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**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 11:22 AM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Oklahoma Sooners

Bob Stoops and his Oklahoma Sooners would like to have one big game from last season back. The loss to Clemson was quite stinging, especially since it ended in a complete blowout.

Now, the Sooners have a ton of talent back for this season, and appear to be the sure fire favorite to win the Big 12 Conference. Can the Sooners get back to the national title round this season?

Let’s take a look at the 2016 College Football Betting Preview for the Oklahoma Sooners using odds from both MyBookie and WagerWeb.

Boomer Sooner Going to Score Early and Often

Baker Mayfield is going to be quite the spectacle to watch this season. He has the tools, and the weapons around him to be a Heisman winner in 2016.

Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon were one of the top running back combinations a season ago, with a year of experience, this core will be tough to stop. The Sooners wide receiving core is all back with Dede Westbrook, Jarvis Baxter and Mark Andrews leading the way.

The offensive line for the Sooners is monstrous, which is just icing on the cake for a skilled unit.

Oklahoma to be a Mainstay in Big 12 Defenses

Bob Stoopes had to replenish his linebacking core, but other than that – the Sooners have a great returning nucleus on the defensive side of the ball. While the Sooners lost a few guys from their “Final Four” team of a season ago, guys like Matt Romar and Matt Dimon, along with Jordan Evans should be enough to compete at the highest level.

Coach Stoopes has a few question marks, including a couple linebacker spots, but you have got to believe he has recruited some top notch replacements. The Sooners will face a tough schedule, but look for them to compete well on the defensive side of the football.

Oklahoma Schedule

The Oklahoma Sooners start the season with a tough test, against an up and coming program in Houston. The first three games are against Houston, followed by home games against UL Monroe and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Following the game against TCU, the Sooners take on Texas in the Red River Rivalry game, followed by a home game against Kansas State. The final six games for Oklahoma are at Texas Tech, with Kansas, at Iowa State, with Baylor, on the road at West Virginia, and then a home game with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

It’s schedule where there are plenty of wins, if the Sooners can get by the Buckeyes on September 17th, things look good for them.

Betting on the Oklahoma Sooners

While it’s always a good thought to bet on the Oklahoma Sooners more often than not, Bob Stoops 2016 version of the football team is a pretty sure fire bet. The first game of the season will be quite the challenge with Houston, but the Sooners come in as a favorite.

You can grab Oklahoma in the season opener against Houston at -6.5 over at WagerWeb. The Sooners are the odds on favorite to win the Big 12 title as well. Remember, this is a conference with no conference championship game, so the regular season is all that matters.

The Sooners will face some tough games, especially the games against Texas, and the road game at West Virginia. Oklahoma is a -125 (at MyBookie) to win the Big 12 Conference.

Finally, if you are looking at Oklahoma to be a national title contender; you are not alone. The Sooners are tied with Florida State for sixth in the odds to win the 2016 national championship. Oklahoma is listed at 14/1 odds.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 11:28 AM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Michigan Wolverines

Coach Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines are back on the national title map. The Wolverines, along with the Ohio State Buckeyes are the big favorites to win the Big Ten Conference.

Michigan has a ton of talent returning from a team in which was a big surprise to many last season. The talent is there, the coaching is there, let’s see if the Michigan Wolverines can put all the pieces together for a Maize and Blue national championship in 2016.

Here is the 2016 College Football Betting Preview for the Michigan Wolverines using odds from some of our top rated sportsbooks for NCAAF.

Michigan Offense Set to Rule Big Ten

Last year, first year coach Jim Harbaugh made quite the splash, and put his team in position to be a national title contender in year two. The Wolverines will have a new signal caller, but really, in the offense, that is about it for newcomers.

Wilton Speight, the sophomore appears to be the leader in the clubhouse behind center, with Shane Morris as backup. De’Veon Smith is expected to have a huge season at running back, while the duo of Amar Darboh and Jehu Chesson appear to be a dynamic duo.

If that’s not good enough, don’t forget – Jake Butt, the Senior tight end is one of the toughest cookies around. Michigan will be plenty equipped offensively.

Wolverines Shine on Defense

The Wolverines will have a new set of linebackers, but that does not seem to be a worry point for Michigan. Taco Charlton is back for his senior season, and should be one of the toughest defensive ends in the Big Ten.

Ryan Glasgow and Chris Wormley are also seniors, and are also on the right track to dominate the game. The best cornerback maybe in all of college football is back for the Wolverines. Jabrill Peppers will be a high draft pick following this season.

He has Jourdan Lewis, another senior to go along with him. Michigan will be challenged defensively, but see no issue to make it a major concern.

Wolverines Schedule

The Michigan Wolverines start their season with five straight home games. None of the five should be major tests for Coach Harbaugh and his Wolverines.

The three non conference games include games against Hawaii, Central Florida and Colorado. Once the Big Ten slate starts, the Wolverines take on the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Wisconsin Badgers. Michigan’s first road game is at Rutgers, before coming back home to host Illinois.

The Wolverines should be 7-0, going into the road game at Michigan State. The final four games are with Maryland, at Iowa, with Indiana, and then of course the major test in the season finale at Ohio State. Looking at 11-0 going on the road to Columbus looks awfully intriguing for the Wolverines.

Betting on the Michigan Wolverines

Folks in Ann Arbor are certainly talking about national championship bound for the Wolverines. As we saw in the schedule, there is some work to do, but not out of the question.

The Michigan Wolverines are listed at 8/1 odds over at Bookmaker, which is the fourth best odds to win the national championship. The Wolverines are pretty much up for grabs as far as winning the Big Ten Conference. Michigan and Ohio State are both contenders, and you can grab both of them around -120 at BetDSI.

Finally, if you are looking ahead for the first game of the season; the Wolverines are massive favorites. The Michigan Wolverines are -27.5 over Hawaii in the first game of the season.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 11:31 AM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Clemson Tigers

There is no doubt about it. The Clemson Tigers were great last season, and they were young. That means this season it’s national title or busy for Dabo Swinney and the boys from Death Valley.

The word undefeated has been floated around when talking about the Clemson Tigers. Whether they are ranked #1 in the preseason poll, or #2, the top two teams in the country are for sure. The Clemson Tigers have one team to look out for in the conference.

That team is the Florida State Seminoles. Let’s take a look at the Clemson Tigers 2016 College Football Betting Preview.

Tigers Should have No Issue Scoring Runs

The first word that comes to mind when talking about the Clemson Tigers offense – WOW! DeShaun Watson has already proved he is going to be one of the best to ever come through that program.

The signal caller is one of 9 starters on the offense for the Tigers. Wayne Gallman and Artavis Scott, go along with Hunter Renfrow and Mike Williams to form the best skill player group in the nation.

Combine those guys with tight end Jordan Leggett, and this team is going to score at a ridiculous pace.

Clemson Defense with the Question Marks

While there are no questions in the Clemson offense. The defense is on the other side of that. The Clemson Tigers defense lost 8 starters from a season ago, which included Shaq Lawson.

A few guys that should be standout players for the Clemson defense include defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and defensive tackle Scott Pagano. The good news for the defense is, they just need to be okay in most games, and the Clemson Tigers will do just fine.

That offense is that good. Look for Clemson to fare just well defensively, as they have recruited well.

Tigers Schedule Seems Do-Able

Much talk about the Clemson Tigers running the table in 2016 under head coach Dabo Swinney. We have to admit, if there is one team that could get this done, it’s the Clemson Tigers.

The Tigers start the season with a rivalry game against the Auburn Tigers, but Auburn is not nearly the team they have been a few years ago. This game is on the road, which makes it scarier. Then, the Tigers have home games against Troy and South Carolina State.

Following that, Clemson starts Atlantic Coast Conference play at Georgia Tech, before hosting Louisville. The last two games before their bye week include at Boston College, and with North Carolina State.

Following their week off, Clemson has a tough test at Florida State, before back to back home games against Syracuse and Pittsburgh. The final two games for Clemson are at Wake Forest and then at home against South Carolina.

The two toughest games for the Clemson Tigers are on the road, which makes it more dangerous than usual.

Betting on Clemson

Finally, if you are looking to bet on the Clemson Tigers; that’s probably a good idea. Just a game short a season ago, many do not think that will be the case this season.

The Clemson Tigers are actually second on the favorites to win the NCAA Football national title. The Tigers come in at 15/2 over at Bookmaker, which is the same as Ohio State, but trailing Alabama.

The Clemson Tigers are big favorites to win the Atlantic Coast Conference title. The Clemson Tigers are going to get plenty of competition from Florida State, but Clemson has a roster that can win on the road, and that’s what they will do.

Betting Clemson -125 to win the Atlantic Coast Conference would be a solid bet. The win total for the Clemson Tigers is set at 10. Even if they lost to Florida State and Auburn; they should still reach 10 wins.

Finally, the Clemson Tigers are a touchdown favorite at BetDSI in their week 1 opener on the road at Auburn!

**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 11:34 AM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Florida State Seminoles

Another team in College Football that should be among the best in the country will be the Florida State Seminoles. While the Seminoles are projected to be good once again in 2016, they will not the favorite to get to the national title game, due to the Clemson Tigers.

We will discuss more about the Seminoles chances to win the Atlantic Coast Conference later, but understand, Florida State is no slouch in 2016. Let’s take a look at the 2016 Florida State Seminoles.

Seminoles Offense Expects to Compete

The Florida State Seminoles are certainly going to be excited about their offense when the season opener arrives. Everyone is back, and Jimbo Fisher has new plans for the offense.

Dalvin Cook may be the shiftiest running back in all of the nation, and Sean Maguire has a year of experience under his belt. The receiving core is about as good as anyone in the nation, and Jimbo Fisher has been an incredible recruiter.

The offense will certainly put up points, and put them up quickly in 2016.

Defense Will Need Players to Step Up

The Seminoles defense will certainly need some guys to step up right from the get go in 2016. The Florida State defense lost several key members of their squad.

Defensive tackle Lawrence Stample, Middle Linebacker Reggie Northrup, Linebacker Terrance Smith, Free Safety LaMarcus Brutus had great seasons for Jimbo Fisher’s squad.

But, the big loss will be cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who will fare well with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was the play maker.

Its not sure who will be the replacements for the Seminoles, as they are going to have an interesting, competitive camp. In the end, if the Seminoles get players to step up, the big issue; of the defense will do just fine.

Florida State 2016 Schedule Looks to be a Challenge

The Florida State Seminoles are going to get a test right away in 2016. The Seminoles will take on Ole Miss to start the season. Following that, Charleston Southern in Week 2, but then road games at Louisville, and then a trip to South Florida.

The second month of the season for Florida State will see Atlantic Coast Conference foes. The Seminoles will take on North Carolina, Miami, Wake Forest, and then a huge tilt, at home against Clemson is slated for October 29th.

The Tigers are not only favored to win the conference, but possibly the entire national title. November seems to ease up a bit with a trip to North Carolina State, followed by game at home against Boston College, a trip to Syracuse, and then of course the rivalry game against Florida on November 26th.

While not the toughest schedule in NCAA Football, it won’t be an easy ride for Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles.

Betting on the Florida State Seminoles

Bookmaker has placed 10 wins as the win total for the Florida State Seminoles. With 12 games on the schedule, it’s very do-able for Coach Fisher and his team to get to 10.

The game against Ole Miss to start the season, and of course the Clemson game are concerning. When it comes to winning the national title. The Seminoles are fifth on the list.

It’s unlikely the Atlantic Coast Conference will get two in the College Football Playoff, so that game against Clemson, and of course the team that heads to the conference championship will be huge.

The Florida State Seminoles are sixth on the list to win the national title at 14/1. Week 1, Florida State is a small favorite. The Seminoles are -3 against Ole Miss in early September.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 11:36 AM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are going to have a bullseye on them all season long. If you remember from a season ago, the Crimson Tide came away as national champions after downing the Clemson Tigers in the final game of the season.

The Crimson Tide will have more than enough coming back to repeat as champions. While playing in the SEC is not going to make it an easy task, they certainly have the weapons.

Let’s take a look at some of the betting options for the 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide.

Offense For the Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide offense was a little underrated a season ago. O.J. Howard, Calvin Ridley and company were explosive, with the use of a solid quarterback. Of course, Derrick Henry is no longer with the Crimson Tide, but the duo of Damien Harris and Bo Scabrough should be able to fill in quite nicely.

For us, the Alabama Crimson Tide offense is only going to go as far as the wide receivers allow them to go. If they can avoid the drops, and run their routes smoothly, and run the offense that Nick Saban puts together; they should be in pretty good shape for the 2016 – 2017 season.

Defense a Strong Suit for Alabama

The Crimson Tide lost a ton on the defensive side of the ball, but you better believe they will still remain ultra talented. Kirby Smart was the defensive coordinator for many seasons, and now he is a head coach.

Jeremy Pruitt will take over a group that lost three NFL starters. Tim Williams is an incredible pass rusher, and Reggie Ragland is a linebacker that can wreak havoc on any team in the country.

The Crimson Tide secondary is really going to be a solid group, and you can bet on them to play different combinations. The Alabama defense will still be one of the best in college football.

Crimson Tide 2016 Schedule

The Alabama Crimson Tide as always will face one of the toughest challenges in all of college football. Hosting the Trojans of USC in Week One will be followed by a high scoring Western Kentucky team in Week 2, and a trip to Ole Miss in Week 3.

The next big challenge for the Crimson Tide will come October 22nd against Texas A+M. Once November hits, look out. The first Saturday, Saban and company go to LSU, which follows with a home game against Mississippi State, and they end the season at home against Auburn.

It’s a pretty stacked schedule, but can you expect anything different out of the SEC?

Bet on the Alabama Crimson Tide

After throwing you all the numbers you need to know on Nick Saban and his 2016 Crimson Tide team, now it’s time to break down the betting odds for Alabama.

According to Bookmaker, one of the top sports betting websites in the industry, the Crimson Tide are listed as the favorite to win the national title. Bookmaker lists the Crimson Tide at 7/1, before Clemson and Ohio State, who both come in at 15/2.

The Crimson Tide are projected to win the SEC once again, but as we stated earlier, their schedule is going to be a bear to get through.

Remember earlier, we told you the Crimson Tide were going to start their season against the Trojans of USC. Alabama is listed at -14 for the season opener.

Finally, again, according to the folks at Bookmaker; the projected win total for Alabama is listed at 9.5.

**Udog** · 06-27-2016, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by StarDust Bum View Post

Bob Stoops and his Oklahoma Sooners would like to have one big game from last season back. The loss to Clemson was quite stinging, especially since it ended in a complete blowout.

I'm a lifelong Sooner fan, Bum, but I'll tell you right now this was simple justice. The Clemson DC is Brent Venables who was the Oklahoma DC (and doing a great job!) when Mike Stoops got fired at Arizona. Bob Stoops demoted Venables to hire his useless brother back.

Venables has now bitch-slapped the Sooners in both the seasons since he got hosed at OU.

That's what hiring chronies or relatives over someone more qualified gets you. Bob Stoops made a stupid move and Venables has given him exactly what he deserves both times they've played.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-27-2016, 07:14 PM

KARMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.... ......................He needed to take care of his brother......guess he couldn't find a job.......................

**StarDust Bum** · 06-28-2016, 03:47 PM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last season, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were oh so close to getting to the final round, and possibly bringing home the title all Catholics want in South Bend. Injuries derailed the Fighting Irish a little bit, and now several of those players have went on to the National Football League.

Head Coach Brian Kelly did a heck of a job recruiting, which should put the Fighting Irish back in the mix when it comes to the Final four in college football. Here is a look at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2016.

Irish Feature Kizer Behind Center

Back as the starting quarterback for Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish is sophomore DeShone Kizer. Backing him up will be the talented Malik Zaire. At the skill positions, the Fighting Irish will be pretty young and inexperienced.

The running back core will be anchored by Josh Adams, while Corey Robinson and Torii Hunter should catch the lion’s share of the passes. Alize Jones has a boat load of talent as the big tight end, as he returns for his sophomore season. Look for Notre Dame to put points on the board in 2016.

Notre Dame With 5 Seniors on Defense

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish project to have five seniors on defense to start the season. Daniel Cage and Tyler Newsome are the lone non-seniors projected in the starting lineup for the Fighting Irish.

The leaders on the defensive side of the ball project to be Isaac Rochell, Luke Cole and Max Redfield. Look for the Fighting Irish to play fast and play physical. They should be able to do enough to keep the team in each and every game this season.

Fighting Irish 2016 Schedule

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are always a team that will never shy away from competition. The Fighting Irish have put together another pretty solid schedule for the 2016 season. Notre Dame will start the season against the Texas Longhorns, another team that is projected to be solid this season.

Notre Dame will then host Nevada, before two more home games; against Michigan State and then Duke. Because the Fighting Irish do not play in a conference, the hodgepodge of scheduling continues. Notre Dame then goes on the road at Syracuse and North Carolina State, before they come home to host the Stanford Cardinal and Miami Hurricanes.

The final four games for Notre Dame feature trips to Navy and Notre Dame at the front and back end of the schedule; with home games against Army and Virginia Tech in between.

Betting on Notre Dame in 2016

Due to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish not playing in a conference; there is no odds to win their conference, of course. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish betting odds that we do want to discuss, first is the win total for 2016.

When you are searching for Notre Dame’s win total, many times you have to look under the independent’s. The Fighting Irish are one of four teams that are not in a conference, along with BYU, Army and Navy. The total for the Fighting Irish in 2016 is 9.5 wins.

Finally, when you are looking at picking Notre Dame to win the national title, they really do not have massive steps in their way on the schedule. Of course Michigan State, Stanford, Miami and Virginia Tech will be good, but those teams are not unbeatable.

You can grab the Fighting Irish at 18/1 to win the national title at BetDSI. Lastly, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are -4 in the season opener against Texas.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-28-2016, 03:50 PM

2016 College Football Betting Preview: LSU Tigers

There is not another college football team under the microscope more in 2016 than the LSU Tigers. The LSU Tigers had quite the drama at the end of last season, which eventually totaled up to bringing head coach Les Miles back for another season.

The Tigers are of course part of the SEC, which proves to be one of the best again this season. The Tigers have one of the top returning skilled players in the country, how he does will be a large determining factor on the Tigers season. Let’s take a look at the LSU Tigers for 2016.

LSU Offense Appears to be Ready for Big Time Improvement

Last years team was full of young, unproven talent. Over the last several seasons, the Tigers have been killed by the NFL Draft. The Tigers have all their pieces back, and this offense can win a national title. Leonard Fournette is going to be a top contender for the Heisman at the running back position.

At quarterback for LSU, Brandon Harris has all the weapons. There are not many teams in college football with 9 guys back on the offensive side of the ball. While much of the attention will be on Fournette and Harris; don’t sleep on receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural.

NFL Talent on the Tigers Defense

Much like every season, the LSU Tigers have a boat load of NFL talented players on their defensive roster. While many of the names for the Tigers defense go unknown, due to the head coach, and the two stars on offense, guys like Lewis Neal, Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux are big, strong, fast defensive players.

Duke Riley and Donnie Alexander are two guys that are projected to fill in the lineup, but as we know Les Miles, he will have young kids ready to take the role if needed.

Tigers Tough Sledding in 2016

The LSU Tigers start the season with one of the toughest season openers in all of college football. Not only do the Tigers play Big Ten representative Wisconsin, but will have to do it at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin.

Not a true road game, but quite the test. The Tigers then open up the season at home against Jacksonville State, before another home game with Mississippi State. The final game in September for the Tigers will be a trip to Auburn.

Once October arrives, they will play three home games; with Missouri, Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss, while their second game of the month is on the road at Florida. The final month will prove to be quite the challenge, as they host Alabama, then go on the road to Arkansas, followed by home games with South Alabama, and then finish the season on the road at Texas A+M.

Betting on the LSU Tigers

If you are looking to bet on the LSU Tigers; this may be the season to do so. While not the top favorites to win the SEC; they will be among the top, following Alabama.

You can grab the LSU Tigers at +130 (at BetDSI) to win the SEC. That would require them to dethrone the Crimson Tide, who are the defending national champions. To win a national title is not out of the realm as well for LSU. The Tigers are listed at 12/1, which is fifth in all of college football.

The Tigers and Wisconsin are in for a great game to open the season. Not many Top 5 teams are nearly a pick’em in their season opener, but that’s the case with LSU and Wisconsin. Lastly, if you are looking to bet the win total for LSU, you can grab them prior to the season starting at 9.5 wins over at Bookmaker.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-28-2016, 03:56 PM

MLB

Tuesday, June 28

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Tuesday's MLB Game of the Day: Cardinals at Royals
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Kansas City claimed a 6-2 victory in Monday’s series opener, handing the Cardinals their third loss in their last four road games.

St. Louis Cardinals at Kansas City Royals (A: +100, H: -120, Total: 8.5)

Games at Kauffman Stadium have felt like home contests for the St. Louis Cardinals over the years, but the Kansas City Royals have reclaimed their home-field advantage in the I-70 Series. The Royals look to add to their major league-best 27-10 home record and lock down a series victory over the visiting Cardinals on Tuesday.

Kansas City claimed a 6-2 victory in Monday’s series opener, handing the Cardinals their third loss in their last four road games. St. Louis is 24-15 on the road and had won eight straight away from home before dropping two of three at Seattle over the weekend. Kansas City right-hander Yordano Ventura looks to remain unbeaten at home, where he is 4-0 with a 3.75 ERA in six starts this season. Rookie infielder Whit Merrifield also aims to continue his stellar performance at Kauffman Stadium, where he has hit safely in all 18 career games – the third-longest home hitting streak to begin a career since 1913, trailing Rocco Baldelli (20 games, 2003) and Albert Pujols (19 games, 2001).

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Kansas City

INJURY REPORT:

Cardinals - 1B M. Adams (Questionable Tuesday, back), SS A. Diaz (Questionable Tuesday, face), C B. Pena (Probable Tuesday, knee).

Royals - SP Y. Ventura (Eligible Tuesday, suspension).

WEATHER REPORT: The weather forecast is calling for perfect conditions this evening for the Game 2 of the I-70 series in Kansas City. Clear skies (a few clouds moving in late in the game), game time temperatures in the upper 80's, and a light 3-5 mph breeze blowing in from center field. Looks like beer drinking weather!

WHAT BOOKS SAY:

"The line has been coming down on Kansas City since around 8am ET today, with them taking a 4 cent trip from -119 down to -115. Action is virtually even on the sides at this point, however bets are 4-1 on the over 8.5, and if things continue this way, we might see the total climb to 9." - GTbets Lines Manager

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (3-7, 4.41 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (6-4, 4.54)

Wacha snapped a 10-start winless streak last time out, beating the Cubs on the road for his first win since April 23. The 24-year-old allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings for his third straight quality start and his fourth in five outings. Wacha is 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts against the Royals and allowed just one unearned run to beat them last season.

Ventura makes his first start since June 17 following an eight-game suspension. The break came at an unfortunate time for the 25-year-old, who was dominant in his previous two outings, allowing one run over 13 1/3 innings while compiling 15 strikeouts in back-to-back wins. Ventura is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals.

TRENDS:

* Cardinals are 1-8 in their last 9 interleague games.
* Cardinals are 6-0 in Wacha's last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
* Royals are 12-3 in their last 15 games following a win.
* Royals are 0-6 in Ventura's last 6 interleague starts.
* Over is 8-1 in Wachas last 9 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
* Under is 5-0-2 in Royals last 7 vs. National League Central.
* Under is 8-1-5 in the last 14 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The Royals are the home favorites tonight and are grabbing 52 percent of the action. Under 8.5 is picking up 54 percent of the totals wagers.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-28-2016, 03:57 PM

MLB

Tuesday, June 28

Notable MLB items from Monday (other than Kris Bryant): Over went 8-2 (80%) and road underdogs went 5-2 (71.4%).

Cubs have now won Arrieta's last 18 REGULAR SEASON road starts (runline 16-2). Cubs are also now 10-1 last 11 vs Reds.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-30-2016, 02:07 AM

2016 AAC Preview
June 7, 2016

Big Fish In A Small Pond

The American Athletic Conference remains the top Group of 5 league heading into the 2016 football season.

With no less than 8 teams playing in bowl games last season – although winning only two contests – conference champion Houston won 13 games for the second time in five years when it beat Florida State in the Peach Bowl under first year head coach Tom Herman.

In addition, the AAC was the only Group of 5 conference that had at least three 10-win teams (Houston, Navy and Temple) last season.

Included in this year’s cast of players are sleepers UConn and Tulsa. Not to mention an influx of talented new head coaches joining the conference in Willie Fritz (Tulane), Scott Frost (UCF), Scottie Montgomery (East Carolina) and Mike Norvell (Memphis).

Sometimes its better to be the king of the hill as opposed to being an also-ran residing on a crowded mountain... if you get our drift.

Talking Points

-- The American Athletic Conference is 2-0 all-time in New Year’s Six bowl games.

-- Houston was one of two schools nationally (along with Stanford) to go unbeaten in at least four games against top-25 opponents in 2015. The Cougars also led the nation with 35 turnovers gained last season.

-- Navy set a school record with 11 wins. Houston and Temple matched their program record with 13 and 10 wins respectively last season. Memphis registered back-to-back nine win seasons for the first time since 1949 (9-1) and 1950 (9-2).

-- Average attendance at American Athletic Conference home stadiums improved by 9.1 percent in 2015. The average home crowd in the AAC was 31,842 in 2015, after an average of 21,193 in 2014.

Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

EAST PREVIEW:

CINCINNATI (Offense – *4/3, Defense – 8/2, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: GUNNING FOR MOORE

After suffering an injury-riddled 2014, Cincinnati had no choice but to force-feed underclassmen to starting roles last season. The result was impactful as both the Bearcats offense and defense improved substantially last season – despite the fact they went backward both SU and ATS. And by our standards in the past, we’ve found teams who have met this exact criteria vastly improve both SU and ATS the following season. And it should be noted that the major part of last year’s statistical improvement occurred as Cincinnati outyarded conference foes by 167 YPG, the best in the AAC by over 100 YPG. Expect more of the same behind starting QBs Hayden Moore and Gunner Kiel. Kiel, who missed UC’s bowl game versus San Diego State, “has got new life in his eyes,” insists HC Tommy Tuberville.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Bearcats have no back-to-back away games on this year’s schedule.

PLAY ON: at Temple (10/29) - *KEY

CONNECTICUT (Offense – *10/4, Defense – 6/2, 36 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: HUNGRY, HUNGRY HUSKIES

UConn knew when they hired Bob Diaco as its new head coach in 2014 that better days were on the horizon. Little did they know that Diaco, a former Frank Broyles Award winner as the nation’s top assistant coach at Notre Dame, would lead the Huskies from dire straits to a bowl game in just two seasons. Ten losses in his first season at the helm (half of them by 17 or more points) – including the only two times his team was favored (Army and SMU) – were especially hard to swallow. A friendly schedule featuring no back-to-back road games and a boatload of returning starters has the Huskies ready to devour all comers this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Huskies’ sophomores made a total of 127 starts last season, the most in the nation.

PLAY ON: at USF (10/15)

EAST CAROLINA (Offense – 5/2, Defense – 6/2, 55 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NEW SKIPPER ON DECK

A rough 1-4 finish last season signaled a surprising end to the Ruffin McNeill era at ECU. After leading the Pirates to 4 bowl games in his 6-year tenure, McNeill has been replaced by Scottie Montgomery, who played an integral role as an OC leading Duke and the Pittsburgh Steelers to divisional championships and postseason play. The good news is 51 of the 89 players on the roster are upperclassmen, including QB Phillip Nelson, a former 2-year starter at Minnesota and protégé of quarterback specialist coach Terry Shea. He’ll have big shoes to fill with the Pirates being the 2nd best team in the nation in completion percentage (.679) last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Pirates are 2-12 SU and 0-14 ATS versus conference foes with a winning record since 2010.

PLAY ON: at Temple (11/26) - *KEY as a dog

TEMPLE (Offense – *6/3, Defense – 6/2, 39 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WISE OWLS

If, as Bill Connelly of SB Nation contends, every program has a ceiling then the Owls appear to be roosting in the Sistine Chapel behind Matt Rhule these days. Before spending 6 seasons under Al Golden and Steve Addazio at Temple, Rhule spent time as an assistant working with linebackers, quarterbacks, tight ends, defensive lines and offensive lines at 3 other programs. In other words, he knows the nuances of coaching. After tutoring a 10-win season for the first time since 1979 last year, the combination of heavy senior losses (3 to the NFL) and facing 10 foes out for revenge this campaign will certainly put Rhule to the task. But as we’ve learned, it’s not wise to bet against him. FYI: Temple outscored its opponents by a 125-32 margin in the third quarter last year, while the Owls also held four teams without an offensive touchdown.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Owls return ten 3-time letter winners, including senior QB P.J. Walker.

PLAY ON: PASS

UCF (Offense – *10/4, Defense – 7/1, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: FROSTED KNIGHTS

Uh oh. We’re not lab rats but it appears to us as if this program has suddenly taken on the DNA of 2012 Southern Miss. Despite going winless last season, the Knights actually held the lead in 10 of their 12 contests. And after winning 15 of their first 16 AAC games, UCF has dropped 8 straight conference games, and 13 straight games overall. After being outscored -30.2 PPG and outyarded -221 YPG by conference foes last season, a new era of football in Orlando kicks off this season under Scott Frost, former star QB at Nebraska. Frost has also been the OC of the last two NCAA pass efficiency leaders, Vernon Adams and Marcus Mariota, at Oregon. As a result, he brings Chip Kelly’s playbook to UCF, a team that’s gone from Top 10 status to winless in two years. “If you’re a quarterback, you want to play in this system,” insists Frost. Stay tuned.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: UCF freshmen made a total of 74 starts last season, the 2nd most in the nation, while seniors made 45 starts… the 2nd fewest.

PLAY ON: PASS

USF (Offense – *7/2, Defense – 7/1, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: SMILING WILLIE

The Willie Taggart experiment turned the corner last season when the Bulls finally snapped a 4-year losing skid en route to an 8-win bowl season while doubling its win total for the second straight year. Better news is the return of school record-setters QB Quinton Flowers, RB Marlon Mack and WR Rodney Adams. Toss in MLB Auggie Sanchez – who posted the second-most tackles in school history – and four all-conference returnees and you have a hard time wiping the smile off the face of Taggart these days. A lot of the success can be attributed to the 22 three and four-star recruits by Taggart in his first three years with the program. Current assistant, and former head coaches Dick Tomey and Danny Hope add to the bull rush in Tampa.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Bulls head coach Willie Taggart is 26-7-1 ATS in away games.

PLAY ON: PASS

WEST PREVIEW:

HOUSTON (Offense – *6/3, Defense – 8/2, 37 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MOVING FOR-WARD

Last year, Tom Herman led the Cougars to their first conference championship since 2006 – in his first season as head coach. It was quite an accomplishment considering that the OL, due to a plethora of injuries, saw 11 different linemen make starts. In fact, Houston was 1 of just 2 schools to play at least 4 ranked opponents last season and remain undefeated in the matchups, with 3 of Houston’s wins over ranked opponents coming by double-digits. The best news is electrifying QB Greg Ward returns. Ward, winner of the Earl Campbell award presented to the best player from the state of Texas, was injured and missed the Cougars’ lone loss at UConn last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Since the start of the 2013 season, the Cougars have forced 108 turnovers, the most in the nation.

PLAY ON: vs. Connecticut (9/29) - *KEY

MEMPHIS (Offense – 7/4, Defense – 9/3, 51 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: ALL SHOOK UP

After winning just 5 games in three seasons from 2009-11, Memphis had seen enough. The call went out to Justin Fuente and his 4-year tenure at Graceland was capped with back-to-back bowl seasons. Now comes the next test. With Fuente moving on to Virginia Tech, new head coach Mike Norvell was summoned from Arizona State. Norvell is a disciple of Todd Graham, having served as an assistant under him at Tulsa, Pittsburgh and the last four years as OC at ASU where the Sun Devils averaged at least 35 PPG each season. JUCO QB Riley Ferguson, a former 3-star recruit with Tennessee who threw for 2,942 yards and 35 TDs last season, replaces Paxton Lynch.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Tigers are 12-0 ATS as dogs in regular season road finales.

PLAY ON: vs. Houston (11/25) - *KEY as a dog

NAVY (Offense – 2/1, Defense – 6/2, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: DO OVER

How’s this for a dominating 13-year record: 111 wins and 56 losses, 12-bowl games\ and 10 Commander-In-Chief’s trophies. One could argue the Middies’ No. 1 ranking in both red zone offense (.948) and 4th down conversion percentage (.923) last season was equally impressive. Then there’s Navy’s 22 wins over Power Five or BCS conference affiliated teams, the most among all Group of Five schools (5 more than BYU’s 17). Make no mistake: a good majority of the Swabbies’ success has come under the guidance of Ken Niumatalolo, the all-time winningest coach in Navy history. He’ll need a do-over this year, however, as 9 starters are lost on offense, including record-setting super-stud QB Keenan Reynolds.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Eleven consecutive senior classes have gone undefeated versus Army, against whom the Middies have won 14 games in a row.

PLAY AGAINST: at Tulane (9/17)

SMU (Offense – *9/3, Defense – 7/2, 37 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: STAMPEDERS

While the win total rose from only one to two under former Clemson OC and new head coach Chad Morris last season, the SMU offense came alive, improving by a whopping 114 YPG – behind kids that were barely old enough to vote. The offense returns QB Matt Davis (former 4-Star Texas A&M recruit who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and tossed for more than 2,200), the top 2 running backs, the top 8 pass targets (5 WRs, a tight end, and 2 RBs), and the offensive line returns 7 players who started at least 1 game last year. If the defense ever comes around, then Katie bar the door – the Ponies could be bowling by season’s end.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Mustangs’ freshmen started a total of 62 games last season.

PLAY ON: vs. USF (11/19)

TULANE (Offense – 4/2, Defense – 7/2, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: PUTTIN’ ON THE FRITZ

As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. And with it, SB Nation’s Bill Connelly insists Willie Fritz has been slam-dunk hire for five straight schools. One team won a total of 5 games in the 3 years before his arrival… they won 39 times in 4 years with Fritz. He took another to back-to-back national title games in 2011-12. And he took a Georgia Southern team transitioning from FCS to FBS and went 17-7. The man can coach! He inherits most of CJ Johnson’s recruits, including 54 upperclassmen, but Tulane was simply a pass-first offense that couldn’t pass in 2015. Fritz will need to develop a ground attack behind a hulking OL that averages 6’4, 316.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: New head coach Willie Fritz is 11-0 SU and 9-1 ATS versus .333 or less opponents.

PLAY ON: at Tulsa (10/22)

TULSA (Offense – *6/3, Defense – 7/2, 48 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: 30-30 WARNING

Based on last year’s report, Tulsa’s scoring forecast for 2016 is a ‘good news, bad news’ account as the Hurricane managed to score 34 or more points in 11 of their 13 contests – but allowed 30 or more points in as many games. As promised, former Baylor OC Phil Montgomery managed to ignite new life into a stalled program with a young but experienced roster. With the offense going full-speed for 60 minutes while spiking 95 yards and 8 PPG, Tulsa was 5-0 SU versus losing opponents but only 1-7 SU against .500 or great opposition under Monty. Behind returning QB Dane Evans, like last year, we caution that you fasten your seat belts.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Golden Hurricane are 23-5 SU and 22-6 ATS in conference games when they score 30 or more points.

PLAY ON: vs. East Carolina (11/5)

**StarDust Bum** · 06-30-2016, 02:11 AM

2016 ACC Preview
June 14, 2016

Heisman Watch

In a conference loaded with talent if would be safe to surmise a potential Heisman Trophy winner or two resides here. Looking deeper, that estimate appears to be on the low side. Let’s make it five Heisman contenders. In descending order they would include…

Louisville QB Lamar Jackson – with a cannon for an arm and the agility of a top-notch running back, Jackson has all the tools.

Miami QB Brad Kaaya – a potential first-round NFL quarterback with leadership skills beyond his years.

Pitt RB James Conner – a sleeper choice with size and speed and a new lease on life, we’ll be watching him on Sundays next year.

Florida State RB Dalvin Cook – future NFL star out to prove Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette come up short.

Clemson QB Deshaun Watson – the best quarterback in college football at the close of the season last year is looking for retribution in 2016.

Powering Up

The 26 selections in this year’s NFL draft gives the ACC 115 draft picks over the past three years, the second-highest total by any conference during that period.

Clemson led the way for the ACC with nine selections and is the only ACC team to have had had four or more players chosen in the Draft in each of the last eight years.

A very young league in 2015, the ACC returns many of its top performers in 2016. The ACC is set to return nine of its top 10 rushers; nine of its top 10 passers; nine of its top 10 in receiving yardage and eight of its top 10 in total offense. The ACC had a league-record seven 1,000-yard rushers in 2015 and all seven return in 2016.

Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

ACC ATLANTIC

BOSTON COLLEGE (Offense - *8/3, Defense - 7/2, 37 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW

In 2014, Boston College was one of only 3 schools that finished in the top 15 in the nation in both rushing offense and rushing defense. Last year, however, the rushing offense suffered a crushing blow when star RB Jon Hillman bowed out with a broken foot in Week Four. Once again the defense held its own, but the offense went into total hibernation. New OC Scott Loeffler (Virginia Tech) will rely on Hillman’s return and Kentucky graduate transfer QB Patrick Towles, a 6’5”, 235-pound veteran that tossed for 5,099 yards and 24 TDs in 3 years with the Wildcats. Now, behind a top-ranked defense that returns a solid nucleus, the Eagles’ new-look offense looks to fly right in 2016.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Eagles were the first FBS team to lose back-to-back games since 1989 despite allowing less than 10 points in each loss.

PLAY ON: at Wake Forest (11/26) - *KEY

CLEMSON (Offense - *8/3, Defense - 4/2, 52 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Despite losing 8 starters from 2014’s top-ranked defense, and OC Chad Morris to SMU, the Tigers were edged by Alabama in the College Football Playoff championship game last season. Indeed a job well done by the winningest senior class in school history (46-8) – despite also being the 5th youngest FBS team in the nation last year (played 28 freshmen). Yes, they were hit hard by graduation and NFL defections but with star QB Deshaun Watson back – this year’s cover boy and the only quarterback to ever have 4,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a single season – a matter of unfinished business becomes Priority One for Dabo’s kids this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Tigers were 51-0 SU in games when leading after 3Q until last year’s loss in the Football Playoff championship game.

PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite at Florida State (10/29)

FLORIDA STATE (Offense - *11/5, Defense - 6/3, 57 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: LARGE AND IN CHARGE

How many different ways can you say loaded? For a team that last year lost 8 starters from a prolific offense, including Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jameis Winston, it could have been calamitous. Instead, the Seminoles enjoyed a 10-win season thanks to a defense that improved 60 YPG. Suffice to say, with 17 starters back, including all 11 on offense (with 3 WRs compiling at least 50 catches), it’s safe to say Florida State is rolling in it this season. Star RB Dalvin Cook – the only player in the nation to rank in the Top 10 offensively in YPR, Yards Rushing, All Purpose Yards, Rushing TDs and Scoring – leads the charge.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Seminoles and Alabama are the only teams that enter the 2016 season having gone to 4 consecutive BCS/New Year’s Six bowl games.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Wake Forest (10/15)

LOUISVILLE (Offense - *10/4, Defense - 8/1, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: DEEP AND EXPERIENCED

After a puzzling 0-3 start, the Cardinals won 6 of their final 7 games to put the wraps on a 6th consecutive winning season. The Redbirds were led by dynamic SO QB Lamar Jackson, who started the final 7 games of the season and led the team in rushing (980 yards, 11 TDs) while passing for 1,840 yards, 12 TDs. A star in the making, Jackson dominated the spring game, going 24-for-29 for 519 yards and 8 TDs. In addition, Louisville’s entire RB, WR and TE receiving corps return. Eight starters back on defense, including SR LB Devonte Fields (led the nation in tackles for a loss last season), insures that Louie’s stop-unit will be among the best in the ACC in 2016. Color the Cards as the sleeper team in the ACC.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Bobby the Louse’s teams are 91-18 SU when scoring over 20 points in a game, and 60-3 SU when allowing 14 or fewer points.

PLAY ON: at Houston (11/17)

NC STATE (Offense - 6/2, Defense - 8/3, 45 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: DRINKING THE KOOL-AID

The Wolfpack find themselves riding a current wave of prominent underclassmen, as freshmen and sophomores made a total of 143 starts last season. Only the Washington Huskies made more. Adding to the juvenile rush, head coach Dave Doeren will be breaking in a new offensive coordinator, Eliah Drinkwitz from Boise State, and a new starting quarterback. Drinkwitz, an assistant on Auburn’s 2010 national championship squad, will be ramping up the attack in 2016 while looking to replace Jacoby Brissett behind center. Still, Doeren is 11-1 SU and 6-2 ATS during the first four games of the season with NC State and after a soft opening, NCSU should be undefeated entering back-to-backers with Notre Dame and Clemson. If Drinkwitz lives up to expectations, the Pack could be back.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Wolfpack are 16-1 SU and 11-3 ATS in games in which they outgain their opponent under head coach Doeren.

PLAY ON: at Louisville (10/22)

SYRACUSE (Offense - *8/2, Defense - 8/1, 45 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: ORANGE OVERHAUL

Despite SU and ATS improvement last year, the Orange took major steps backward in both offensive and defensive production when they were outyarded by 151 YPG in conference play. The call immediately went out for new head coach Dino Babers, aka ‘Instant Offense’ from Bowling Green, who inherits 99.6% of last year’s offensive production. FYI: Babers had 17 all-MAC performers in his 2 years with the Falcons. Dino’s defense (an oxymoron if there ever was one) will need to improve on a Syracuse squad that never stopped a 4th down attempt last season. And god forbid should the Orange mimic his Bowling Green gang that led the nation in penalty yards in 2015. Fasten your seat belts.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Orange are 11-1 SU and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 bowl games versus sub .800 opponents.

PLAY ON: at Wake Forest (10/8)

WAKE FOREST (Offense - *9/4, Defense - 8/4, 45 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: EASY AS 1, 2, 3

Known for his prowess in building football programs (Fordham, Richmond, Bowling Green), head coach Dave Clawson has shown dramatic improvement at every stop, including a noticeable increase in Year Three. Clawson’s teams averaged 3.25 wins in his first year and 4.25 wins in his second year, and 6.0 wins in his third year, while also managing to deliver a conference championship at every stop. Year Three of the Clawson regime at Wake Forest kicks off in 2016. Following the same successful script that’s benefitted many teams of late, Clawson’s freshmen made a total of 71 starts last season, the 3rd most in the land. In fact only 6 seniors dotted last year’s roster, the fewest in the FBS.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Demon Deacons were the only FBS team in the nation in 2015 whose top 3 rushers were all true freshmen.

PLAY ON: at Duke (9/10)

ACC COASTAL

DUKE (Offense - *6/3, Defense - 6/1, 45 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: UNFORTUNATE SIRKUMSTANCES

A 6-1 start last season was the Devils’ best since 1953. A repeat performance in 2016, however, appears unlikely. Coach David Cutcliffe has been a very good judge of quarterback talent since taking over the Duke program, finding the right signal callers to fit his offense, and it appeared QB Thomas Sirk had the makings to be the best of the bunch. Unfortunatley, Sirk ruptured his left Achilles tendon during a team conditioning session and underwent surgery in February. Sirk, who tore his other Achilles and missed the entire season in 2012, was one of only four Power 5 quarterbacks to lead his team in both rushing and passing during his first year as a starter. Backup QB Parker Boehme becomes Plan B.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Blue Devils are 4-5 SU vs. ranked opponents under Cutcliffe. They were 0-47 SU vs. the same prior to his arrival.

PLAY AGAINST: at Georgia Tech (10/29)

GEORGIA TECH (Offense - *7/2, Defense - 9/3, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: REPATCHED ROOF

In his previous 18 years as a head coach, Paul Johnson had led his teams to either the FCS playoffs or FBS bowl games 17 times. In 7 previous seasons with Georgia Tech, Johnson has produced thirteen 1,000-yard rushers. And Tech appeared well on its way again last year, opening the season 2-0 before the roof caved in. (And we don’t mean DC Phil Roof). Due largely to a rush game that was down 90 YPG, the Yellow Jackets shockingly suffered losses in 9 of their final 10 games of 2015. The leading rusher was true freshman Marcus Marshall (654 yards) but behind a team that led the nation in fewest penalties (38) last year, look for most of the leaks to be addressed this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Yellow Jackets were 1-5 in one-possession games last season.

PLAY ON: at Pittsburgh (10/8)

MIAMI FLORIDA (Offense - *9/4, Defense - 6/2, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

After 15 seasons at Georgia, Mark Richt has returned home to his alma mater in what could prove to be the best coaching hire in 2016. Richt brings glossy numbers, including 85-40 SU in conference games and 49-16 SU in an opponent’s stadium. The best news for Richt is that QB Brad Kaaya has the total command and respect of this team and returns for his 3rd season as the starter. One of 9 starters back on offense, Kaaya tossed for 3,238 yards with 16 TDs and 5 INTs last season. If Manny Diaz’s new attacking defense holds up its end of the deal, long-suffering Canes fans just may enjoy a double-digit win season for the first time since 2003.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Hurricanes ranked dead last in Penalties Per Game (9.31) last season.

PLAY AGAINST: at Virginia (11/12)

NORTH CAROLINA (Offense - 7/4, Defense - 6/3, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WELL-HEELED TARS

The addition of DC Gene Chizik to the Tar Heels last season cannot be underestimated. That UNC improved 62 yards and 14.5 points (best in the nation) per game defensively was not a coincidence. Nor was the fact they won 11 consecutive games for the first time in their school history. New QB Mitch Tribusky, a former 4-star recruit from Ohio, backed up departed Marquise Williams the past two seasons, completing 40 of 47 passes for 555 yards and 6 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Eliah Hood is one of only 5 returning Power 5 RB’s with 1,000 rushing yards, 10 TD’s and a 6.0 YPR last season. Interestingly, North Carolina faces 7 teams with new coaches this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Larry Fedora is 11-0 SU and 10-1 ATS in regular season games versus opponents who were upset as a favorite in their previous game.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Georgia Tech (11/5)

PITTSBURGH (Offense - *8/4, Defense - 8/3, 52 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NAILING IT

New coach Pat ‘Nails’ Narduzzi led the Panthers back from a 6-win abyss in 2014 when his young troops registered 8 victories last year. Much to his chagrin, he did it without the services of star RB James Conner, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in the first game of the year and then announced he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in December. Like us, the Panthers are praying he’s back on the field in 2016. His backup, redshirt FR Qadree Ollison, was named the ACC’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns. Starting QB Nate Peterman also returns. FYI: Pitt was the only squad in the nation that had no games decided by more than 20 points.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Panthers’ 5 losses last year came against five bowl teams that went 52-15 combined on the season.

PLAY ON: at Virginia (10/15)

VIRGINIA (Offense - *7/3, Defense - 6/0, 37 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: LOOK HOOS RISING

Little did new head coach Bronco Mendenhall realize that when he agreed to bolt BYU in favor of Virginia, he would inherit a team that has recorded the largest decline in recruiting talent of all teams playing in Power 5 conferences over the previous 5 years. Along with new assistant and DL coach Ruffin McNeill (former East Carolina mentor), the new faces will look to take the Cavaliers places they have not been in a while – namely to a bowl game. Coupled with 1 postseason appearance in the last 8 years, the Cavs’ metamorphosis begins as Mendenhall led the Cougars to a bowl game in each of his 11 years in Provo. The only place to go is up.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Cavaliers have 9 players returning along the offensive line, each of who started for UVA at some point in their career.

PLAY ON: at Virginia Tech (11/26)

VIRGINIA TECH (Offense - 9/4, Defense - 7/2, 42 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: OFF THE BEAM

After 23 straight bowl seasons, the longest in the nation, nothing speaks to success like the legendary Frank Beamer. The iconic coach has finally retired and with it, after orchestrating a dramatic turnaround at Memphis, new head coach Justin Fuente steps into a mighty large pair of shoes this year. The best news for Fuente is the return of DC Bud Foster who is back again for his 30th season at Virginia Tech. Foster’s famed Lunch Pail Defenses have ranked in the Top Five among FBS teams in scoring defense on 6 different occasions, and have led the FBS in sacks (749) and interceptions (337) since 1996. Once again, the heat is on.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Justin Fuente finished his playing career as a QB at Murray State, the same school that Frank Beamer coached prior to VT.

PLAY ON: as a dog at Duke (11/5)

**StarDust Bum** · 06-30-2016, 02:15 AM

2016 Big Ten Preview
June 20, 2016

Getting To Know You

All Big Ten teams will take part in a nine-game conference schedule for the first time since 1984. Teams from the East Division will host five conference home games during even-numbered years, while teams from the West Division will host five home games during odd-numbered years.

With nine conference games and the schedule rotation, every player will have the opportunity to play against every other team in the conference at least once during a four-year period.

Yea, We Can Play

The 2016 campaign will feature 31 All-Big Ten players (11 first-team, 12 second-team, 8 third-team) and 42 honorable mention selections from last season.

Ohio State had 10 picks in the 1st 3 rounds of the draft. The other 13 Big Ten schools combined for 13. Ohio State joins 2004 Miami as the only schools to have 5 players selected in the Top 20 of a single draft.

Ironically, Big Ten has not had a QB taken in the 1st round since Penn State’s Kerry Collins in 1995.

Welcome Aboard

The Big Ten welcomes three new head coaches in Illinois' Lovie Smith, Maryland’s DJ Durkin and Rutgers’ Chris Ash. Smith takes over at Illinois after serving as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two seasons.

Five current Big Ten mentors have been college head coaches for 10 years or more – Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz (20 seasons), Nebraska’s Mike Riley (15), Ohio State’s Urban Meyer (14), Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio (12) and Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald (10).

Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

BIG TEN EAST

INDIANA (Offense – 8/3, Defense – 8/1, 57 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WILSON’S WARPATH

It took Kevin Wilson five years but Indiana’s 7-year bowl drought ended last season. Like Tulsa, though, a high-powered offense wasn’t enough to overcome a porous defense as both schools gained over 500 YPG – but also surrendered over 500 YPG, and ended the season on the losing side of the ledger at 6-7. Wilson has assembled the highest-rated recruiting classes in school history over the past 4 seasons. The hard work on the recruiting trail has paid off as eight freshmen earned All-Big Ten freshman recognition in 2013, five in 2014 and three in 2015. QB Richard Lagow replaces Nate Sudfeld. Formerly at UConn and Oklahoma State, Lagow threw for 4,516 yards and 38 TDs in two JUCO seasons.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Wilson’s offenses have set 54 school records, including single-season points, total yardage, passing yardage and rushing yardage.

PLAY ON: vs. Michigan State (10/1)

MARYLAND (Offense – *7/3, Defense – 5/2, 44 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: HEADS UP

Last year the Terrapins were a team that improved its stats on both sides of the ball, yet slipped from 7 wins to 3. Enter D.J. Durkin, former DC at Michigan, who takes the reins as a head coach for the first time in his career. Ironically, Durkin is the neophyte on this coaching staff with his top three assistants Pete Lembo, Mike London and Scott Shafer, each head coaches last year at Ball State, Virginia and Syracuse, respectively. Senior QBs Perry Hillis and Caleb Rowe need to do a better job protecting the football while all-Big Ten DB and KR William Likely is the first defensive player in Maryland history to surpass 3,000 all-purpose yards.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Terrapins had 29 passes intercepted last season – the most in the nation.

PLAY ON: at Michigan (11/5)

MICHIGAN (Offense – 8/4, Defense – 6/3, 52 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: HAIL HARBAUGH

How big an impact did Jim Harbaugh actually have on Michigan’s 2015 season, you ask? Try doubling Michigan’s win total in one year, tossing three consecutive shutouts for the first time since 1980, and leading the nation in pass efficiency defense – all on the heels of having missed a bowl game for only the 3rd time since 1978. One potential problem is that Wolves’ seniors made a total of 186 starts last season, the 3rd most in the nation. They’re gone. So, too, is DC D.J. Durkin, now the head coach at Maryland. Fear not: UM faces a slate of teams that went only 57-86 ATS in 2015, and doesn’t meet a foe with a winning ATS mark until hosting Maryland in Game #9. Har-ball at its best!

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Former Wolverines head coach Lloyd Carr has been appointed to the College Football Playoff selection committee.

PLAY ON: at Michigan State (10/29)

MICHIGAN STATE (Offense – 3/2, Defense – 6/3, 53 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WHO’S GONNA FILL THEIR SHOES?

A fortuitous band of Spartans won 7 one-possession games last season – the best in the nation. That’s not to take away from all they have accomplished of late: a school-record 9 consecutive bowl game appearances... ranked in the AP Poll for a school-record 41 consecutive weeks, including 32 weeks in the Top 10... the winningest senior classes in MSU football history... and on and on it goes. This year, though, they must get by without QB Connor Cook, the most successful signal-caller in MSU history… and a top-heavy group of seniors that made 152 starts (6th most in the nation) last season. Fifth-year senior QB Tyler O’Connor, who orchestrated the monumental upset at Ohio State last year, looks to fill his shoes.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Spartans are 26-10 (.722) in Big Ten road games under head coach Mark Dantonio, including a 20-4 record (.833) since 2010.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Ohio State (11/19)

OHIO STATE (Offense – *3/2, Defense – 3/1, 39 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: URBAN RENEWAL

Football fever has never been as high as it is today at Ohio State. Just ask any of the 100,189 fans in attendance at the Buckeyes’ SPRING GAME this past April. That’s simply amazing, especially considering Urban Meyer’s kids didn’t win the Big Ten title last season. They did, however, outscore conference foes over 20 PPG, the best in the league last year. You’ll be hard-pressed to find much of that talent on hand this season, though, as 12 players were selected in this year’s NFL draft – including a record 9 in the first three rounds. Now downgraded with the fewest amount of returning starters by any FBS team, Meyer’s recruiting prowess suddenly takes center stage.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Buckeyes will face 10 teams this year that played in a bowl game last season.

PLAY AGAINST: As a favorite at Wisconsin (10/15)

PENN STATE (Offense – 9/4, Defense – 5/1, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MOOR HEAD THAN EVER

After navigating their way through scholarship reductions and wallowing two straight years in mediocrity under HC James Franklin (finishing second-to-last in the conference in offense), the Lions have decided it’s time to put an aggressive attack together. Enter new OC Joe Moorhead who, in 4 years at Fordham, led his charges to 3 FCS playoff appearances. Now touting a full allotment of 85 scholarship players, the Nits are ready to go toe-to-toe with the Big Ten’s big boys. “Forget about the past, we’re moving forward,” insists Moorhead. “We want to be the hammer and not the nail. We want to be the aggressor.” Batten down the hatches and expect PSU to react on the fly to a breakneck tempo.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Nittany Lions will face 8 bowl teams this season, 5 of who won 10 or more games last season.

PLAY ON: vs. Temple (9/17)

RUTGERS (Offense – *7/4, Defense – 7/3, 50 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: FROM ASHES TO ASH

You know your team is having a rough season when your head coach is levied a 3-game in-season suspension. As a result, former HC Kyle Flood is history and Chris Ash, former DC with Ohio State, is the new man in town. Ash will look to recondition the team by having it hit the gym and the weight room for extra sessions. After all, the Knights were outscored and outyarded by conference foes, -20.5 and -167 YPG, worst in the Big Ten last season. Now it’s on to a new era with sharp new uni’s. Having to tackle 9 teams that played in bowl games last season toughens the task, for sure. But having no back-to-back road games helps.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Knights rallied from 25 points down late in the 3rd quarter to defeat Indiana, 55-52, last season.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Indiana (11/5)

BIG TEN WEST

ILLINOIS (Offense – *7/3, Defense – 4/3, 38 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: LOVE IS IN THE AIR

It’s been said that a new coach’s best friend can be a veteran quarterback. If that’s the case, then 5th year senior QB Wes Lunt, who has spent his collegiate career dealing with change, and new HC Lovie Smith should bond like Gorilla glue. “I see the vision, and we're going in the right direction with this staff," said Lunt. Gone is Illinois' no-huddle spread offense. Unfortunately, also gone is former Big Ten Freshman of the Year, WR Mike Dudek, with yet another ACL injury for the second straight year. Unlike Dudek, only one starter returns in the back 7 on defense. Leave it to Lovie, though. The Illini will be back – sooner than later.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Illini are 6-32 SU and 13-25 ATS in their last 38 Big Ten games, including 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS as a favorite.

PLAY ON: vs. Minnesota (10/29) - *KEY

IOWA (Offense – *6/4, Defense – 7/2, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: TIME TO FINISH

After setting a school record with 12 wins last season, the Hawkeyes were left salivating for more after dropping both of their final two games of the campaign (Iowa 1-9 SU in its final 2 games over last 5 years). Coming this-close to playing in the College Football Playoff (a last-second 3-point loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten title game sent them to the Rose Bowl instead), Iowa will turn again to SR QB C.J. Beathard (13-0 SU as a regular season starter) and his newest weapon, QB-to-WR convert Ryan Boyle, who dazzled this spring. The best news of all? DB Desmond King, the Jim Thorpe Award winner, consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, returns for his senior season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Hawkeyes’ Kirk Ferentz shares the distinction (with Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops) of being the longest tenured head football coach in the nation.

PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. Wisconsin (10/22)

MINNESOTA (Offense – *7/3, Defense – 6/2, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: KILL THE DEAL

Jerry Kill is gone, and the Tracy Claeys era is underway. And with it, alterations have begun. Claeys gave the pink slip to Kill’s offensive coordinator/line coach and quarterbacks coaches. New OC Jay Johnson comes from UL-Lafayette where he ran a spread offense out of a pistol formation. It’s what you do when your offense ranks dead last in the conference in scoring and 2nd to last overall. Hence, the coaching staff is no longer the longest tenured in college football. It’s understandable that Claeys wants to create his own identity. Here’s hoping they begin winning games on the field (in the stats) as well as on the scoreboard. Then he can breathe easier.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Golden Gophers have been to seven bowl games since 2006. Until last year, they were outyarded in every season.

PASS

NEBRASKA (Offense – *8/2, Defense – 7/1, 51 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: SILK SLIPPERS

You knew the winningest football program in America since 1975 (395 wins) was in trouble after last year’s loss to BYU snapped a nation-best skein of 29 straight season-opening victories. It was the first of FIVE one-possession losses for the hard-luck Huskers under 1st year head coach Mike Riley, who suffered a staggering 4 defeats on the last play of the game. Big Red managed to close the season by winning 3 of their final 4 games, while managing to slip past unbeaten and eventual Big Ten champion Michigan State. QB Tommy Armstrong returns with 33 career starts under his belt. He is the first player in NU history with two 3,000-yard total offense seasons. Beware of the silk.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Huskers have sold out 347 consecutive games at Memorial Stadium, dating back to the 1962 season.

PLAY ON: at Iowa (11/25) - *KEY as a dog

NORTHWESTERN (Offense – *7/5 Def – 6/2 57 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: SIGN ‘O’ THE TIMES

Thank goodness the Wildcats won all 5 one-possession games (best in the nation) last season. After losing 5 contests the previous 3 seasons on the final play of the game, Northwestern hunkered down and took care of business last year, dominating defensively while doubling their win total from each of the previous two seasons. Led by 1st-team All-Big Ten sophomore LB Anthony Walker’s 122 tackles, including 20.5 for losses (2nd best in the nation), the Wildcats are now focused on becoming the best defense in the nation this season. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald confirms the notion saying, “From my perspective, we're much further along." Unless the offense comes, it may not matter.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Northwestern and Kansas State are the only two FBS teams with the same 10 full-time assistant coaches the last four years.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Nebraska (9/24)

PURDUE (Offense – *8/3 Def – 8/3 47 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: FRY BABY

Rest assured, behind the Big Ten’s poorest recruiting classes over the last two years, HC Darrell Hazell is sitting on one red-hot chair. With a 2-22 SU mark in conference games – to go with a 1-13 SU log on the highway – even Johnnie Cochran would have a difficult time defending Hazell’s follies. After being pressed to play 70 underclassmen in 2014 with a group that improved its offense 62 YPG and its defense 44 YPG, the forced infusion didn’t matter. And not having Ohio State and Michigan on the schedule for a 2nd straight season (and again this year) should have helped matters. Nada. Now this year, with the most returning starters in the Big Ten, will it matter?

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Boilermakers are 0-7 SU in one-possession games versus FBS foes under Darrell Hazell.

PLAY AGAINST: at Nebraska (10/22)

WISCONSIN (Offense – 6/4, Defense – 6/2, 51 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: HOLY CHRYST

Paul Chryst’s first year with the Badgers was a hallowed success. A 10-win season, albeit against the 2nd softest schedule in the Big Ten, was capped with a bowl win over USC. All that was lacking was a rushing attack and an anchor back, almost always a staple in the Wisconsin offense. Without those, the ground attack slipped a whopping 170 YPG. Unless addressed immediately, it could be a harbinger of degeneration this season. Nonetheless, thanks mainly to a stellar defensive effort, the Badgers outyarded conference foes by 108 YPG, the best in the Big Ten in 2015. Behind the top scoring defense in the land, the Badgers allowed the fewest plays per game defensively (60.8) in the nation last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Wisconsin will face 9 opponents in their first nine games this year that participated in a bowl game last season.

PLAY ON: at Northwestern (11/5)

Announcement

The Bum's Previewing College Football 2016 !

The Bum's Previewing College Football 2016 !

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