Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 12-06-2019, 02:17 AM

UP, UP, AND AWAY

You can expect the American Athletic Conference championship game Saturday between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the host Memphis Tigers to be a tight one. The Tigers come in as nearly double-digit favorites after ripping off 11 wins in 12 regular-season games while going a perfect 6-0 at home and 8-4 ATS for the season. But while the Bearcats fell short in their previous meeting, dropping a 34-24 decision in Memphis, they covered the -13.5-point spread and extended the road team cover streak to five games in the head-to-head series while improving to 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the teams.

The Bearcats are better than Saturday's spread might suggest, even with Memphis having dominated at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium this season – and we like the AAC title game to be competitive enough for Cincinnati to make good on the cover.

REELING RAINBOW WARRIORS

When it comes to facing superior competition, Hawaii has been one of the worst teams in the country – and that doesn't bode well at all for the Rainbow Warriors as they visit Boise State on Saturday for the Mountain West Conference championship. Hawaii looked dreadful in its three biggest games of the season, losing to Washington, Boise State and Air Force by an average of 28 points. And that extends a troubling trend for the Rainbow Warriors, who are just 7-18 ATS in their previous 25 games against teams with winning records and 5-15-1 ATS in their previous 21 as an underdog.

A return to Albertsons Stadium comes with Hawaii receiving nearly two converted touchdowns vs. the Broncos, who beat the Rainbow Warriors 59-37 in their previous meetings. We see the home side covering in the rematch.

SLOW START COMING?

Oddsmakers aren't giving Virginia much of a chance of keeping pace with the defending-champion Clemson Tigers, who look to return to the College Football Playoff as they host the Cavaliers in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturday night. Virginia comes in ranked 60th in the country in first-half points per game, thanks largely to a strong offensive stretch in which it has scored 33+ points in four straight contests. But the Tigers have shut the door on opposing teams, allowing just 3.8 first-half points per game vs. FBS teams; Clemson hasn't allowed a first-half TD since a Week 9 rout of Boston College.

Virginia's first-half team total is sitting at or around 7; we recommend the Under given Clemson's defensive dominance, which should effectively negate any offensive gains the Cavaliers have made over the past month.

BLAZERS IN BIG TROUBLE

The Alabama-Birmingham Blazers will need to stay on the field if they hope to keep up with the Florida Atlantic Owls as the Conference USA rivals tangle Saturday in their conference championship. And that could be a difficult task; UAB has one of the worst third-down conversion rates in the country, having extended a drive just 33.5 percent of the time (113th overall). And that rate might drop even further after this weekend, with FAU limiting opponents to a 32-percent success rate for the season (18th). But UAB has been even better at choking off drives, ranking fourth in the nation in third-down rate against (27.5 percent).

Look for plenty of three-and-outs in this one, which puts the Under squarely in play.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-06-2019, 02:05 PM

Pac-12 Championship
Matt Blunt

Oregon vs. Utah
Venue/Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Time/TV: Friday, Dec. 6 (ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET)
Line: Utah -6.5, Total 46.5

Having wrrtten Friday night college football betting previews all season, I know that the Pac-12 as a conference likes to showcase their wares on Friday's, and they get to be the lone show in town this week. The conference gets to crown their champion first and make a statement (one way or another) into how the final college football rankings will take shape. A win for Utah and they likely get into the playoff if everything else were to hold as is right now, while an Oregon win opens up the door for the Big 12 specifically, but also some debate.

The pressure is quite thick if you are a Utah fan/backer, and we all know that pressure can burst pipes or create diamonds. Which side of that equation the Utes end up falling on remains to be seen, so let's get right to breaking this game down.

The case for backing Utah in this game centers on them ending up on the “diamonds” end of that pressure equation, as everyone knows this is a must-win for the Utes. Must win doesn't equate to will win though, and even if it did, you've got the whole pesky point spread question of will Utah win by a TD or not to deal with as well. Early action saw Utah get a bump from the opening number, but I have a hunch that was just bettors who were looking to get out ahead of the market. It's easy to assume that Utah will get the majority of support as the week goes on because of the “must win” angle, and the motivational aspect of the Utes needing plenty of “style points” to help their CFB Playoff case.

With that being the likely arc of the betting market for this game, getting the best of the number on Utah meant that early action was necessary, but should this line reach -7 I would expect to see some buyback come Oregon's way. And yet, it's the notion of Utah needing “style points” that is highly intriguing to me in the sense that it's not the side I'm all that considered with, it's the total.

The total has seen nothing but 'under' action since opening at 51, and with the weather forecast projecting a lot of rain in San Francisco for this game, it's likely an early weather related move. But just like “must win” doesn't equal “will win,” rainy weather doesn't equal 'under' especially when you've got a team that's very used to wet weather like Oregon involved. Furthermore, let's revisit this notion of Utah needing “style points” or a dominant win to help further their case to the CFB Playoff selection committee.

If Utah is going to get a dominant win, that means they are going to have plenty of points up on the scoreboard. Utah scored 30 or more points in 10 of their 12 games this year and never fewer then 21. With an average point total of 35.6 per game, we should be able to assume that Utah will put up what, at least 24 points in a blowout win, but most likely more right.

Defensively, the Utes have been great all year in allowing just 11.3 points per game, as only two foes have scored 20 or more against them this season – USC and Washington. Both of those games came on the road for Utah – this isn't a road game, but it's not a home game either – and those two foes were two of the four teams Utah faced in Pac-12 play this year that ended up with a winning record. The other two were Arizona State and California, and Utah did hold them to a combined 3 points, but they were also home games for the Utes.

In other words, the only conference games Utah played this year against an above average (ie winning) team outside of Salt Lake City saw their foes put up at least 28 points against them. And I'm pretty sure that 33-28 win for Utah in Washington had some rainy weather involved as well. Washington and USC scored at least 7 points in seven of those eight quarters played against Utah, so it's not like it was one bad quarter/half filled with mistakes for the Utes either. Those opponents were consistently moving the ball against this stout Utah defense, and as long as Oregon shows up and is interested in playing spoiler, I believe they are capable of doing the same. Speaking of which, everyone knows it's a “must win” spot for Utah, but how about we look at this game from an Oregon perspective.

Oregon's playoff hopes may have died a few weeks back against Arizona State, but winning the conference is still the #1 goal for every program in the country when they begin the season in August. The Ducks have an opportunity to still attain that goal and with the strength of their team being on offense, they'll rely on that side of the ball to try and get the job done. The Ducks know they are far less likely to win a 14-10 style of game here, and the more they are able to move the ball and put up points on Utah, the more the pressure ramps up on the Utes as they start to shift towards the 'pipe bursting' side of the pressure equation. How is that not good for the 'over'?

And let's say Oregon does end up no-showing in this game, knowing that they've got no playoff hopes and QB Justin Herbert is more concerned about protecting his health for his future pro career. Well, they will no show defensively as well in that scenario, and we could see Utah put up 40+ points themselves. The Utes average 35/game as it is, and with rainy weather potentially lending itself to a few turnovers, if they end up coming on the right side of the field, quick points could be put up in a hurry.

Even in that scenario – a Utah blowout win where they score 40+ – this game should sail 'over' the total. I mean, you'd have to go all the way back to November 2007 to find a game where this Oregon program got shut out, and they've only been held to less than 7 points once this entire decade. So even in a no-show effort from the Ducks, they should still find the end zone at least once.

I'm not so sure a no-show effort by the Ducks offense will be in the cards though, as they can still reach their main goal with a win in this game (winning a conference title) and if Herbert is more concerned about his individual future, putting a solid game tape out there against a quality defense like Utah's can only help his cause.

And when you consider that Utah being a defense-first program is not exactly a new phenomenon this year, and these two programs have met every season since 2013 with at least 57 total points scored in all of those contests (5-1 O/U), defensive slugfests just aren't the norm for these two programs. You can easily see why the 'under' got all the early action with the weather forecast and both defenses having solid season long numbers, but the bulk of those numbers have come against sub-par Pac-12 teams – only half the conference finished with a winning record.

These are two quality teams squaring off, and in the majority of scenarios in terms of how this game likely plays out, it's not hard to see points being scored. Sure, I've been wrong on breakdowns like this before (and I will be again), but this total is just far too low now and the best way to bet this game is going on the high side of this total.

Best Bet: Over 46.5

**StarDust Bum** · 12-06-2019, 02:10 PM

Tech Trends - Week 15
Bruce Marshall

Friday, Dec. 6

Matchup Skinny
Edge

UTAH vs. OREGON (Pac-12 title game at Levi;s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA)...Utes soaring, with eight straight wins and covers dating to Sept. 28 win over Washington State. Utah also ”under” 8-3-1 this season. Teams split last six meetings vs. spread. Ducks only 5-11 last 16 vs. spread away from Eugene, 2-8 vs. spread last ten as dog.
Utah, based on team trends.

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103OREGON -104 UTAH
OREGON is 44-14 ATS (28.6 Units) after allowing 3 points or less in the first half last game since 1992.

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NCAAF
Long Sheet

Friday, December 6

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OREGON (10 - 2) vs. UTAH (11 - 1) - 12/6/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
UTAH is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
UTAH is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
UTAH is 123-91 ATS (+22.9 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
UTAH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
UTAH is 47-24 ATS (+20.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
OREGON is 60-37 ATS (+19.3 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

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

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NCAAF

Week 15

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Trend Report
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Friday, December 6

Oregon Ducks
Oregon is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oregon's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oregon's last 15 games
Oregon is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oregon's last 7 games when playing Utah

Utah Utes
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oregon
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Oregon

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NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 15

Friday, December 6

Oregon @ Utah

Game 103-104
December 6, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon
102.327
Utah
112.022
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 9 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 6 1/2
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-6 1/2); Over

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NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 15

Friday’s game

Pac-12, Santa Clara, CA
Oregon won seven of last ten games with Utah, losing 32-25 in SLC LY, when Utah blew 19-7 halftime lead, then scored GW TD with 6:48 left. Utes (+5) lost Pac-12 title game 10-3 to Washington LY; they won their last eight games since a 30-23 loss at USC in September. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Oregon won 10 of its last 11 games, losing last road game 31-28 at ASU; Ducks are in Pac-12 title game for first time since their 51-13 (-14) win over Arizona five years ago. Under Cristobal, Oregon is 1-4 ATS as an underdog, 0-1 TY. Four of their last six games went over.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-06-2019, 02:13 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

UTAH at ORE 08:00 PM

UTAH -6.5

O 46.0

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:25 AM

No. 13 Oregon ends No. 5 Utah's playoff hopes with 37-15 win
December 6, 2019
By The Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The one constant all season for Utah was the ability to control the trenches against any opponent.

With a possible playoff berth and first Pac-12 title in school history on the line, the Utes more than met their match against Oregon.

CJ Verdell ran for 208 yards and broke open the game with two long touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, and No. 13 Oregon spoiled No. 5 Utah's playoff hopes with a 37-15 victory in the Pac-12 championship game Friday night.

''Unfortunately we came up short tonight,'' coach Kyle Whittingham said. ''Disappointing thing is we lost in the one area we've been undefeated this year: line of scrimmage. We didn't win the line of scrimmage for the first time all season, which is, like I say, disappointing. Surprising really.''

The Utes (11-2, No. 5 CFP) came into the game hoping to make a case for one of the four playoff spots with a conference title but instead got overmatched by Oregon (11-2, No. 13 CFP) and lost their second straight Pac-12 championship game.

Utah held 11 of 12 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing and led the nation by allowing 56.3 yards rushing per game, prompting plenty of pregame talk about how the Utes' physical dominance could be the determining factor.

The Ducks took that personally and responded.

''Definitely put a little chip on our shoulders,'' Verdell said. ''We try not to focus on the outside noise too much. Hearing they're the most physical team in the Pac-12 made us want to come out here and work even harder.''

The Utes fell into a 20-0 hole in the first half and then gave up a 70-yard TD run to Verdell after cutting the deficit to 23-15, paving the way for the winner of the Big 12 title game between Oklahoma and Baylor to get into the playoff as long as No. 1 LSU beats No. 4 Georgia for the SEC championship.

''We didn't really think far ahead but it's obvious what was at stake, more than just the Rose Bowl,'' left tackle Darrin Paulo said. ''It's disappointing. I can't really wrap my head around it right now. We knew that Oregon was a good team and we knew that we can't overlook them so we didn't look beyond that but we knew, everyone knew, what was at stake besides the Rose Bowl.''

The Utes got back into the game with TD passes from Tyler Huntley to Zack Moss and Samson Nacua in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 23-15.

Utah then drove into Oregon territory before Huntley was sacked by Keyvon Thibodeaux on second down, leading to a punt on fourth-and-4 from the 40.

Verdell struck with his big run five plays later and added a 31-yard score later in the fourth against the nation's top-ranked run defense to put the game out of reach.

That gave quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the senior class a Rose Bowl berth after starting their careers with a 4-8 mark in 2016.

''It's validation,'' coach Mario Cristobal said. ''It's validation for all that they've done. I don't know if anyone here has been through a 4-8 season. I've been through one of those. It's about as horrible and miserable as it gets. It causes some people to break down, some people to quit, some people to leave. Then there's a core that just puts their foot in the ground and says, `We're going to change things.'''

The Ducks sent the tone early when they stuffed Moss for no gain on two short-yardage attempts from the Oregon 33 on the opening drive. Oregon drove down and took the lead for good on Verdell's 3-yard run.

The Utes kept making more mistakes and the Ducks only added to the lead. After forcing a three and out, Oregon got a field goal on the next drive, then blocked a punt after Utah committed a false start on fourth-and-1 before Brady Breeze intercepted a pass in the end zone.

Oregon then struck on a 45-yard strike from Herbert to Johnny Johnson III and led 20-0 at the break.

THE TAKEAWAY

Utah: The Utes were seeking their biggest win since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. Instead, they had a second straight disappointing performance in the conference title game after losing 10-3 to Washington last year. Now instead of a playoff berth or even a spot in the Rose Bowl, the Utes must hope to stay high enough in the playoff rankings to get into a New Year's Six game.

Oregon: The victory left as many questions for the Ducks as answers. Had Oregon not blown a 21-6 second-half lead to Auburn in the opener or come out flat in a 31-28 loss at Arizona State two weeks ago, the Ducks could have been the team with a case for a playoff berth. Instead they will have to settle for the Rose Bowl.

FOURTH DOWN DECISION

After getting stopped on three fourth and shorts and committing a false start to squander another chance, Whittingham opted to punt on fourth down in Oregon territory with less than 10 minutes to play. The Utes pinned the Ducks at the 10 but the move backfired when Oregon drove the length of the field thanks to Verdell's long run.

''I would have bet the house that our defense would have been able to get a stop,'' Whittingham said. ''Number one run defense in the country. Had a lot of confidence in them at that point. They just creased us on one. That was something we couldn't recover from.''

THIBODEAUX'S DAY

Thibodeaux came into the season as one of the most heralded recruits in the country and delivered on the biggest stage he's played on so far. He had 2 1/2 of Oregon's six sacks and also blocked a punt.

''I'm going to continue to get better,'' he said. ''You could say it's only up from here, as long as I keep putting in the work, should see good results.''

UP NEXT

Utah: Bowl game to be determined.

Oregon: The Rose Bowl against a Big Ten team on Jan. 1.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:31 AM

CFB DECEMBER/JANUARY PLAYOFF AND BOWL GAME OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/06/2019.............1-1-0.....................50.00%................-0.50

Totals......................1-1-0.....................50.00%................-0.50

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BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS.............UNITS. ............O/U...............UNITS.............TOTALS

12/06/2019..............0 - 1............-5.50...............1 - 0...............+5.00..............-0.50

TOTALS....................0 - 1............-5.50...............1 - 0...............+5.00..............-0.50

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:34 AM

Saturday’s 6-pack

Pitchers who allowed lowest on-base %age against them last year:

.219— Justin Verlander

.236— Gerrit Cole

.256— Jack Flaherty

.257— Jacob deGrom

.263— Hyun-Jin Ryu

.266— Max Scherzer

Quote of the Day:

“Because it’s Australia or New Zealand, and not China or Europe, it’s going to be a much more attractive avenue for kids. This generation of kids is looking for any opportunity to avoid school. If this works, you’ll definitely see more.”
An unnamed NBA scout, on HS kids skipping college to play pro ball down under

Saturday’s quiz
Vince Young led the Texas Longhorns to the 2005 national title; which team did he play most of his NFL career with? (He played 54 of 60 NFL games for this team)

Friday’s quiz
Retired tennis star Billie Jean King played a judge in an episode of Law and Order.

Thursday’s quiz
Lovie Smih was the Chicago Bears’ coach the last time they played in a Super Bowl.

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Saturday’s List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind……

13) Oregon 37, Utah 15— This score makes the Oklahoma-Baylor game a play-in game for the 4-team national playoff, unless Georgia upsets LSU tomorrow night. Ducks led this game 23-0, Utes got back within 23-15 but that was it.

How do you handicap a disappointed Utah team when they play in their bowl game?

12) There have been 18 conference games in college basketball so far this season; home favorites are 5-5 ATS, home underdogs are 3-5. Home teams are 8-10 ATS, underdogs 8-10.

11) Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement ends after the 2021 season; lot of people think that when 2022 starts, both leagues will have the DH, so look for NL teams to add a sluggish defensive player who can hit in the next year or so, with 2022 in mind.

Some teams will probably use the DH to give guys a day off from playing in the field, while keeping their bat in the lineup. Will be curious to see how each team handles the change.

10) San Diego Padres added OF Tommy Pham in a deal with Tampa Bay; Rays get OF Hunter Renfroe, SS prospect Xavier Edwards and a prospect to be named later. Pham hit .273 with an .819 OPS LY, with 33 doubles, 21 homers, 68 RBI, 77 runs and 25 steals LY for the Rays

9) Four college football coaches used the job opening at Florida State to get contract extensions at their current job: Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, Penn State’s James Franklin, Washington State’s Mike Leach and Indiana coach Tom Allen.

Ole Miss is set to hire Lane Kiffin as their new football coach; Kiffin could write a hell of a book, with some of the jobs he’s had— Tennessee, USC, the Raider- he was an assistant coach at Alabama, too.

8) New York Knicks fired head coach David Fizdale Friday after the team’s 4-18 start. It isn’t Fizdale’s fault; the Knicks have a terrible owner, a mediocre front office- their roster isn’t a winning one. The bigger question is this: Why did they hire Fizdale in the first place?

7) Get well soon to Jeff Tedford, who resigned as football coach at Fresno State due to health concerns; Tedford had heart problems five years ago, when he had to step down as OC with the Tampa Bay Bucs in the NFL. No word whether his health issues now are heart related.

6) A few days after Georgetown’s off-court problems resulted in two of their starters entering the transfer portal, the Hoyas also lost a top 100 recruit for next year. Not good.

Terrance Williams is a 6-6 F from Gonzaga College HS in Washington DC who originally chose the Hoyas over Michigan and Notre Dame.

5) Florida Gators will name its basketball court after former coach Billy Donovan on February 15, during the NBA All-Star break; Donovan led the Gators to two national championships and four Final Four appearances during his 19 seasons in Gainesville.

4) Duke 77, Virginia Tech 63– Blue Devils outscored Tech 39-22 after trailing by 3 at the half; they win their ACC opener.

3) Michigan 103, Iowa 91— Wolverines scored 1.39 points/possession- there won’t be many figures higher than that anywhere all season long. Not often a team scores 103 points but no one on that team scores 20+. Iowa’s Garza scored 44 of their 91 points.

2) Patriots will re-sign Nick Folk to kick for them Sunday; he had an appendectomy couple weeks ago, so they cut him and brought in another guy last week, but that guy missed a PAT in Houston so they told him to take a hike. New England has used four kickers this year.

1) Interesting article in The Athletic about RJ Hampton, a young man who skipped college to play pro ball for the New Zealand Breakers of Australia’s National Basketball League- he hopes to be in the NBA at this time next year.

Hampton will make around $500,000 this season; he also signed a five-year shoe deal with Li-Ning. He averaged 10.5 ppg in his first six games of a 28-game season- in the short time he’s been in New Zealand, the Breakers’ general manager quit, and an assistant coach walked out at an airport- the team also lost four of its first six games.

Hampton had the grades to go to college and play there, but chose this route instead. Lot of other people are watching to see how he does.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:37 AM

SEC Championship
December 6, 2019
By Brian Edwards

No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 2 LSU Tigers
Venue/Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Time/TV: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4:00 p.m. ET
Line: LSU -7, Total 55.5

SEC Championship History

LSU (12-0 straight up, 7-5 against the spread) is back in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game for the first time since 2011. The Tigers won the SEC West for the sixth time since the league split into divisions in 1992, going unbeaten in 12 games of an unforgettable regular season.

Senior quarterback Joe Burrow has been the catalyst, making himself tens of millions of dollars in the past three months. He’s the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at all books, and the grad transfer from Ohio State is the short ‘chalk’ to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft at some betting shops.

Burrow has completed 78.3 percent of his passes for 4,366 yards with an incredible 44/6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He’s also run for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

Burrow will lead LSU up against Georgia, which will be making its third consecutive trip to Atlanta for the first weekend of December. The Bulldogs are 3-4 SU and 5-2 ATS in seven all-time appearances in the SECCG, while LSU is 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS in five trips.

This will be the fourth time these programs have met in this game. In 2003, LSU blasted UGA 34-13 as a three-point favorite. Two years later, the Bulldogs exacted revenge in a 34-14 victory as 2.5-point underdogs. Then in 2011, the Tigers recovered from a 10-0 deficit and exploded in the second half en route to a 42-10 triumph as 12.5-point ‘chalk.’

As of late Friday afternoon, most books had Ed Orgeron’s squad listed as a seven-point favorite with a total of 55.5. Georgia was +220 on the money line. For first-half wagers, LSU is favored by 3.5 points at most spots.

LSU has been a single-digit favorite only once this season, capturing a 45-38 win at Texas as a 6.5-point ‘chalk’ in Week 2. The Tigers own other notable scalps vs. Florida (42-28), vs. Auburn (23-20), at Alabama (46-41) and vs. Texas A&M (50-7). They’ve won nine of their 12 games by margins of at least 14 points. Eight of LSU’s victories have been by at least 21 points.

Orgeron’s bunch had no problem avenging last year’s 74-72 loss at Texas A&M in seven overtimes. When the Aggies took the field at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge last Saturday night, it got ugly in a hurry. LSU darted out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, led 31-0 at intermission and coasted into the winner’s circle.

The Tigers enjoyed advantages of 31-12 and 553-169 in first down and total offense, respectively. Burrow hit on 23-of-32 passes for 352 yards and three TDs without an interception. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 87 yards and one TD on 18 attempts, while Ja’Marr Chase hauled in seven receptions for 197 yards and two TDs.

LSU is ranked second in the nation in total offense, passing yards and scoring with its 48.7 points-per-game average.

Chase has 70 catches and leads the nation in receiving yards (1,457) and TD catches (17). Justin Jefferson has 81 receptions for 1,092 yards and 13 TDs, while Terrace Marshall has 32 grabs for 456 yards and eight TDs. Marshall missed three games with an injury back in October.

Edwards-Helaire is tops in the SEC in rushing TDs (16) and third in rushing yards (1,233). The junior RB averages 6.8 yards per carry, and he also has 43 catches for 338 yards and one TD. True freshman Tyrion Davis-Price has 260 rushing yards, six TDs and a 4.6 YPC average.

Georgia (11-1 SU, 7-5 ATS) took its only loss in Week 7, dropping a 20-17 double-overtime decision to South Carolina as a 21-point home favorite. Since then, Kirby Smart’s team has won six games in a row while going 4-2 ATS.

UGA was in Atlanta this past weekend at Bobby Dodd Stadium, where it crushed Georgia Tech 52-7 as a 28.5-point road ‘chalk.’ The 59 combined points soared ‘over’ the 46-point total. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they saw true freshman WR George Pickens get ejected in the second half for fighting. Furthermore, star junior RB D’Andre Swift left the game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return.

Smart has downplayed the injury all week, and Swift has been listed as ‘probable’ since Monday. Whether Swift is 100 percent or can handle 15-20 touches vs. LSU remains to be seen. Pickens is suspended for the first half, which is even bigger news since WR Lawrence Cager is ‘out’ due to a sprained ankle sustained at practice the day before Thanksgiving.

Pickens has 33 receptions for 498 yards and six TDs, while Cager has made 33 catches for 476 yards and four TDs. These absences supply Georgia’s star junior QB Jake Fromm with an even greater challenge against LSU, especially in the first half without Pickens.

Fromm has dealt with the inconsistencies of a young and inexperienced group of wideouts all season long. It’s caused his numbers to go down compared to his first two years, but he’s still one of the nation’s best signal callers. Fromm connected on just 14-of-29 throws at Georgia Tech, but those completions produced 254 yards and four TDs without an interception.

Before leaving the game, Swift had 73 rushing yards on 10 carries. Brian Herrien had 46 rushing yards and one TD on eight totes. Pickens was ejected in a skirmish that occurred immediately after making a 47-yard TD reception. Tyler Simmons caught three balls for 52 yards and one TD.

UGA has seven of its games by margins of 21 points or more. The Bulldogs’ best victories are vs. Notre Dame (23-17), vs. Florida (24-17 in Jacksonville), at Auburn (21-14) and vs. Texas A&M (19-13). Since their loss came to the Gamecocks, who finished 4-8 and were playing their third-string QB for 2.5 quarters due to injuries, the Bulldogs have to beat LSU in order to make the College Football Playoff.

For the season, Fromm has completed 62.0 percent of his passes for 2,385 yards with a 21/3 TD-INT ratio. All three picks were made by South Carolina sophomore CB Israel Mukuamu.

Swift has run for 1,203 yards and seven TDs, averaging 6.2 YPC. He also has 21 receptions for 198 yards and one TD. If Swift is unable to perform to his elite standards due the shoulder issue, UGA should be fine. Herrien had 466 rushing yards, six TDs, a 4.9 YPC average, 13 catches, 87 receiving yards and one TD reception. Zamir White, a former five-star recruit, has run for 311 yards and a pair of scores, averaging 5.7 YPC.

Dominick Blaylock has 17 catches for 299 yards and five TDs, while Demetris Robertson has 26 receptions for 281 yards and three TDs.

Georgia is ranked fourth in the nation in total defense, 15th at defending the pass, second in run defense and second in scoring ‘D’ (10.4 PPG). This unit is led by junior safety Richard Lecounte, who has recorded 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, three passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions for 71 return yards.

These teams met in Baton Rouge on Oct. 13 of last season. LSU smashed Georgia 36-17 as a seven-point underdog, and the 52 combined points inched ‘over’ the 50-point total. Burrow completed 15-of-30 throws for 200 yards, and he did damage on the ground with 66 rushing yards and two TDs on 13 attempts. Edwards-Helaire produced 145 rushing yards on 19 carries, while Jefferson had six catches for 108 yards.

Fromm struggled the entire game, connecting on just 16-of-34 passes for 209 yards and one TD. However, he was intercepted twice. Swift ran 12 times for 72 yards.

This is UGA’s first underdog spot of the season. During Smart’s four-year tenure, the Bulldogs have gone 6-2 ATS with three outright wins in eight games as ‘dogs.

Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

BET ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 15

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--The ‘over’ has hit in four straight Virginia games, with those combined scores reaching 69, 82, 61 and 69 points. The Cavaliers are 28.5-point underdogs in Saturday night’s ACC Championship Game against Clemson. UVA won the ACC Coastal for the first time in program history, rallying past arch-rival Virginia Tech to win a 39-30 decision in last Friday’s regular-season finale. The victory snapped a 15-game losing streak to the Hokies. As of late Friday afternoon, the total for Clemson vs. UVA was 57 points at most spots.

--This space is often extremely critical of some head coaches – and rightfully so! – for their incompetent clock-management decisions. On that note, let’s go out of our way to recognize Bronco Mendenhall for a stroke of brilliance when it came to “time and score” last week. With less than a minute remaining, UVA got a defensive TD to extend its lead from 33-30 to 39-30. This made it a two-possession game and sealed the deal. However, all quality coaches (and sharp bettors) are always thinking of worst-case scenarios that can create an unlikely result. The only way the Hokies were going to have a chance at a comeback was by blocking the PAT and returning it for a TD for two points. In order to avoid that nightmare scenario, Mendenhall sent the offense on the field and into Victory Formation to kneel on it. Hat tip to you, Bronco Mendenhall!

--Since losing a heartbreaker at home to Marshall, Florida Atlantic has won five games in a row by double-digit margins. The Owls are 4-1 ATS during that span. They’re eight-point home favorites vs. UAB in Saturday’s C-USA Championship Game in Boca Raton.

--I’m not “reporting” anything here; I’m simply making a couple of predictions. By Sunday afternoon (or night at the latest), the new head coach at Florida State will be Mike Norvell. Also, the new man in charge of the Arkansas Razorbacks will be Lane Kiffin. I’m 95-98 percent certain on those two calls. I’m much less confident in this one, but the thinking here is that UL-Lafayette’s Billy Napier will land the Ole Miss gig. As for Missouri, who knows? Citing sources, Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Friday that AD Jim Sterk presented Army’s Jeff Monken, Arkansas State’s Blake Anderson and La. Tech’s Skip Holtz as targets to the UM System Board of Curators, and some board members “aren’t thrilled with some of the choices presented as options.” To that, I say, “can you flippin' blame ‘em?!”

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:41 AM

Saturday's Best Bets - Sides
December 3, 2019
By Matt Blunt

Nine conference titles will be decided on Saturday, and with it will come nine point spread results that hopefully you are on the right side of more often then not. Conference championship games have basically been a coin flip the past three years in terms of ATS wins for favorites or underdogs, as it was split right down the middle last year (5-5 ATS).

Prior to that, 2017 saw favorites go 5-3-1 ATS, while 2016 title games saw favorites finish 3-5 ATS. That's as even as it gets (13-13-1 ATS) in terms of backing favorites or underdogs, and with every favorite this year laying at least six points, I would not be surprised to see this year's results be nearly even again.

With that in mind, I've got one favorite and one underdog to back on Saturday, so let's get to it.

Conference Championship Favorite to Back:
Central Michigan (-7)

The Chippewas caught the break of the year last week when Western Michigan failed to win at Northern Illinois earlier in the week. Bad weather and sloppy execution did the Broncos in, as maybe the “Row the Boat” culture that former HC P.J Fleck started at Western Michigan has some issues in late November when all the bodies of water have frozen over. Either way, Central Michigan had everything in front of them after that loss and took full advantage of it on Black Friday with a dominant 49-7 win over Toledo to win the MAC West and punch their ticket to this title game.

The Chippewas now face a Miami (OH) team that went through the motions last week knowing they were already assured this spot, ultimately ending a five-game winning streak in the process. But the MAC East was a much softer division by far this year, and getting a division crown on the back of beating the likes of Akron and Bowling Green – who went a combined 3-21 SU and 4-20 ATS this year – isn't anything special. The Redhawks were also underdogs in every single conference game outside of those Bowling Green and Akron contests which is quite telling as well.

And yet, they rode some close wins – they were 4-0 SU in games decided by 7 points or less – to a division crown, as they were just +35 in point differential in MAC play as it was. Eventually running good like that in tight games wears out, and against a team the quality of Central Michigan, I expect that to be the case here.

The Chippewas finished MAC play with a +121 point differential in their eight conference games, as all but one of their six wins came by at least 14 points. That type of dominant football is what leads a team like Central Michigan to a 9-3 ATS record overall this year, and they were a perfect 6-0 ATS in MAC play if they won the game outright. What that says is that if you believe the Chippewas will win the game, the point spread won't matter, and after getting new life on their 2019 season because of that Western Michigan loss, the Chippewas definitely got new life.

Central Michigan made the most of that situation in the regular season finale, and that should carry over to this week's conference title game. They are by far the better team on both sides of the ball and as long as the Chippewas protect the football – they had 5 and 3 turnovers respectively in their two MAC losses – this game should be one they control from start to finish.

12 years ago these two teams met in the MAC title game and as three-point favorites it was Central Michigan who came away with a 35-10 win. This year's score could end up being quite similar, as the Chippewas end their 10 year drought of being the MAC champion.

Conference Championship Underdog to Back:
Georgia Bulldogs (+7.5)
Georgia ML

So it's a done deal right? Ohio State, LSU, and Clemson are going to be in the college football playoff regardless of what happens on Saturday, and then it's all up to who had more style points between Utah and Oklahoma/Baylor for that 4th spot right? I mean, that's what all the conversation seems to be about early this week. Poor old Georgia, not even in the same zip code as Dabo Swinney's “ROY” bus right now as the consensus #4 team that controls their own destiny.

And while I do tend to agree with the first part of that idea that Ohio State, LSU, and Clemson will be CFB Playoff bound regardless, if that is the case, technically, LSU can afford a loss here right? There is no way that a one-loss LSU team who has been in the Top 2 for the entirety of the rankings would get completely bumped out of the Top 4 after a conference championship loss to the #4 team, and the Tigers have to be feeling pretty comfortable with that position as it currently stands. That's not to say LSU will no-show or anything like that, as motivation to remain undefeated and win the SEC for the first time since they beat Georgia in 2011 is still there, but they aren't fighting for everything in the same sense that the Bulldogs are.

Georgia used their regular season finale vs Georgia Tech to get the offense right again, as the concerns of not scoring TD's and settling for FG's as they had for games prior were put to bed by the second drive. After opening up with a FG vs the Yellow Jackets, Georgia went on to put up seven TD's the rest of the way to at least gain some much needed confidence on that side of the ball heading into this LSU showdown. LSU's offense has lit up everyone this year, and for as much as Georgia likes to rely on their defense to get key stops, and Kirby Smart is a defensive guy, the Bulldogs knew they have to be able to put up TD's when the opportunities are there to beat a team like LSU.

And speaking of Kirby Smart, there is something to be said for a guy who's been on the sidelines in seven of the last 11 SEC title games in some capacity. This is the third straight year he's guided Georgia to this game as the head man, but he was the DC in Alabama for all those years that the Crimson Tide found there way to this spot. That type of experience can't be overlooked in a big game like this, and even the core of his team on the field can join him there with this being their third straight appearance. Also, I'm sure Kirby Smart has contacted old pal Nick Saban to pick his brain on ideas on how to get past LSU this week too.

So all this talk about whether it will be Utah, Oklahoma or even Baylor to make it into the 4th spot in the playoff is something I'll let others waste their breath about all week.

This Bulldogs team remembers the sting of being in this identical spot a year ago – sitting at #4 before the SEC Championship – and blowing a 21-14 halftime, and 28-21 lead going into the 4th against Alabama. That loss had the Big 12 champ Oklahoma take their spot, and I'd venture a guess that every Georgia player that was in pads last year, and every coach that was on the sideline last year will be damned if they let it happen again.

If the Bulldogs get beat by the better team then so be it, but they'll aim to be at their best from the outset here, and I do believe they win this game outright. Remember, this is the first time on this stage for basically everyone wearing LSU colors, and if they've already got that sense of entitlement of knowing/assuming they are in the playoff regardless, Georgia will show no mercy if they are given that chance.

Georgia wins this game 28-24.

***************************************

Saturday's Best Bets - Totals
December 4, 2019
By Matt Blunt

Yesterday I took at look at two different sides to consider for Conference Championship Saturday, and for those of you that prefer totals, this piece is for you. Considering half of the 10 title games this weekend are rematches from the regular season, there is somewhat of a benchmark to work with when handicapping these totals, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should weigh what happened in the first meeting overly heavy.

Teams have grown/regressed/changed since then in all likelihood – outside of say the Cincinnati/Memphis game who just played last week – and the stakes have ramped up considerably since those first meeting for some. And similar to the sides piece, I've got one 'over' and one 'under' to strongly consider, although only one of the two plays is a rematch game. Let's get to it:

Conference Championship Over to Back:
Baylor/Oklahoma Over 64.5

This is the rematch game that makes the card, as it's probably the most highly anticipated rematch game on the board this week. Depending on how the Pac-12 and SEC title games shake out, the winner of this Big 12 contest could find themselves playoff bound. And given that the Baylor Bears thought they were the 2016 Atlanta Falcons in the first meeting with the Sooners, blowing a 28-3 lead to lose 34-31, there has been plenty of talk about the Bears getting another crack at Oklahoma since that meeting. The potential of the winner being CFB Playoff bound only adds to the intrigue.

But I'm not concerned with the side outcome in this game (although I would lay it with Oklahoma if forced to), as Baylor showed some character in not slipping up in their final two regular season games after that loss. The Bears did get some help in that regard as they faced a Texas team that had no interest in finishing the year strong after all their goals were unattainable, and Kansas just isn't a very good team. But make no mistake about it, Baylor has been itching for another crack at the Sooners, and I doubt they get held off the score sheet in the 2nd half like they did in the first meeting.

Oklahoma isn't interested in digging such a deep hole for themselves either, as they've heard all the noise about how badly Baylor wants another crack at them as well. From the Sooners perspective, they played an awful 1st half of football in that first meeting and still found a way to come away with the victory. An outcome like that can only give them confidence that should they be sharp from the outset in the rematch and take care of the ball throughout, that this game will be one that ultimately goes the Sooners way in a relative easy fashion.

Either way, I do expect both sides to be out to put up points, as Baylor has to believe no lead is safe against Oklahoma, while the Sooners will be looking to blow out the Bears early to squash any hope of revenge Baylor has. “Style points” are likely needed for whomever ends up winning this game, and when you put the whole picture together, it does suggest points will be scored.

In terms of looking at the first game, the 'under' did connect, but it was a rather lucky one considering Baylor was held scoreless in the final 30 minutes after putting up 31 points in the first 30 minutes. Obviously you could say that Oklahoma expected to score more then 10 points in the first half as well, which is what leads to the 'over' being the only way I believe you can look here.

And even though this is far from the best of the number having opened up around 62 for the rematch, I'm not sure it will matter. Oklahoma's defense is still one that can be had, and the Sooners will generally find a way to put up points themselves.

The fact that this number has been bumped up a few points since open with still the slight majority on the low side of things is telling as well, and with 65 points still put up in the 1st meeting where each team only really played a half of football up to their standards offensively, it's hard not to like the high side of this total.

After all, Baylor finished the regular season averaging 34.4 points per game, while Oklahoma clocked in at 42/game. We don't even need both sides to hit those numbers to see this one sail well over the number, although getting 70+ total points here should be the end result.

Conference Championship Under to Back:
Virginia/Clemson Under 55.5

Dabo Swinney's rhetoric about nobody respecting Clemson and sticking up for his eight-game conference schedule is nothing but old at this point, but coaches will do and say whatever they feel they need to to stick up for their team and motivate them at the same time.

Playing the 'nobody respects us' card has become a time honored tradition for Swinney and Clemson, and if that's what fires up his team and gets them to play at their best then so be it. But you know what fires me up for the ACC title game this week. The fact that Clemson hasn't got enough respect to be laying 30 points or more because that's when their totals tend to become more of a coin flip.

This year the Tigers are a perfect 0-6 O/U this year when laying less than 30 points, and in that role the past three seasons they are 7-20-1 O/U. Whatever rhetoric Swinney uses in these types of spots when the whole world expects them to win big, seems to get his defense going the best, as they've allowed just 10.5 points per game in these sub-30 favorite roles this year, and I'm not sure that changes against a Virginia team that's played well over their head offensively in recent weeks against lackluster competition.

From a Virginia perspective, they want no part of being involved in a shootout type contest with Clemson, because it's those games where talent tends to win out in the end, and the talent edge on both sides of the ball clearly sides with Clemson. Since the Cavaliers have a running QB and would prefer to methodically move the ball down the field as it is, they will be comfortable slowing down the game in their attempt to pull off a monumental upset. How successful they are at it probably won't be very, but if they can slow things down for a half at least, that can only help an 'under' wager.

In all likelihood this game turns out to be a typical Clemson ACC game where they get out to a big lead by the break and then use their running game to bleed the clock away in the second half. Virginia's defense – which has been suspect of late too – should be good enough given what's on the line to hold down the 2nd half scoring in that case.

You know if Clemson's defense gives up more then 10 points in this game that they'll be disappointed in themselves, and given that their last two ACC titles the past two years have come thanks to 38-3 and 42-10 scores, this year's game probably resembles those final outcomes a great deal.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:46 AM

Saturday's Group of 5 Tips
December 5, 2019
By Joe Nelson

Playing for a championship is the goal of every program and nine conference champions will be decided on Saturday.

College Playoff berths are not on the line in the Conference USA, American, Sun Belt, and Mountain West games but all four contests provide intriguing stakes to fill out the championship Saturday schedule.

One of eventual championship teams will also get called for the top Group of 5 spot in the New Year’s Six.

CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP

Matchup: UAB Blazers at Florida Atlantic Owls
Venue: At FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida
Time/TV: Saturday, December 7, 1:30 p.m. ET CBSSN
Line: Florida Atlantic -7½, Over/Under 49½
Last Meeting: November 1, 2014 At UAB (+3) 31, Florida Atlantic 28

The past two Conference USA Champions are facing off with Florida Atlantic the 2017 title winner while UAB will be looking for a second straight championship after improbably climbing back to the top of the standings in the final weeks of November. After taking a second conference loss with a 37-2 defeat in Hattiesburg the chances of repeating as West champions looked slim for the Blazers but UAB has won three in a row while both Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech stumbled. The head-to-head win over Louisiana Tech gets the Blazers this opportunity with a 6-2 tie on top of the West standings.

UAB was perfect at home for a third straight season as all three losses came on the road. This will be a second straight road game as UAB won at North Texas 26-21 last week to claim this spot. That win was led by freshman Dustin Hopkins at quarterback who has had to fill-in late in the season for Tyler Johnston who missed most of the last month before making a token appearance last week, though most assume Johnston will be leading the offense this weekend.

Lane Kiffin is the most well-known coach in Conference USA and the Owls climbed back to the top of the East standings with a 7-1 league record this season, out-scoring foes 291-153. That defensive scoring figure is three points worse than UAB in the eight-game slate, but the Owls scored 87 more points than the Blazers on offense. Florida Atlantic enters this game with five straight wins while scoring at least 34 points in each of those games.

Series History:
UAB won the last meeting back in 2014 in Boca Raton but is 2-4 S/U & ATS in the series since 2008. Florida Atlantic is just 4-4 S/U in the past eight home games following 10-game home winning streak. Since 2008 Florida Atlantic is just 25-39 ATS in home games but there have been many heavy favorite prices the past three years.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Matchup: Cincinnati Bearcats at Memphis Tigers
Venue: At Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee
Time/TV: Saturday, December 7, 3:30 p.m. ET ABC
Line: Memphis -9½, Over/Under 57½
Last Meeting: November 29, 2018, At Memphis (-14) 34, Cincinnati 24

These will meet twice in eight days as Memphis needed to win in last week’s regular season finale to earn this spot while Cincinnati had already clinched the East title. Losing last week perhaps takes Cincinnati out of the conversation for the top Group of 5 spot for a coveted New Year’s Day slot that the AAC Champion has earned the past two seasons. Memphis will likely be that team should they defeat Cincinnati again this week.

Memphis is playing in a third consecutive AAC title game having lost to undefeated UCF teams each of the past two seasons. The Tigers are 11-1 this season in Mike Norvell’s fourth season and with a 37-15 record in four years it will be a surprise if Norvell is still in Memphis next season given several major conference openings that could make sense.

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, freshman Ben Bryant was a surprise starting quarterback for the Bearcats, in place of Desmond Ridder. The sophomore Ridder has started much of the past two seasons but has played through a shoulder issue. His numbers this season aren’t as impressive as they were last season, but presumably last week’s absence was merely to get extra rest ahead of this week’s more impactful contest. That defeat dropped Cincinnati to 10-2 with the only other loss to Ohio State.

Cincinnati’s production numbers don’t add up to a 7-1 record in AAC play as they were actually out-gained in seven of those games. The Bearcats had the top defensive scoring in the conference however with only 170 points allowed in eight games. This is Luke Fickell’s third season in Cincinnati with a combined 25-12 record.

Regular Season Meeting:
In last week’s game in this same venue, Memphis returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and led 17-3 after the first quarter. Cincinnati fought back in the game to tie at 17-17 before Memphis pulled away in the fourth quarter. Memphis had just a 432-407 yardage edge but a 3-1 turnover edge in what was Bryant’s first start. The line on last week’s game opened at -9½ or -10 but shot up to -14 by kickoff.

Series History:
Memphis has a 12-11 S/U edge since 1980, going 9-10 ATS in lined games back to 1984. These teams haven’t met since 2016 with Memphis winning the past three meetings.

SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP

Matchup: UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at Appalachian State Mountaineers
Venue: At Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina
Time/TV: Saturday, December 7, 12:00 p.m. ET ESPN
Line: Appalachian State -6½, Over/Under 56
Last Meeting: October 9, 2019 Appalachian State (+2½) 17, AT UL-Lafayette 7

These teams have met seven times since 2014 with Appalachian State winning every time. Since a 63-14 win at the end of the 2017 regular season for the Mountaineers, the past three meetings have been competitive low scoring games with Appalachian State winning 27-17 in the regular season last season at home and similarly 30-19 at home in the 2018 Sun Belt title game. In the regular season this year Appalachian State won 17-7 in Lafayette in October.

Scott Satterfield departed Appalachian State after last season’s successful campaign and took over at Louisville. Eliah Drinkwitz maintained that high standard with a great first season and the 36-year-old will certainly be mentioned as a possible candidate to move up, especially given how far NC State’s offense fell this season without him. Billy Napier is now 17-9 in two seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns as another young head coach that could rise the ranks in the near future. Last season’s team finished just 7-7 after a bowl loss but with 10 wins this year’s team was a much more convincing division champion.

Both of these teams rank in the nation’s top 20 in rushing yards per game and rushing yards per attempt. Defensively there have been clear edges for Appalachian State statistically, though both teams allowed exactly 131 points in Sun Belt play and overall the Ragin’ Cajuns allowed 11 fewer points on the season.

Regular Season Meeting:
These teams met early in the conference season in October and the game was tied at halftime. Up 10-7 Appalachian State completed a drive that took more than 10 minutes over 19 plays to clinch the victory with fewer than two minutes remaining. The Mountaineers had a 343-254 yardage edge in a game with no turnovers.

Series History:
Appalachian State is 7-0 S/U and 4-3 ATS since 2014 in this series, though they have failed to cover in three of four meetings at home.

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Matchup: Hawai’i Warriors at Boise State Broncos
Venue: At Albertson’s Stadium in Boise, Idaho
Time/TV: Saturday, December 7, 4:00 p.m. ET ESPN
Line: Boise State -14, Over/Under 64½
Last Meeting: October 12, 2019 At Boise State (-13) 59, Hawai’i 37

Boise State has won seven consecutive meetings with Hawai’i while scoring at least 42 points in each of the past six meetings, covering each of the heavy favorite spreads in those six games going back to 2009. The Broncos have hosted the Mountain West Championship each of the past two seasons vs. Fresno State, winning the 2017 title 17-14 but losing 19-16 in overtime last season.

Boise State is in play for the top Group of 5 spot should they win to finish 12-1 with the only loss a three-point defeat at BYU. The Broncos rank 19th in the playoff standings, two spots behind #17 Memphis and one spot ahead of #20 Cincinnati as the Broncos will hope to impress and hope that Cincinnati wins the AAC title. Staying ahead of the Bearcats as well as #21 Appalachian State isn’t assured and beating Hawai’i at 5-3 in Mountain West play and 9-4 overall won’t provide a huge boost to the numbers for the Broncos.

Quarterback play has evolved throughout the season for both teams. Freshman Hank Bachmeier was a surprise starter to open the season and starred in the comeback win over Florida State in August. With a shoulder issue Bachmeier hasn’t played in the last month. Chase Cord has played significantly in three games, but the starter is now senior Jaylon Henderson who has thrown nine touchdowns with just one interception. For Hawai’i Cole McDonald’s role as the lead quarterback remains but freshman Chevan Cordeiro has played substantially as well in recent weeks.

Regular Season Meeting:
Boise State led 31-7 late in the second quarter and 52-21 through three quarters as the game was never in doubt despite some late scoring for the Warriors and a production edge of 518-438 that suggested a closer game. Hawai’i had four turnovers in that game as it was a sloppy game with high penalty counts on both sides as well.

Series History:
Boise State has gone 13-3 S/U in this series since 1996 while covering in 10 of the 15 lined games going back to 1999. Blowouts have been the norm other than a stretch of very competitive games from 2005 to 2007, including Hawai’i winning in 2007 for the WAC title. Under Bryan Harsin Boise State is 34-5 S/U at home but just 15-22-1 ATS.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 03:48 AM

Clemson, UVA square off for ACC title
December 6, 2019
By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is happy his players can finally make the case for themselves that they are a championship-caliber team.

The third-ranked Tigers (12-0; No. 3 CFP) take on No. 22 Virginia (9-3; No. 23 CFP) for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship on Saturday night, knowing a win cements their fifth consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Swinney has spent much of his year defending his team's schedule, quarterback Trevor Lawrence's health and making the case that Clemson is worthy of being in the playoffs with a chance to defend its national title.

â??People should spend more on who we are and not on who we so-call play," Swinney said. â??I could understand if we were a new kid on the block, but we've been around here for a long time."

Clemson has won two of the past three national titles and, with a win over Virginia, would become the first program with five straight championship game

â??No one has ever done that," Lawrence said. â??That will be a lot of motivation for us. Just the things we set out to do, team goals."

Lawrence has not worried about outsider opinions, focusing in improving each week as the Tigers close in on the playoffs.

Lawrence has picked up his game the second half of the season. He had throw eight touchdowns and five interceptions interceptions in Clemson's first five games. Lawrence has passed for 22 touchdowns and just three picks in the final seven games heading into the championship game.

â??Trevor is I think an every-10-year type of talent,â?? former Florida State quarterback and ACC Network analyst EJ Manuel said.

Manuel said earlier in the year Lawrence's interceptions surprised many who expected the sophomore to be perfect.

â??If you win games, if you win championships, that's how you're evaluated," he said.

Lawrence will have plenty of offensive help with tailback Travis Etienne - named the ACC player of the year earlier this week, and receivers Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross, who have combined for 1,568 yards and 17 touchdowns.

â??Basically everyone that touches the ball is very skilled, very capable," Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall said. â??Clemson's ranking and their success is not accidental."

Some other things to know about Virginia-Clemson matchup in the ACC championship game:

HANDLING THE STAGE

Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence said the key to handling the big stage is not letting it get too big, and Bronco Mendenhall said he addressed that with his team.

â??We have not been on the stage, nor are we pretending that we have and I think just saying that to the team alleviates all this extra stuff. We have not been there. They have. Itâ??s new for us. Itâ??s not new to them. ... When we get there, weâ??ll play football, which is what we know how to do.â??

PERKING UP

Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins is among three players this year with at least 2,900 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, joining Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts and Louisiana-Monroe's Caleb Evans with that distinction. Perkins leads the ACC in total offense with 3,636 yards.

FAST FRIENDS

Clemson's Dabo Swinney and Virginia's Tony Bennett have developed a friendship rooted in their national championships. Bennett's basketball team played at Clemson last January when Swinney and the Tigers were celebrating their national title and the two spoke briefly.

But in March Swinney had an urge to call Bennett in the midst of the NCAA Tournament and tell him the Cavaliers would win a crown of their own. The two have chatted since, although Swinney does not expect to hear from Bennett before the ACC championship game.

STRANGE SERIES

Clemson won the first 29 times the two schools played football, but things have been much more even since that run ended in 1989 with the Tigers holding a 9-8-1 edge since. This is the first meeting between the schools since Clemson's 59-10 victory in 2013.

EARNING RESPECT

Swinney's not the only one seeking respect this season. Virginia linebacker Zane Zandier said people don't give the Cavaliers much of a chance, even though they were the Coastal Division preseason favorite. â??We're going to try and win the game,â??he said. "We're not just going to sight-see.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 11:47 AM

STRIKE FIRST, STRIKE HARD

When it comes to kicking off the scoring, the Oklahoma Sooners have come correct as they prepare to face the Baylor Bears in Saturday's Big 12 title game at AT&T Stadium. The Jalen Hurts-led offense has been a dynamo in the opening stages of games this season, scoring first in 11 of 12 regular-season outings (nine touchdowns, two field goals). But the Bears have been no slouch themselves, having scored the first points eight times in their 12 regular-season games – each time with a touchdown. That jibes with how the teams handled the other three quarters, combining for 126 touchdowns against just 25 field goals.

The 6-way First Score Method prop should be a profitable one, with an Oklahoma TD paying out at +120 and the Baylor TD set at +200. Bettors can't go wrong with either play, though the Sooners present the slightly safer option.

SLOW STARTERS?

The LSU Tigers might be armed with one of the top offenses in the nation, but they might struggle to make early inroads as they square off against the Georgia Bulldogs to decide the SEC championship on Saturday. LSU owned one of the top first-quarter offenses in the country, averaging 11.0 points per game against FBS opponents. But the Bulldogs are no ordinary opponent for Joe Burrow and Co.; they faced three ranked opponents during the regular season – No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 6 Florida and No. 12 Auburn – and kept all three off the scoreboard in the opening quarters of their respective games.

With the Tigers and Bulldogs combining to limit opponents to 4.3 first-quarter points per game, it's hard to see these teams not converting the Under on the first-quarter game total.

ONE-SIDED AFFAIR?

With the utmost respect to Virginia, it will take a minor miracle for the Cavaliers to pull off the upset victory over the defending champion Clemson Tigers in Saturday's ACC title game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Ignoring completely how dominant the Clemson offense can look when it gets going, Virginia will be forced to air it out against a Tigers pass defense that allowed just six passing touchdowns all season. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 48.3 percent of their pass attempts for the season while averaging a minuscule 126.5 passing yards per game, easily the lowest rate in the country.

With the Cavaliers a long shot to do anything on offense and that Clemson attack sure to keep Virginia's defense on the field, this one could get positively ugly. The 43-or-more Winning Margin option might be an intriguing one here at +500.

WILL THEY OR WON’T THEY?

Just how dominant are the Ohio State Buckeyes? Oddsmakers have set +100 odds on their opponents – the No. 8 team in the nation, no less – to score not even one first-quarter point in Saturday's Big Ten title game. And while the Wisconsin Badgers did come up empty in the opening quarter of their 38-7 loss to Ohio State earlier in the season, they still finished inside the top-40 in first quarter points per game (7.2). And for as dominant as the Buckeyes' defense has been throughout the 2019 campaign, it has surrendered 20 first-quarter points over its previous three games.

Come on ... if Rutgers can score first-quarter points vs. Ohio State, surely the Badgers can, too. Right? We think it's worth a shot at +100 for Wisconsin to finish Over 0.5 points in the opening 15 minutes.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 11:49 AM

Saturday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Baylor at Oklahoma (-9/65), 12 p.m. ET, ABC: Following Utah's unexpected loss in the Pac-12 championship, we get Championship Saturday off with a bang since the winner of this one will feel really good about their chances of being ranked among the CFP's top four to secure a spot in the national semifinals. The Bears will need a lot more help than a Sooners team that didn't skate at the beginning of the season against the likes of Stephen F. Austin, UT-San Antonio and Rice.

Despite their non-ambitious schedule, the Bears would be top-four at the moment had they not blown a 25-point lead three weeks ago when they hosted the Sooners in a 34-31 game that will be constantly referenced throughout this one. Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts threw four TD passes but turned the ball over three times, clearly missing the presence of star WR CeeDee Lamb. One of the country's top receiving prospects, Lamb was unavailable for that game but is returning here.With no weather variables in play at Arlington's AT&T Stadium, the question simply becomes whether you believe the Bears team that torched Oklahoma's suspect defense can re-emerge with QB Charlie Brewer finding Denzel Mims or a team that couldn't get out of its own way in the second half won't give themselves a chance.

Oklahoma is looking to become the first "Power-5" team to win five consecutive conference titles since Alabama accomplished the feat from 1971-75. Kennedy Brooks is averaging a Big 12-best 7.2 yards per carry, which should lighten Hurts' load and keep a Bears defense featuring the conference's defensive player of the year, James Lynch, from getting to Hurts.The line has come down to 8.5 at Caesars and a total that opened at 62 has been bet to 65.

Miami, Ohio at Central Michigan (-6.5/54.5), 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2: Jim McElwain has done an amazing job in Mount Pleasant, turning a 1-11 football team into a division champion in his first season back in coaching after flaming out at Florida. He’ll be looking to become the first CMU head coach since Butch Jones to win the conference in his first season and may find himself with a bigger gig given the job he’s done building a team with excellent schemes and really solid development, taking a team picked to finish last to their first conference title appearance since ’09.

Miami got hot following its 76-5 loss to Ohio State and has proven resilient in riding its defense. QB Brett Gabbert, younger brother of former NFL QB Blaine Gabbert, has had some nice moments as a first-year starter for the Redhawks, but the offense ranked next-to-last in the MAC in total yardage. Tennessee transfer Quinten Dormady has been excellent for the Chippewas in running McElwain’s system and can beat you with his legs as well. The Chips have gone 8-1-1 ATS over their last 10 games while the ‘under’ has hit in four of the past five games involving Miami, so identities here are well-established. CMU opened at 4.5-point favorite but that figure has been bet up to a 6.5. The total opened at 53 and moved to 54.5. This game will be played inside Ford Field, so the icy Detroit weather will only be a factor when the teams get out of bed in the morning and commute.

Louisiana at Appalachian State (-6.5/58), 12 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Mountaineers will look to pick up their second straight title and benefit from hosting this contest. Even though Ragin’ Cajuns fans travel well, this is a tough ask since Appalachian State isn’t the easiest place to get to. Potentially brutal weather will take it easy on both teams since temperatures will creep into the 40s and neither wind, snow or rain will be a factor. There is a revenge angle in place since Louisiana lost this exact same matchup 30-19 last season as a 17-point underdog. They fell in this year’s regular-season matchup 17-7 despite being favored at home on Oct. 9 in what was by far their least productive offensive showing of the season. Consider that their second-lowest scoring output was the 28 points they managed in a season-opening loss to Mississippi State and you can imagine the ‘Cajuns will try to be aggressive early, which makes the first-half ‘over’ attractive.

The ‘under’ is on a 6-1 run in Louisiana-Lafayette games despite it averaging 39.5 points per game on its six-game winning streak after losing at home to the Mountaineers. Appalachian State would be perfect if not for a 24-21 setback at home on Halloween night against 14-point underdog Georgia Southern. The Eagles controlled that game’s tempo and ran the ball effectively, which is what Louisiana will look to accomplish behind NFL-caliber back Trey Ragas, who forms a three-pronged attack alongside Elijah Mitchell and Raymond Calais in what is the nation’s sixth-best rushing attack. Levi Lewis has only been picked off three times but does have issues getting the ball downfield. Counterpart Zac Thomas has been the Sun Belt’s top quarterback for the last two seasons and leans on RB Darrynton Evans, who won conference player of the year honors after a 20-touchdown season. Appalachian State has given up 15 or fewer points in six of the last eight games, but their top non-conference wins – Charlotte and UNC – both came in shootouts.

Virginia at Clemson (-29/55.5), 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC: The Tigers don’t need style points to secure their spot in the CFP final four, but I can’t imagine losing outright would allow them to maintain their spot in the playoff since the ACC has been such a dumpster fire this season. The Cavaliers rely heavily on QB Bryce Perkins, who has thrown it or run it on 78 percent of his team’s possessions. That makes it easy to game plan against the ‘Hoos, who didn’t have to play Clemson this season but lost at Notre Dame in addition to league losses at Miami and Louisville.

The Tigers have been annoyed by talk of the ACC dragging them down since the defending champs have navigated the only schedule they could play, overcoming their obstacles rather handily with the exception of a 21-20 win at North Carolina back in late September. Although they’ve deflected all talk about style points over the past few months, every win they’ve had since has come by over 31 points, including their higher-profile wins over FSU, Louisville and Wake Forest. The Tigers are 6-1 ATS over their last seven games, giving up 14 or fewer points each time out while scoring at least 45 in every contest except last week’s 38-3 rout at South Carolina. QB Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 22 touchdowns and been picked off just three times since the near-upset against the Tar Heels. Per the AP, Perkins is among three players this year with at least 2,900 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, joining Oklahoma’s Hurts and Louisiana-Monroe’s Caleb Evans. Perkins leads the ACC in total offense with 3,636 yards. He’ll be the top dual-threat QB Clemson has seen since a 24-10 loss to Texas A&M in which the Tigers took advantage of Kellen Mond. Temperatures in Charlotte will be in the 40s.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-07-2019, 11:56 AM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

ULL at APP 12:00 PM
APP -6.0
O 58.0

BAY at OKLA 12:00 PM
BAY +9.0
O 66.5

M-OH at CMU 12:00 PM
M-OH +6.5
O 55.5

UAB at FAU 01:30 PM
FAU -9.0
O 49.0

CIN at MEM 03:30 PM
MEM -10.0
O 58.5

HAW at BSU 04:00 PM
HAW +13.5
O 65.0

UGA at LSU 04:00 PM
UGA +7.0
O 57.0

UVA at CLEM 07:30 PM
UVA +28.0
U 56.5

OSU at WIS 08:00 PM
WIS +16.5
O 52.5

**StarDust Bum** · 12-08-2019, 02:16 AM

No. 1 LSU locks up playoff spot, routing No. 4 Georgia
December 7, 2019
By The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) Joe Burrow finished off what seems like his Heisman Trophy coronation with another dazzling performance and No. 1 LSU locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time, dominating No. 4 Georgia 37-10 in the Southeastern Conference championship game Saturday.

The Tigers, going for their first national title since 2007 season, will either return to Atlanta or head west to suburban Phoenix for a semifinal game Dec. 28. Their bowl site and opponent will be announced Sunday, but they surely made a persuasive case to be the top overall seed in the four-team field.

Burrow was all over the stat sheet for LSU (13-0, No. 2 CFP). He threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns. He was the Tigers' second-leading rusher with 41 yards on 11 carries, often leaving the Bulldogs grasping at air as he twirled this way and that. He even caught a pass on a ball that was batted down at the line and wound up his arms, taking off for a 16-yard gain.

Tigers put up 481 yards of offense, but the most encouraging aspect of this game was another strong performance from LSU's defense. It followed up a 50-7 rout of Texas A&M in the regular-season finale with another championship-worthy showing against the Bulldogs, who were held to 286 yards.

Georgia (11-2) appears likely to make its second straight appearance in the Sugar Bowl against Baylor, loser of the Big 12 championship game.

BIG TEN

NO. 2 OHIO STATE 34, NO. 10 WISCONSIN 21

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Justin Fields threw three touchdown passes in the second half, J.K. Dobbins ran for 172 yards and a score and Ohio State sealed its first playoff trip in three years by shutting out Wisconsin in the second half in the Big Ten championship game.

The Buckeyes (13-0, No. 1 CFP) claimed their third straight league title and enter the postseason with a 19-game winning streak.

Wisconsin (10-3, No. 8 CFP) has lost seven straight in the series though this one didn't follow the usual script.

The Badgers, who lost 38-7 at Ohio State in October, scored the first 14 points - Ohio State's largest deficit of the season. Wisconsin led 21-7 at the half. But just like the first game, the Buckeyes turned it on in the third quarter.

Jeremy Ruckert started the comeback with a spectacular one-handed catch in the back of the end zone on the fifth play of the third quarter. The 16-yard pass cut the deficit to 21-14.

Four plays later, Wisconsin punter Anthony Lotti dropped the ball and was tackled at the Badgers 16. Ohio State converted that miscue into a 27-yard field goal.

And after Wisconsin missed a 48-yard field goal wide left on its next series, Fields hooked up with K.J. Hill for a 16-yard pass and 24-21 lead with 2:23 left in the third quarter.

Fields added a 13-yard TD pass to Hill early in the fourth quarter to give the Buckeyes a 31-21 lead and the Buckeyes closed the scoring with a 24-yard field goal. Fields was 19 of 31 with 299 yards and no interceptions.

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

NO. 3 CLEMSON 62, NO. 22 VIRGINIA 17

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdown passes, three to Tee Higgins, and Clemson beat Virginia to win its fifth consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title.

The defending national champion Tigers (13-0; No. 3 CFP) have won 28 games in a row and head to the College Football Playoff with chance for a third crown in four years.

And while Virginia (9-4; No. 23 CFP) and quarterback Bryce Perkins put forth a game plan that caused the Tigers to sweat early on, there was no stopping Clemson's dazzling set of experienced playmakers led by Lawrence and Higgins on the way to ACC championship game records for points and yards (621),

Lawrence set an ACC title-game record with his four touchdown throws and had 302 yards passing, his second best total this season, and completed 16 of 22 passes before coming out in the third quarter.

Higgins finished with 182 yards receiving yards and the three TDs, both bests in ACC Championship game play. Travis Etienne had 114 yards, his eighth game over 100 yards this season.

BIG 12

NO. 6 OKLAHOMA 30, NO. 8 BAYLOR 23, OT

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Rhamondre Stevenson had a 5-yard touchdown run in overtime and Oklahoma made its bid for another playoff berth with the victory over Baylor in the Big 12 championship game.

A day after No. 5 Utah lost in the Pac-12 championship game, and before No. 4 Georgia lost to No. 1 LSU for the SEC title, the Sooners (12-1, No. 6 CFP) won their fifth consecutive Big 12 title, and 13th overall. Oklahoma went to the playoff three of the past four seasons.

Baylor (11-2, No. 7 CFP) tied it in the fourth quarter after two long passes by freshman Jacob Zeno, the second quarterback used after starter Charlie Brewer left the game in the second quarter following a big hit he delivered on a defender.

There was an 81-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Trestan Ebner with 9:41 left in regulation and a 78-yarder to Chris Platt that set up John Mayers' third field goal, a 27-yarder with 3:25 left to make it 23-all.

After Oklahoma scored on three plays to start overtime, Zeno was under tremendous pressure on Baylor's chance. There were two incompletions before he was sacked for a 10-yard loss, and then he was under distress again when he flung a game-ending pass that fell to the ground. The Bears had only 105 total yards before the 81-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter. They finished with 265.

Jalen Hurts, who last year led Alabama's comeback win over Georgia in the SEC title game, was 17-of-24 passing for 278 yards and a touchdown for the Sooners. CeeDee Lamb had eight catches for 173 yards after missing the previous game against the Bears.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

NO. 16 MEMPHIS 29, NO. 21 CINCINNATI 24

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Antonio Gibson caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brady White with 1:14 left and Memphis beat Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

After the game, two people with knowledge of the decision said Memphis coach Mike Norvell will be introduced Sunday as Florida State's coach. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made.

Memphis (12-1, No. 17, CFP) finally won the AAC title in its third straight conference championship game. The Tigers now wait for an invitation to the Cotton Bowl as the highest-ranked Group of Five team.

Eight days after beating the Bearcats 34-24 at home in the regular-season finale, Memphis rallied for another win. Along with scoring the go-ahead touchdown, Gibson ran for 130 yards, including a 65-yard TD dash.

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, who did not play last week against Memphis, passed for 233 yards and ran for 113 more.

The game became a back-and-forth battle in the fourth quarter. Sam Crosa's 33-yard field goal with 4:23 left gave the Bearcats (10-3, No. 20 CFP) a 24-23 lead. On the Tigers' next drive, Gibson caught two passes and ran five times, setting Memphis up at the Cincinnati 6. On the scoring play, Gibson was split right and caught White's pass.

MOUNTAIN WEST

NO. 19 BOISE STATE 31, HAWAII 10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Jaylon Henderson threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score to lead No. 19 Boise State to a 31-10 victory over Hawaii in the Mountain West championship game.

Boise State (12-1, No. 19 CFP) won its second conference title in three years, beating Hawaii again this season after winning the Oct. 12th meeting, 59-37. After rolling up 518 yards of offense in the first game, the Broncos leaned on their defense in the rematch.

The Broncos made two defensive stands inside the 5, once in the second quarter and another early in the third.

Hawaii (9-5) was making its first appearance in the title game. It enjoyed some success through the air with Cole McDonald passing for 241 yards, but couldn't overcome early problems in the red zone.

Tied at 3 late in the first half, Boise State scored two touchdowns in a 53-second span on a pair of 36-yard touchdown strikes. Henderson dropped the first one into Khalil Shakir on a streak down the near sideline with 1:07 remaining in the half.

Then after Boise State stuffed Hawaii to get the ball back with 38 seconds remaining, Henderson fired a bullet to John Hightower, who made a leaping catch as he was undercut but used his left hand to maintain his balance before racing into the end zone.

SUN BELT

NO. 20 APPALACHIAN STATE 45, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 38

BOONE, N.C. (AP) - Darrynton Evans scored three touchdowns and Appalachian State repeated as Sun Belt Conference champion with the victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Evans won the game's MVP for the second straight season.

Zac Thomas threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns, and Daetrich Harrington and Marcus Williams added touchdown runs. The Mountaineers racked up 416 yards on offense, including 267 on the ground in a dominating first half.

The Mountaineers (12-1) have won at least a share of four straight Sun Belt championships.

Levi Lewis threw for a Sun Belt championship game-record 354 yards and four touchdowns for Lafayette (10-3, 8-2).

Miami-Ohio holds off CMU for MAC
December 7, 2019

DETROIT (AP) As long as Miami of Ohio kept the game close, coach Chuck Martin could feel reasonably confident.

''I told the kids at halftime, down 14-10, I said, `It feels kind of at home guys,''' Martin said. ''`Kind of a little bit ugly, make a couple plays here and there. They probably feel like they should be up by more, but they're not up by more.'''

Brett Gabbert threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jack Sorenson early in the third quarter, and Miami controlled most of the second half, beating Central Michigan 26-21 in the Mid-American Conference title game Saturday. The RedHawks won a record 16th MAC championship despite doing little on offense in the first half.

Trailing 14-10 after two quarters, Miami took the lead on Gabbert's screen pass to Sorenson, and the RedHawks (8-5) held off CMU (8-5) the rest of the way to win their first conference title since 2010.

Five of Miami's last six victories this year have been by seven points or fewer.

Sam Sloman kicked four field goals, including a 48-yarder with 4:06 remaining to give Miami a 23-14 lead. CMU's Tommy Lazzaro scored on a 4-yard run with 1:24 remaining, and the Chippewas recovered an onside kick - but were called offside. CMU was offside again on the re-kick, but it went out of bounds anyway, and Miami took over.

Sloman added a 42-yard field goal with 28 seconds left.

''I was ready for those last 30 seconds to be over,'' Sloman said.

A Hail Mary by CMU fell incomplete on the final play of the game.

Miami managed just 61 yards of offense in the first half but stayed in the game thanks to a couple big plays on special teams. Maurice Thomas returned the opening kickoff 97 yards, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Jaylon Bester.

CMU equalized on a 21-yard scoring run by Lazzaro, but in the second quarter, the Chippewas had a fake punt stopped at their own 19. That allowed the RedHawks to take a 10-7 lead on Sloman's 41-yard field goal.

''As I told the team coming into the game, it wasn't like we were going to carry anything and not use it. We were going to empty our bags,'' CMU coach Jim McElwain said of the unsuccessful trick play. ''We had the look. Credit them, they defensed it. The numbers were good. We just didn't get it done.''

CMU went ahead for the first time on Quinten Dormady's 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Scott with 30 seconds left in the half.

The Chippewas were trying to win their first MAC title since 2009. This was their first loss in a MAC championship game. CMU had won its previous three appearances.

Down 20-14 in the fourth quarter, the Chippewas drove to the Miami 27, but Dormady's pass was intercepted by Travion Banks.

Banks appeared to run the interception all the way back for a touchdown, but a penalty during the return brought the ball back to the Miami 11. Soon after that, CMU's Troy Brown was ejected for targeting, and the RedHawks were able to drive into field goal range.

THE TAKEAWAY

Miami: The RedHawks needed a strong defensive performance to win, and they got one - plus plenty of help on special teams. Miami seemed to be in trouble at halftime, but the RedHawks were much sharper offensively in the final two quarters.

CMU: The Chippewas did well just to make the championship game after going 1-11 last season, but this was a winnable game that got away during the second half.

''I thought up front, they did a really good job handling what we were trying to do,'' said McElwain, who is in his first season as CMU's coach. ''They had a good plan. They just beat us.''

EMOTIONAL WEEK

CMU radio broadcaster Don Chiodo died in a car crash Wednesday.

''I know Don had a huge impact on, just not the football team, but all of Central Michigan,'' receiver Kalil Pimpleton said. ''We was out there playing for him. Regardless of whether we lost, I know he was proud of us.''

UP NEXT

Miami: The RedHawks rank first in MAC history with seven bowl wins and will hope to add to that total this season.

CMU: The Chippewas can also expect a bowl bid.

FAU rolls UAB 49-6 for CUSA title
December 7, 2019

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) Facing fourth-and-goal very early in a scoreless game, Lane Kiffin did not even hesitate in his call to leave his Florida Atlantic offense on the field.

What a rebel.

No, really. He's off to Ole Miss - to coach the Rebels.

FAU turned that decision into a touchdown and kept rolling from there, going on to a surprisingly easy 49-6 win over UAB in the Conference USA championship game on Saturday. Chris Robison threw for 267 yards and four touchdowns, BJ Emmons ran for a pair of scores and the Owls - in Kiffin's finale - sent their coach off with his second league title in three years.

Kiffin resigned shortly after the game, and Mississippi announced his hire minutes later.

''Coach Kiffin deserves our thanks and a great deal of credit for continuing to build our football program to high levels of success,'' FAU athletic director Brian White said.

Malcolm Davidson rushed for 128 yards and Deangelo Antoine had five catches for 112 yards and a score for the Owls (10-3), who led 35-6 at halftime and had no trouble with the league's top-ranked defense. UAB (9-4) allowed a season-high in points and a season-high 585 yards.

It was a matchup of the last two Conference USA champions - FAU in 2017, UAB in 2018 - and it was never in doubt.

''Hats off to FAU for a great performance today,'' UAB coach Bill Clark said. ''Very complimentary of them. Obviously, they've got a very good team.''

So FAU got to celebrate a title.

The other schools in Conference USA get to celebrate as well, with Kiffin now leaving. He went 20-6 in league games with the Owls, including a pair of romps in conference title games.

''They're champs again,'' Kiffin said. ''That trophy is back here. That's pretty neat.''

And if he was distracted in any way by all the buzz surrounding his next move - Ole Miss tweeted out cryptic references to him Saturday afternoon, and FAU football highlights were shown on the jumbotron at the Rebels' basketball game - Kiffin hid it all well.

When UAB jumped early on fourth-and-inches from its own 35 early in the second quarter, Kiffin threw both fists over his head then clapped for several seconds. A UAB penalty a few moments later had him punching the air again.

And when FAU blocked a punt for a touchdown and a 28-3 lead midway through the second, Kiffin took off in a 40-yard sprint, leaping several times along the way. The rout was on, and the farewell was already becoming a celebration.

FAU got a restart when Kiffin arrived in 2017. UAB actually restarted its program the same year, after a brief hiatus.

Clark tipped his cap to Kiffin afterward.

''I think for our program, to be where we are, I humbly say how proud I am of coaches and players,'' Clark said. ''And then on the other side, same thing for him. To be two-time conference champs out of three years says a lot about them.''

THE TAKEAWAY

UAB: The first half was most uncharacteristic for UAB from a defensive standpoint. UAB came into Saturday having allowed 11.3 points per game in first halves this season - but this one was over by intermission. It was only the second time since the Blazers brought their program back in 2017 that they allowed 28 points by halftime. North Texas scored 30 in the first half on UAB back on Sept. 23, 2017.

FAU: Kiffin improved to 26-13 in his three seasons with the Owls. In the eight seasons before he arrived, FAU went 28-68. And in his time with the Owls, Kiffin had more 10-win seasons - two - than he had in his five years combined at Tennessee and USC. He went 10-2 with the Trojans in 2011.

SUNSHINE STATE SUCCESS

There are seven FBS schools in the state of Florida - and Florida Atlantic is one of only three with multiple 10-win seasons since Kiffin took over as coach. UCF has two and could get to three if the Knights win their bowl game. Florida has two, FAU now has two. Miami and South Florida have one each, while Florida State and FIU have none in that span.

UP NEXT

Both teams will learn their bowl destinations on Saturday.

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