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**StarDust Bum** · 12-08-2019, 02:20 AM

Saturday's best
December 7, 2019
By The Associated Press

STARS

-Joe Burrow, LSU, threw for 349 yards and four TDs to finish off what seems like his Heisman Trophy coronation as the No. 1 Tigers 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.

-J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State, ran for 172 yards and a score and then No. 2 Buckeyes sealed their first playoff trip in three years by shutting out No. 10 Wisconsin in the second half in a 34-21 victory in the Big Ten championship game.

-Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, threw four touchdown passes, three to Tee Higgins, and the defending national champions dismantled No. 22 Virginia 62-17 for a fifth consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title.

-Samori Toure, Montana, broke the FCS playoff single-game record with 303 receiving yards on 12 catches in the Grizzlies' 73-28 rout of Southeast Louisiana in a second-round playoff game.

-Antonio Gibson, Memphis, caught a 6-yard TD pass from Brady White with 1:14 left and ran for 130 yards, helping the No. 16 Tigers defeat No. 21 Cincinnati 29-24 in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

-James Robinson, Illinois State, rushed for 210 yards and two TDs as the Redbirds knocked off eighth-seeded Central Arkansas 24-14 in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

-Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State, scored three TDs and the 20th-ranked Mountaineers won their fourth straight Sun Belt championship overall with a 45-38 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.

-Tucker Rovig, Montana State, passed for 279 yards and three TDs in leading the Bobcats to a second-round FCS playoff victory over Albany 47-21.

-Ben DiNucci, James Madison, accounted for 339 yards and four TDs in a 66-21 victory over Monmouth in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

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SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

LSU is headed to the College Football Playoff for the first time, thanks to a dominating performance against Georgia.

oe Burrow finished off what seems like his Heisman Trophy coronation with another dazzling performance and No. 1 LSU locked up a spot in the CFP by dominating No. 4 Georgia 37-10 in the Southeastern Conference championship.

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.

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BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins spent the first half scratching their heads.

Then, Ohio State's dynamic duo - and teammates -- reverted to their previously impressive form.

Fields threw three touchdown passes in the second half, Dobbins ran for 172 yards and a score and No. 2 Ohio State sealed its first playoff trip in three years by shutting out No. 10 Wisconsin in the second half in a 34-21 victory in the Big Ten championship game.

The Buckeyes claimed an unprecedented third straight outright league title and enter the postseason with a 19-game winning streak. The College Football Playoff selection committee will announce the four playoff teams Sunday, and first-year coach Ryan Day was already lobbying for the top spot before leaving the field.

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ACC TITLE GAME

Trevor Lawrence believes No. 3 Clemson is better than it was a year ago. He and the Tigers will get the chance to prove it in the College Football Playoffs.

Lawrence threw four touchdown passes, three to Tee Higgins, and the defending national champions dismantled No. 22 Virginia 62-17 for a fifth consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title. The Tigers won their 28th straight game and become the first program with that many wins in a row in a league title game.

Virginia showed off a game plan that caused the Tigers a few early headaches. But Clemson's talent quickly took control on the way to an ACC championship game record for points and yards (619).

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BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 6 Oklahoma has done all it can, winning a fifth Big 12 title in a row with another close win over No. 8 Baylor.

Now the Sooners wait to see if they are going to get in back in the College Football Playoff. That is up to the selection committee, though it will be virtually impossible to keep Oklahoma from being one of those four teams after a 30-23 overtime win.

Rhamondre Stevenson had a 5-yard touchdown run in overtime, and then true freshman Jacob Zeno - whose two long passes in the fourth quarter helped tie the game - was under constant pressure when Baylor got its last chance.

A day after No. 5 Utah lost in the Pac-12 championship game, and before No. 4 Georgia fell 37-10 to No. 1 LSU in the SEC title game, Oklahoma became the first team in any league to win 10 conference championship games. It was the 13th Big 12 title overall for the Sooners, who went to the playoff three of the past four seasons.

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NUMBERS

17-Southwest Athletic Conference titles by Alcorn State after a 39-24 win over Southern.

23-Rushing TDs by Montana's Marcus Knight to break the school record. His 25 overall TDs also are a school record.

34-Straight wins by North Dakota State after beating Nicholls 37-13 in an FCS playoff game.

47-Points scored by Montana State against Albany, a school record for a playoff game.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-09-2019, 02:10 AM

Monday’s 6-pack

Top six picks for Week 14 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Bills (747) +5.5- L

5) Saints (787) -2.5- L

4) Chiefs (803) +3- W

3) 49ers (809) +2.5- W

2) Bengals (895) +8.5- W

1) Rams (899) even- W

2019 record: 45-36-3

Quote of the Day:
“I’d say that it wasn’t handled right. He’s (Odell Beckham) not able to run as well as he as should be able to, as well as he knows. And that’s frustrating for him. You can sense some of his frustration, where that comes from. It wasn’t handled the right way, in our training room. It is what it is. His not 100% is still good enough for us.”
Baker Mayfield, who talks a lot

Monday’s quiz
Where did Steph Curry play his college basketball?

Sunday’s quiz
The first SEC football championship game was played at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL

Saturday’s quiz
Vince Young led the Texas Longhorns to the 2005 national title; he played 54 of his 60 NFL games for the Tennessee Titans.

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

Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday…….

49ers 48, Saints 46:
— 49ers’ first five drives: 22 plays, 296 yards, four TD’s.
— Niners are 12-7 ATS in last 19 games as a road underdog, 5-0 TY.
— 49ers drove 63 yards in seven plays, kicked GW 30-yard GW FG at the gun.

— Saints’ first four drives: 32 plays, 240 yards, four TD’s.
— Game went over the total in the 2nd quarter.
— Saints are 10-15 ATS in last 25 games as a home favorite, 2-4 TY.

Broncos 38, Texans 24:
— Broncos ran 63 plays; only eight were on 3rd down.
— Rookie QB Lock was 22-27/309 passing, with three TD’s.
— Broncos are now 5-4 in last nine games, after an 0-4 start.

— Texans beat New England LW; gambling is hard.
— Houston is 7-12 ATS in last 19 games as a home favorite, 1-5 TY
— Denver led 31-3 at halftime; this score makes no sense..

Ravens 24, Bills 17:
— Lamar Jackson is now 17-3 as an NFL starter,
— Baltimore won its last nine games, covering six of last seven.
— Both teams went well under their rushing averages (118-104, Balt).

— Buffalo averaged only 2.3 yards/pass attempt.
— Teams had a combined 42 net passing yards in first half.
— Teams combined to convert only 7-28 third down plays.

Packers 20, Redskins 15:
— Redskins’ first four drives: 16 plays, 32 yards, 2 first downs, 0 points.
— Redskins’ last six drives: 44 plays, 246 yards, 16 first downs, 15 points.
— Washington is 15-10 ATS in last 25 games as a road underdog, 4-2 TY.

— Green Bay is 24-15-2 ATS in last 41 games as a home favorite, 4-3 TY
— Four of Packers’ last five games stayed under the total.
— Green Bay had 12-yard advantage in field position.

Browns 27, Bengals 19:
— Cincy outgained Browns 451-333, running 20 more plays than Cleveland.
— Bengals scored one TD, three FG’s on five trips to red zone.
— Under is 6-1-1 in Cincinnati’s last eight games

— Cleveland won four of its last five games.
— Browns had six plays of 20+ yards; four of them came on 3rd down.
— Cleveland’s first TD came on a pick-6 when they trailed 3-0.

Falcons 40, Panthers 20:
— Guess it wasn’t Ron Rivera’s fault.
— Carolina turned ball over four times (-4), converted 3-10 on 3rd down.
— Panthers lost field position battle by 18 yards.

— Ryan broke the game open with a 93-yard TD pass to Zaccheaus in 3rd quarter, making score 27-10.
— Falcons in 2nd half: 6 drives: 30 plays, 207 yards, three TD’s, two FG’s.
— Koo kicked four FG’s, recovered a fumble on a kickoff.

Vikings 20, Lions 7:
— Predictable result for rookie QB making first NFL road start.
— Detroit lost its sixth game in a row.
— Under Patricia, Lions are 6-4-1 ATS as a road underdog, 2-2-1 TY.

— Vikings sacked Blough five times, held Detroit to 3.6 yards/pass attempt.
— Minnesota converted 23 of last 40 third down plays.
— Under Zimmer, Vikings are 25-9-2 ATS as a home favorite, 3-2-1 TY.

Jets 22, Dolphins 21:
— Miami covered seven of its last nine games.
— Dolphins had ball ten times, kicked seven FG’s, missed an 8th try.
— 15 points on six trips to the red zone is no bueno.

— Ficken kicked a 44-yard FG at the gun for the win.
— Darnold drove Jets 51-49 yards for FG’s on Jets’ last two drives.
— Jets won four of last five games overall.

Buccaneers 38, Colts 35:
— Colts lost five of last six games after a 5-2 start.
— All six Indy road games have been decided by 6 or fewer points.
— Not too many NFL teams lose with a +3 turnover ratio.

— Wnston threw for 456 yards, four TD’s, three INT’s.
— Buccaneers have turned ball over 32 times in 13 games (-10).
— This game was over the total at halftime; over is 10-3 in Bucs’ games.

Chargers 45, Jaguars 10:
— Chargers had ball nine times, scored six touchdowns.
— LA averaged 11.3 yards/pass attempt.
— Chargers ran 58 plays, only 8 of them on third down.

— Jaguars lost last five games, allowing 34.8 ppg, with all five losses by 17+ points.
— It is fair to say that Jacksonville has packed it in for the season.
— Jaguars lost for 7th time in last eight meetings with Chargers.

Chiefs 23, Patriots 16:
— Chiefs won four of last five games, clinch AFC West title.
— Under Reid, Kansas City is 15-8 ATS as a road underdog
— Penalty yards: Chiefs 136, Patriots 25

— Patriots lost 2nd game in row, converting 2-12 on third down.
— New England is #2-seed in AFC; they’re 0-3 vs #1-3-4 seeds.
— Under is 9-4 in Patriot games this season.

Steelers 23, Cardinals 17:
— Steelers won seven of last eight games after a 1-4 start.
— Pittsburgh is 3-0 with 3rd-string QB Hodges starting.
— Under is 9-2 in Steelers’ last ten games.

— Arizona lost its last six games, but covered six of last nine.
— Cardinals scored only 10 points in three trips to red zone.
— Total yardage was 275-236 Steelers; only five plays of 20+ yards.

Titans 42, Raiders 21:
— Tennessee won six of its last seven games after a 2-4 start.
— Titans converted 8-11 third down plays, gained 552 yards on 59 plays.
— Tannehill averaged 14.5 yards/pass attempt— his resurgence is one of the big stories in the league this season.

— Raiders in first half: 4 drives: 29 plays, 194 yards, 12 first downs, 21 points.
— Raiders in second half: 6 drives: 31 plays, 163 yards, 10 first downs, 0 points.
— Oakland gave up a defensive TD for third week in a row.

Rams 28, Seahawks 12:
— This was Seattle’s first road loss this season.
— Seahawks’ only TD scored n a pick-6 early in third quarter.
— 49ers move back on top of NFC West standings.

— Rams outgained Seattle 455-308; their best performance in long time.
— Seven of Rams’ last eight games went under the total.
— Gurley/Higbee/Woods are first trio of teammates to all gain 100+ yards from scrimmage in consecutive weeks since the 2000 Vikings.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-09-2019, 02:14 AM

College Playoff field of four all set
December 8, 2019
By The Associated Press

Defending national champions. Undefeated and owners of a 28-game winning streak, longest in the nation.

The Clemson Tigers are one heck of a No. 3 seed.

Clemson will play second-seeded Ohio State in prime time Dec. 28 in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, looking to make it three national championship in four seasons.

''We're just excited to be in it,'' said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who has spent much of the last month playing up how his team was being disrespected by being relegated to third in the rankings after starting the season No. 1 in the polls.

The other semifinal matches No. 1 LSU and No. 4 Oklahoma.

The selection committee revealed the pairings Sunday and the final four was no surprise. The only mystery involved which would be the top seed among three undefeated teams that have been hammering opponents most of the season. The 13-member committee went with Southeastern Conference champion LSU. The Tigers (13-0) will face the Big 12 champion Sooners (12-1) in the Peach Bowl, four hours before the Fiesta Bowl kicks off.

''Anytime, anywhere, anybody, we ready to play,'' LSU coach Ed Orgeron said on ESPN.

Clemson opened as a two-point favorite against the Buckeyes. LSU was an 11 1/2-point favorite against the Sooners.

LSU used a convincing victory against Georgia on Saturday to move up. Ohio State (13-0) had been atop the committee's rankings last week, but the Buckeyes slipped to No. 2 after coming from behind against Wisconsin to win the Big Ten title.

The national championship game is Jan. 13 in New Orleans. The No. 1 seed has yet to win the CFP in five years.

The Tigers and Buckeyes flip-flopped at No. 1 a couple of times throughout the committee's six weeks of ranking teams and chairman Rob Mullens said the debate was similar each week.

''Every weekend one of the them has done something to move above the other,'' said Mullens, the athletic director at Oregon. ''LSU's performance against a No. 4 ranked Georgia compelled the committee to put them just ahead of Ohio State.''

The rest of the New Year's Six bowls were:

- Oregon vs. Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

- Georgia vs. Baylor in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

- Florida vs. Virginia in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

- Memphis vs. Penn State in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 28.

The final four fell into place thanks to the favorites winning their conference championship games and Utah losing the Pac-12 title game to Oregon. The Utes had been No. 5. That left three undefeated Power Five champions, a fourth with one loss and nobody else with a legitimate case to claim a spot.

The intrigue was about the top seed, knowing Clemson was likely locked into No. 3. The Tigers have been mauling opponents for the last two months, but the ACC has not provided Clemson any top-flight competition. Ohio State has five victories against CFP-ranked teams, including Wisconsin twice. LSU has four, all of which were ranked in the top 13. Clemson's only game against a team that made the committee's final rankings was its 62-17 victory Saturday against Virginia.

Still, drawing Clemson, which hasn't lost since the 2017 playoff semifinals against Alabama, rather than an Oklahoma team with five victories by a touchdown or less certainly seems like a tougher task for the Buckeyes. Clemson (13-0) is making its fifth straight playoff appearance, tying Alabama for the most.

LSU is in the playoff for the first time, the only newbie in the field. The Tigers will likely bring the Heisman Trophy winner with them. Quarterback Joe Burrow capped a record-breaking season by throwing four more touchdown passes against Georgia in the SEC championship.

Ohio State is making its third playoff appearance and first since 2016 after just missing out the previous two seasons. The Buckeyes won the first playoff championship in 2014. Their last appearance came after the 2016 season, when they were shut out by Clemson in the semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. That was all under coach Urban Meyer. Now Ryan Day leads the Buckeyes, and in his first season as Meyer's successor the Buckeyes have won each of their games by double-digit margins.

`'Do I feel we should have been the 1 seed? Yeah. But LSU's done an unbelievable job and what Joe (Burrow) has done,'' Day said. ''At the end of the day, you have to go beat the best to win a national championship, and Clemson certainly is that.''

The Tigers are 3-0 all-time against Ohio State, all in the postseason. The Buckeyes enter the playoff with a 19-game winning streak, second only to Clemson's streak.

''We've played them a couple times, and this is easily the most talented and most complete Ohio State team that we've played,'' Swinney said.

Oklahoma is in the playoff for the fourth time, but has yet to win a game. This will be the third consecutive year the Sooners face an SEC team.

Oklahoma and LSU have split two previous meetings: The Sooners won the 1950 Sugar Bowl and the Tigers won the BCS championship game at the Sugar Bowl in 2004.

Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts is back in the playoff for the fourth straight year, this time with the Sooners after going three times with the Crimson Tide. Hurts follows Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray as quarterback transfers to find success in coach Lincoln Riley's offense.

LSU and Ohio State are also led by transfer quarterbacks. Burrow started his career at Ohio State before switching schools in 2018. Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields was at Georgia last season.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the Tigers to a national championship as a freshman last season, the first time since 1985 that happened.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-09-2019, 02:23 AM

College Playoff Betting Notes
December 8, 2019
By VI News

LSU made College Football Playoff Favorite

The final 2019 College Football Playoff rankings were announced on Sunday Dec. 8 at 12:15 p.m. ET and the semifinal matchups have been set for Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019.

Fiesta Bowl: (2) Ohio State vs. (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: (1) LSU vs. (4) Oklahoma

LSU moved past Ohio State for the No. 1 position in the CFP, leaving the Buckeyes in the second slot. Rounding out the four-team field are Clemson at No. 3 and Oklahoma at No. 4.

College Football Playoff Betting History

Ed Orgeron and the LSU Tigers captured the SEC Championship with a dominating 37-10 win over Georgia and finished the season with a 13-0 record. This is the first CFP appearance for LSU.

Clemson and Ohio State also finished with 13-0 records, which included conference championship victories in the ACC and Big Ten respectively. This will be the fifth straight trip to the College Football Playoff for the Tigers, while Ohio State is making its third appearance and first since the 2016-17 Playoff.

Oklahoma has lost in the semifinals each of the last two seasons, and the defense gave up a combined 99 points in those setbacks. This will be their third straight appearance and fourth overall.

At the ends of the 2018-19 season, oddsmakers at the Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook released Future Odds to win the 2020 College Football Championship on Jan. 7, 2019.

Odds per Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook
School (Open) Current
LSU Tigers (50/1) 7/5
Clemson Tigers (7/2) 2/1
Ohio State Buckeyes (10/1) 3/1
Oklahoma Sooners (15/1) 16/1

LSU opened as a 50/1 betting choice to capture the title and now that the field has shrunk to four, the Tigers are the 7/5 favorites (Bet $100 to win $140).

The defending champion Clemson Tigers were a 7/2 choice back in January to repeat and they’re now listed at 2/1 odds.

Betch Didn't Know
The No. 1 seed, which would be LSU, has never won the College Football Playoff National Championship. The No. 3 seed is also winless and they have the worst overall record among the four seeds, going 1-4 in the first five playoffs since 2014.

The No. 2 seed has captured the title three times, which could have you leaning to Ohio State.

And, for those looking at the long shot ticket this season with Oklahoma. Make a note the No. 4 seed has gone 2-3 in semifinal matchups but the lowest seed has carried the momentum to the title game, producing a 2-0 record.

No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Oklahoma
Matchup: Peach Bowl - History
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET

Opening Betting Odds
The SuperBook in Las Vegas opened LSU as a 9 ½-point favorite and the number was quickly bet up to -12. Some betting shops have gone to 12 ½ while the Circa in Las Vegas was holding the Tigers at -11.

The total (over/under) was sent out at 79 ½ and early ‘under’ wagers dropped the number to 76 ½. A few global books, including DraftKings, are holding 75 ½.

VegasInsider Expert Thoughts
Tony Mejia, college football expert of VegasInsider.com, provided his early betting observations on the Peach Bowl.

"This number looked awfully low to me even with the Sooners coming in with a healthy CeeDee Lamb and an experienced Jalen Hurts leading the charge in Atlanta. Likely Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow is playing at an extremely high level and figures to be able to move the ball at will down the field against the most vulnerable of the defenses to land a national semifinal spot. Oklahoma struggled to stop the run against Kansas State and surrendered huge plays downfield to both of Baylor’s quarterbacks in their narrow wins, so I’d expect this number to increase Dec. 28 approaches. The total being set at 77 is a slap in the face to a Tigers defense that will have weeks to fix issues that allowed elusive quarterbacks to make plays with their feet late in the season."

How They Got Here
LSU finished the season with 13-0 straight up and 8-4-1 against the spread record, which was topped off with a 37-10 win over Georgia in the SEC Championship as seven-point favorites.

The Tigers went 7-0 in Baton Rouge and 6-0 as visitors.

LSU was favored in 12 of 13 games this season and listed as a double-digit favorite nine times.

Oklahoma is the only team in this year’s CFP field with a blemish, finishing 12-1 overall. The Sooners also come in as the least profitable team of the quartet, producing a 5-8 ATS record.

This will be the first time this season that Oklahoma is listed as an underdog.

The Sooners were listed as double-digit underdogs last season in the College Playoff to Alabama (-14 ½) and the Crimson Tide ran past the Sooners 45-34 in the semifinal played at the Orange Bowl.

Oklahoma watched the ‘under’ go 8-5 and the low side closed the season with four consecutive winning tickets. LSU was 8-5 to the ‘over’ and that includes a 4-2 mark away from home.

Head-to-Head Matchups
These teams haven’t met since 2004 when they squared off in the Sugar Bowl, which was also the BCS National Championship Game. The Tigers captured a 21-14 win over the Sooners, led by then head coach Nick Saban.
College Playoff & Bowl Betting History
Going back to 2010, LSU has produced a 5-5 SU and 4-5-1 ATS mark in its last 10 postseason appearances.

The Tigers have won three of their last four bowl games and that includes a 2-1 mark under Ed Orgeron as head coach.

Oklahoma is also just 5-5 both SU and ATS in last 10 playoff or bowl games.

Three of those losses came in the College Football Playoff.
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson
Matchup: Fiesta Bowl - History
Venue: State Farm Stadium
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Opening Betting Odds
The SuperBook opened Ohio State -1 and the number has flip-flopped on this matchup. Clemson is currently -2 ½ in Las Vegas and a few books are holding the Tigers -1.

The total (over/under) opened 61 ½ and was nudged up to 62 ½. The Circa opened a tad higher at 63 and that number has held steady at the downtown Las Vegas shop.

VegasInsider Expert Thoughts
Tony Mejia, college football expert of VegasInsider.com, provided his early betting observations on the Fiesta Bowl.

"The Buckeyes impressively rallied past Wisconsin but lost any hope of avoiding this matchup by falling behind in the manner they did to 16.5-point underdog. A major point of contention in this matchup is trusting the Tigers against what will be by far their toughest test of the season, but there’s no question that the Tigers are also the best team the Buckeyes have seen themselves. QB Justin Fields should be sufficiently healed from having to play with a brace over the past few weeks but Trevor Lawrence is one of the few guys you would rather have under center if given your choice in this matchup. The total is in the low 60s but still quite manageable given the firepower on both sides of the ball and no weather to worry about indoors in Glendale."

How They Got Here
Clemson went 13-0 straight up and 10-3 against the spread. The school went 8-0 at home and 5-0 outside of Death Valley, which included a 62-17 win over Virginia in the ACC Championship.

The Tigers were double-digit favorites in all 13 of their games and 12 of the outcomes were decided by double digits.

The only score for Clemson came in Week 5 when the Tigers escaped Chapel Hill with a 21-20 win over North Carolina.

Total bettors saw the ‘under’ go 7-6 for the Tigers.

Ohio State also went 13-0 SU and it produced a solid 9-4 ATS record for bettors. Similar to Clemson, the Buckeyes went 8-0 at home and 5-0 in games played outside of Columbus.

The Buckeyes failed to cover in three of their final four games, which included an ATS loss in their 34-21 comeback win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship as 17-point favorites.

This will be the first time this season that Ohio State is listed as an underdog.

Bettors saw Ohio State’s total results produce a stalemate (6-6-1) in its 13 games.

Head-to-Head Matchups
These schools met in 2016 College Football Playoffs and Clemson stifled Ohio State 31-0 as a one-point underdog. Coincidentally, the game was played at the same venue of this matchup – the Fiesta Bowl. The ‘under’ (56 ½) connected.

Clemson also defeated Ohio State 40-35 in the 2014 Orange Bowl and the Tigers were listed as short underdogs (+2 ½) in that game as well. The ‘over’ (71 ½) was on a nice pace and never in doubt.

College Playoff & Bowl Betting History
Clemson has gone 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS in its last 10 postseason games, both losses coming to Alabama in the College Football Playoff.

Including those two setbacks, the Tigers have gone 5-2 overall in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State has gone 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in its last 10 postseason games while the ‘under’ is 7-3 during this span.

The Buckeyes have gone 2-1 both SU and ATS in the College Football Playoff, both victories coming in the 2014-15 edition when they captured the national championship. OSU defeated Alabama in the semifinal before blasting Oregon on the title game.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-09-2019, 02:27 AM

12 of 26 first-year coaches are taking their teams to bowls
December 8, 2019
By The Associated Press

Twelve of the 26 first-year coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision are taking their teams to bowls.

Ohio State's Ryan Day is among six first-year coaches at bowl-bound Power Five schools. His unbeaten Buckeyes are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff and will play Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Military Bowl will pit first-year coaches in Temple's Rod Carey and North Carolina's Mack Brown. Brown took off five years from coaching after leaving Texas in 2013. He's in his second go-round at Carolina, where he coached from 1988-97.

Chris Klieman, who jumped from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State to Kansas State, is heading to the Liberty Bowl to face Navy. Louisville's Scott Satterfield, who won bowls his last four years at Appalachian State, leads Louisville into the Music City Bowl against Mississippi State.

Manny Diaz will take Miami to the Independence Bowl to play Louisiana Tech.

Other first-year coaches heading to bowls are Central Michigan's Jim McElwain, Utah State's Gary Andersen, Liberty's Hugh Freeze, Charlotte's Will Healy, Western Kentucky's Tyson Helton and Appalachian State's Eli Drinkwitz.

SORRY, ROCKETS

Toledo is not headed to a bowl despite going 6-6 this season.

With 79 teams bowl eligible and 78 slots available, there was going to be a team left out. The Rockets lost their final three games of the regular season and will have their streak of nine straight winning seasons snapped.

The last time Toledo missed a bowl was when the Rockets went 7-5 in 2013 and still stayed home.

The Mid-American Conference did put seven other teams in bowls this season, matching the league's best mark. The MAC also had seven bowl invitations in 2012 and 2015.

NO ROOM AT THE INN

The College Football Playoff selection committee ranked more Group of Five schools than ever before - but the major bowls only had room for one of them.

Five schools from outside the Power Five showed up in the final playoff rankings. That's the most in a final poll since the system began six years ago.

But a spot in the New Year's Six was assured to only one of them and it went to Memphis (12-1, No. 17 CFP), which will play Penn State in the Cotton Bowl after beating Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference title game.

For the others, they'll have to be content with their lower-level bowl berths.

Mountain West winner Boise State (12-1, No. 19) will face Washington and former coach Chris Petersen in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Sun Belt champion Appalachian State (12-1, No. 20) drew UAB in the New Orleans Bowl. Cincinnati (10-3, No. 21) plays Boston College in the Birmingham Bowl. And Navy (9-2, No. 23) takes on Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl.

In each of the past four seasons, only three Group of Five schools appeared in the committee's final rankings.

LIBERTY, CHARLOTTE FIRST-TIMERS

Liberty and Charlotte will be making their first bowl appearances.

Liberty completed its two-year Football Bowl Subdivision reclassification process over the summer and qualified for a bowl in its first year of eligibility under first-year coach Hugh Freeze. The Flames (7-5) will play Georgia Southern (7-5) in the Cure Bowl on Dec. 21.

Freeze took over the Liberty job last December after being out of college football for two seasons. He resigned from Mississippi in July 2017 for unbecoming personal conduct and NCAA rules violations.

Charlotte (7-5) went on a school-record, five-game win streak to end the regular season and will play Buffalo (7-5) in the Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 20. The 49ers also have a first-year coach in Will Healy.

Healy was hired at Charlotte after he turned around Austin Peay in the Football Championship Subdivision.

THOSE TRANSFER QBS

Three of the four starting quarterbacks in the College Football Playoff are transfers.

Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts is back in the playoff for the fourth straight year, this time with Oklahoma, after going three times with the Crimson Tide. Hurts follows Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray as quarterback transfers to find success in coach Lincoln Riley's offense.

LSU, the Sooners' opponent in the Peach Bowl, is led by Heisman Trophy front-runner Joe Burrow. He started his career at Ohio State before transferring to LSU in 2018.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was at Georgia last season. The Buckeyes play in the Fiesta Bowl against Clemson, whose quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, led the Tigers to a national championship as a freshman last season.

PONY UP

SMU is getting a bowl trip to Florida after its first 10-win season in 35 years in what will be a true road game.

The Mustangs are playing the Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 21 against Conference USA champion Florida Atlantic in the Owls' home stadium.

''I don't think any of us will care too much about that. That's certainly not going to affect the way we prepare,'' coach Sonny Dykes said. ''Sometimes that's the way things go when it comes to bowl games. It's a little bit unusual, but it's not going to have an impact on us.''

Despite the best season for the Mustangs (10-2) since the program resumed play following the NCAA death penalty when the school didn't field a team in 1987 or 1988, there had been some projections that they would play in the Frisco Bowl - just more than 25 miles from campus - for the second time in three years.

SMU instead gets to go to the Sunshine State to play against another 10-win team.

''We really wanted to make sure that the players felt like we were in a game that would be exciting for them, and be deemed a reward for a great season,'' athletic director Rick Hart said. ''Candidly, this is where they wanted to go. It worked out great in that way, because bowl games should be all about the student-athletes and their experience.''

**StarDust Bum** · 12-10-2019, 03:29 AM

Tuesday’s 6-pack

— Eagles 23, Giants 17 OT— Philly is tied for 1st in NFC East.

— Iowa 72, Minnesota 52— Hawkeyes even Big 14 record at 1-1.

— QB Jake Bentley will be a grad transfer at Utah next year.

— Raptors 93, Bulls 92— Pascal Siakam scored 22 points.

— Thunder 104, Jazz 90— Dennis Schroder scored 27 points off bench.

— Celtics 110, Cavaliers 88— Cavaliers lost seven straight games, 13 of 14.

Quote of the Day:
“I don’t think we’ve seen anything like him. But it also seems that, on a week in and week out basis, there’s a lot of quarterbacks that really are true dual threats that can throw the ball (and) that can run the ball. And also, I think when you have that dual threat and you have all these fly motions, it creates a lot of one-on-one matchups.”
Troy Polamalu, talking about Lamar Jackson

Tuesday’s quiz
Of the 32 NFL stadiums, which two have hosted a World Series game?

Monday’s quiz
Steph Curry played his college basketball at Davidson.

Sunday’s quiz
The first SEC football championship game was played at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL

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

Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…..

13) Spreads for the college football Final Four, December 28:
LSU -12 vs Oklahoma, @ New Orleans
Clemson -1.5 vs Ohio State, @ Glendale, AZ

12) An equipment container that contained some of the Kansas City Chiefs’ shoulder pads, helmets and footballs was not unloaded Saturday and instead “accidentally” found its way to Newark, NJ- the container held the bags of roughly 35 Chiefs players. The container was rushed back to Foxboro; it arrived at the ballpark roughly an hour before gametime Sujday.

If the Chiefs didn’t have the equipment by the time the game started they would have to forfeit the game, which is hard to believe, seeing how it was the featured 4:25 game on CBS.

In a semi-related subject, a Patriots videographer was in Cleveland Sunday, in the press box, filming the Bengals sideline. Guess who New England plays this week?

11) Stephen Strasburg gets 7 years, $245M to stay in Washington; if you’re the agent working on a 3% fee, that $7.35M for him. Not a bad day.

10) ESPN college basketball analyst Jimmy Dykes is different than most analysts; Dykes was a coach and he calls players out like a coach as he watches the game.

Saturday afternoon, a kid on Arizona shied away from diving for a loose ball that led to a Baylor basket; 99% of analysts don’t bother to mention it, but Dykes pointed out that Baylor got an easy layup because their kid out-hustled the Arizona guy for the loose ball. Good analysis.

9) Bad beat of the weekend; Over/under in Pacer-Knick game Saturday night was 209; game was 104-100 with 5:05 left, but wound up 104-103. How do two teams combine for only three points in 5:05 at the end of a close game?

8) Knicks’ interim coach Mike Miller is a different guy than the Mike Miller who played in the NBA; that Mike Miller is one of Penny Hardaway’s assistants at Memphis.

7) NFL stuff:
— Bucs’ QB Jameis Winston has a broken thumb.
— 49ers’ CB Richard Sherman has a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

6) Ole Miss hired Lane Kiffin as its new football coach; here is his resume:
1997-98- assistant coach, Fresno State
1999- Colorado State, grad assistant
2000- Jacksonville Jaguars, quality control coach
2001-06— USC, assistant coach
2007-08- Oakland Raiders, head coach
2009- Tennessee Vols, head coach
2010-13- USC, head coach
2014-16- Alabama, offensive coordinator
2017-19- Florida Atlantic, head coach

Kiffin is only 44; he could write a hell of a book someday.

5) ESPN’s play-by-play guy Sean McDonough sounds happier doing college games than he did when he was working Monday Night Football.

4) Dodgers’ P Rich Hill pitched the last month of the 2019 season with a detached UCL in his left arm. He had a procedure to fix the arm and should be ready to go sometime in June.

3) During Rams-Seattle game Sunday nite, NBC ran a cool pic of Seattle LB Bobby Wagner blocking out Kawhi Leonard during a high school basketball game in San Diego in 2008. Both guys have obviously done very well since then.

2) College football coaching stuff:
— Arkansas hired Georgia’s offensive line coach Sam Pittman as head coach.
— Missouri hired Eli Drinkwitz away from Appalachian State to be its coach.
— South Florida is hiring Clemson co-OC Jeff Scott as its new coach.

1) Nothing says its the holiday season more than Buffalo-Charlotte in the Bahamas Bowl on December 20. Have to load up on egg nog to watch that one.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-10-2019, 03:33 AM

Hot & Not Playoff - Part 1
December 9, 2019
By Matt Blunt

Who's Hot and Who's Not

Collge Football Playoff Edition – Part 1

With last week's piece dissecting the conference championship games touched on a few things, the actual selections it suggested – Hawaii against the spread (ATS) and Wisconsin (ATS) – ended up splitting the board. It was a week that saw favorites and underdogs go dead even at 5-5 ATS in the championship games, and while personally I was on the wrong side of that break even split between favorites and 'dogs, it was interesting to see that it did shake out with a .500 record.

And thanks to those results, we've now got the CFB Playoff for this year lined up and it should be a great one no matter how it shakes out. It is interesting to note that there is quite an extended rest between the semi finals and the title game, so keep that in mind when the time comes, as one of LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, or Oklahoma will be your 2019 champion.

Speaking of which, this week's piece aims to help us find which one of those four programs will end up hoisting the trophy, and because of it there will be a change of format. Hopefully it's easy to follow and you can find value in any or all of the information presented, and I do have one thing to mention in that regard.

If you do find value in any of this information and want to share it with the masses out there in the “time vaccum” known as social media, how about giving a little credit where it's due. It doesn't have to be to me personally, but at least to this site – VegasInsider.com – because they are the ones willing to put this stuff out there and up on their platform. I've heard it's happened multiple times in the past this year, and while I'm all for sharing of knowledge to help us all become better bettors, there is always a better way to do so in terms of giving credit when it's due. And if you don't find value in the information, that's fine too.

Which does lead me to one of the most popular historical perspective to get bandied about over the next month and it is one that's got very little value from my perspective too. That is the fact that no #1 or #3 seed in the CFB Playoff is something I'm sure you'll hear plenty of in the coming weeks and maybe there is something to that. That would be a negative for LSU and Clemson this year, but I believe the other historical perspectives I'm about to present are much more actionable and they'll be broken down by category in the format change.

Let's get to it, as I've split this piece in two so as to cover everything. And remember, there is always a first time for everything.

*All numbers are pulled from regular season data only (including conference championship games) for the CFB Playoff teams that particular season

ATS Records
2019: LSU: 8-5; Ohio State: 9-4; Clemson: 10-3; Oklahoma: 5-8 ATS

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 8-5; Clemson: 7-6; Notre Dame: 6-4-2; Oklahoma: 5-7-1
2017: Clemson: 8-4-1; Oklahoma: 8-5; Georgia: 9-4; Alabama: 5-7
2016: Alabama: 9-4; Clemson: 6-7; Ohio State: 6-6; Washington: 7-6
2015: Clemson: 6-7; Alabama: 7-6; Michigan State: 5-7-1; Oklahoma: 9-3
2014: Alabama: 5-8; Oregon: 9-4; Florida State: 3-10; Ohio State: 8-5

Point #1: In the history of the CFB Playoff, every National Champion had at least 5 ATS losses

Positive for: LSU and Oklahoma
Negative for: Ohio State and Clemson

Call it a statistical anomaly or whatever you want, but the best money earner in the market for the season hasn't equated to national titles in the history of the playoff. In the five years we've had it, the best regular season ATS record was pulled off by the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-5 ATS) while since then it's been records of 7-6, 6-7, 5-7, and 7-6 ATS that have come out on top.

Point #2: The team with the best regular season ATS record has been the runner-up in each of the last three years, and four of the five seasons overall

Negative for: Clemson

No need to spend too much time on this point, as it suggests the defending champs from Clemson will be the ones to get past the Buckeyes in the semis but fall short in the final with their 10-3 ATS record this year. Clemson opened up as a slight favorite as the #3 seed and you know that won't be taken too lightly by the market. But we are simply trying to find the eventual champion, so in terms of this piece, this is actually considered a negative for Dabo Swinney's program. Just another piece of ammunition for his absurd rhetoric train though.

3rd Down Conversion Rate Percentage – Offense
2019: LSU: 49.67; Ohio State: 56.97; Clemson: 47.30; Oklahoma: 49.24

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 52.55; Clemson: 43.95; Notre Dame: 44.32; Oklahoma: 51.18
2017: Clemson: 45.99; Oklahoma: 43.06; Georgia: 45.70; Alabama: 40.43
2016: Alabama: 48.80; Clemson: 51.09; Ohio State: 48.65; Washington: 44.83
2015: Clemson: 46.70; Alabama: 35.43; Michigan State: 50.53; Oklahoma: 44.58
2014: Alabama: 52.91; Oregon: 49.70; Florida State: 46.05; Ohio State: 51.52

Point #1: In each of the last two CFB Playoffs, and three of the last four, the team with the WORST 3rd down conversion rate percentage has won the title

Positive for: Clemson

We go from a negative to a positive here for the Clemson Tigers, as they are the “worst” of the bunch in staying on the field offensively and keeping drives going on 3rd down. Recent history has treated these teams kindly as the Tigers found themselves in this same spot a year ago at 43.95%, and knocked off the best team (Alabama was 52.55% in 2018) in the dominating fashion in last year's title game.

Point #2: The team with the best 3rd down percentage has only won the national title once – Clemson in 2016

Negative for: Ohio State

Another brief and simple point here, that doesn't exactly work out in Ohio State's favor, as their 56.97% rate is actually the best we've ever seen from any team in the CFB Playoff era. Whether or not that translates into this point being one that gets tossed to the curb this year remains to be seen, as that conversion rate is superb, but also one that's going to be seemingly hard to keep up with the level of competition the Buckeyes will have to go through.
3rd Down Conversion Rate Percentage – Defense
2019: LSU: 29.65; Ohio State: 28.65; Clemson: 30.60; Oklahoma: 31.61

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 30.34; Clemson: 27.60; Notre Dame: 37.82; Oklahoma: 45.18
2017: Clemson: 28.19; Oklahoma: 38.67; Georgia: 32.95; Alabama: 32.92
2016: Alabama: 30.53; Clemson: 30.17; Ohio State: 30.77; Washington: 31.11
2015: Clemson: 24.86; Alabama: 28.88; Michigan State: 35.06; Oklahoma: 40.00
2014: Alabama: 36.90; Oregon: 41.97; Florida State: 40.98; Ohio State: 36.90

Point #1: Every National Champion in the CFB Playoff era has been either the best, or 2nd best in Opponent 3rd down conversion rate percentage

Positive for: LSU and Ohio State

The old adage that “defense wins championships” tends to be true in the CFB playoff, as teams that are the best of the best in this category tend to find themselves with holding a trophy at the end of it. Considering the only other year we had two of the four teams with a sub-30% opponent 3rd down rate was back in 2015, and they both made it to the title game - Clemson and Alabama squaring off in their first epic championship meeting, that bodes well for both LSU and Ohio State to have a shot at the trophy this year.

In fact, only one team with a sub-30% rate failed to make the title game – Clemson in 2017 – so based on this history, it's hard not to expect a #1 vs #2 matchup in the Final. Those two programs met 12 years ago in the title game when it was also held in New Orleans with LSU winning as the #2 seed, and Buckeyes fans would love to return the favor.

Point #2: The team with the better number in this category when we reach the title game has won four of five national championships – only outlier was in 2015

Positive for: Yet to be determined

This is yet to be determined obviously, but with about two weeks between the semi-finals and the title game, this is something to definitely keep in mind. 2015 was the only outlier but it was also the only year where both finalists were in that sub-30% range which is to say that both were lights out in that regard and Alabama just happened to be a bit better on that day.
Heisman Trophy Winners
2019: Yet to be determined

2018: Kyler Murray
2017: Baker Mayfield
2016: Lamar Jackson
2015: Derrick Henry
2014: Marcus Mariota

Point #1: No Heisman winning QB has gone on to win the National Title, and playoff teams with the Heisman winner are 1-for-4 in terms of winning it all.

Positive for: Ohio State (potentially)
Negative for: LSU (likely)

The rest of the statistical categories will come in Part 2 of this piece, but for those that don't mind ending Part 1 on a bit of fluff, I thought I'd put this in.

Considering that LSU QB Joe Burrow is the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year currently, LSU fans may prefer that not to be the case. But as I said at the opening, there is a first time for everything, and maybe this will be that year that Burrow and LSU break that trend.

That being said, if a non-QB wins the trophy – say DE Chase Young for Ohio State – it's actually turned out to be a positive for that team in terms of their title hopes. RB Derrick Henry was the only Heisman winner to win a title that same year (2015), and should Young pull out the award, Buckeyes fans will be happy to hear it.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-10-2019, 03:37 AM

Hot & Not Playoff - Part 2
December 9, 2019
By Matt Blunt

Who's Hot and Who's Not

Collge Football Playoff Edition – Part 2

And so it continues, as there are more statistical categories that I believe have been historically relevant in producing a CFB Playoff winner, and if you have already gone through Part 1 (insert link here) of my breakdown, there is still more to come. No need to labor with the introduction because of it, so let's keep on plugging away:

*All numbers are pulled from regular season data only (including conference championship games) for the CFB Playoff teams that particular season

Takeaways Per Game
2019: LSU: 1.7; Ohio State: 1.9; Clemson: 2.2; Oklahoma: 0.7

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 1.7; Clemson: 1.5; Notre Dame: 1.7; Oklahoma: 0.8
2017: Clemson: 1.4; Oklahoma: 1.3; Georgia: 1.4; Alabama: 1.5
2016: Alabama: 1.8; Clemson: 1.8; Ohio State: 2.1; Washington: 2.4
2015: Clemson: 1.9; Alabama: 1.8; Michigan State: 2.2; Oklahoma: 2.2
2014: Alabama: 1.5; Oregon: 2.0; Florida State: 2.0; Ohio State: 2.2

Point #1: No team with a Takeaways per game number of 2.0 or greater has made the Title game in the last four years

Negative for: Clemson

More fuel for the fire of Dabo Swinney's rhetoric train here, as on the surface being the best at taking the ball away from your opponent is always a positive. But that hasn't been the case recently in the CFB Playoff as it appears some 'regression to the mean' shows up at the worst time for these teams. There have only been four teams of the past 16 to even have a shot at overcoming this fact, so sample size isn't exactly great, but these are the facts and recent history isn't on Clemson's side here. Swinney does like speaking about “the first time since...” so here's another thing you can have at in that regard.

Point #2: No team with a Takeaways per game number below 1.4 has ever made the Title Game

Negative for: Oklahoma

This far through the piece and the Oklahoma Sooners have yet to really show up on the positive or negative side of anything so far, but they break that goose egg with a negative trend here. Sure, there could be some positive regression to the mean for Oklahoma in the semi-finals, and they'll need it as hefty 'dogs vs LSU.

Winning the turnover battle by multiple possessions may be the only way the Sooners get by a powerhouse like LSU later this month, and it's really only been this same Oklahoma Sooners program that qualifies in this particular role. But history does have a way of repeating itself, and given that the Sooners have forced a grand total of one turnover in their two semi-finals defeats the past two years, turning over LSU this season won't be easy.

Giveaways Per Game
2019: LSU: 0.9; Ohio State: 1.1; Clemson: 1.2; Oklahoma: 1.5

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 0.9; Clemson: 1.3; Notre Dame: 1.2; Oklahoma: 1.0
2017: Clemson: 1.2; Oklahoma: 0.9; Georgia: 1.0; Alabama: 0.5
2016: Alabama: 1.5; Clemson: 2.0; Ohio State: 0.8; Washington: 0.9
2015: Clemson: 1.9; Alabama: 1.4; Michigan State: 0.9; Oklahoma: 1.3
2014: Alabama: 1.4; Oregon: 0.6; Florida State: 2.2; Ohio State: 1.5

Point #1: Team with the worst Giveaway per game margin has made the Title game in three of the past four years

Positive for: Oklahoma

Ended the last section with the first negative for Oklahoma, so how about a “positive” for the Sooners here. They come into the 2019 CFB Playoff with the most giveaways per game on average of the four teams, and oddly enough that's done well for “teams” in the past.

I put teams in quotations because it's actually been just one program who's accounted for all the success these teams that are loosest with the football have had in the Playoff – Clemson. So there you go Dabo Swinney, a positive for your 2019 team crew in that you enter the playoff for the first time you've been involved in it without the worst giveaway per game margin (or tied) of everyone involved.

But it's hard to think that this is nothing more then dumb luck at times, especially with Clemson accounting for all of those Title game appearances. The Tigers have been a dominant force in the college football landscape for years now, and they have shown they can overcome their mistakes time and time again. Not so sure Oklahoma is as capable to do so, but a historical positive is a historical positive right?

Point #2: Three out of the five Playoffs have seen the team with the lowest Giveaway margin make it to the Title game; However, only one team with a sub-1.0 margin has won it all – 2017 Alabama

Positive for: LSU
Negative for: LSU

Based on that historical fact, LSU fans may be able to have a Happy New Year, but will feel already done with 2020 by the middle of January.

Protecting the football is always one of the best paths for success for any team, and there is nobody better at it in this year's playoff then the LSU Tigers. But whether or not it becomes the pressure of the moment in the Title game, along with being up against another phenomenal team, going the distance rarely seems to happen for the squads that rank the best here.

The 2017 Alabama team was the only one to take it the distance in that regard, and if you remember that 2017 title game, there were some extenuating circumstances. For one, the Tide went up against a familiar conference foe in Georgia, one that was beating them for essentially the entire game before crumbling late.

A LSU foe in this year's title game could end up falling to a similar fate, but Ohio State and Clemson both have guys on their roster who have felt the CFB Playoff pressure before. What that means (if anything) is hard to quantify, but it never hurts to have that knowledge floating around in the back of your mind.

Penalties Per Game
2019: LSU: 6.2; Ohio State: 5.6; Clemson: 5.5; Oklahoma: 6.8

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 5.5; Clemson: 5.2; Notre Dame: 5.0; Oklahoma: 6.1
2017: Clemson: 5.1; Oklahoma: 6.2; Georgia: 6.7; Alabama: 5.5
2016: Alabama: 5.4; Clemson: 6.7; Ohio State: 6.2; Washington: 5.4
2015: Clemson: 5.8; Alabama: 6.6; Michigan State: 5.3; Oklahoma: 6.2
2014: Alabama: 5.0; Oregon: 8.1; Florida State: 6.6; Ohio State: 5.8

Point #1: The team with the fewest penalties per game has NEVER won the national title

Negative for: Clemson

Again, we've got past results that seem counter-intuitive to what you would believe would happen, as staying disciplined on the football field is always key to success. But this is another case where regression to the mean could be playing out here, especially on such a high profile stage, as these CFB Playoff teams that enter the tournament with the fewest amount of penalties per game just can't translate it into success.

In fact, where there has been a clear cut leader in that regard – every year but 2016 when Alabama and Washington were tied – those teams haven't even made it through to the title game. Turns out that's another negative for Dabo Swinney's Clemson team this year, as I know now that I for sure won't be getting any Christmas cards from him or fans of his program this year.

Penalty Yards Per Game
2019: LSU: 59.5; Ohio State: 53.5; Clemson: 43.6; Oklahoma: 74.1

Past numbers with champion in Bold

2018: Alabama: 48.5; Clemson: 45.6; Notre Dame: 45.5; Oklahoma: 61.5
2017: Clemson: 45.8; Oklahoma: 61.8; Georgia: 58.8; Alabama: 46.6
2016: Alabama: 41.8; Clemson: 59.2; Ohio State: 48.8; Washington: 46.1
2015: Clemson: 47.7; Alabama: 59.6; Michigan State: 43.6; Oklahoma: 61.2
2014: Alabama: 39.7; Oregon: 74.9; Florida State: 51.2; Ohio State: 50.5

Point #1: The team with the fewest penalty yards per game has NEVER won the national title

Negative for: Clemson

This statement was close to ending last year, but it's another relative anomaly when you really think about it. But again, it probably goes back to the whole regression to the mean idea, and that on the biggest stage, those little things said teams may have gotten away with more often then not every Saturday become magnified and exposed.

I'm sure Dabo Swinney and his wonderful use of various rhetoric techniques will be working over the officials every chance he gets, but the history doesn't lie here. After all, he always argues that nobody pays enough attention to the ACC and maybe he's right. Maybe that includes the officials as well who have arguably let his team get away with more then they should throughout the year.

Point #2: EVERY national champion has had between 45.6 and 59.6 penalty yards per game

Positive for: LSU and Ohio State
Negative for: Clemson and Oklahoma

Probably nothing more then a statistical anomaly or looking too much into the numbers, but when that range has been perfect in determining the eventual national champion, I'm not sure you can ignore it. Considering that this is a positive for the top two teams in this year' playoff, it's got to be considered.

Final Tally
Positives For: LSU (4); Ohio State (3); Clemson (1); Oklahoma (2)
Negatives For: LSU (1, with 1 more likely); Ohio State (2); Clemson (6); Oklahoma (2)

I know that there are plenty of ways to pick apart this piece, especially if you like a particular team already.

Knocks against it are sample size, last year's teams have nothing to do with this year's, and even you could view it as confirmation bias in some cases. But regarding the latter, I would like to say that I did not know what to expect to find when backtracking these numbers, so I don't believe there was anything I was looking to confirm going into it. Again, if you find this information valuable great, if not, that's just as good.

But after this trek back through history, the picture does seem somewhat clear in how to bet this year's playoff at least in terms of the futures market. After all, the straight up winner in all 15 CFB Playoff games we've had in history are 12-3 ATS. So pick the outright winner correct and 80% of the time the spread won't matter. Especially when the three point spread losses have come by 3.5 points (2018 semi between Alabama and Oklahoma), 0.5 points (2017 title game between Alabama and Georgia), and 1.5 points (2015 title game between Alabama and Clemson).

The two teams with more historical positives then negatives from these pieces are #1 LSU and #2 Ohio State. To me, those will be your two combatants in the national title game, and with futures prices in the +150 and +225 respectively, you take both and as long as that's the matchup, you'll come out ahead.

And given that if you've followed along with my “Upset Alerts” pieces all year long, you'll know how long my stubborn ass thought it was best to go against Ohio State week after week, there is some pain in saying this, but it is the Ohio State Buckeyes who are my pick to win it all.

Ohio State outperformed market expectations all year long – much to my chagrin – and getting bumped from #1 to #2 in the final rankings - for really doing nothing wrong other then having a slow start in the Big 10 Championship - has to be all the extra motivation they really need to make a title run.

Hopefully they ride that wave of motivation and many of the historical angles I've laid out to a title this year, beating the LSU Tigers 35-31 to win it all.

2019 National Champion: Ohio State Buckeyes

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:47 AM

Wednesday’s 6-pack

Interesting NFL spreads for Week 15:

— Houston @ Tennessee (-3)

— Buffalo @ Pittsburgh (-2.5)

— Cleveland (-2.5) @ Arizona

— Rams (-1) @ Dallas

— Minnesota (-2.5) @ LA Chargers

— Indianapolis @ New Orleans (-9)

Quote of the Day:
“[Our recent play] is sickening. [Changes are] tough, but it’s a necessary evil. Right now, we’ve got to play better, and we’re going to play better, and there will be changes. There will be changes. What happened [Sunday] will not happen again. I can’t allow it to happen.”
Jon Gruden

Wednesday’s quiz
Which NFL team did Steve Spurrier coach for two seasons?

Tuesday’s quiz
Of the 32 NFL stadiums, LA Coliseum and Oakland Coliseum have hosted a World Series.

Monday’s quiz
Steph Curry played his college basketball at Davidson.

Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings…….

13) I get it that all retired baseball players speak glowingly of the late Marvin Miller, who was the head of the players’ union; he made them all very rich. If Miller made me rich, I’d want him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, too.

But as an Oakland A’s fan, I had no great fondness for Miller, who helped institute a system that made the A’s a 2nd-rate franchise, financially. Stephen Strasburg making $35M a year is a bit much; not really sure Miller deserves to be in the Hall of Fame- did he make the game better? Did star players being multi-millionaires improve the game?

I’d rather see Dr Frank Jobe get in the Hall of Fame; surgeons who perform Tommy John surgery have done a hell of a lot more to help baseball than a guy who helped make all the players millionaires.

12) Speaking of Marvin MIller, Bronx Bombers signed Gerrit Cole to a 9-year, $324M contract late Tuesday night. Cole is 29 years old, so this might be his last contract.

Last three years, Cole started 33-32-33 regular season games; if he does that next season, it works out to $1,090,909.09 per start.

11) 2020 Bronx Bombers:
— Gerrit Cole, $36M
— Giancarlo Stanton, $26M
— Masahiro Tanaka, $23M
— Aroldis Chapman $17.2M

That adds up to $101.5M…….for four guys.

Oakland A’s made the playoffs the last two years; their ENTIRE payroll last year?

$92,178,333

10) Excellent article on actionnetwork.com about how college bowl betting lines are made; it ain’t easy, especially when you have to make them quickly, with matchups coming out early Sunday afternoon- lines were posted roughly four hours later.

9) NHL leaders in going over in first period:
Colorado 23-7, Los Angeles 21-10, Carolina 20-10

NHL leaders in going under in first period:
Calgary 9-23, Dallas 12-19, Jets/Wild/Penguins 13-17

8) Baseball stuff:
— Giants signed P Kevin Gausman to a 1-year deal.
— Phillies signed SS Didi Gregorius
— Angels dumped some salary, trading SS Zack Cozart for cash and a prospect.

7) Random question: Are people allowed to meet at a vegan restaurant?
(Think about it, maybe you’ll chuckle later)

6) Every player at the Outback Bowl will get a gift suite that includes a Fossil watch; $125 Amazon gift card; Jostens ring; Outback Steakhouse gift card; hat.

All the bowls have gift packages like that.

5) Funny how Golden State Warriors seem to have disbanded for a year; Draymond Green still plays most of he time, the uniforms are the same, and Steve Kerr still coaches, but with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson not playing, this is a totally different team, one that will be in the NBA Draft Lottery, maybe even getting the first pick.

Would Golden State draft LaMelo Ball, the youngest of the three Ball brothers? Cole Anthony? James Wiseman, the big kid from Memphis?

4) Major League Baseball will relocate its annual amateur draft to Omaha to try and increase interest; Omaha is where the College World Series is played every year. I’m guessing some of the college coaches in the CWS won’t be thrilled with the potential distractions.

3) Of course the Miami Marlins move their outfield fences in the year after they trade Stanton, Yelich and Ozuna. Makes perfect sense.

2) Texas Tech 70, Louisville 57— Cardinals are already the 4th #1 team in country to lose this season and it is only December 11. There aren’t any great teams this year.

1) ESPN drained every last drop out of the Eli Manning story Monday night; he played really well in the first half but the Giants were shut out in the 2nd half as Manning made what will probably be his last-ever appearance on MNF.

Now America will have to wait a couple years for the next Manning; Eli’s nephew Arch is a 9th-grader at Newman HS in New Orleans, where he already is the starting QB.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:49 AM

303ARMY -304 NAVY
ARMY is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in road games vs good passing QB's (>8 PYA) in the last 3 seasons.

NCAAF
Dunkel

Army @ Navy

Game 303-304
December 14, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Army
80.034
Navy
87.581
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Navy
by 7 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Navy
by 10
41
Dunkel Pick:
Army
(+10); Under

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Saturday, December 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARMY (5 - 7) vs. NAVY (9 - 2) - 12/14/2019, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARMY is 20-39 ATS (-22.9 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
ARMY is 16-38 ATS (-25.8 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
NAVY is 181-134 ATS (+33.6 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 181-134 ATS (+33.6 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 164-120 ATS (+32.0 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
NAVY is 76-42 ATS (+29.8 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
NAVY is 81-46 ATS (+30.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.
NAVY is 42-19 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Army/Navy

Underdogs covered 7 of last 8 Army-Navy games, with Army winning last three SU; average total in last five meetings: 31.4. Navy won 7 of its last 8 games; their only losses TY were to Notre Dame (52-20), Memphis (35-23). Middies have run ball for 378+ yards in 6 of their last 7 games; they covered all five games as a favorite TY. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games- Navy allowed 40.3 ppg in last three games, and won two of them. Army lost six of its last eight games after a 3-1 start were the only loss was in OT at Michigan. Cadets are 12-9-2 ATS in last 23 games as an underdog, 2-2 TY.

NCAAF

Army/Navy

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Navy Midshipmen
Navy is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games
Navy is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Navy's last 5 games
Navy is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Army
Navy is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Army
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Navy's last 5 games when playing Army
Army Black Knights
Army is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Army is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games
Army is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Army is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Navy
Army is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Navy
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Army's last 5 games when playing Navy

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

Trends - Army vs. Navy
Bruce Marshall

Saturday, Dec. 14
Matchup Skinny
Edge

ARMY vs. NAVY (at Philadelphia)...Major “under” series with 13 meetings in a row going that way. Navy had won 14 in a row SU in series until 2016, when Army began current 3-game win streak. Note underdog side has also covered in last five and 8 of last 10 in series. Army 6-2 last 8 as dog. Mids on 11-3-1 spread uptick since late 2018 and are 6-1 as chalk in 2019.
“Under,” based on series “totals” trends.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:50 AM

New Year's Six opening odds and early action: Bettors pile on LSU in College Football Playoff vs. Oklahoma
Patrick Everson

Joe Burrow led LSU to a 13-0 SU record (8-5 ATS) and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers opened -11.5 vs. Oklahoma at PointsBet USA and were bet up to -13 by Monday.

The College Football Playoff qualifiers are set, as is the field for the rest of the New Year’s Six bowl games. Covers checks in on the opening odds and early action, with insights from Matt Chaprales, head of content for PointsBet USA in New Jersey.

Peach Bowl

No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 1 Louisiana State Tigers (-11.5)

Louisiana State rumbled through the regular season, including an impressive win at Alabama, and continued rumbling in the Southeastern Conference title game Saturday. The Tigers (13-0 SU, 8-5 ATS) pounded Georgia 37-10 as 7.5-point neutral-site favorites, playing in the same stadium that will host this CFP semifinal on Dec. 28.

Oklahoma had a much bumpier road to the CFP, losing at Kansas State as 23.5-point chalk on Oct. 26, followed by narrow wins in its next three outings. That included falling behind 28-3 at Baylor before rallying for a 34-31 victory. In Saturday’s Big 12 championship game, the Sooners (12-1 SU, 5-8 ATS) got another crack at Baylor and again had a fight on their hands, winning 30-23 in overtime as 9-point faves.

“The high opener and almost immediate adjustment are indicative of each team’s body of work, as well as their respective performances on Saturday,” Chaprales said of a line that’s already shot to Tigers -13. “LSU is a wrecking ball, and it’s clearly going to take an inflated number to oppose them.”

Fiesta Bowl

No. 3 Clemson Tigers vs. No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (+2.5)

Ohio State dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the CFP rankings after needing a comeback to beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. The Buckeyes (13-0 SU, 9-4 ATS) trailed 21-7 at halftime, but pitched a second-half shutout en route to a 34-21 victory laying 16.5 points.

Clemson had no such issues in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship matchup, as it secured its fifth straight CFP berth. The Tigers (13-0 SU, 10-3 ATS) hammered Virginia 62-17 laying 29 points in the neutral-site contest.

“This line would have likely been closer to a pick’ em had Ohio State not looked so shaky for a good chunk of the Big Ten title game,” Chaprales said. “That’s reflected in the fact that the first move was toward the Buckeyes.”

Indeed, after opening Clemson -2.5, the line ticked to -2 at PointsBet. This matchup is also Dec. 28, following the Oklahoma-LSU game.

Cotton Bowl

No. 17 Memphis Tigers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (-7)

Penn State dropped two of its last four games – tough road contests against Minnesota and Ohio State – but still snagged a New Year’s Six berth. The Nittany Lions (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS) finished the regular season with a 27-6 home win giving 38.5 points against Rutgers.

Memphis earned a New Year’s Six spot by virtue of being the highest-ranked team from the Group of 5 conferences. The Tigers (12-1 SU, 8-5 ATS) got a late touchdown to outlast Cincinnati 29-24 as 9-point favorites in the American Athletic Conference title game.

“The public will be on Penn State, and the only question is how much higher the number will need to get before we see some sharp resistance on Memphis,” Chaprales said.
This matchup opens the New Year’s Six slate, a noon ET kickoff on Dec. 28.

Orange Bowl

No. 24 Virginia Cavaliers vs. No. 9 Florida Gators (-12.5)

Florida has two more-than-respectable losses this season, to Southeastern Conference title game participants LSU and Georgia, and has been a solid pointspread play all year. The Gators (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) finished the regular season with a 40-17 victory over Florida State giving 17 points at home.

Virginia made a four-game run through November to earn a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference final, then hit the wall against Clemson. The Cavaliers (9-4 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) got trucked 62-17 catching 29 points in the neutral-site contest, but still mustered a berth in this Dec. 30 tilt.

Gators money showed up quickly at PointsBet, pushing the line up a full point to Florida -13.5.

“It’s tough to envision much public support for a Virginia team that just got smashed by Clemson,” Chaprales said in assessing this Dec. 30 meeting. “Which is to say, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this line rise even higher.”

Rose Bowl

No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 6 Oregon Ducks (+2.5)

Oregon is perhaps left to wonder what could have been, if it hadn’t inexplicably lost at Arizona State as 13-point chalk in the penultimate regular-season game. The Ducks (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) still reached the Pac-12 title game, where they spoiled Utah’s CFP hopes with a 37-15 victory as 6.5-point pups.

Wisconsin had its own inexplicable loss, at Illinois as a 28.5-point favorite in mid-October, followed a week later by a blowout setback at Ohio State. The Badgers (10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS) rebounded to reach the Big Ten title game and a rematch with the Buckeyes, and Wisconsin stunningly led 21-7 at halftime. But the Badgers didn’t score the rest of the way, losing 34-21 while cashing as 16.5-point ‘dogs.

“An intriguing matchup in what figures to be one of the highest-handle bowl games, apart from the playoff matchups,” Chaprales said of this New Year's Day clash. “Early action has all come in on Wisconsin, which would indicate this number could be trending toward 3.”

Sugar Bowl

No. 7 Baylor Bears vs. No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (-7.5)

Georgia certainly had a shot at a CFP berth by reaching the SEC final, but was no match for now-No. 1 playoff seed LSU. The Bulldogs (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) tumbled 37-10 as 7.5-point underdogs.

After blowing a huge lead at home to Oklahoma in a regular-season loss, Baylor got a shot at redemption and possibly a CFP bid in the Big 12 title game. The Bears (11-2 SU, 9-4 ATS) played the Sooners tough Saturday, but fell 30-23 while cashing as 9-point ‘dogs.

“Deja vu for Georgia, which clearly didn’t want any part of the Sugar Bowl last year, and it showed,” Chaprales said, alluding to the Bulldogs’ 28-21 loss to Texas laying 12.5 points. “I’d imagine the public will be interested in a Baylor squad that’s steadily cashed tickets this season and figures to have the motivational edge.”

The Bears head into this New Year's Day game having cashed five in a row and in eight of their last 10 outings.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:51 AM

201BUFFALO -202 CHARLOTTE
BUFFALO is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons.

203KENT ST -204 UTAH ST
UTAH ST is 11-2 ATS (8.8 Units) after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored over the last 2 seasons.

207C MICHIGAN -208 SAN DIEGO ST
C MICHIGAN is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games in the current season.

211SMU -212 FLA ATLANTIC
SMU is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in road games after 2 conference games in the last 3 seasons.

215WASHINGTON -216 BOISE ST
BOISE ST is 10-2 ATS (7.8 Units) after going under the total over the last 2 seasons.

217UAB -218 APPALACHIAN ST
APPALACHIAN ST is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) after 2 consecutive game where they committed 1 or less turnovers in the current season.

219MARSHALL -220 UCF
UCF is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after allowing <=14 pts. over the last 2 seasons.

221BYU -222 HAWAII
HAWAII is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a loss in the last 3 seasons.

223MIAMI -224 LOUISIANA TECH
MIAMI is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) off upset loss vs conference foe since 1992.

225PITTSBURGH -226 E MICHIGAN
PITTSBURGH is 10-3 ATS (6.7 Units) vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better. over the last 2 seasons.

227N CAROLINA -228 TEMPLE
N CAROLINA is 12-33 ATS (-24.3 Units) after scoring 31 points or more in 2 straight games since 1992.

229MICHIGAN ST -230 WAKE FOREST
MICHIGAN ST is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in road games after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games since 1992.

231OKLAHOMA ST -232 TEXAS A&M
TEXAS A&M is 9-26 ATS (-19.6 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.

233USC -234 IOWA
IOWA is 60-30 ATS (27 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games since 1992.

235WASHINGTON ST -236 AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE is 18-44 ATS (-30.4 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing 8 or more passing yards/att. since 1992.

237IOWA ST -238 NOTRE DAME
NOTRE DAME is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) vs. excellent punt coverage teams, allowing <= 7.5 yards per return over the last 2 seasons.

239MEMPHIS -240 PENN ST
PENN ST is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) off a no-cover where the team won as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

241OKLAHOMA -242 LSU
LSU is 6-0 ATS (6 Units) after outgaining opp by 175 or more total yards in their previous game in the current season.

243CLEMSON -244 OHIO ST
CLEMSON is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games after covering the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons.

243CLEMSON -244 OHIO ST
CLEMSON is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games vs. winning teams over the last 2 seasons.

245W MICHIGAN -246 W KENTUCKY
W KENTUCKY is 13-4 ATS (8.6 Units) in road games vs. good offenses (>425 TYG) since 1992.

249ILLINOIS -250 CALIFORNIA
ILLINOIS are 27-13 Under (12.7 Units) after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games since 1992.

251VIRGINIA -252 FLORIDA
FLORIDA is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after allowing 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.

255FLORIDA ST -256 ARIZONA ST
FLORIDA ST is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) when the total is 49.5-56 in the last 3 seasons.

261TEXAS -262 UTAH
TEXAS are 17-4 ATS (12.6 Units) after allowing 375 or more passing yards in their last game since 1992.

263MICHIGAN -264 ALABAMA
ALABAMA is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) after gaining 450 or more total yards in 5 consecutive games since 1992.

267WISCONSIN -268 OREGON
OREGON is 20-3 ATS (16.7 Units) in road games after leading their last 2 games by 14+ points at the half since 1992.

269BAYLOR -270 GEORGIA
GEORGIA is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) after an ATS loss over the last 2 seasons.

269BAYLOR -270 GEORGIA
BAYLOR is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) in road games after 2 conference games over the last 2 seasons.

271BOSTON COLLEGE -272 CINCINNATI
BOSTON COLLEGE is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5-10 over the last 2 seasons.

275OHIO U -276 NEVADA
NEVADA is 43-26 ATS (14.4 Units) after allowing 6.75 or more yards/play in their previous game since 1992.

277TULANE -278 SOUTHERN MISS
TULANE is 35-65 ATS (-36.5 Units) vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better. since 1992.

279MIAMI OHIO -280 LA LAFAYETTE
MIAMI OHIO is 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) after 2 conference games over the last 2 seasons.

281MISSISSIPPI ST -282 LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) vesus good rushing teams - averaging >=4.75 rushing yards/carry over the last 2 seasons.

285KENTUCKY -286 VIRGINIA TECH
KENTUCKY is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) off a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

287TENNESSEE -288 INDIANA
TENNESSEE is 14-1 ATS (12.9 Units) in road games after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of -1 or worse since 1992.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:52 AM

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Friday, December 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUFFALO (7 - 5) vs. CHARLOTTE (7 - 5) - 12/20/2019, 2:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
BUFFALO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KENT ST (6 - 6) vs. UTAH ST (7 - 5) - 12/20/2019, 7:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C MICHIGAN (8 - 5) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (9 - 3) - 12/21/2019, 2:00:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIBERTY (7 - 5) vs. GA SOUTHERN (7 - 5) - 12/21/2019, 2:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LIBERTY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMU (10 - 2) at FLA ATLANTIC (10 - 3) - 12/21/2019, 3:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SMU is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SMU is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
SMU is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FLA ATLANTIC is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
FLA ATLANTIC is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
FLA ATLANTIC is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLA INTERNATIONAL (6 - 6) vs. ARKANSAS ST (7 - 5) - 12/21/2019, 5:30:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (7 - 5) vs. BOISE ST (12 - 1) - 12/21/2019, 7:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 154-112 ATS (+30.8 Units) in all games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 154-112 ATS (+30.8 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
BOISE ST is 108-80 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
BOISE ST is 97-66 ATS (+24.4 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
BOISE ST is 88-55 ATS (+27.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
BOISE ST is 96-68 ATS (+21.2 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UAB (9 - 4) vs. APPALACHIAN ST (12 - 1) - 12/21/2019, 9:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
APPALACHIAN ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
APPALACHIAN ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
UAB is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
UAB is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
UAB is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, December 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARSHALL (8 - 4) vs. UCF (9 - 3) - 12/23/2019, 2:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARSHALL is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in a bowl game since 1992.
MARSHALL is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BYU (7 - 5) at HAWAII (9 - 5) - 12/24/2019, 8:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
HAWAII is 90-119 ATS (-40.9 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
HAWAII is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, December 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (6 - 6) vs. LOUISIANA TECH (9 - 3) - 12/26/2019, 4:00:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (7 - 5) vs. E MICHIGAN (6 - 6) - 12/26/2019, 8:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N CAROLINA (6 - 6) vs. TEMPLE (8 - 4) - 12/27/2019, 12:00:00 P
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICHIGAN ST (6 - 6) vs. WAKE FOREST (8 - 4) - 12/27/2019, 3:20:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WAKE FOREST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in December games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA ST (8 - 4) vs. TEXAS A&M (7 - 5) - 12/27/2019, 6:45:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
TEXAS A&M is 71-99 ATS (-37.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

USC (8 - 4) vs. IOWA (9 - 3) - 12/27/2019, 8:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in December games since 1992.
USC is 33-56 ATS (-28.6 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON ST (6 - 6) vs. AIR FORCE (10 - 2) - 12/27/2019, 10:15:00 P
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IOWA ST (7 - 5) vs. NOTRE DAME (10 - 2) - 12/28/2019, 12:00:00 P
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMPHIS (12 - 1) vs. PENN ST (10 - 2) - 12/28/2019, 12:00:00 P
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA (12 - 1) vs. LSU (13 - 0) - 12/28/2019, 4:00:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEMSON (13 - 0) vs. OHIO ST (13 - 0) - 12/28/2019, 8:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OHIO ST is 199-151 ATS (+32.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 199-151 ATS (+32.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 180-136 ATS (+30.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
OHIO ST is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
OHIO ST is 100-73 ATS (+19.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
CLEMSON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
CLEMSON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
CLEMSON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEMSON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMSON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMSON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CLEMSON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMSON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
CLEMSON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, December 30

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W MICHIGAN (7 - 5) vs. W KENTUCKY (8 - 4) - 12/30/2019, 12:30:00 P
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ILLINOIS (6 - 6) vs. CALIFORNIA (7 - 5) - 12/30/2019, 4:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 140-177 ATS (-54.7 Units) in all games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 140-177 ATS (-54.7 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
CALIFORNIA is 64-90 ATS (-35.0 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIRGINIA (9 - 4) vs. FLORIDA (10 - 2) - 12/30/2019, 8:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
FLORIDA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
FLORIDA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSISSIPPI ST (6 - 6) vs. LOUISVILLE (7 - 5) - 12/30/2019, 4:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 31

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FLORIDA ST (6 - 6) vs. ARIZONA ST (7 - 5) - 12/31/2019, 2:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS ST (8 - 4) vs. NAVY (9 - 2) - 12/31/2019, 3:45:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NAVY is 181-134 ATS (+33.6 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 181-134 ATS (+33.6 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 68-44 ATS (+19.6 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
NAVY is 81-46 ATS (+30.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.
KANSAS ST is 178-141 ATS (+22.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
KANSAS ST is 178-141 ATS (+22.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
KANSAS ST is 76-49 ATS (+22.1 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
KANSAS ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GEORGIA ST (7 - 5) vs. WYOMING (7 - 5) - 12/31/2019, 4:30:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEXAS (7 - 5) vs. UTAH (11 - 2) - 12/31/2019, 7:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) on a neutral field where the total is between 52.5 and 56 since 1992.
UTAH is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
UTAH is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf this season.
UTAH is 64-39 ATS (+21.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
UTAH is 47-25 ATS (+19.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KENTUCKY (7 - 5) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (8 - 4) - 12/31/2019, 12:00:00 P
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, January 1

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MICHIGAN (9 - 3) vs. ALABAMA (10 - 2) - 1/1/2020, 1:00:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (10 - 2) vs. AUBURN (9 - 3) - 1/1/2020, 1:00:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WISCONSIN (10 - 3) vs. OREGON (11 - 2) - 1/1/2020, 5:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 48-24 ATS (+21.6 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OREGON is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
OREGON is 61-37 ATS (+20.3 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
WISCONSIN is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
WISCONSIN is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BAYLOR (11 - 2) vs. GEORGIA (11 - 2) - 1/1/2020, 8:45:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
GEORGIA is 34-13 ATS (+19.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.
GEORGIA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, January 2

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BOSTON COLLEGE (6 - 6) vs. CINCINNATI (10 - 3) - 1/2/2020, 3:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 85-60 ATS (+19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TENNESSEE (7 - 5) vs. INDIANA (8 - 4) - 1/2/2020, 7:00:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 51-31 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
INDIANA is 84-114 ATS (-41.4 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 3

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OHIO U (6 - 6) vs. NEVADA (7 - 5) - 1/3/2020, 3:30:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 4

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TULANE (6 - 6) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (7 - 5) - 1/4/2020, 11:30:00 A
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, January 6

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MIAMI OHIO (8 - 5) vs. LA LAFAYETTE (10 - 3) - 1/6/2020, 7:30:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI OHIO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI OHIO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI OHIO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

**StarDust Bum** · 12-11-2019, 02:54 AM

NCAAF

Bowl Season

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 20

Buffalo @ Charlotte
Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games
Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Utah State @ Kent State
Utah State
Utah State is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah State's last 10 games
Kent State
Kent State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kent State's last 6 games

this report will update....

**StarDust Bum** · 12-12-2019, 02:20 AM

Thursday’s 6-pack

Too-early 2020 baseball over/under in totals:

— Astros 99.5

— Dodgers 98.5

— Twins 90.5

— Padres 84.5

— Giants 68.5

— Mariners/Royals 66.5

Quote of the Day:
“I like Kiffin a lot. He’s a fun interview and honestly one of the smartest offensive minds out there. He’ll make Ole Miss entertaining again — and that’s saying something considering its last game was lost due to a dog pissing celebration.”
Ben Kercheval, CBSsports.com

Thursday’s quiz
Where did Lamar Jackson play his college football?

Wednesday’s quiz
Steve Spurrier coached the Washington Redskins for two seasons.

Tuesday’s quiz
Of the 32 NFL stadiums, LA Coliseum and Oakland Coliseum have hosted a World Series.

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

Thursday’s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud……

13) Los Angeles Angels signed 3B Anthony Rendon to a 7-year, $245M contact Wednesday night; Angels have a potent lineup, but they still lack pitching.

12) Want to know why fantasy baseball is increasingly popular? I’ll repeat something that I posted yesterday; it tells a story of why it is difficult to be a fan of a small market team:

2020 Bronx Bombers:
— Gerrit Cole, $36M
— Giancarlo Stanton, $26M
— Masahiro Tanaka, $23M
— Aroldis Chapman $17.2M

That adds up to $101.5M…….for four guys.

Oakland A’s made the playoffs the last two years; their ENTIRE payroll last year?

$92,178,333

11) If you and I play checkers, and you start wth 12 checkers but I start with 24, then I’m going to win most of the time, even if you’re smarter than me.

Gerrit Cole is going to make $1,090,909 per start next year; Oakland’s five starting pitchers LY made a total of roughly $12,500,000 for the whole season.

10) So having your own fantasy team where there are no salaries and you compete against people you know eliminates a lot of that BS and makes the summer more fun. At least if you have a cruddy season, you can blame yourself, instead of a ridiculous system that rewards the teams with the most money to spend.

9) 84 basketball players left college early LY and declared for the NBA Draft; only 44 of them were taken in the draft.

8) College football stuff:
— Colorado State hired former BC coach Steve Addazio as its new football coach.
— UNLV hired Oregon OC Marcus Arroyo as its new football coach.
— Florida Atlantic hired former Florida State coach Willie Taggart.

7) Baseball stuff:
— Mets signed P Michael Wacha to a 1-year deal, $3M deal (with incentives).
— Dodgers signed P Blake Treinen for one year, $10M.
— Blue Jays gave P Tanner Roark $24M for two years.

6) Adam Jones signed an $8M deal to play baseball for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan; Jones has played 14 years in the majors, mostly with the Orioles.

5) I’d track the movement of college football coaches on here, but those guys are nomadic- they constantly change jobs, especially assistants. Coaches’ wives must be experts at packing.

4) There have been 12 NBA games this season where a player had 20+ points and 20+ rebounds; Detroit’s Andre Drummond has five of those 12 games.

3) Diamondbacks/Padres will play two regular season games in Mexico City April 18-19; the first regular season MLB games in Mexico City. Games had previously been played in Monterrey.

2) Bad beat of the week: NBA’s Atlanta Hawks (+8.5) led Miami by 6 points with 0:59 left in regulation Tuesday night, but they didn’t cover. Seriously.

Miami scored the next 22 points and won by 14 in OT. It was the NBA’s widest margin of victory in an OT game since October 31, 2009, when Philadelphia beat the Knicks, 141-127.

1) Good trivia; Denver rookie QB Drew Lock plays against the Chiefs this week; Lock’s dad Andy was the starting right guard for the Missouri Tigers in 1989, when KC coach Andy Reid was his offensive line coach. 30 years later, they cross paths again.

Announcement

Cnotes 2019-2020 College Football Trends-News-Notes-Best Bets & Opinions !

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