Under 57.5 500

Middle Tennessee - 9:15 PM ET Middle Tennessee +9 500

Western Kentucky - Over 54.5 500

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2012, 06:32 PM

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

11/01/12 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

Totals 4-*0-*0 100.00% +2000

Friday, November 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 9:00 PM ET Washington +4 500

California - Over 51.5 500

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2012, 07:04 PM

Cal Small Home Favorite Against Washington Friday

Washington Huskies at California Golden Bears
College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/02/2012, 9:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Cal -4½, O/U 52½
Television: ESPN2

Washington Huskies: Steve Sarkisian's biggest job this week is getting the Huskies (4-4 straight-up and against the spread) refocused and avoid a letdown after last Saturday's 20-17 upset of previously unbeaten Oregon State. The victory came as 3-point home 'dogs and snapped a 3-game skid for U-Dub who will be looking for its first road triumph of the season. Washington's offense remains one of the most impotent groups in the country averaging just 322.3 yards per game (108th nationally) and scoring just 20.6 ppg (105th). The defense has also proven to be vulnerable at times versus the run, surrendering nearly 260 yards per game on the ground in the three successive losses to Oregon, Southern Cal and Arizona, and will need to keep Cal's Bishop Sankey from having a big game. Washington's two Pac-12 road games have both gone "over," and four of the Huskies' last five trips to Berkeley have also skipped past the total.

California Golden Bears: It has been a trying year for Jeff Tedford and Cal (3-6 SU & ATS) who rides a 2-game losing streak into this matchup, and 3-game drought vs. the Huskies. The Bears appeared to be getting things on track with consecutive wins and covers vs. UCLA and at Washington State in mid-October, but have since followed that up with losses to Stanford (21-3) and at Utah (49-27) in games that were close to a pick 'em on the college football odds. Stanford completely shut California's ground attack down, and Utah rang up 21 points with defensive or special team scores while the Golden Bears' offense turned it over three times. Cal is among the nation's leaders in interceptions (12, tied for 13th most), but unfortunately also among the dregs in fumbling it away (10, 12th most). The Bears have not only lost the last three meetings with Washington, but also failed to cover the spread in those setbacks.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2012, 07:06 PM

Washington at California

November 2, 2012

This week’s edition of Friday Night Lights takes us to Berkeley, where California will take on Washington in a Pac-12 showdown.

As of early this morning, most sports books had Cal (3-6 straight up, 3-6 against the spread) favored by four with a total of 52. Bettors can take the Huskies to win outright for a plus-160 payout (risk $100 to win $160).

Washington (4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS) has had an up-and-down year highlighted by a pair of home wins over previously-unbeaten teams. The Huskies knocked off Stanford 17-13 as seven-point home underdogs in a Thursday night game on Sept. 27.

But Steve Sarkisian’s squad went on a three-game losing slide following the win over the Cardinal. UW snapped out of the three-game funk by shocking Oregon St. 20-17 as a three-point home underdog last weekend.

Bishop Sankey rushed 25 times for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but UW’s defense was the catalyst in the victory as they intercepted OSU quarterback Sean Mannion four times.

Sandwiched between the wins over top-10 teams Stanford and Oregon St, the Huskies lost at Oregon (52-21) vs. Southern Cal (24-14) and at Arizona (52-17). They also got killed 41-3 at LSU in Week 2.

UW’s two other wins came at home vs. San Diego St. (21-12) and vs. Portland St. (52-13).

Promising junior quarterback Keith Rivers has not been able to match the numbers he posted in 2011 when he completed 66.0 percent of his passes with a 33/11 touchdown-to-interception ratio. In 2012, Rivers has completed only 60.1 percent of his throws with a mediocre 8/9 TD-INT ratio.

Sankey, the true sophomore running back, has emerged as the team’s most consistent offensive option. Sankey has rushed for 666 yards and nine TD, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Despite Sankey’s production, UW’s offense has been a colossal disappointment. The Huskies are ranked 105th in the country in scoring offense, averaging a pedestrian 20.6 points per game. The UW defense is ranked 68th in the nation, giving up 28.0 PPG.

Washington has been pathetic in three road games, losing by margins of 38, 35, and 31 points.

Cal head coach Jeff Tedord is on a boiling hot seat in his 11th season at the helm. Tedford won 43 games in his first five years from 2002-2006, including a pair of 10-win campaigns. However, the win totals have been 7, 9, 8, 5 and 7 the last five years and the Bears must win out just to be considered for a bowl game.

Cal has lost three of its five home games at its newly renovated stadium, limping to a 1-4 spread record in the process. Since beating UCLA 43-17 at home and winning 31-17 at Washington St, Cal has dropped back-to-back contests in blowout fashion.

Stanford went into Memorial Stadium and captured a 21-3 win as a one-point road ‘chalk.’ Then last week, Cal lost 49-27 at Utah as a 1 ½-point road underdog.

Cal actually out-yarded the Utes 441-344 in total offense, but Utah won the turnover battle 3-1. Zach Maynard threw for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns compared to one interception.

For the season, Maynard has connected on 61.8 percent of his passes for 2,048 yards with a 12/9 TD-INT ratio. He also has three rushing scores.

Maynard’s favorite target has been Keenan Allen, who has 60 receptions for 739 yards and six touchdowns. However, Allen is ‘out’ tonight after sustaining a knee injury in last week’s loss at Utah.

C.J. Anderson and Isi Sofele split the rushing load for the Bears, combining for 989 rushing yards and six TDs.

In addition to Allen, Cal could be without three other starters. WR Bryce Treggs (21 catches, 217 yards, 1 TD), LB Chris McCain and CB Mark Anthony are all listed as ‘questionable.’

Cal has thrived as a home favorite during Tedford’s 11-year tenure, compiling a 32-20 spread record. Meanwhile, Washington has limped to a 6-11 spread record as a road ‘dog under Sarkisian.

Washington has won three in a row both SU and ATS in this head-to-head rivalry against Cal. The ‘under’ has cashed in each of those three contests, including last year’s 31-23 Washington victory as a one-point home favorite that had a total of 58.

The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for the Bears, 3-1 in their home games. The ‘under’ is 5-2 overall for the Huskies, but the ‘over’ is 2-1 in their road assignments.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Washington is 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-head meetings against Cal.

--Although the ‘under’ has cashed in the last three encounters, the ‘over’ hit in the six previous Cal-UW meetings.

--Iowa St. senior linebacker Jake Knott is out for the rest of the season after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery Monday. Knott, who is the sixth-leading tackler in Cyclones football history, suffered a tear in his left shoulder in a 31-10 loss at Oklahoma St. two weeks ago. Following the diagnosis, Knott requested to play one last time before surgery. The doctors gave their blessing as long as Knott didn’t take any pain-killing injections. He didn’t and made 11 tackles and had one forced fumble in last week’s 35-21 win over Baylor. The Cyclones won’t be the same without their inspirational leader when they take the field Saturday vs. Oklahoma as 12-point home underdogs.

--Florida junior wide receiver Solomon Patton is out for the season after breaking the humerus bone in his left arm during a 17-9 loss vs. Georgia. Patton had only one reception for 17 yards this season but he rushed for 140 yards on 14 carries, mostly on jet sweeps after being put in motion in Brent Pease’s offense. Patton had a 54-yard run on a fake punt in a 31-17 win at Vanderbilt.

--Since 1995, Vanderbilt has been a road favorite vs. an SEC opponent just five times. The Commodores are 0-5 ATS in those games with only one outright win, an 11-10 victory at South Carolina in 1999. Vandy is favored by seven Saturday at Kentucky.

--With last night's 30-12 loss at Miami, Va. Tech fell to 4-5 on the season. The Hokies haven't lost five games in a season since going 8-5 in 2003.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2012, 07:10 PM

NCAAF

Friday, November 2

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What bettors need to know: Washington at California
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Washington at California (-4.5, 52)

Most teams don’t like short weeks, but California probably can’t wait to play again after last week’s embarrassing 49-27 loss at Utah. The Bears will look to rebound in a rare Friday game against visiting Washington, which knocked then-No. 7 Oregon State from the unbeaten ranks with a 20-17 win last Saturday. The Huskies are seeking their first road win this season after losing their first three by a combined 146-41. California needs to win its final three games to become bowl eligible, which is unlikely considering the Bears finish against Oregon and Oregon State. This figures to be a low-scoring contest since Washington hasn’t scored more than 21 points against any FBS opponent, while California ranks ninth in the conference in total offense.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2.

LINE: California - 4.5, O/U 52.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s under partly cloudy skies. Winds will be light out of the west.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (4-4, 2-3 Pac-12): The inconsistent Huskies snapped a three-game losing streak with their second victory over a top 10 opponent last Saturday. Washington has been awful on the road, but its three losses have come to LSU, Oregon and Arizona. The offense has been surprisingly ineffective, with quarterback Keith Price throwing eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Bishop Sankey leads the rushing attack with nine touchdowns, including two against Oregon State. One week after giving up 533 total yards in a 52-17 loss at Arizona, safety Sean Parker pulled in one of Washington’s four interceptions against the Beavers.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (3-6, 2-4): The Bears have lost five of their last seven games, leading to rampant speculation about coach Jeff Tedford’s future. California has lost two straight games by a combined 70-30, and the Bears trailed Utah 42-6 in the third quarter last week. The team’s best playmaker appears to be tailback sophomore Brendan Bigelow, but Tedford seems reluctant to increase his workload. Bigelow is averaging 12.7 yards per carry and 13.8 yards per catch on only 33 touches, and recorded his third touchdown run of at least 50 yards this season against Utah. The Bears have allowed an average of 4.1 sacks per game, which ranks 118th in the country.

TRENDS:

* Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in California.
* Huskies are 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Under is 7-1 in Golden Bears’ last eight home games.
* Golden Bears are 4-0 ATS in their last four November games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. According to the NCAA, Washington has played the second-toughest schedule in the nation. The Huskies’ first eight opponents are 47-17 while the remaining four are 9-24.

2. California K Vincenzo D’Amato has made his last nine field goal attempts after missing five of his first nine tries this season.

3. The Huskies hold a 50-38-4 edge in the all-time series, and have won three straight.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2012, 07:27 PM

NCAAF

Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 10

First Post

Saturday's games

Top games

Cincinnati be glad to get home after losing last two weeks on road, allowing 29-34 points, their first true road games of season; Bearcats won six of its last seven games with Syracuse, though Orangemen won 31-7 in last visit here. UC covered six of last eight games as a home favorite. Syracuse won its last two games, scoring 40-37 points; they won last week at USF after being down 23-3 at half, but it was their first cover in last six tries as a road underdog. Big East home favorites are 5-7 vs spread in conference play. Three of last four Cincinnati games went over the total.

Curious to see how Mississippi State reacts after getting spanked by Alabama last week, its first loss of year; Bulldogs are 8-4 vs spread in last 12 tries as home favorite- they’re 8-9 vs spread in game following their last 17 losses. Six of State’s last seven games stayed under total. Since 2007, A&M is 9-14-1 vs spread as an underdog, but they’re 4-0 on road this year behind freshman QB Manziel- they’re -10 in turnovers last four games. Six of State’s seven wins are by 10+ points. Last time these teams met was snowy bowl game in Shreveport 12 years ago (MSU won 43-41); they didn’t have snow plows at the field.

Trap game for Oklahoma team after 30-13 home loss to Notre Dame last week, visiting spunky Iowa State squad they’ve beaten last two years by combined score of 78-6. Over last decade, Sooners are 16-6 vs spread in game following a loss, but they’re just 6-9 in last 15 tries as road favorites, 1-2 this year. OU defense is sagging; foes converted 19 of last 39 3rd down tries. Cyclones covered 11 of last 16 tries as an underdog; since ’03, they’re 17-13 as an underdog in Ames. Big X underdogs are 13-11 vs spread in league play, 5-5 at home. Under is 4-0-1 in ISU’s last five games, 1-3 in Oklahoma’s last four.

West Virginia had bye last week, after getting smoked 49-14/55-14 in previous two games; now TCU comes in having lost three of last four games, with backup (freshman) QB under center. Horned Frogs turned ball over 11 times in last four games, converted just 7 of last 31 on 3rd down, but Mountaineers allowed 45+ points in each of last four games, just been trying to outscore teams. TCU lost last two games 56-53ot/36-14, so both sides struggling here. West Virginia is 3-6 vs spread in last nine games as home favorite. Big X home favorites are 6-8 against the spread.

Sandwich game for Penn State, off last week’s loss to Ohio, and with Nebraska on deck; Lions won five in row, nine of last 11 games vs Purdue, winning 20-6/12-0 in last two visits here, but they lost at home last week, ending 5-game win streak- since ’02, they’re 21-18 vs spread in game following a loss. Lions covered 10 of last 13 games as road favorites and are 2-1 on road this year, with wins by 28-24 points. Purdue lost last four games, allowing 284 rushing yards, 38.8 ppg; they’re 2-1 as underdog this year, 5-4-1 as home dogs under Hope. Big Dozen home underdogs are 4-2 against the spread.

Underdogs covered last five Michigan State games, all of which were decided by 4 or less points, with two of last three going to OT; Spartans scored 16-10-16 points in last three games, all of which were decided by 3 or less points- they’re 2-0 this year as underdogs, 3-2-1 as home dogs under Dantonio. Nebraska is 9-6-1 as road favorite under Pelini, 0-2 this year; they’ve lost two of three on road, with only win 29-28 comeback win at Northwestern. Huskers turned ball over 18 times (-8) in their last six games. State has only two takeaways in its last four games. Under is 7-1-1 in Michigan State games this season.

Texas won four of last five games vs Texas Tech, with all four wins by 10+ points; they drubbed Red Raiders 52-20 in Austin LY, but Longhorns are just 2-2 in last four games (0-4 vs spread), beating mediocre Baylor/Kansas 56-50/21-17 last two weeks, after they gave up 111 points in losses to West Virginia/Oklahoma. Tech allowed 53/55 points in splitting pair of road games last two weeks, third time in four weeks they’ve allowed 41+ points; Red Raiders are 4-5 as home favorites under Tuberville. Over last decade, Longhorns are 5-2 as road underdogs. Three of Tech’s last four games went over.

Alabama is a powerful team; 33-14 is closest game they’ve played this year, but that could work against them here, if LSU can keep it close and get 1st-year QB Mettenberger to hit couple plays. Tigers won last two games by total of 7 points, so they’re used to tense moments. Favorites are 5-3-2 vs spread in last 10 Alabama-LSU games; teams met twice LY, with LSU winning 9-6 on road, then losing 21-0 in national title on game on neutral field. Crimson Tide lost four of last six visits here, where Saban used to be HC before going to NFL. LSU is underdog for first time this year; they’re 7-9 as dogs under Miles- over last decade, they’re 1-3 as home dogs. Bama won its four road games this year by combined score of 179-37.

Kansas State is unbeaten, but over last five years they’re 0-3 vs Oklahoma State, losing 41-39/24-14/52-45; Weeden passed for 502 yards in LY’s barnburner in Stillwater, but he’s in NFL now. Cowboys are 7-11 as road underdogs under Gundy, but 2-0 over last 2.5 years; they allowed 59-41 points in two losses this year, but allowed 14-10-14 points in winning last three games- opponents converted just 12 of last 39 on 3rd down, while K-State converted 20 of last 37 on 3rd down. Snyder is 9-6 in last 15 games as home favorite; they’re +16 in turnovers, which is problem is OSU doesn’t turn ball over (seven TO’s in last five games).

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