The Bum's Sept. CFB POD's-Stats-News !

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NCAAF
Short Sheet

Week 5

Thursday, September 26

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, 7:30 ET ESPN
Virginia Tech: 0-6 ATS in road games
Georgia Tech: 9-2 ATS vs. conference opponents

Iowa State at Tulsa, 7:30 ET FS1
Iowa State: 22-41 ATS away playing on artificial turf
Tulsa: 31-15 Under after committing 1 or 0 turnovers


Friday, September 27

(TC) Middle Tennessee State at BYU, 9:00 ET ESPNU
Mid Tenn State: 6-0 ATS away in the first half of the season
BYU: 1-10 ATS at home off BB home games

Utah State at San Jose State, 9:00 ET ESPN
Utah State: 7-0 ATS off a non-conference game
San Jose State: 5-18 ATS off BB road losses

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Tech Trends - Week 5

September 24, 2013


Thursday, Sept. 26

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

VIRGINIA TECH at GEORGIA TECH...Beamer 8-22-1 last 31 on board since late 2010. GT on 8-1 spread roll since mid 2012. Paul Johnson has covered 4 of 5 vs. Beamer since taking over Jackets in 2008. GT, based on team and series trends.

IOWA STATE at TULSA...Golden Hurricane 0-3 vs. line to start 2013. But Cyclones also just 1-6 vs. line last 7 since late 2012. Slight to Tulsa, based on team trends.




Friday, Sept. 27

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend


MIDDLE TENNESSEE at BYU...Stockstill just 5-12 as dog since 2010 (0-1 TY), and MTSU now 0-4-1 vs. line last five overall since late 2012. BYU 10-3 as DD home chalk since 2010. BYU, based on team trends.


UTAH STATE at SAN JOSE STATE...SJSU 13-3 vs. line since LY (although 0-1 in that stretch vs. USU). But USU 14-3 vs. number since 2012. Slight to USU, based on team trends.




Saturday, Sept. 28

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend


VIRGINIA at PITT...Pitt has covered its last four as home chalk and is 6-1 its last seven as favorite. Mike London 4-11-2 last 17 vs. line with Cavs since late 2011. Pitt, based on team trends.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS at PURDUE...NIU just 2-5 vs. line last 7 since late 2012. But Huskies 7-1 vs. points last 8 vs. Big Ten since 2008. Purdue 4-10 last 14 on board since early 2012. NIU, based on team trends.

TROY at DUKE...Troy 6-13 vs. line against non-Belt since 2011. Cutcliffe has covered last seven as chalk. Duke, based on team trends.

UCONN at BUFFALO...UConn has won SU last four years vs. Buffalo and covered 3 of those 4. Buff 4-11 vs. number non-MAC since 2010, 4-5 as home dog for Jeff Quinn since 2010. UConn, based on team trends.

TOLEDO at BALL STATE...Pete Lembo 3-1 vs. line TY and 17-3 last 23 on board since mid 2011. Ball 6-1 as home chalk since 2011. Toledo, however, 8-1 as visiting dog since 2010, and 9-3 last 12 as dog since 2011. Road team has covered last five meetings Slight to Toledo, based on team and series road trends.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN at NC STATE...CMU 0-4 vs. line TY and slow-starting Chips now 2-14 vs. spread in first six games of season since 2011. Also 1-8 as DD dog since 2011. CS 15-6 vs. spread non-ACC since 2009 (mostly O'Brien numbers; 1-1 TY for Doeren). NCS, based on CMU negatives.

KENT STATE at WESTERN MICHIGAN...Home team has won and covered last three years in series. Although Kent State is 4-0 as visiting chalk since 2011. Slight to WMU, based on series home trends.

EAST CAROLINA at NORTH CAROLINA...Heels have won and covered last four years vs. ECU, all wins by 14 or more. Pirates 4-11 vs. points outside C-USA under Ruffin McNeill (since 2010). Also 4-9 as visiting dog that span. Fedora 6-2 as Chapel Hill chalk since LY. UNC, based on team and series trends.

FLORIDA STATE at BOSTON COLLEGE...Easy wins and covers for FSU the last two vs. BC by combined 89-14 scoreline. Eagles only 2-8 as dog since LY (0-1 TY). FSU, based on team and recent series trends.

UAB at VANDERBILT...James Franklin 6-2 as DD chalk since 2011 at Vandy. Dores 7-2 as home chalk that span, and 8-3 vs. non-SEC since 2011. Vandy, based on team trends.

MIAMI-OHIO at ILLINOIS...Miami 5-10 vs. line since LY. Illini 2-1 vs. line TY in mild comeback for Tim Beckman after 3-9 vs. spread LY). Illini 4-9 as Champaign-Urbana chalk since 2011. Slight to Illinois, based on Miami woes.

SMU at TCU...Metroplex war. June Jones has covered last four vs. Patterson, including last two at Fort Worth. Frogs just 3-7-1 last 11 as home chalk. SMU, based on series and team trends.

ARKANSAS STATE at MISSOURI...Pinkel 8-3 last 11 vs. line in non-conference action. Ark St 19-7 vs. line in 2011-12 but 1-3 in first three TY for Harsin. Missouri, based on team trends.

IOWA at MINNESOTA...Floyd! Home team has won and covered last four Floyd games. If dog, note Ferentz 2-6 last 8 as visitor plus points. Minnesota, based on Floyd trends.

UTEP at COLORADO STATE...McElwain 3-1 as home chalk since last season and Rams are 6-1 their last 7 on board since late 2012. UTEP 5-14-1 last 20 on board. CSU, based on team trends

LSU at GEORGIA...Les has won and covered last two vs. Richt in 2009 & '11. If Les getting points note 3-1 mark in role since 2011. Richt 12-8-1 vs. line in Athens since 2010. Slight to LSU, based on recent series trends.

ARIZONA at WASHINGTON...Home team has won and covered last five meetings. Rodriguez 4-2 as dog LY. Sarkisian 7-1 vs. points last 8 as host (counts LY at Seahawks stadium). UW, based on team and series trends.

OLE MISS at ALABAMA...Rebs have covered last four visits to Tuscaloosa. Hugh Freeze 7-1 vs. line away from home since 2012 with Rebs, also 5-2 as dog since LY and 7-2 as dog since 2011. Nick Saban only 2-6 as home chalk since LY (includes non-cover vs. Ole Miss). Ole Miss, based on team and series trends.

CAL at OREGON...Ducks have won big and covered last two meetings by 102-32 total score. UO now 3-0 vs. line TY and 10-1 last 11 on board. Cal 0-3 vs. line for Dykes, and Sonny now on an 0-8 spread run since LY at La Tech. Bears also 0-8 vs. spread since late 2012. Oregon, based on team trends.


SOUTHERN CAL at ARIZONA STATE...Lane Kiffin 4-13 vs. line since LY, 0-7 vs. line away from home and 0-2 as dog that span. ASU 5-2 as home chalk for Todd Graham. ASU, based on recent trends.


ARMY at LA TECH...La Tech 1-8 vs. line last 9 since LY and Skip Holtz teams 5-19-1 last 25 on board since mid 2011 (USF & LT). West Point only 1-7 as visiting dog since 2011. Slight to Army, based on extended Skip Holtz woes.


TEXAS A&M at ARKANSAS...Ags 5-1 vs. line away from College Station under Sumlin. Sumlin also 1-0 vs. Arkansas after Sherman had lost and failed to cover three straight vs. Razorbacks. Slight to A&M, based on team trends.


OKLAHOMA at NOTRE DAME...OU only 2-3 vs. points last five in revenge role. But Irish only 8-13-2 vs. line at South Bend since early 2009. Slight to OU, based on extended trends.


SOUTHERN MISS at BOISE STATE...Broncs 3-12 last 15 as blue carpet chalk since late 2010. But USM just 4-11 vs. line since 2012 and lost 40-14 (also no cover) vs. Boise LY. Slight to Boise, based on USM negatives.


MIAMI-FLORIDA at SOUTH FLORIDA...USF 1-11-1 last 13 vs. spread in Tampa. Bulls also 1-7 last 8 on board and 5-18-1 last 24. Al Golden 7-3 vs. line away with Canes since 2011. Miami, based on team and recent series trends.

WAKE FOREST at CLEMSON...Clemson has won last 4 SU (3-1 vs. line) vs. Wake. Grobe 6-13 as visiting dog since '09. Clemson, based on team trends.

TEMPLE at IDAHO...Owls only 5-9 vs. line since LY and 1-2 as DD chalk since 2012. Idaho 4-14 last 18 vs. line. Temple, based on Idaho woes.

TULANE at ULM...Wave 5-2 last seven as dog. ULM only 3-6 as chalk since LY. Tulane, based on team trends.

HOUSTON at UTSA...Coker's Roadrunners 10-4 vs. spread since LY. Cougs have covered first two TY but were 0-2 as road chalk LY for Levine. Slight to UTSA, based on recent Coker marks.

AKRON at BOWLING GREEN...BGSU has won and covered last three meetings (no games 2010-11 Terry Bowden now 6-2 as road dog since LY, however. Dave Clawson 12-6 last 18 on board for Falcs, who are also 8-2 last 10 as chalk and 3-1 laying DD since LY. BGSU, based on team and series trends.

COLORADO at OREGON STATE...Buffs return to action after three-week hiatus! MacIntyre 2-0 vs. line TY for CU, now 15-2 his last 17 games as HC since late 2011 at SJSU & CU. Mac also 7-0 last 7 as dog! Beavs 6-11 as Corvallis chalk since 2009 (0-2 TY). CU, based on team trends.

SOUTH CAROLINA at UCF...Spurrier covered only one of five as visiting chalk (1-2-2) since 2011. O'Leary 33-15 last 48 on board, 9-6 last 15 as dog. Slight to UCF, based on team trends.

FLORIDA at KENTUCKY...Will Muschamp 4-12 last 16 as chalk since mid 2011, 2-8 last 10 laying points in Swamp. Gators also 8-17 last 25 on line overall. Cats only 1-6-1 as dog since LY and have failed to cover last five vs. Florida. Slight to UK, based on recent UF spread woes.

STANFORD vs. WASHINGTON STATE (at Seattle)...Road team has covered last four meetings. This one in Seattle at Seahawks stadium where Tree suffered one of its losses LY (vs. UW). Tree 12-3 as visiting chalk since 2010. Leach starting to cover some numbers, however, now 4-0 TY and 5-0 last 5, 9-3 last 12 since midway LY. WSU, based on recent Leach trends.

WYOMING at TEXAS STATE...Wyo 4-0 vs. line TY, 11-3 vs. spread as visitor since 2010. Franchione 6-4 as dog since LY. Wyo, based on road prowess.

NAVY at WESTERN KENTUCKY...WKU 3-6 last 9 on board since late 2012. Mids 11-6 last 17 vs. line as visitor. Navy, based on team trends.

FAU at RICE...Owls vs. Owls! Carl Pelini's FAU 9-1 as road dog since LY and 11-3 last 14 on board. Rice, however, 8-2 last 10 vs. spread since mid 2012. Slight to FAU, based on team trends.

SOUTH ALABAMA at TENNESSEE...USA opening eyes with wins and covers as a dog in last two outings. Vols 2-6 as Knoxville chalk since LY (1-1 for Butch Jones). USA, based on team trends.

AIR FORCE at NEVADA...Falcs ran option down Pack's throat LY in 48-31 win. But Calhoun just 4-13 last 17 on board. Nevada, based on AFA woes.

OKLAHOMA STATE at WEST VIRGINIA...Holgorsen vs. old employer. Cowboys 0-3 as visiting chalk LY but OSU 28-13 vs. line since 2010. Mounties 2-9 last 11 vs. points at Morgantown. OSU, based on team trends.

WISCONSIN at OHIO STATE...Badgers 4-1 as visiting dog since 2010. Gary Andersen teams at USU and Wiscy have covered last 10 as a dog!. Bucks have covered last two and 4 of last 5 meetings and Urban Meyer 7-1 last 8 on board since late 2012. Wisconsin, based on Andersen dog marks.


UNLV at NEW MEXICO...Rebs have lost 23 in a row SU on road, 4-19 vs. line in those games. Home team has won and covered last three years in series. New Mexico, based on UNLV road woes.


SAN DIEGO STATE at NEW MEXICO STATE...Ags no covers first three TY, now 3-11-1 last 15 vs. spread. Ags 1-5 as Las Cruces dog since LY. Aztecs also 0-2 vs. line TY. SDSU, based on NMSU negatives.


FRESNO STATE at HAWAII...Norm Chow has covers in last five since late 2012. Although Warriors only 2-4 as Aloha Stadium dog since 2011. Bulldogs 4-0 as visiting chalk LY and FSU has covered last 4 vs. UH at Aloha Stadium. Fresno, based on team and series trends.

[StarDust Bum]

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech

September 25, 2013

The ACC takes center stage again on Thursday night after last week’s sloppy game between Clemson and NC State. This week’s game features two Coastal division rivals in a rematch of a game that went overtime last season. The winner of this game could have a head start on the division title and the winner will almost certainly find themselves in the Top 25 next week with both teams in the ‘others receiving votes’ list this week.

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Venue: Bobby Dood Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (grass)
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2013
Time/TV: 7:30 PM ET – ESPN
Line: Georgia Tech -7½, Over/Under 43½
Last Meeting: 2012 at Virginia Tech (-7½), Virginia Tech 20-17 OT

These teams opened the 2012 season on Labor Day with a compelling game led by defense. A 7-7 tie was broken in the fourth quarter and after Georgia Tech seemingly won the game with a touchdown with 44 seconds to go, Virginia Tech managed to force overtime with a late field goal. The Hokies prevailed in overtime but neither team went on to have the season that most expected as both teams finished with just seven wins even after bowl victories.

Georgia Tech was the representative in the ACC Championship game last season by default as North Carolina and Miami were not eligible for the postseason but the Yellow Jackets played highly ranked Florida State tough and then went on to soundly defeat USC in the Sun Bowl, a win that provided a nice finish to an otherwise rocky season. Things are looking much more promising this year with back-to-back ACC wins over Duke and North Carolina the last two weeks. The Yellow Jackets are in the midst of a very tough stretch of the schedule however with road games at Miami and at BYU the next two weeks.

While Virginia Tech lost the big opening game with Alabama by 25-points, it was about as impressive as a 25-point loss could be. The defending two-time national champions were held to just 206 total yards and while the Hokies did not accomplish a lot on offense either the defense earned major respect. Alabama might have been in caught in a very tight game if not for three non-offensive touchdowns that helped them pull away. Virginia Tech has won all three games since the opening loss but the wins have not come easily, with a 15-10 win at East Carolina and needing three overtimes to beat Marshall 29-21, getting big tests from two of the better teams in Conference USA the last two weeks.

After facing passing offenses the last two weeks, the Virginia Tech defense will face a difficult adjustment on a short week with Georgia Tech’s triple-option attack. The Hokies have won four of the five games in this series since Paul Johnson took over in Atlanta in 2008 but only one meeting was decided by more than seven points. Georgia Tech has rushed for 345 yards per game this season but if the Yellow Jackets are going to compete for the division title again it will be because of the improvement on defense, allowing just 11 points per game through three games and limiting Duke and North Carolina to just 34 combined points. Last week’s win over the Tar Heels was particularly impressive as the team did not panic after falling behind 20-7 and the defense did not allow a point in the second half.

While Conference USA may not be that strong this season, holding East Carolina to 10 points and Marshall to just 21 points in an impressive showing for the Virginia Tech defense as those two teams could end up among the higher scoring teams in the nation by the time the season is over. The secondary for the Hokies may be one of the best in the nation even with cornerback Antone Exum still out of action for likely a few more weeks. Defending the pass will not be the issue this week as the Hokies will need to hold up front against the rushing attack and the linebacker unit which may be the weakest spot of the defense will have a big test.

Sophomore quarterback Vad Lee already has passed for seven touchdowns this season for Georgia Tech while also scoring on a rushing touchdown in each game. Lee is second on the team in rushing behind senior running back David Sims but this is a team that really spreads the ball around as in three games 14 different players have at least two carries. Junior DeAndre Smelter has been the leading receiver and his size adds another dimension to an offense that has been passing just enough to keep the offense running smoothly. One area of concern for Georgia Tech has been in the kicking game as the Yellow Jackets are just one for three on field goal attempts with both misses from freshman Harrison Butker coming from less than 40 yards.

The Virginia Tech offense starts with senior quarterback Logan Thomas who is one of the biggest mobile quarterbacks that college football has ever seen. He has worked hard on his passing now in his third season as a starter but he has thrown six interceptions already this season and is not any closer to shedding his reputation as a turnover-prone quarterback. His numbers have improved after completing just four passes against Alabama but he has thrown an interception in every game and is yet to complete more than 59 percent of his passes in a single game this season, not even against Western Carolina. After rushing minimally in the first three games of the season Thomas ran 23 times last week including two touchdown runs and the Hokies are most dangerous when he is providing a threat on the ground as well as he did rush for over 400 yards last season. Freshman Trey Edmunds has been the top rusher for the Hokies, averaging 4.5 yards per carry with 352 yards in four games and the Hokies have three receivers with at least 12 catches but there have been few big plays in the passing game.

This game will provide the biggest test of the season for the Georgia Tech offense as last year the Yellow Jackets had to work for just 288 yards against the Hokies in the opening week loss. The Georgia Tech defense also allowed Thomas to have one of his better games last year and it will be interesting to see if the Yellow Jackets have really improved as much as the early season numbers are suggesting as this was a team that allowed 28 points and 374 yards per game last season. Georgia Tech was just 4-3 S/U at home last year but Virginia Tech only won once on the road last season, though they have already matched that win count this season.

Last Meeting: Georgia Tech went up 17-14 with just 44 seconds to go last season in Blacksburg in the opening game of the season to seemingly deliver a great upset win. Virginia Tech had two timeouts left and they got a 22-yard play on first down to approach midfield. After a few short completions it was 4th and 4 with just 13 seconds left at the Georgia Tech 47-yard line. The Hokies managed to connect for a 23-yard play to give kicker Cody Journell a chance. Journell had missed a kick earlier in the fourth quarter from a shorter distance and this was his first game after being suspended for the Sugar Bowl the previous season. He hit the 41-yard field goal to force overtime and after the Hokies got an interception in overtime on Georgia Tech’s possession, he drilled the game-winner from short range.

Series History: Georgia Tech is just 1-4 S/U but 4-1 ATS in the last five years of this series. Since 1990 Georgia Tech is 3-7 S/U and 5-5 ATS in the series. Two years ago in Atlanta Virginia Tech won 37-26 as a slight home favorite and the last win for the Yellow Jackets came at home in 2009, 28-23 as a slight home underdog over a then #4 Hokies squad. This will be the first time since 2008 that neither team is ranked in this matchup.

Line Movement: After opening at -7½ the line did push up to -8 but has settled back down to -7½. The total has climbed, opening at 41½ and up to 43½ at most outlets by Wednesday.

Virginia Tech Historical Trends: Since 1980 Virginia Tech is 64-42-3 ATS as an underdog, including going 16-9-1 ATS since 2001. Virginia Tech is just 1-4-1 ATS in the last six games as an underdog however going back to the 2010 season. Since 2004 Virginia Tech is 34-10 S/U and 28-16 ATS in road games but since the start of the 2012 season the Hokies are 2-4 S/U and 0-6 ATS in road games.

Georgia Tech Historical Trends: Georgia Tech is just 49-61-7 ATS as a home favorite since 1980. Since Paul Johnson took over the Yellow Jackets are 21-6 S/U and a 15-10-2 ATS as a home favorite however. Georgia Tech has won and covered in six consecutive games as a favorite of seven or more points.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, September 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Virginia Tech - 7:30 PM ET Georgia Tech -7 500 POD # 3

Georgia Tech - Under 42.5 500 POD # 4


Iowa State - 7:30 PM ET Tulsa -3 500 POD # 1

Tulsa - Over 56 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Friday Tip Sheet

September 25, 2013


**Middle Tennessee at Brigham Young**

--As of Wednesday afternoon, most books had BYU (1-2 straight up, 1-2 against the spread) listed as a 23-point favorite with a total of 59.5 for 'over/under' wagers. 5Dimes had the Blue Raiders with 11/1 odds to win outright (risk $100 to win $1,100).

--Middle Tennessee (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) has won back-to-back games since losing 40-20 at North Carolina in Week 2. The Blue Raiders captured a wild overtime win at Florida Atlantic last week, 42-35. FAU forced OT with a 21-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining, but MTSU responded in the extra session with a 19-yard scoring strike from Logan Kilgore to Kyle Griswould. A stop by the defense in OT gave it the victory and its first spread cover of the year as a 3-point favorite.

--Junior RB and special-teams ace Reggie Whatley was the catalyst in the win over FAU. Whatley rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries. He also had 80 yards on just a pair of kick returns for the Blue Raiders. Kilgore threw for 150 yards and a pair of TDs.

--Bronco Mendenhall's squad suffered a 19-16 loss at Virginia in its opener, but it bounced back by trashing Texas 40-21 as a seven-point home underdog. BYU had an open date going into last Saturday's home game vs. Utah. The Cougars trailed throughout and lost a 20-13 decision to their in-state rivals as seven-point home favorites. Taysom Hill threw for 260 yards and ran for 99, but it wasn't enough.

--BYU running back Jamaal Williams is 'out' after sustaining a concussion in the loss vs. Utah. Williams has rushed for 378 yards this season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

--Hill has rushed for a team-high 400 yards and four TDs, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. The sophomore signal caller exploded for 259 rushing yards and three TDs in the win over the Longhorns. However, Hill is completing only 35.1 percent of his throws for 564 yards with a 1/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

--Middle Tennessee QB Logan Kilgore is connecting on 60.7 percent of his passing attempts for 729 yards with a mediocre 4/5 TD-INT ratio. Kilgore was more effective last season when he had 16 TD passes compared to only six interceptions. Jordan Parker is the Blue Raiders' leading rusher with 435 yards and four TDs.

--BYU owns a 23-19 spread record as a home favorite during Mendenhall's nine-year tenure.

--As a road underdog on Rick Stockstill's watch, Middle Tennessee has compiled a 14-17 spread record.

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

**Utah State at San Jose State**

--As of Wednesday afternoon, most spots had Utah St. (2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS) installed as a 10-point 'chalk' with a total of 61. The Spartans are +300 on the money line (risk $100 to win $300).

--Utah St. is coming off a 17-14 loss at Southern Cal as a 6.5-point underdog. Junior QB Chuckie Keeton tossed a pair of TD passes and didn't commit a turnover. But the Aggies couldn't answer a field goal from the Trojans early in the fourth quarter and suffered another narrow defeat.

--Matt Wells's team has wins at Air Force (52-20) and vs. Weber St. (70-6), but it lost 30-26 at Utah as a two-point underdog in the season opener. Keeton has been sensational as usual, throwing for 1,102 yards with a remarkable 14/1 TD-INT ratio. Keeton now has a 52/12 TD-INT ratio in 25 career games.

--San Jose St. (1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS) has dropped back-to-back games since beating Sacramento St. 24-0 on Aug. 29. The Spartans lost 34-13 at Stanford but took the money as 24-point underdogs. They came up on the wrong end of a 43-24 game last week at Minnesota, failing to cover as four-point 'dogs.

--SJS has an NFL prospect at QB in David Fales, who threw for 4,193 yards with a 33/9 TD-INT ratio in 2012. This year he has completed 60.9 percent of his throws for 880 yards with a 6/3 TD-INT ratio. Noel Grigsby is Fales's favorite target, but the WR went down with a knee injury at practice last week and is out indefinitely.

--Grigsby had to sit out the loss at Minnesota. In the first two games, the senior wideout caught 10 balls for 106 yards and a pair of scores. Grigsby had a banner 2012 campaign, making 82 receptions for 1,307 yards and nine TDs.

--The 'over' is 3-1 for Utah St. this year, 2-1 in its three road assignments. The 'under' is 2-1 for San Jose St., 1-0 in its lone home game.

--Utah St has won four in a row over SJS, going 3-1 ATS. The Aggies rolled to a 49-27 win as 2.5-point road underdogs last season. Keeton threw for 273 yards and three TDs without an interception. Fales completed 38-of-50 passes for 467 yards and three TDs without being intercepted. Grigsby hauled in 11 receptions for 181 yards and two scores.

--The 'over' has hit in three consecutive head-to-head meetings.

--ESPN will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets**

--Arkansas QB Brandon Allen has been downgraded to 'doubtful' for Saturday's home game vs. Texas A&M. Allen has a 5/1 TD-INT ratio. The Hogs lost 28-24 at Rutgers last week when back-up QB A.J. Derby was under center.

--Florida stud DT Dominique Easley is 'out' at Kentucky and possibly for the season. He suffered a non-contact knee injury at practice on Tuesday. Will Muschamp called it a 'tweak' on Wednesday morning's SEC teleconference. However, Easley sent out a tweet moments later that indicated his career could with UF could be over. The Gators have incredible depth on the defensive line, but this would still be a huge loss. Easley was well on his way to garnering first-team All-American honors. Tyler Murphy will make his first career start at QB following Jeff Driskel's season-ending injury in last week's 31-17 win over Tennessee. Murphy's first start will come at Kentucky, as did Chris Leak's. UF is favored by 13. UK has lost 26 in a row to the Gators.

--Stanford safety Ed Reynolds, a third-team All-American in 2012, will miss the first half of Saturday's game at Washington St. (in Seattle) for violating the NCAA's targeting rule in a win over Arizona St. The Cardinal will be without All-American OG David Yankey for the entire game. Yankey won't make the trip with the team due to a personal matter.

--Arizona St. has lost three defensive players to season-ending injuries, including DE Junior Onyeali and nose tackle Jaxon Hood, who had six and three sacks last year, respectively.

--Vandy owns a 7-2 spread record as a home favorite under James Franklin. The Commdores are favored by 20 Saturday vs. UAB.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Some college football trends to ponder with Week 4 upon us..........

-- Vanderbilt is 6-2 in its last eight games as a double digit favorite.

-- South Florida is 5-18-1 vs spread in its last 24 lined games.

-- Ole Miss coach Freeze is 22-6 vs spread in his last 28 lined games.

-- USC is 4-13 against the spread in its last 17 games overall.

-- Wake Forest is 6-12 in its last 18 games as an underdog.

-- Florida Atlantic covered nine of last ten as a road underdog.


*****

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) Where will the NL Wild Game be played? Reds-Pirates play three games this weekend, winner gets home field. Six months of games boils down to one weekend, as teams jockey for position for next week’s playoffs.

12) Whole NFC East is playing road games against the AFC West this weekend; with a combined 3-9 record thru three weeks, it doesn’t look like Dallas is going to have much of a fight for the division title.

11) Three of the seven NFL unbeatens are underdogs this week; three of the six winless teams are favored. Go figure.

10) LSU QB Zach Mettenberger originally went to Georgia, but got kicked off the team and wound up at LSU, where his career has blossomed under former NFL coach Cam Cameron.

Zach’s mom still works in the Georgia athletic department; Dawgs’ coach Mark Richt gave her this week off. Big game in Athens.

9) Steelers-Vikings was once a Super Bowl matchup; now it’s a battle of winless teams in London. Someone is coming back across the pond 0-4, which will make for a very long flight and bye week.

8) Oklahoma visits Notre Dame, where pass interference flags fly like confetti when the Irish have the ball. Sooner QB Blake Bell is making his first road start; he’s more of a runner than a passer, but was 27-37/413 in his first start against Tulsa. This will be a little different than playing against Tulsa. OK, a lot different.

7) Bucs coach Schiano went ahead and benched Josh Freeman for rookie Mike Glennon, a much anticipated move. Curious to see how the team reacts, not like Glennon did that great when NC State cut Russell Wilson loose so Glennon could start for two years in Raleigh.

6) USC is a 6-point underdog at Arizona State, which played Wisconsin, Stanford the last two weeks; what genius made that schedule? First Pac-12 road start for Trojan QB Kessler; the way USC fans seem to despise Lane Kiffin, maybe USC will play better in a hostile environment.

5) All three Charger games have been decided by exactly three points, with both San Diego losses coming in last 0:30. Dallas ran the Rams out of JerryWorld last week. Road team won last four meetings in this series.

4) Wisconsin coach Gary Anderson is 16-3 vs spread as a road underdog; Badgers lost their first road game 32-30 at Arizona State, in a bizarre ending. Big game in the Big Dozen.

3) In New England’s first three games, they faced two rookie QBs and then Josh Freeman, who was benched three days later; now they’re facing Matt Ryan’s Falcons, who are 19-4 vs spread off a loss under Mike Smith. Major step or two up in class for New England’s young receivers.

2) Can Texas avoid a second consecutive September meltdown by coming from behind to get in the Wild Card game? Can the Indians complete a fantastic season by making the playoffs? Who will be top seed in the AL?

1) Dolphins at Saints is an excellent Monday night game. Once upon a team, Drew Brees left the Chargers as a free agent after shoulder surgery; the Miami head coach, acting on medical advice, chose Daunte Culpepper over Brees as a free agent signee.

Brees signed with the Saints and has done great. The Miami coach quit after two years, but has done well since elsewhere. Guy named Nick Saban.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Friday, September 27

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Friday's NCAAF action: What bettors need to know
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Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at BYU Cougars (-23.5, 59.5)

The Blue Raiders have jumped out to a 3-1 start following an overtime win over FAU last weekend. They edged the Owls 42-35 on a Logan Kilgore pass to Kyle Griswould which covered the spread for MTU backers, their first payday of the year. Turnovers have been a big issue for Kilgore, who has thrown five INTs to his four TDs. He’s also been sacked nine times through four games, which ranks 110th in protection in the country.

Brigham Young has gone just 1-2 during a tough opening schedule. The Cougars fell to Utah 20-13 last weekend, failing to cover as 7-point home favorites. BYU is coming in ranked eighth in the country in rushing, plowing ahead for 306.7 yards per game. Dual-threat QB Taysom Hill is a big part of that attack, totaling 400 yards on the ground – the second most rushing yards for a QB this season.

LINE: BYU opened - 21.5 and has been bet up as high as -24. The total has remained steady at 59.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 40s with partly cloudy skies and winds WNW at 6 mph.
TRENDS:

* Blue Raiders are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 5-2 in Blue Raiders last seven games overall.


Utah State Aggies at San Jose State Spartans (+9.5, 61.5)

Utah State nearly upset USC last weekend, falling 17-14 but managed to cover as 6.5-point road underdog. The Aggies defense has locked down opposing passers for just 152 yards per game – 12th in the country. But, funny enough, have yet to snatch an INT from an opponent this year.

They may get their chance for a pick or two visiting the Bay Area Friday. San Jose State is passing on 67.48 percent of its offensive plays this season, averaging 293.3 yards through the air. The Spartans have been up against stiff competition the past two games, losing to Stanford and Minnesota but splitting those outings ATS.

LINE: SJSU opened at +9.5 and remained steady around that number. The Total moved from 61 to 61.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 70s with clear skies and winds NNW at 4 mph.
TRENDS:

* Road team is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Aggies are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine road games.
* Spartans are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF
Short Sheet

Week 5

Saturday, September 28

(TC) Virginia at Pittsburgh, 12:30 ET
Virginia: 2-8 ATS off a non-conference game
Pittsburgh: 14-6 Under after forcing 4+ turnovers

Northern Illinois at Purdue, 12:00 ET ESPN2
Northern Illinois: 20-6 ATS after allowing 325+ passing yards
Purdue: 11-2 Over in home games

(TC) Troy at Duke, 3:00 ET
Troy: 0-6 ATS away off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games
Duke: 27-12 ATS off BB games forcing 1 or 0 turnovers

(TC) Connecticut at Buffalo, 3:30 ET
Connecticut: 23-9 ATS off BB losses
Buffalo: 0-8 ATS off an Over

(TC) Toledo at Ball State, 3:00 ET
Toledo: 10-2 Under as an underdog
Ball State: 15-5 ATS playing on artificial turf

(TC) Central Michigan at NC State, 3:30 ET
Central Michigan: 1-11 ATS after losing 2 of their last 3 games
NC State: 21-9 ATS off BB Unders

(TC) Kent State at Western Michigan, 7:00 ET
Kent State: 4-14 ATS after scoring 9 or less points
Western Michigan: 13-4 Over off BB losses

(TC) East Carolina at North Carolina, 12:30 ET
East Carolina: 8-2 ATS off a loss
North Carolina: 7-0 Under after allowing 300+ rushing yards

(TC) #8 Florida State at Boston College, 3:30 ET ABC | ESPN2
Florida State: 0-6 ATS off 3+ wins
Boston College: 13-4 Under vs. conference opponents

(TC) UAB at Vanderbilt, 7:30 ET
UAB: 22-6 ATS off BB non-conference games
Vanderbilt: 26-11 Under in September

(TC) Miami OH at Illinois, 12:00 ET BTN
Miami OH: 22-9 Under off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games
Illinois: 8-19 ATS at home off BB non-conference games

(TC) SMU at TCU, 12:00 ET FS1
SMU: 6-19 ATS off a road loss by 28+ points
TCU: 13-3 ATS at home off a bye week

(TC) Arkansas State at Missouri, 7:30 ET
Arkansas State: 13-1 ATS off an Under
Missouri: 0-4 ATS off 3+ games forcing 3+ turnovers

Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 ET ABC | ESPN2
Iowa: 16-6 ATS off a win by 35+ points
Minnesota: 13-4 Over as a home underdog of 7 points or less

UTEP at Colorado State, 3:30 ET CBSSN
UTEP: 30-16 Over after committing 1 or 0 turnovers
Colorado State: 20-8 ATS at home after losing 2 of their last 3 games

#6 LSU at #9 Georgia, 3:30 ET CBS
LSU:16-6 Under away off BB games scoring 31+ points
Georgia: 6-1 ATS off a SU win / ATS loss

(TC) Arizona at #16 Washington, 7:00 ET FOX
Arizona: 8-1 Over after the first month of the season
Washington: 3-13 ATS off a home win by 28+ points

(TC) #21 Mississippi at #1 Alabama, 6:30 ET ESPN
Mississippi: 19-8 ATS away off a bye week
Alabama: 15-3 Under as a home favorite of 10.5 to 14 points

(TC) California at #2 Oregon, 10:30 ET
California: 3-11 ATS playing on artificial turf
Oregon: 27-10 ATS off BB non-conference games

(TC) USC at Arizona State, 10:30 ET ESPN2
USC: 0-6 ATS in road games
Arizona State: 40-23 ATS at home off a road game

(TC) Army at Louisiana Tech, 4:00 ET FS1
Army: 0-7 ATS away off an Under
Louisiana Tech: 11-3 ATS as an underdog

(TC) #10 Texas A&M at Arkansas, 7:00 ET ESPN2
Texas A&M: 8-2 Under off an ATS win
Arkansas: 2-9 ATS off a non-conference game

#14 Oklahoma at #22 Notre Dame, 3:30 ET NBC
Oklahoma: 18-33 ATS away after allowing 100 or less rushing yards
Notre Dame: 11-3 Under in home games

(TC) Southern Miss at Boise State, 10:15 ET ESPNU
Southern Miss: 15-2 ATS off BB games scoring 17 points or less
Boise State: 0-7 ATS at home off a conference game

(TC) #15 Miami FL at South Florida, 12:00 ET ESPNU
Miami FL: 13-4 ATS after the first month of the season
South Florida: 3-11 ATS in home games

Wake Forest at #3 Clemson, 3:30 ET ESPNU
Wake Forest: 10-1 Under after losing 2 of their last 3 games
Clemson: 13-4 ATS vs. conference opponents

Temple at Idaho, 5:00 ET
Temple: 6-0 Under away in the first half of the season
Idaho: 2-12 ATS at home off a loss by 35+ points

(TC) Tulane at Louisiana Monroe, 7:00 ET
Tulane: 16-31 ATS away off a combined score of 60+ points
LA Monroe: 10-2 Over after allowing 475+ total yards

(TC) Houston at Texas San Antonio, 4:00 ET
Houston: 8-19 ATS as a road favorite of 7 points or less
Texas SA: 7-1 ATS off an ATS win

(TC) Akron at Bowling Green, 2:30 ET
Akron: 13-2 Over off BB ATS wins
Bowling Green: 9-2 ATS as a favorite

(TC) Colorado at Oregon State, 3:00 ET
Colorado: 0-8 ATS away off BB games allowing 100 or less rushing yards
Oregon State: 28-12 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

(TC) #12 South Carolina at Central Florida, 12:00 ET ABC
South Carolina: 16-6 Under away off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games
Central Florida: 16-6 ATS at home off a combined score of 60+ points

#20 Florida at Kentucky, 7:00 ET ESPNU
Florida: 16-5 ATS off BB games allowing 75 or less rushing yards
Kentucky: 1-9 ATS as an underdog

(TC) #5 Stanford at Washington State, 10:00 ET ESPN
Stanford: 11-3 ATS off a home game
Washington State: 11-34 ATS off BB games allowing 125 or less rushing yards

Wyoming at Texas State, 7:00 ET
Wyoming: 8-1 ATS off an Over
Texas State: 8-2 Under as an underdog

(TC) Navy at Western Kentucky, 2:00 ET ESPNEWS
Navy: 7-0 Under after gaining 475+ total yards
Western Kentucky: 14-2 ATS as an underdog

Florida Atlantic at Rice, 7:00 ET
Florida Atlantic: 8-1 ATS in road games
Rice: 34-18 Over off an ATS loss

(TC) South Alabama at Tennessee, 12:20 ET
South Alabama: 6-0 ATS away in the first half of the season
Tennessee: 0-8 ATS off an ATS win

(TC) Air Force at Nevada, 8:00 ET CBSSN
Air Force: 8-27 ATS off a conference loss by 10+ points
Nevada: 16-5 ATS at home with a total of 56.5 to 63 points

(TC) #11 Oklahoma State at West Virginia, 12:00 ET ESPN
Oklahoma State: 14-4 ATS off BB wins by 21+ points
West Virginia: 6-0 Over off BB ATS losses

#23 Wisconsin at #4 Ohio State, 8:00 ET ABC
Wisconsin: 15-4 Over vs. conference opponents
Ohio State: 47-29 ATS in September

UNLV at New Mexico, 8:00 ET
UNLV: 4-14 ATS away off BB non-conference games
New Mexico: 20-8 ATS at home off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games

San Diego State at New Mexico State, 8:00 ET
San Diego State: 16-2 Under away off BB non-conference games
New Mexico State: 3-11 ATS as an underdog

#25 Fresno State at Hawaii, 11:59 ET
Fresno State: 14-5 ATS playing on artificial turf
Hawaii: 3-12 ATS vs. conference opponents


(TC) = Time Change

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 5

Saturday's games

Top 13 games

First road game for Virginia team that is 14-10 vs spread in last 24 games as a road underdog; Cavaliers were outgained by 398 yards in splitting a pair of I-A home games, beating BYU 19-16 in a monsoon, losing 59-10 to powerful Oregon. First road start for soph QB Watford. Pitt is 4-1 as a home favorite under Chryst; they got first ACC win last week, a 58-55 slugfest at Duke where Pitt's +4 turnover margin helped offset 532 total yards for Blue Devils. Well-traveled senior QB Savage is completing 65% of his passes- Panthers scored 107 points in last two games.

Home side won seven of last eight Iowa-Minnesota games, as favorites are 9-3 vs spread in last 12; Hawkeyes lost three of last four visits here, with losses by 1-3-10 points. Since '04, Iowa is 7-13 as a road favorite; they lost five of last six conference road games, are 2-4 vs spread in last six as a Big Dozen road favorite. Minnesota is 3-8 in last 11 conference home games; they scored 51-44-43 points in winning first three games vs I-A teams this year, but opponents were perennial doormats. Redshirt freshman QB Leidner played last week; Gophers are combined 23-39 passing in their last three games, thats not much passing.

LSU QB Mettenberger started college career at Georgia; his mom works in the Dawgs' athletic department, but got this week off. Tigers won last two series games 20-13/42-10, holding Georgia to total of 123 yards on ground-- three of last seven meetings were in SEC title game. LSU beat TCU 37-27 in Dallas, a semi-road game; they're 7-7 as underdogs under Miles, 5-6 on road. Georgia has veteran offense (QB has 44 career starts, OL has 116); they're 12-8 in last 20 games as a home favorite, but they also have eight new starters on defense, and LSU OC Cameron is an NFL vet who will exploit weaknesses. Dawgs scored 35-41 points in its first two games vs Clemson/South Carolina.

Home side won last five Arizona-Washington games; Wildcats are 2-5 in last seven visits here, losing 42-31/36-33 in last two. Favorites covered four of last five series games. Wildcats had 277 rushing yards, 256 in air in 52-17 (-7.5) thrashing of U-Dub LY. Huskies scored 38-34 points in winning its first two I-A games; they're 6-2 in last eight games as home faves. With 18 starters back; QB has 29 starts, OL 81 this is best offense Sarkisian has had (592/615 TY vs Boise/Illinois). Arizona is 4-2 as dogs in RichRod era, 2-2 on road; they crushed pair of cupcakes in their first two I-A games, but at least one was on road, at UNLV.

Alabama won its last nine games vs Ole Miss, but Rebels covered six of last eight, including last four visits here, in losses by 3-4-13-19. Freeze is 22-6 vs spread in his last 28 lined games, with Rebels/Ark State. Bama is 2-8 vs spread in last ten home games; last time they lost to team outside top 20 was 2007. Ole Miss is #21. Total yardage in LY's game was just 305-218, Bama. Rebels scored 44-39 points in winning pair of games on road already this season, at Vandy/Texas, gaining 938 TY in those games. Ole Miss is 4-1 as road dogs under Freeze- they've got 97 starts back on OL and vet QB hitting 64% of passes. Alabama is 3-0 and hasn't really been threatened (were down 14-0 at A&M) but they've been outgained from scrimmage in two of those three wins.

USC won 12 of last 13 games with Arizona State, but lost 43-22 in last visit here; favorites are 8-3 in last 11 series games, but this is just second time in last 13 meetings ASU has been favored. Sun Devils gave up 471 rushing yards last two weeks; who made their schedule? They're playing Wisconsin-Stanford-USC-Notre Dame on consecutive Saturdays. Damn. Trojans have veteran OL (105 starts) but they've scored 7-17 points in close games with Wazzu/Utah State this month- they're 4-1 as road dogs under Kiffin. ASU is 18-13 in last 31 games as a home favorite (4-2 in Graham era). ASU has edge in experience at QB.

Texas A&M passed for 498 yards in 58-10 drubbing of Arkansas LY, as Aggies ended three-game series skid, having allowed 113 points in those three losses. Arkansas is 1-6 vs spread at home since Petrino left town; they were 13-5-1 as HFs in Petrino era. Hogs gave up 346 passing yards in 28-24 loss at Rutgers last week, when they blew 24-7 lead, despite a +3 turnover ratio. First road game for Aggies, who were 4-1 vs spread on road LY. A&M is scoring 45.3 ppg vs I-A opponents this year, scoring 42 in home loss to Alabama- they gained 1,209 yards in two games that Manziel started that were against I-A teams (Bama/SMU).

Notre Dame (+12.5) won 30-13 at Oklahoma LY, outrushing Sooners by 215-15 margin; Irish just went 2-1 vs Big Dozen teams, winning by 7-4 vs Purdue/Michigan State, despite completing only 14-34 passes against Spartans. ND is 5-3 as home dogs since 2005, 1-1 in Kelly era; since '04, Sooners are 14-18-1 as road favorites- this is first road start for Bell, who threw only 16 passes LY but is 30-43/451 throwing ball so far this year. He is a strong runner. This is first road game for Oklahoma squad with seven new starters on defense. ND drew four PI penalties against Michigan State last week, a couple when they needed them most.

Colorado hasn't played in three weeks because of floods in Boulder and then a scheduled bye; Buffs are just 3-13 as road dogs since '10, but new coach MacIntyre was 10-5 as road dog at San Jose, covering seven of last nine such chances. While Buffs weren't playing, Oregon State won pair of wild road games, 51-48 in OT at Utah, 34-30 at San Diego State, when they scored two TDs in 0:19 in last 3:00 for win. Beavers are 6-10 in last 16 games as home favorites- don't forget they lost 49-46 in opener to Eastern Washington- they've allowed 30+ points in three of four games. Colorado WR Richardson is one of best players on west coast-- he has 21 catches for 417 (19.9 avg) yards and four TDs in his first two games.

Central Florida has NFL-caliber QB in Bortles and O'Leary is very good coach, so Knights are no pushover for South Carolina squad that is 7-5-2 as road favorite under Spurrier, but lost only road game 41-30 ar Georgia earlier this month. UCF is 8-6 in its last 14 games as home underdog but this also first time since '09 they've been a home dog. Knights outgained Penn State 507-455 in 34-31 win at Happy Valley in last game. Carolina is 12-7-1 vs spread in its last 19 non-SEC games. Bortles is completing 71% of his passes; Knights covered 13 of last 18 non-league games, and had great balance at Penn State, running for 219 yards, passing for 288.

Florida outscored Kentucky 92-3 in first half of their last five meetings; Gators won last five meetings by average score of 48-7, but this is first college start for backup QB Murphy, who was 8-14 passing last week as he subbed for fallen starter Driskel (ankle, out for year). Florida is 2-2 as road favorites under Muschamp, after covering eight of last ten as a HF in Meyer era. Kentucky allowed 487-492 yards in losses this season to WKU (35-26, -4) and Louisvile (27-13, -14)- their only win was against hapless Miami, OH. Florida lost its only other road game this season, 21-16 (-3) to the Miami Hurricanes.

Stanford won last five games with Washington State by average score of 40-14, with road team covering last four series games. Cardinal won last two visits here 44-14/39-13, but Leach is making progress establishing his program in Pullman. Coogs won SU at USC 10-7, holding Trojans to 193 TY, then they beat couple stiff teams- they're 7-4 in last 11 games as a home dog. Stanford gave up 391 passing yards in 42-28 home win over ASU last week, a game that wasn't as close as final score indicated. Cardinal is 12-3 in last 15 games as a road favorite, 8-2 in 2+ years under Shaw- they better not look ahead to next week's Washington game.

Wisconsin coach Anderson is 15-2 vs spread as road dog after covering in bizarre 32-30 (+7) loss at Arizona State couple weeks ago; Badgers lost five of last six games with Ohio State with underdogs winning three in row SU and covering seven of last ten. Wisky lost last three at Ohio State by 4-18-21 points- they covered four of last five games as a road dog. Buckeyes have two quality QBs; they're 8-4 vs spread in last dozen games as Big Dozen home favorite. TY in Wisky-ASU game: 468-441 in favor of Sun Devils, with Kelly passing for 352 yards. OSU allowed 371 passing yards in 52-34 win at Cal two weeks ago, but gained 608 yards in what was game that wasn't as close as the final score.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, September 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Middle Tennessee - 9:00 PM ET Middle Tennessee +23.5 500 POD # 1

Brigham Young - Under 59.5 500 POD # 4



Utah State - 9:00 PM ET Utah State -10.5 500 POD # 2


San Jose State - Under 62.5 500 POD # 3

[Kaptain]

get em tonight BUM.....thanks

[WThotrod]

BOL, Bum!

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 28

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Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Afternoon action
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Miami Hurricanes at South Florida Bulls (+19, 47)

Miami Senior quarterback Stephen Morris suffered an ankle injury last week, but is expected to play. The Hurricanes have allowed only 29 points in three games, keyed by junior linebacker Denzel Perryman’s 20 tackles.

South Florida’s quarterbacks are struggling and five defensive touchdowns have been scored against the Bulls. Sophomore Steven Bench, a transfer from Penn State, is expected to be the third different starter at quarterback after completing 8-of-23 passes for 128 yards in the 28-10 loss to Florida Atlantic on Sept. 14. The Bulls have turned the ball over eight times.

LINE: Miami opened -20.5 and has moved as low as -18. Total moved from 48.5 to 47.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 80s, 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, winds NE 7 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. ACC.


Oklahoma State Cowboys at West Virginia Mountaineers (+19, 57)

Oklahoma State tallied 115 points in its last two games and is tied for 10th in the country in scoring at 45.3 points per game coming out of an early bye week. Senior Jeremy Smith leads the team with six rushing touchdowns, including three first-half scores in the Cowboys’ 59-3 win against Lamar last week. Oklahoma State racked up 426 total yards in that victory.

West Virginia redshirt freshman Ford Childress is expected to start his third consecutive game despite floundering against the Terrapins last week. West Virginia has scored seven total points in its two losses. Coming off a 37-0 shutout to Maryland, the Mountaineers will look to stay above .500 under third-year coach Dana Holgorsen, who served as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator in 2010.

LINE: OSU opened -20.5 and has moved to -19. Total moved between 57 and 58.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 60s, clear skies, winds 5 mph SE
TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Mountaineers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Under is 7-0 in Mountaineers last seven games overall.


South Carolina Gamecocks at UCF Knights (+7, 53)

The Gamecocks, whose only loss was at Georgia, 41-30, are coming off a bye following a 35-25 home win over Vanderbilt. Senior quarterback Connor Shaw is completing 64.9 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns without an interception.

Central Florida enters Saturday's game unbeaten and with arguably the more impressive win. The Knights (3-0), who have scored at least 30 points in their first three games of a season for the first time in school history, are coming off a 34-31 upset of Penn State in Happy Valley.

LINE: UCF opened +7.5 and moved to +7. Total steady at 53.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 80s, 19 percent chance of rain, winds NE 12 mph
TRENDS:

* Gamecocks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Gamecocks last six road games.


Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5, 50)

The Irish used their passing game to stretch Michigan State and put pressure on the cornerbacks last week, drawing several penalties that kept drives alive and helped lead to a 17-13 triumph. Notre Dame is looking for its 11th straight home win.

Oklahoma is getting its biggest test of the first month and had an off week to prepare for the Fighting Irish after trouncing Tulsa on Sept. 14. The Sooners are bringing a different starting quarterback into this matchup, with junior Blake Bell proving himself after passing for 413 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Tulsa.

LINE: Notre Dame opened -1 and moved to +3.5. Total moved from 48.5 to 50.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds south 12 mph
TRENDS:

* Sooners are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
* Fighting Irish are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 25-9-1 in Fighting Irish's last 35 non-conference games.


LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3, 62)

The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928.

The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago. Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game.

LINE: Georgia opened -4.5 and moved to -3. Total steady at 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 6 mph
TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.


Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (+23.5)

Spurred by the country’s 19th-ranked running game, the Seminoles look to extend a seven-game win streak in ACC play. The Seminoles have been remarkably efficient on offense, averaging 8.8 yards per play - the third-best mark in the nation. However, the defense has created only four turnovers and allowed 43 more rushing yards per game than it did a season ago.

Boston College, which had the FBS' 10th-worst run defense in 2012, appeared to be making strides in that area until it surrendered 257 yards in a 35-7 loss at Southern California last Saturday. However, the Eagles’ best chance at winning this game may come behind running back Andre Williams, who leads the conference in rushing.

LINE: FSU opened -22.5 and moved to -23.5. Total moved 52 to 54.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 60s, clear skies, winds east 6 mph
TRENDS:

* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Over is 6-2-1 in Seminoles last nine games overall.


Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Tigers (-28.5, 58.5)

The Demon Deacons have lost 32 straight games against teams ranked in the Top 5 dating back to a victory over Tennessee in 1946. Wake Forest is 9-73 all-time in road games against ranked programs.

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd had a field day against Wake Forest last season, throwing for five touchdowns and setting a school record with 428 yards. coach Dabo Swinney said that WR Martavis Bryant will have his playing time reduced against Wake Forest for making a throat-slashing gesture after one of the scores.

LINE: Clemson opened -27.5 and moved to -29. Total steady at 58.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 5 mph
TRENDS:

* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 17-8 in Tigers last 25 conference games.
* Tigers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Evening action
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Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide (-14, 55)

The Rebels are after their first 4-0 start since 1970, but haven't beaten Alabama since 2003 and have only one victory in 25 trips to Tuscaloosa, Ala. he Rebels also have an explosive star in running back Jeff Scott, who set career highs in rushing yards (164) and all-purpose yards (243) against Texas.

The Crimson Tide's offense has been inconsistent and struggled to get going in last week's win over Colorado State. The defense has not been as dominant as in years past, but Vinnie Sunseri has a pair of interception returns for touchdowns to contribute to five non-offensive touchdowns in three games.

LINE: Alabama opened -16.5 and has moved to -14. Total movef from 56.5 to 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds east 4 mph.
TRENDS:

* Rebels are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Underdog is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Road team is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.


Arizona Wildcats at Washington Huskies (-10, 62)

While the defense has spearheaded the strong start, the Wildcats are averaging 43.7 points behind a rushing attack – led by junior Ka’Deem Carey – that ranks fifth nationally with 322.3 yards per game. Carey has 299 yards despite missing the opener due to a suspension and has rushed for 100 or more yards in each of his last six games.

The No. 20 Huskies have topped 500 total yards in each of their first three games. Junior middle linebacker and defensive leader John Timu (18 tackles) is back after missing a game with a shoulder injury and still hasn’t forgotten the painful feeling from when Arizona racked up 277 rushing yards and 533 overall in last season’s meeting.

LINE: Washington opened -7 and moved to -10. Total moved from 63.5 to 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 60s with 100 percent chance of rain, winds SSW 11 mph.
TRENDS:

* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Wildcats are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 meetings.


Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks (+14, 62)

Texas A&M scored at least 40 points in its first four games for the first time in school history. QB Johnny Manziel has accounted for 15 touchdowns while averaging 370.8 yards of total offense per game and completing 70 percent of his passes.

The Razorbacks are starting the toughest stretch of their schedule with their meeting against Texas A&M, followed by a game at Florida, a home contest against South Carolina and a visit to Alabama. After rushing for 883 yards in its first three games, Arkansas was held to 101 yards against Rutgers.

LINE: Texas A&M opened -14 and is as high as -15. Total moved from 62.5 to 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, 74 percent chance of thunderstorms, winds south 7 mph.
TRENDS:

* Aggies are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Razorbacks are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 home games.
* Under is 6-2 in Aggies last eight road games.


Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (+12, 47)

Tyler Murphy, a junior, was the choice for the Gators after junior Jeff Driskel suffered a season-ending broken right leg during the first quarter of last week’s league opener against Tennessee. Murphy finished with 218 total yards while running for one touchdown and passing for another in the 31-17 victory, good enough to earn another shot against the Wildcats.

Kentucky also lost starting quarterback Maxwell Smith to a right shoulder injury during its most recent game, but he was back at practice this week and the Wildcats are anticipating he'll be in the starting lineup for their conference opener against the Gators.

LINE: Florida opened -14 and moved to -12. Total moved from 45.5 to 47.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, partly cloudy skies, winds SW 5 mph.
TRENDS:

* Gators are 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Favorite is 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Gators are 7-2 ATS in their last nine meetings in Kentucky.


Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-6, 55.5)

Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon – the conference’s Offensive Co-Player of the Week – leads the nation with 624 yards on the ground while his seven rushing touchdowns rank third in the country. He is joined by senior running back James White – who is the FBS' active career leader in rushing yards (3,013).

Although backup Kenny Guiton has thrown for a school-record 12 touchdowns over the past three weeks in place of QB Braxton Miller (sprained left MCL), coach Urban Meyer will likely turn back to his regular starter. Gordon led the Buckeyes to an average of 64 points in his two starts.

LINE: OSU opened -9.5 and moved to -6. Total moved from 54 to 55.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 70s, clear skies, winds SSE 5 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 meetings.
* Badgers are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.


Stanford Cardinal at Washington State Cougars (+9.5, 47.5)

The Cardinal will be without star safety Ed Reynolds for the first half, a result of a hit to the helmet last week. Stanford enters the game winners of 11 straight, the second-longest streak in the nation. Stanford G David Yankey will miss the game because of an unspecified "family situation".

The Cougars, ranked 10th in the nation in total defense, have won three straight for the first time since 2006 and are allowing 12 points per contest. Leach's offense still remains formidable as quarterback Connor Halliday has already thrown for more than 300 yards three times.

LINE: Stanford has remained steady at -9.5. Total moved from 48 to 47.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 50s, 100 percent chance of rain, winds SSW 11 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.


California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks (-36, 84)

Golden Bears freshman quarterback Jared Goff leads the nation in passing at 435.3 yards per game, and he’ll need another strong effort to keep pace with the explosive Ducks. Cal has yet to hold an opponent to less than 30 points and ranks 119th among the 123 FBS teams in points allowed per game at 42.

The Ducks are holding opponents to an average of nine points and are ranked second in the country in turnover margin at plus-2.3. Oregon has outscored its opponents 184-27 and has won four straight in the series.

LINE: Oregon opened -34.5 and moved to -36. Total moved from 84.5 to 84.
WEATHER: Temperatues in the mid 60s, 100 percent chance of rain, winds SSW 12 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Oregon.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.


Fresno State Bulldogs at Hawaii Warriors (+18.5, 58.5)

After snapping a seven-game losing streak against Boise State last week, No. 23 Fresno State looks to avoid a letdown. QB Derek Carr has been nearly unstoppable in the Bulldogs’ up-tempo offense, and sophomore Davante Adams has caught a touchdown pass in 11 straight games.

Hawaii starting quarterback Taylor Graham suffered an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the first half of last week’s 31-9 loss at Nevada, and is listed as day-to-day. The Rainbow Warriors used three quarterbacks after Graham left the game, and they combined to commit six turnovers, including four interceptions.

LINE: FSU has been steady at -18.5. The total moved from 58 to 58.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, 30 percent chance of rain, winds NNE 9 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Hawaii.
* Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Hawaii.
* Road team is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 28

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LSU at Georgia: What bettors need to know
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LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3.5, 62)

Louisiana State faces its toughest test on Saturday when the sixth-ranked Tigers travel to take on No. 10 Georgia in a Southeastern Conference showdown. The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago.

It's a matchup of two of the league's top offenses this season, as quarterback Zach Mettenberger and LSU's surprisingly potent unit look to continue their success against a Georgia defense that has been susceptible against strong passing attacks. The Bulldogs had a tough time putting away North Texas last week, allowing the Mean Green to forge a tie in the second half before pulling away for a 45-21 win. The offense continued to roll, though, as Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in total offense (574 yards per game) and has scored 35 or more points in all three of its contests.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: Georgia opened -3 and is now -3.5. The total opened at 61.5 and currently sits at 62.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with clear skies.

ABOUT LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC West): LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928. Mettenberger (1,026 passing yards, 10 TDs) has blossomed under Cameron's tutelage, but LSU still boasts a powerful ground game with Jeremy Hill (117 yards per game, six TDs) leading the charge. The defense is no longer the Tigers' clear-cut strength, but the unit has been tough against the pass and has forced six turnovers.

ABOUT GEORGIA (2-1, 1-0 SEC East): Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game. Murray faltered late in a season-opening loss at Clemson but rebounded with a stellar performance against South Carolina and passed for 408 yards and three touchdowns last week. The defense is still finding itself after losing two NFL first-round draft picks while featuring six new starters from a year ago.

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last four games overall.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. LSU, which has won 29 straight games in September dating to 2006, is off to a 4-0 start for the seventh straight year.

2. Murray (11,131) needs 23 passing yards to pass Eric Zeier for second on Georgia's all-time list. He is 397 yards behind career leader David Greene, who also holds the SEC record.

3. The Tigers have won 34 straight games when scoring 30 or more points. They are 62-4 under coach Les Miles when reaching the 30-point mark.