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Big Ten Report - Week 12

November 15, 2012

Wisconsin wrapped up the Leaders division with a win over Indiana last week. The Badgers still have a lot to play for this week, however, when Ohio State comes to town in our Big Ten Showcase game of the week. OSU beat the Badgers on a Hail Mary a season ago and Wisconsin wants to re-establish its winning ways at home after losing to Michigan State the last time in Camp Randall. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes aim for their 11th consecutive win and to keep their perfect season alive. All the inside information on that game, as well as every other Big Ten matchup is inside!

Wisconsin (-3) vs. Ohio State - 3:30 PM EST - ABC
UW: Last week at Indiana: W 62-14
OSU: Last week - BYE

Ohio State is working on a perfect season and can lock up the Leaders division championship with a win, but because of postseason bans, Wisconsin is the team that will represent the division in the conference championship game in Indianapolis. In last week's win over Indiana, Wisconsin rushed for a team-record 564 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns. It was a good thing too, because the Badgers were working with their third string quarterback and he had to throw just seven passes the entire game. The strong rushing effort helped the Badgers hang onto the ball for +20 minutes time of possession over the Hoosiers. They'll have a much more difficult time running against this Ohio State defense that ranks 16th against the run. Defensively Wisconsin held its fifth straight opponent to 16 points or fewer and now ranks 15th in total defense.

Ohio State has won ten straight and got a well-deserved bye after thumping Illinois two weeks ago. OSU hasn't scored fewer than 29 points since September and is averaging 46 points over the last five games. QB Miller has over 1,700 yards passing and over 1,100 yards rushing with 27 total touchdowns and he can remain in the Heisman hunt with another strong performance. The defense has been below-average, allowing 31 points per game over the past five weeks. But this unit has been very opportunistic with timely turnovers (some returned for touchdowns).

Recent history: Ohio State is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings against the Badgers. They are just 1-3 ATS in the last four trips to Camp Randall, however, including a loss here in 2010 when the Bucks were #1 in the nation. Last year Wisconsin was down, 14-26, late in the 4th before two touchdown passes gave them the lead. Braxton Miller then threw the game-winning 40-yard touchdown pass with just 20 seconds remaining. Another notable note is that Bret Bielema and Urban Meyer had a recruiting spat this offseason and you can bet that neither coach has forgotten about it.

Trends: Ohio State is 27-10-1 ATS in its last 38 road games. Wisconsin is 5-1 ATS in its last six conference games and 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 home games. The 'under' is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings between this two in Madison.

Injury report: OSU coach Urban Meyer says he doesn't know where LB Etienne Sabino is health-wise right now, but the senior will start at Wisconsin after missing two games.

Nebraska (-20) vs. Minnesota - 3:30 PM EST - Big Ten Network
UN: Last week vs. Penn State: W 32-23
UM: Last week at Illinois: W 17-3

Nebraska seems to have a clear path to Indianapolis to play the Badgers. The Huskers have this game at home against Minnesota and next week at reeling Iowa. However, they have been playing with fire as of late and no game has been a cake-walk for them. They've trailed in the fourth quarter in three of their last four games including last week vs. Penn State. The Huskers were down by 14 points at halftime and didn't take the lead until midway through the final quarter. The offense racked up 267 rushing yards and 438 total yards against a good Penn State defense - most of it coming in the 2nd half. Defensively Nebraska struggled in the first half last week. They really stepped up in the second. Nebraska forced three turnovers, forced a safety, and allowed just three points all in the second half last week.

Minnesota reached bowl eligibility for the first time since 2009 with a win last week at Illinois last week. It was far from a dominating victory, and the Gophers will have to avoid being flat in their second consecutive road game - this one in the unfriendly confines of Memorial Stadium. This will especially tough for true freshman QB Philip Nelson. Nelson had just 78 yards passing last week against Illinois. The running game helped him out, churning out 232 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Few people pegged Minnesota as a bowl team after back-to-back 3-9 seasons. They now aim to play spoiler and for a signature win this week at Nebraska.

Recent history: Nebraska won the first meeting as conference foes last season, 41-14 (previous meeting before that was in 1990). Nebraska opened up with a scorching first half, taking a 34-0 lead into halftime. Nebraska rushed for 346 yards (6.2 YPC) and the defense held Minnesota to just 254 yards and 11 first downs.

Trends: Minnesota is a surprising 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games in November. The Cornhuskers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven home games, but just 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games as a 20-point or more favorite.

Injury report: Star RB Rex Burkhead is testing his injured knee in practice this week in hopes that he can get back on the field this Saturday. Burkhead said he's "pretty close" to getting back on the field but that he wants to be smart about the injury. Coach Pelini said the team does not want to play Burkhead until he is 100 percent healthy.

Michigan State (-6.5) vs. Northwestern - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN2

MSU: Last week - BYE
NU: Last week at Michigan: L 31-38 (OT)

Both teams have been eliminated from the Big Ten championship picture, but that doesn't mean they have nothing to play for. The Spartans still need one more win to get to a bowl game with just two games remaining. The bye week arrived at a great time for the Spartans last week. The Spartans suffered another setback two weeks ago after having Nebraska on the ropes. MSU's last four losses this season have been by four points or fewer and offensive deficiencies can be to blame. The Spartans have one of the game's elite defenses and a porous passing attack is really holding them back. QB Andrew Maxwell will have to bounce back from another rough game against Nebraska (9-of-27 passing). RB Bell is holding this team together with 1,249 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns.

With a few different strokes of fate, we'd be talking about the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats. They've held 4th quarter leads in all three of their losses, including a three-point lead at Michigan last week before the Wolverines kicked a tying field goal as time expired (Northwestern lost in overtime). Northwestern's offense played extremely well against a stout Michigan defense. QB's Siemian and Colter completed 14-of-21 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Wildcats also tallied 248 rushing yards. This team has been a part of a few bad losses this season, and this one probably stung the most. NW outplayed the Wolverines almost the entire game and a win in the Big House would've been something sweet. Now they have the tough task of regrouping and trying not to be flat this Saturday.

Recent history: Michigan State has won four straight in the series and is 3-1 ATS over that span. The Spartans are just 2-3 SU & 0-5 ATS in the last five games at home against the Wildcats. MSU won in Evanston last year, 31-17.

Trends: Northwestern has covered four straight overall and is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games. Michigan State is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight games overall and 0-6 ATS in its last six home games.

Injury report: Northwestern starting CB Nick VanHoose is questionable for this game, but head coach Fitzgerald said RB Venric Mark will play.

Michigan (-14) vs. Iowa - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN
UM: Last week vs. Northwestern: W 38-31 (OT)
UI: Last week vs. Purdue: L 24-27

Nebraska is in the lead in the Legends division, but you never know in college football and the Wolverines are one Huskers misstep away from taking control of the division, so expect a motivated effort. It looked bleak for a while last week against Northwestern, but Michigan received a huge play from WR Roy Roundtree, who somehow hauled in a 53-yard pass to set up the game-tying field goal against Northwestern. The Wolverines won in overtime. Backup QB Gardner played well in his first start of the season, completing 16-of-29 passes for 249 yards and notched four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). Gardner will likely get the start again in place of an injured Denard Robinson.

Iowa is going through a four-game losing streak, its longest since 2007. A loss here would keep the Hawkeyes at home for bowl season. Despite playing at home against a porous Purdue squad last week needing a win, Iowa seemed checked out and unmotivated. The offense had yet another dismal day. Vandenberg completed just 19-of-36 passes for 190 yards. They also had 31 carries for just 74 yards (2.4 YPC). Vandenberg has just five touchdown passes this season and they are averaging just 87 rush yards per game over the last five at less than 3.1 YPC. The defense allowed 490 yards to Purdue, who hadn't gained that many yards since September 15th.

Recent history: Iowa has won three straight in the series and is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six trips to Ann Arbor. Last year Iowa limited Denard Robinson to just 17-of-37 passing and held the Wolves to just 3.4 YPC in the 24-16 win.

Trends: Iowa is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 road games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Michigan is 8-2-2 ATS in its last 12 games as a conference home favorite of 14 points or more. The Wolves are just 10-27 ATS in their last 37 conference games overall.

Injury report: Brady Hoke is once again not providing much information on his quarterback situation. He said Wednesday that QB Denard Robinson remains day-to-day with an injured nerve in his throwing elbow. Robinson doesn't appear to be improving as quickly as the Wolverines once expected. Expect Devin Gardner to get the start again.

Penn State (-18.5) vs. Indiana - 12:00 PM EST - Big Ten Network
PSU: Last week at Nebraska: L 23-32
IU: Last week vs. Wisconsin: L 14-62

The potential Indiana Big Ten championship story was fun while it lasted (which turned out to be about five minutes into its matchup with Wisconsin last week), but the young Hoosiers are far from a championship caliber squad. Indiana never truly challenged the Badgers in its most-anticipated home game in recent memory. The Hoosiers allowed 564 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to the Badgers and it seemed as though it didn't matter who the ball was handed to - everyone saw success running the ball. Offensively the previously strong passing attack of Indiana was stifled against the Badgers defense. Coffman and Sudfeld completed just 25-of-47 passes for 233 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. They'll face another tough task against when they visit an angry Penn State squad off of a loss.

Penn State may feel cheated by the refs in the loss last week, but the truth is that the offense didn't do much to help the team in the second half. They turned the ball over three times, allowed a safety, and only managed three points after taking a 20-6 lead into halftime. The defense couldn't stop Nebraska in the second half and the Huskers' rushing attack racked up 267 yards. This D unit has strong rankings, but the fact is that it has struggled against the elite offenses while dominating the weak ones. Northwestern, Ohio State, and Nebraska all scored 28 points or more (PSU has held the other seven opponents to just 13 points per game). PSU has been good off of a loss this season, as the Lions have won the last two chances by 27 & 25 points.

Recent history: The Hoosiers are 0-7 lifetime in Beaver Stadium, losing by an average of 21 points per outing. The Hoosiers have, however, covered four of the last five meetings overall. Penn State won an ugly meeting last year. The Nittany Lions outgained IU by 208 yards, but had three turnovers and only won by six points - 16-10.

Trends: Indiana is 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a loss. The Hoosiers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games. Penn State is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine games overall and is 4-1 ATS off of a loss.

Illinois (+7) vs. Purdue 3:30 PM EST - Big Ten Network
UI: Last week vs. Minnesota: L 3-17
PU: Last week at Iowa: W 27-24

The Boilermakers can still go bowling by beating the Illini on the road and winning over Indiana at home in the finale. Danny Hope may have saved his job - at least for another week - with that victory. A loss here to follow-up would almost certainly guarantee that Hope doesn't return in 2013. Purdue dominated the box score at Iowa and shouldn't have needed a last-second field goal to win. The Boilers racked up 26 first downs and 490 yards, receiving big performances from QB Marve (266 passing yards and two touchdowns) and RB Ralph Bolden (102 yards on 14 carries). The defense really stepped up as well for the first time in over a month, allowing Iowa to just 71 rush yards and 16 first downs.

Illinois has dropped seven straight and remains winless in the conference. This is probably its best chance at notching that elusive first victory before traveling to Northwestern in the finale next week (the Illini have now dropped 12 straight Big Ten games dating back to last season). They are averaging just 10.5 points per game in conference play and haven't scored over 22 points - which mostly came in garbage time in a blowout against Ohio State. Illinois was competitive in its loss to Minnesota last week. The Illini were down by just seven points before Minnesota scored the clinching touchdown with just over a minute remaining. Still, the offense managed just three points and 276 yards.

Recent history: Purdue has won six of the last seven meetings and is 3-1 ATS in its last four trips to Champaign. Last year, Purdue had a 21-0 lead in the fourth quarter but had to fend off a late rally, winning 21-14.

Trends: The Boilermakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall and 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a win. Illinois is 0-6 ATS in its last six games following a loss and 0-7 ATS in its last seven conference games.

Injury report: Illinois' star LB Jonathan Brown has still not been cleared to play after missing the past two games. Head coach Tim Beckman said Brown is no longer using a sling and looks to be improving.

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ACC Report - Week 12

November 14, 2012

I was staring a perfect 3-0 in the ACC last week right in the face, but the Virginia Cavaliers mounted an impressive two-minute drill to score with :06 left in regulation to knock off the Miami Hurricanes, whom I had on the moneyline instead of the published plus-2. The Canes frittered away 10-point fourth quarter lead, causing me to say bad words in front of my kids, and put me in a generally foul mood for the remainder of the day. All because of a Miami-Virginia game. I really need to stop watching my picked games, and just check the scores later after doing something productive. But, we all know, that simply can't be done. It is more fun to follow the games online or on television, even when we take a bad beat. Gotta love the action.

Joe Williams's ACC Season Picks:
Period: 8/31/2012 to 11/10/2012
Pick Type: All Picks
Record: 22-13-0 ( 62.9% , +775)

PICK DETAILS
Week Record Total
Week 11 (Nov. 8-10) 2-1 Won (+ 100)
Week 10 (Nov. 1-3) 3-1 Won (+ 200)
Week 9 (Oct. 25-27) 0-4 Lost (- 445)
Week 8 (Oct. 18-20) 2-0 Won (+ 200)
Week 7 (Oct. 11-13) 0-0 - (+/-0)
Week 6 (Oct. 4-6) 2-1 Won (+90)
Week 5 (Sept. 27-29) 3-1 Won (+190)
Week 4 (Sept. 19-22) 3-1 Won (+190)
Week 3 (Sept. 13-15) 3-2 Won (+80)
Week 2 (Sept. 6-8) 2-1 Won (+90)
Week 1 (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) 2-1 Won (+80)

Saturday - North Carolina State at Clemson (ABC/ESPN2, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup Five-Star Game

Who knows what Wolfpack team is going to show up here? They beat Florida State, they get smashed by a terrible Virginia team, and then rebound the next week by crushing Wake Forest. This team is borderline schizophrenic. N.C. State gained bowl eligibility with their win over the Deacs, becoming the fourth ACC team to qualify for postseason play (UNC also has six wins, but is ineligible for a bowl). The Wolfpack is 0-5-1 ATS in their past six road games, but 25-12-3 ATS against a team with a winning record in its past 40 games. N.C. State is also 8-3 ATS in the past 11 games in November. Those trends are just as confusing as their on-field play. Meanwhile, Clemson is not confusing. They have covered seven straight, and they are 4-0 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record. In addition, Clemson is 25-10 ATS in their past 35 ACC battles. More confusing, though, is the fact N.C. State is 6-1 ATS in their past seven trips to Death Valley, the road team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings (the lone loss last season when Clemson was killed in Raleigh late in the season), and the underdog is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings overall. The Tigers are favored by 17 points in this one, and the public likes them at about a 2-to-1 clip. The good news for the Tigers is that WR Sammy Watkins (leg) is probable to play. I can totally see a backdoor cover happening in this game once it has already been decided.

Saturday - Duke at Georgia Tech (ESPNU, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup Four-Star Game

If the Duke Blue Devils are ever going to get any respect, they are going to need to find a way to win on the road. While impressive at home, at least against teams they should beat, they are 5-1. However, on the road they are an abysmal 1-3, and they have been outscored by 166-74 in those four contests away from Wallace Wade. As such, Vegas has installed the Ramblin' Wreck as a two-touchdown favorite. Too much? Let's see. Duke is 8-1 ATS in their past nine home games, but 1-6 ATS in their past seven road contests. Meanwhile, Ga. Tech is 5-2 ATS in its past seven ACC battles. The over might be the play here, as the total has gone over the number four times (4-0-1) in Duke's past five road contests, and the over is 7-0-1 in Duke's past eight ACC games overall. For Georgia Tech, the over is 7-1 in its past eight games, and 6-0 in its past six games against a team with a winning record. This could be a high-scoring affair. The total is set high at 68.

Saturday - Wake Forest at Notre Dame (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup Three-Star Game

This one doesn't figure to be close, although the Fighting Irish have had a penchant of letting lesser teams hang around and at least make it interesting (see Pitt, BC). Vegas has made ND a 24-point favorite, although Notre Dame is 1-4 ATS in their past five games. Wake is 4-1 ATS in its past four against Independents, and 10-1 ATS in its past 11 games following a straight-up loss. When these teams met in Winston-Salem last season (Nov. 5, 2011), Wake hung tight before eventually losing 24-17, covering at home. The Deacs have covered two of their past three on the road. The total of under 42 looks mighty tasty, as the under has cashed in five straight for Wake, and is 19-7 in ND's past 26 in the shadow of 'Touchdown Jesus'. The under is also 14-3 in the Irish's past 17 against ACC opponents, including last week at Chestnut Hill against BC.

Saturday - Florida State at Maryland (ESPNU, 12:00 p.m. ET)
Matchup Two-Star Game

Maryland will be wearing super-cool black Under Armour uniforms for their game. Wait until you see them Saturday, unless you want to Google them now. I am a traditionalist, and have tremendous disdain for these ever-changing uniforms for each team every other week, but these are pretty awesome. Now, too bad Maryland can't change their team. They're still the same old Terrapins who are 1-10 ATS in their past 11 home games, and 2-10 ATS in their past 12 ACC games. Facing Florida State is not good news, although the 'Noles are 0-4 ATS in their past four road contests, and just 2-5 ATS in their past seven. FSU has dominated this series lately, and they are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The favorite (presumably Florida State each time) is 4-1 ATS in the past five battles. The total might be the way to go in this one, as it is hard to see Maryland scoring much against this defense, using a fourth-string linebacker-turned-quarterback to run the offense. The under is 4-0 in Maryland's past four games against a team with a winning record, 5-2 in their past seven overall, and 7-3 in their past 10 ACC games. The under is also 6-1 in FSU's past seven road contests, and 9-4-1 in their past 14 overall. The under is also 4-1 in the past five meetings in the series, and 4-1 in the past five meetings at College Park. Right now, you can hit the under at 45.5 or 46 points.

Thursday - North Carolina at Virginia (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup One-Star Game

It could be argued that the Virginia Cavaliers are the hottest team in the Coastal Division of the ACC. That's not saying much, and speaks volumes about the imbalance in the conference. However, UVA has ripped off two straight wins, and remain bowl eligible if they can win against UNC and Virginia Tech. Despite their two-game winning streak, though, they are just 1-8-1 ATS overall this season, and 1-10-1 ATS in their past 12 games overall. North Carolina, on the other hand, is 0-5 ATS in their past five road games. In this series, the Tar Heels are 3-11 ATS in their past 14 meetings with the Hoos, and 1-7 ATS in their past eight trips to Charlottesville. That might mean UVA is a good bet at home despite their recent trouble against the number. The total trends are a mess, as the over is 5-1 in UNC's past six, but the under is 9-3 in UVA's past 12 games at Scott Stadium. It's a good idea to avoid the total.

Saturday - Virginia Tech at Boston College (ACC Network/ESPN3, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup Other Game to Watch

The game might be ugly. At first glance, Virginia Tech is 0-5 on the road this season, but favored by 10. What? The Hokies are 0-6 ATS in their past six road games, and 1-6 ATS in their past seven games against teams with a losing record. In addition, they are 6-16-1 ATS in their past 23 games overall, and 2-5 ATS in their past seven ACC battles. So, what gives? Well, Boston College is just 6-13 ATS in its past 19 home games, and 6-20 ATS in the past 26 battles against teams with a losing record. They are also 1-5 ATS in the past six ACC games, and 2-6 ATS in their past eight games overall. So someone will be bucking a trend here. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six games.

Saturday - South Florida at Miami (Fla.) (ESPN3, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Matchup Other Game to Watch

A couple of years ago, this might have been an attractive matchup, but the Bulls are just not the team they were then. USF looked to be a rising team, but they have fallen off badly. The Bulls are just 1-11-1 ATS in their past 13 games on grass, and 4-13-1 ATS in their past 18 games overall. They do hold a 7-2 ATS record in the past nine matchups with ACC opponents, but that's about the only thing to get bettors off of Miami. The Hurricanes are 4-0 ATS in the past four home games, 4-0 ATS in their past four overall, and 4-0 ATS in their past four on grass. Miami hurt some people (ME!) with a last-second loss at Virginia, losing by one, but still cover a plus-2 line. If you had them on the moneyline, though (again, ME!), then you have a bit of a sour taste in your mouth.

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Kansas State Puts Unbeaten Record On Line At Baylor

Kansas State Wildcats at Baylor Bears
College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/17/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: KSU -11, O/U 74
Television: ESPN

Kansas State Wildcats: After moving to the top of the BCS rankings this week, Coach Bill Snyder and the 'Cats (10-0 straight-up, 8-1-1 against the spread) are looking for their fifth consecutive point-spread victory. Heisman Trophy favorite Collin Klein and the KSU offense had just enough to get past TCU last Saturday in Ft. Worth, scoring a 23-10 triumph with a season-low 256 yards of offense. The final was not as close as it might appear after the Wildcats held a 23-0 lead entering the fourth quarter, and they go from facing the nation's 21st-ranked defense in the Horned Frogs to a Baylor stop unit that is dead last (124th), allowing nearly 520 yards per game. K-State could be without WR Tyler Lockett (ankle) who is questionable for this matchup (click to check updated college football injury report), but another standout performance by Klein will likely lock up the Heisman for him. The Wildcats are 4-0 to the "under" on the road this season, but the "over" is 4-2 in the last six meetings in this series.

Baylor Bears: It has been a rough conference campaign for Coach Art Briles and the Bears (4-5 SU, 5-4 ATS) who began the year 3-0, but have since gone 1-5 on the Big 12 schedule. Baylor backers, however, are 4-2 ATS on the conference slate, their latest winning ticket coming last week in Oklahoma where the Bears fell 42-34 to a Sooners team favored by three touchdowns. There has been little wrong on the offensive end that finds the Bears second in the country in passing (367.7 yards per game) and seventh in scoring (42.7 points per game). The defense, however, has surrendered at least 35 points in six of the last seven games, and that doesn't bode well against a KSU squad that is eighth in the nation in scoring (42.2 ppg). Baylor has won its last two home matches with the Wildcats, and the last three overall in this series have finished above the total.

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Pac-12 Rivals Collide On Saturday Starting With USC At UCLA

USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins

College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/17/2012 at 3:05 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: USC -3½, O/U 65
Television: FOX

USC Trojans: The Trojans (7-3 straight up, 3-7 against the spread) snapped a 2-game skid with a 38-17 win and cover at home vs. Arizona State last Saturday. Curtis McNeal rushed for 163 yards and two scores as Southern Cal overcame five turnovers, including three Matt Barkley interceptions. The Trojans have won the last five meetings with UCLA, covering the last three, and emerged with wins in five of their last six series clashes at the Rose Bowl.

UCLA Bruins: The Bruins (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS) can clinch their second straight appearance in the Pac-12 title game with a victory over USC on Saturday. UCLA posted its fourth consecutive victory last week with a 44-36 triumph at Washington State. Special teams and the defense scored twice to help build a 37-7 halftime lead, and Brett Hundley threw for 261 yards and three TDs. Four of the last five USC-UCLA battles at the Rose Bowl have failed to reach the total.

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Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers

College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/17/2012 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Wisconsin -1½, O/U 54
Television: ABC/ESPN2

Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes (10-0 SU, 5-5 ATS) come off their bye week looking to keep their unbeaten record intact. Sophomore QB Braxton Miller has passed for over 1,750 yards and 14 TDs, and also leads the team in rushing (1,166 yards) with 13 more scores on the ground. Four of OSU's last five games have jumped the total, and four of the last six meetings against Wisconsin have also gone "over."

Wisconsin Badgers: With Ohio State ineligible for the Big Ten Championship, the Badgers (7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS) can punch their ticket to the conference title tilt with a victory Saturday and again next week at Penn State. Wisconsin bounced back from a tough loss vs. Michigan State by rolling Indiana last Saturday, 62-14. The Badgers set a school record with 564 yards rushing in the rout, attempting only seven passes in the contest. Wisconsin is 13-1 in its last 14 games at Camp Randall.

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Stanford Cardinal at Oregon Ducks

College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/17/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Oregon -21½, O/U 65
Television: ABC

Stanford Cardinal: The Cardinal (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS) picked up their fourth straight win, and second consecutive cover, with a 27-23 decision vs. Oregon State a week ago. Stanford worked around four turnovers and scored the winning TD with just over five minutes remaining. The defense ranks 12th in the country allowing just 17.2 PPG, but has allowed 47.0 PPG in the last seven matchups vs. Oregon.

Oregon Ducks: Keeping their perfect season going, the Ducks (10-0 SU, 6-4 ATS) posted their fifth straight cover with a 59-17 pasting of Cal on the road as huge 31½-point favorites. Marcus Mariota threw six touchdown passes in the contest, three of them to Josh Huff. Oregon has won nine of the last 10games vs. Stanford, and the last seven in this series have finished above the total.

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NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 12

Saturday's games
Other Notes
-- Maryland is 4-9 in its last 13 games as a home underdog.
-- Road team covered 10 of last 11 Northwestern-Michigan St games.
-- Indiana covered four of last five games with Penn State.
-- Nevada is 7-14 in its last 21 games as a road favorite.

-- Over the last 20 years, Wisconsin is 16-4 vs spread in its last home game of the season.
-- Road team covered six of last seven NC State-Clemson games.
-- Houston is 6-13 in its last 19 games as a road favorite.
-- Home side covered nine of last ten Miss State-Arkansas games.
-- USC won 12 of last 13 games vs UCLA (9-4 vs spread).

-- Over last 22 years, Notre Dame is 6-15-1 in last home game of year.
-- Home team is 11-4-1 vs spread in Rice-SMU series, with Owls 6-0 vs spread the last six years.
-- Iowa is 8-3-2 vs spread in last 13 games with Michigan.
-- Washington covered six of last 24 Pac-12 road games.

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College football betting weather watch: Week 12

South Florida at Miami (-6, 57)

Site: MetLife Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-70s with a 25 percent chance of showers. Winds will blow out of the NE at 12 mph.

USC at UCLA (4, 64.5)

Site: Rose Bowl

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-60s with an 80 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the south at 6 mph.

Colorado State at Boise State (-28.5, 49.5)

Site: Bronco Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-50s with a 55 percent chance of showers. Winds will blow out of the SE at 6 mph.

Stanford at Oregon (-20.5, 66)

Site: Autzen Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-40s with a 90 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the south at 7 mph.

Arizona at Utah (1, 61.5)

Site: Rice-Eccles Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-30s with a 30 percent chance of showers. Winds will blow out of the SSE at 7 mph.

California at Oregon State (-14.5, 48.5)

Site: Reser Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-40s with a 75 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the south at 10 mph.

Brigham Young at San Jose State (2.5, 48)

Site: Spartan Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-50s with an 85 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the SE at 12 mph.

Minnesota at Nebraska (-20.5, 53)

Site: Memorial Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-60s under partly cloudy skies. But winds are expected to gust out of the south at 20 mph.

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NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 12

Saturday's games

Top games
Northwestern is 7-3 but gagged away all three losses in 4th quarter; they are 2-3 in last five games, 3-1 vs spread as underdogs, with losses by 11-1-7ot points. Last six Michigan State games were all decided by 4 or less points; Spartans are 1-6 vs spread as faves this year, 0-5 at home. State won last four series games by average score of 32-20, but lost four of last six games overall. Big Dozen home favorites are 13-13 vs spread. Under is 7-2-1 in Spartan games; three of last four Wildcats games went under.

Tennessee won six in row, 13 of last 14 games vs Vanderbilt, with dogs 6-2 vs spread in last eight; Vols won last six visits here, last three by 14-10-29 points, but Tennessee's defense has fallen apart, allowing 38-48-51 points in last three games. Vandy rallied from down 23-6 to win last week at Ole Miss, its fourth win in row; they're 1-3 as faves this year, 1-1 at home. Vols lost five of last six games, blowing 21-7 halftime lead at home to Missouri last week. SEC home favorites are 15-13 vs spread.

West Virginia's defense is hideous, allowing 49-55-39-55 points during 4-game losing streak; they allowed 63-45 points in last two games they've won. Mountaineers are 3-2 at home, with underdogs covering four of the five games; they're 1-1 as dogs this year. Oklahoma is 4-0 on road, 3-0 in last four games as road favorite, winning by 17-21-42-15 points. This is not your normal Sooner defense; they allowed 185+ rushing yards three of last four games. Big X home underdogs are 5-7 vs spread. Four of last six games for both teams went over total.

USC won five in row, 12 of its last 13 games vs crosstown rival UCLA; they crushed Bruins 50-0 LY, won five of last six visits here, winning by 14-21 in last two. This is Mora's first game as UCLA coach in this series so chance for him to make recruiting inroads here. Trojans lost two of last three games overall- they are 0-5 vs spread away from home in '12. UCLA won last three games, scoring 45-66-44 points; they covered both games as an underdog this year. Pac-12 home dogs are 11-10 vs spread. Four of last five UCLA games went over total; under is 5-3 in last eight Trojan games.

Kansas State/Baylor split pair of close games last two years, with home team winning both; Wildcats won 36-35 LY, lost 47-42 in '10, but this is been K-State's year- they're 8-1 vs spread in last nine games, 5-2 when a favorite, 1-1 on road, winning away games by 5-6-41-13 points. Baylor lost five of its last six games, losing twice when they scored 50+ points; they're 3-1 vs spread as underdog this year. Iowa State/TCU beat them by 14-28 points, only two games they've lost by more than 7 points. Big X home underdogs are 5-7 vs spread. Under is 3-0-1 in K-State's road games, 3-0 in last three Baylor games.

Lined opened at Oregon -24, is down to 20.5, as books made number so Ducks wouldn't get all the action; they won nine of last 10 games with Stanford, winning 53-30/52-31 last two years, despite Cardinal being in top 10 at time both years. Oregon covered its last five games, with 62-51 win at USC closest game; they're playing for style points to stay in top three in BCS Standings, so tough to buck them here. Stanford won last four games; their only losses are 17-13 at Washington, 20-13 at Notre Dame. Pac-12 home favorites are 13-12 vs spread. Five of last six Oregon games went over; four of last five Cardinal games stayed under.

Favorites covered four of five UCF-Tulsa games, with Hurricanes taking 21-17 decision in Orlando LY; Golden Knights lost their only visit here, 49-19 (+23) in '08- they've won last six games, with three of last four on road. Tulsa won 8 of last 9 games, with its only loss 19-15 at Arkansas; they're 5-0 at home, 2-2 as home favorites- they've been positive in TOs in each of last six games. UCF covered its only games as a dog this year. C-USA home favorites are 11-9 vs spread. Five of last six UCF games went over total; last four Tulsa games stayed under.

BYU won 41-17/52-13 in two games since losing at Notre Dame; win at Georgia Tech was its only win in four road games- they're 2-4 vs spread as favorites, 0-1 on road. San Jose State is going bowling for first time in six years (2nd since '90); they've won four in row, 8 of last 9 games, are 2-0 as underdog this year, and covered last four tries as home underdog. San Jose lost by 3 at Stanford, so they're legit. WAC non-conference underdogs are 9-8 vs spread, 3-1 at home. Three of last four BYU games, five of last eight Spartan games went over total.

Syracuse handed Louisville its first loss last week, but they're 1-4 away from home, with only win 37-36 at South Florida when they trailed 23-3 at half. Orangemen are 3-2-1 as underdogs. Missouri gave up 585 yards last week at Tennessee, but rallied back from down 21-7 at half to win in OT, 51-48. Tigers are 5-0 when they score 21+ points, 0-4 when they do not-- all four of their losses came in SEC games. SEC non-conference home favorites are 9-16 vs spread; Big East underdogs are 8-2-1, 4-2 on road. Last four Syracuse games went over total; six of last eight Missouri games stayed under.

Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech last three years, including 66-6 beating in Lubbock LY when they outgained Red Raiders, 637-270. Cowboys allowed 41+ points in all three losses this year; they're 19-7-1 vs spread in last 27 games as home favorite, 4-0 this year. Tech struggled to beat woeful Kansas in OT last week, but they're 8-3, with losses by 21-31-9 points- they're 1-2 as underdogs, and don't have takeaway in any of last three games. Big X home favorites are 10-12 vs spread. Three of last four Tech games, five of last eight OSU games went over total.

Utah State is 9-0 vs spread this year, winning last four games; their only losses are 16-14 at Wisconsin, 6-3 at BYU; Aggies lost six of last seven games vs Louisiana Tech losing three here 24-6/45-38/48-35. State was a dog in four of nine wins; they've won road games at Colorado St (31-19), San Jose (49-27), UTSA (48-17). Louisiana Tech is 9-1, with only loss 59-57 to Texas A&M (trailed 39-16 at half), so this is high-level game. Bulldogs covered both games as dog this year. WAC home underdogs are 2-7 vs spread this season. Seven of nine State games stayed under; nine of ten Tech games went over.

Underdogs are 6-3 vs spread in last nine Ohio State-Wisconsin games, as dog won SU last two years; Buckeyes won four of last five in series, but lost two of last three visits here. Ohio State is quietest 10-0 team ever, but they've only played three road games, winning 17-16 at Michigan St, 52-49 at Indiana before beating Penn State 35-23- they've allowed 22+ points in last five games. Badgers are bully team, with five wins by 11+ points, but they've lost three of last four games that were decided by 3 or less points. Big Dozen home favorites are 13-12 vs spread. Five of last seven Wisconsin games, four of last five OSU games went over total.

Arkansas State hammered Troy 45-14 LY, its first win in last five tries vs Trojans; they lost last two visits here, 35-28/35-9. ASU won last five games (4-1 vs spread); they're 3-0 on Sun Belt road, winning at FIU by 14, ULL by 23, North Texas by 18. Troy is 2-3 in last five games, but they upset Navy 41-31 last week, fifth straight game they allowed 31+ points. Troy covered all three games as an underdog this year. Sun Belt home underdogs are 3-7 vs spread. Last five Troy games, three of last four ASU games went over the total.

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NCAAF

Saturday, November 17

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USC at UCLA: What bettors need to know
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USC at UCLA (-3.5, 66.5)

All that preseason chatter about Matt Barkley coming back to win a national championship sounds a little bit silly with No. 21 Southern California needing to beat No. 16 UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday just to win its half of the Pac-12. The Trojans trail the Bruins by a half-game in the Pac-12 South and the winner advances to the Pac-12 title game. USC has won five straight and 12 of the last 13 meetings with UCLA, including a 50-0 trouncing last season when Barkley threw for 423 yards and six touchdown passes. The Bruins have resurfaced impressively this season under first-year coach Jim Mora and have won four consecutive games.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, Fox.

LINE: USC –3.5, O/U 66.5.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-60s with a 60 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the SSW at 6 mph.

ABOUT USC (7-3, 5-3 Pac-12 South): Barkley has passed for 2,972 yards and 33 touchdowns, but his senior season has been mildly disappointing because of his 13 interceptions, the Trojans’ 26 turnovers and USC’s three defeats. Sophomore receiver Marqise Lee has been USC’s top offensive player with 98 receptions for 1,447 yards and 13 touchdowns. Lee’s 144.7 receiving yards per game ranks second nationally. Junior tailback Silas Redd is expected to return after missing the Nov. 10 contest against Arizona State with a knee injury. USC has committed 13 turnovers over its last three games. Senior free safety T.J. McDonald has a team-best 83 tackles, junior defensive end Morgan Breslin has a team-high 9.5 sacks and sophomore strong-side linebacker Dion Bailey leads with four interceptions.

ABOUT UCLA (8-2, 5-2): Redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley has been superb and a key figure in the Bruins’ rise. Hundley has passed for 2,739 yards and 24 touchdowns and has been intercepted only nine times. Senior running back Johnathan Franklin has racked up 1,270 yards and has topped 100 yards seven times. UCLA has an opportunistic defense that has forced 25 turnovers, including 13 interceptions. Senior strong safety Andrew Abbott and senior cornerback Sheldon Price are tied for the team lead with four apiece. Junior outside linebacker Anthony Barr leads the Bruins in sacks (11) and tackles for losses (17).

TRENDS:

* Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.
* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in Bruins’ last five games overall.
* Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. a team with a winning record.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. USC leads the series 46-28-7, but UCLA has an 8-7 edge in games played at the Rose Bowl.

2. A victory would allow Mora to match Terry Donahue (nine in 1976) for most wins by a first-year UCLA coach.

3. USC’s McDonald is the older brother of UCLA sophomore safety Tevin McDonald. Their father, Tim, is a former USC All-American and NFL Pro Bowl safety.


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NCAAF

Saturday, November 17

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Stanford at Oregon: What bettors need to know
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Stanford at Oregon (-20.5, 65.5)

Oregon has ascended to No. 1 in the country and has a clear - albeit dangerous - path to the BCS championship game. The Ducks can move one step closer to a national title when they host No. 13 Stanford on Saturday in a contest that could decide the Pac-12 Conference North Division. Oregon continued its stampede through the conference by overcoming a slow start in a 59-17 demolition of California to extend the nation's longest winning streak to 13 games. Stanford, a winner of four consecutive games since a 20-13 loss at Notre Dame on Oct. 13, is looking to do more than play spoiler against the Ducks. A victory Saturday will move the Cardinal into a tie atop the North Division, and put them in position to play for the conference championship.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC.

LINE: Oregon -20.5, O/U 65.5.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s with a 95 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the SW at 4 mph.

ABOUT STANFORD (8-2, 6-1 Pac-12): Quarterback Kevin Hogan turned in a dazzling performance in his first career start last week, guiding the Cardinal to a 27-23 victory over Oregon State. The redshirt freshman will face a daunting task in attempting to keep up with Oregon's race-horse offense. Hogan threw for 254 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 49 yards rushing last week. Running back Stepfan Taylor balanced the offense with 114 yards and a touchdown and went over 1,000 yards for the third straight season. Stanford's hopes could hinge on the ability of its top-ranked rushing defense (58.6 yards per game) to shut down an Oregon rushing attack that ranks third nationally with 325.1 yards.

ABOUT OREGON (10-0, 7-0 Pac-12): While the Ducks took over the top spot in the coaches poll, they are No. 2 behind Kansas State in the BCS standings - a fact that doesn't concern coach Chip Kelly. “It means absolutely nothing if we don’t go out and win this Saturday,” he said. Oregon had averaged more than 400 yards rushing in each of its three wins prior to last week's matchup with Cal, but got a stellar performance from quarterback Marcus Mariota, who tied a school record with six touchdown passes and a career-high 377 yards. Leading rusher Kenjon Barner, who shredded USC for 321 yards and five touchdowns the previous week, was held to 65 yards. The Ducks have scored more than 50 points seven times and are averaging a staggering 63.7 points in their last three.

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Stanford’s last four road games.
* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings.
* Stanford is 1-4 ATS in its last five games in Oregon.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Oregon has won nine of the last 10 meetings, including lopsided victories the past two seasons by scores of 53-30 and 52-31. The Cardinal haven't won at Autzen Stadium since 2001.

2. Taylor became the first player in school history to register three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

3. Oregon's average victory margin in Pac-12 play this season is 33.7 points.

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

11/16/12 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
11/15/12 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
11/14/12 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
11/10/12 43-*35-*1 55.13% +*2250 Detail
11/09/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
11/08/12 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
11/07/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
11/06/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
11/03/12 37-*34-*2 52.11% -*200 Detail
11/02/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
11/01/12 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

Totals 97-*78-*3 55.43% +5600


Saturday, November 17

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Florida State - 12:00 PM ET Maryland +31 500
Maryland - Over 45 500

Northwestern - 12:00 PM ET Northwestern +7 500
Michigan State - Under 46 500

Iowa - 12:00 PM ET Iowa +17 500
Michigan - Over 46.5 500

Kent State - 12:00 PM ET Bowling Green -2.5 500 ( MAC POD )
Bowling Green - Over 47 500

Central Florida - 12:00 PM ET Tulsa -1.5 500
Tulsa - Under 55 500

Indiana - 12:00 PM ET Penn State -17 500
Penn State - Under 56.5 500

Houston - 12:00 PM ET Marshall -3.5 500
Marshall - Over 75 500

Temple - 12:00 PM ET Army -3.5 500
Army - Under 58 500

Rutgers - 12:00 PM ET Rutgers +6.5 500
Cincinnati - Over 48 500

Arkansas - 12:21 PM ET Mississippi State -5.5 500
Mississippi State - Over 55 500

Virginia Tech - 12:30 PM ET Virginia Tech -9.5 500
Boston College - Under 51 500

Miami (Ohio) - 1:00 PM ET Central Michigan -4.5 500
Central Michigan - Over 63 500

Washington - 1:30 PM ET Washington -20.5 500
Colorado - Over 54.5 500

Memphis - 2:00 PM ET Memphis +9.5 500
Alabama-Birmingham - Over 56.5 500

Eastern Michigan - 2:00 PM ET Western Michigan -13.5 500
Western Michigan - Over 62 500

Washington State - 3:00 PM ET Washington State +22.5 500
Arizona State - Over 61.5 500

Buffalo - 3:00 PM ET Buffalo -11 500
Massachusetts - Under 49.5 500

South Florida - 3:00 PM ET Miami -6.5 500
Miami - Over 57 500

Southern California - 3:05 PM ET UCLA +4 500
UCLA - Over 64.5 500

Middle Tennessee - 3:30 PM ET South Alabama +7 500
South Alabama - Over 56 500

Duke - 3:30 PM ET Georgia Tech -13.5 500
Georgia Tech - Under 66 500

Colorado State - 3:30 PM ET Colorado State +28.5 500 ( MT. WEST DOG )
Boise State - Over 49.5 500

Mississippi - 3:30 PM ET Louisiana State -18.5 500
Louisiana State - Over 49.5 500

Minnesota - 3:30 PM ET Minnesota +20 500
Nebraska - Under 53 500

Nevada - 3:30 PM ET New Mexico +10.5 500
New Mexico - Over 64.5 500

Texas Tech - 3:30 PM ET Texas Tech +9.5 500
Oklahoma State - Over 72.5 500

North Carolina State - 3:30 PM ET Clemson -16.5 500
Clemson - Under 65.5 500

Southern Methodist - 3:30 PM ET Rice +3.5 500
Rice - Under 56 500

Ohio State - 3:30 PM ET Wisconsin -2.5 500
Wisconsin - Under 51.5 500

Purdue - 3:30 PM ET Purdue -6 500
Illinois - Under 49.5 500

Texas State - 3:30 PM ET Texas State +13.5 500
Navy - Over 56.5 500

Arkansas State - 3:30 PM ET Arkansas State -3.5 500
Troy - Under 67.5 500

East Carolina - 3:30 PM ET Tulane +10 500
Tulane - Over 61 500

Wake Forest - 3:30 PM ET Wake Forest +24 500
Notre Dame - Over 43 500

Utah State - 4:00 PM ET Louisiana Tech +3.5 500
Louisiana Tech - Over 73.5 500

North Texas - 4:00 PM ET UL Monroe -10.5 500
UL Monroe - Under 57.5 500

Wyoming - 4:00 PM ET UNLV +1 500
UNLV - Over 54 500

Texas-San Antonio - 5:00 PM ET Texas-San Antonio -6 500
Idaho - Under 56.5

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Evening Best Bets;


Syracuse 0 0th Missouri -4.5 500
Missouri 0 Under 54 500

Tennessee 0 0th Vanderbilt -3.5 500
Vanderbilt 0 Under 60.5 500

Oklahoma 0 0th Oklahoma -11.5 500
West Virginia 0 Under 73.5 500

Western Kentucky - 7:00 PM ET UL Lafayette -4 500
UL Lafayette - Over 57 500

Iowa State 0 0th Kansas +4.5 500
Kansas 0 Over 47.5 500

Kansas State - 8:00 PM ET Baylor +12 500
Baylor - Over 74.5 500

Stanford - 8:00 PM ET Stanford +20.5 500
Oregon - Over 66 500

Texas El Paso - 8:00 PM ET Southern Mississippi +3.5 500
Southern Mississippi - Over 49 500

Arizona - 10:00 PM ET Utah +1 500
Utah - Over 61.5 500

California - 10:30 PM ET Oregon State -14.5 500
Oregon State - Under 48.5 500

Brigham Young - 10:30 PM ET San Jose State +2.5 500 San Jose State - Under 48 500

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Tuesday, November 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Akron - 7:00 PM ET Akron +17.5 500

Toledo - Under 62.5 500

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TCU Visits Texas In Thanksgiving Day College Football Game

TCU Horned Frogs at Texas Longhorns

College Football Betting Preview
Date: 11/22/2012 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Texas -8, O/U 61
Television: ESPN

TCU Horned Frogs: It's the first meeting between the Horned Frogs (6-4 straight-up, 4-6 against the spread) and Longhorns as conference foes since 1995 when Texas won the last Southwest Conference football title. Texas Christian's first year in the Big 12 has suffered recently with three conference setbacks in the last four games for a 3-4 Big 12 record overall. Coach Gary Patterson's club will have had some extra time to absorb the 23-10 home loss to Kansas State (Nov. 10), and the Frogs still sport the nation's 16th-ranked defense that is allowing just 326.3 yards per game. That stop unit has come up with 26 takeaways on the year, 14th-most in the country, but the offense has given the ball right back (25 times, 20th-most). This has been a solid team on the road, winning four of five away from Ft. Worth (2-3 ATS), and "under" bettors have cashed three of the team's five clashes on the road.

Texas Longhorns: Coach Mack Brown and the 'Horns (8-2 SU, 5-5 ATS) will be seeking their fifth straight win while their backers look for a third consecutive winning ticket. Texas really turned things around after the humiliating defeat vs. Oklahoma in mid-October and can take a 10-2 record into the bowl season with closing wins vs. TCU and at Kansas State. Sophomore quarterback David Ash has been the difference the past two games, combining to complete 36-of-50 pass attempts for 628 yards and five touchdowns. An improved Longhorns defense has also played a role in three consecutive "unders" cashing following a string of five "overs." Texas has a decided 61-20-1 edge in the all-time series, a mark that is highlighted with a 24-game winning streak from 1968-91. The Longhorns are 4-1 in Austin this year, going 2-3 vs. the number and 3-2 to the high side of the total.

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Florida QB Driskel will start at FSU

November 21, 2012


GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel will start Saturday's game at rival Florida State.

Coach Will Muschamp announced Driskel's status Wednesday on the Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference.

Muschamp says Driskel ``looked very good in practice'' Tuesday and will be ``ready to go'' when the sixth-ranked Gators (10-1) travel to Tallahassee to face the 10th-ranked Seminoles (10-1).

Driskel sprained his right ankle Nov. 17 against Jacksonville State. He sat out last weekend's 23-0 win over lower-division Jacksonville State. Jacoby Brissett started in his place and completed 14 of 22 passes for 154 yards.

Driskel was on the sideline during the game without a walking boot, worked out Sunday and was cleared to practice.

He has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,324 yards, with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.

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Games to Watch - Week 13

November 18, 2012

Notre Dame at Southern California (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)

Matchup Skinny

From South Bend to South Beach? Within about a thirty minute span late Saturday night this game got vaulted to the top of the list. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are officially the top-ranked team in the country for the first time since color TV was invented…or at least shortly thereafter. No more "eye ball" tests needed; a win over USC and the Irish are playing for the National Championship. That loud crash you heard on Saturday night was Rick Reilly's email server by the way. The biggest question in this game is the health of Trojans QB Matt Barkley. It appears he is out for not only this game but has thrown his last pass ever at USC due to an apparent separated shoulder he suffered at the end of the UCLA game. Truth be told, even with Barkley the Trojans weren't nearly what they were advertised this season and now it looks like they will have to go with freshman Max Wittek against the number one scoring defense in the country. Max Wittek, meet Manti Te'o…Good luck with that. This is the 83rd meeting between these two schools and Notre Dame leads the all-time series 43-35-5. While USC won last year and has claimed eight out of the past nine in the series, Notre Dame actually won the last the time they met in The Coliseum, 20-16 in 2010. If the Irish can replicate that outcome they are headed to Miami to face (insert SEC team here) for a chance at their first National Championship in 24 years. Due to the Barkley injury there is no line currently on this game but he Irish will be road favorites and if quarterback Everett Golson and running back Cierre Wood can put points on the board against a very bad USC defense, Manti Te'o and the stout Irish defense should have no trouble stopping a USC offense with Max Wittek at the helm. Then again, Irish fans may want to wait until the game is played before they start making hotel reservations in South Beach…just ask Oregon and Kansas State fans.

Oregon at Oregon State (FOX, 6:30 p.m.)

Matchup Skinny

I've said all year I thought Oregon was the best team in the country. Let's just say I'm not quite so convinced anymore. Saturday night was by far the worst Oregon has looked not only this year, but in the past 4 years. With that said I'm not completely convinced they were exposed as some are suggesting. I think it had more to do with the QB Mariota being a true freshman, playing in primetime, a national championship game in their sights and they simply choked under the pressure. They're 18/19/20 year old kids, it happens. And of course playing a very good team in Stanford didn't help. This week they play another quality team with a solid defense in Oregon State, and this one is on the road. If the Ducks offense gets shut down again then they were simply a flashy show for 10 weeks. If they roll through OSU then the Stanford game was simply a fluke. Again, it happens. Either way, this is still a big game for Oregon as they try to keep their now faint National Championship hopes alive as a 10-point road favorite against The Beavers.

South Carolina at Clemson (ESPN, 7:00 p.m.)

Matchup Skinny

The Palmetto state rivalry game has always been one of the more underrated nationally. Clemson has the all-time edge at 65-40-4; however The Gamecocks have won the last three, including 34-13 last year in Columbia and none of the games have been close as South Carolina has outscored its rival 97-37. This year they meet with a combined 19-3 record and a possible BCS at-large berth on the line. While both teams have had successful years, you talk about a clash of two different styles of football; this could be the most entertaining game of the entire weekend. Clemson throws for over 330 yards per game and averages 45 points a game, while South Carolina gives up a very stingy 17 points per game. However with the 'Ole Ball Coach on the sideline South Carolina is perfectly capable of keeping up with the Clemson offense if they need to. As a 4-point home favorite Clemson looks to regain interstate supremacy in a rivalry they owned for the better part of 20 years.

Florida at Florida State (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)

Matchup Skinny

I know some of you are thinking this game should be higher up on the list and the fact that these two teams are both 10-1 and have a very outside shot at the National Championship would normally make it. However the Florida offense is literally unwatchable and with quarterback Jeff Driskel questionable going up against a Seminole defense that allows 13 points per game this one could be almost unwatchable. Throw in the fact that the Florida defense allows even fewer points per game (12) and the first one to score a touchdown may automatically win. Florida leads the all-time series 33-21-2 but has dropped the last two by scores of 31-7 and 21-7 after winning six in a row. Due to the Driskell injury there is currently no line on the game.

Other Games to Watch

Matchup Skinny

TCU at Texas (Thursday) - Despite being blown out of Cotton Bowl stadium by OU earlier in the year and Texas fans calling for Mack Brown's head as little as three weeks ago, Texas still has an outside shot at finishing 10-2 and an at-large BCS bowl berth with a win Thursday night over TCU and an upset over Kansas St the following Saturday. This is a rivalry renewed from the old SWC days although TCU in Austin was just 1-28 all-time with 15 straight losses. Texas is an 8-point Thanksgiving night favorite.

Georgia Tech at Georgia - Don't look now but all of the sudden the Georgia Bulldogs are two wins away from playing for the National Championship. Granted one of those is against Alabama in the SEC championship game in two weeks but they have to get by their interstate rivals first. As a 14-point home favorite The Dawgs shouldn't have much trouble on paper, but if they sleep on the Yellow Jackets offense for one second that game against Bama may not mean quite as much. UGA leads this Peach State rivalry 62-39-5 all-time, including 10 of the last 11.

Michigan at Ohio State - Last year, Michigan, behind first-year coach Brady Hoke, snapped a seven-game losing streak in the series with a 40-34 win in Ann Arbor. This year Urban Meyer gets his first taste of "The Game" as it's known in the Midwest. Ohio State has won the last five meetings in Columbus and come into to this game with a perfect season on the line as well. With no post season allowed for the Buckeye's this is their last game of the season and beating hated Michigan would be the perfect way to cap off a 12-0 start to the Urban Meyer era. And on the flip side, nothing would give the Wolverine faithful greater pleasure than upsetting the hated Buckeyes and wrecking their perfect season. Ohio State opens as a small 6-point home favorite.

Stanford at UCLA - After pulling off an improbable road win in Eugene over the weekend, The Cardinal now travel to the Rose Bowl with a chance to win the PAC-12 North. Stanford just shut down the prominent Oregon running attack, now they face Jonathan Franklin and a UCLA offense that rushes for over 200 yards per game. This game means much more to Stanford than it does UCLA as UCLA has already wrapped up the PAC-12 South with an impressive victory over USC over the weekend but a Cardinal victory would wrap up the PAC-12 North. A Stanford victory would actually pit these two against each other 6 days later in the PAC-12 Championship with a spot in the Rose Bowl on the line. Stanford is a small 1-point favorite and would love nothing more than to face them in back to back games.

Auburn at Alabama - The winner of this game has gone on to win the BCS National Championship in each of the last three seasons, and this year that streak may extend to four in a row. Bottom line, Alabama will win this game and win this game with ease as a 31-point favorite, but after what happened last weekend to Kansas State and Oregon this year's Iron Bowl all of the sudden matters again in the big picture.