BOOOOOM HUGE WEEKEND HITTING 7/8 PLAYS ON SATURDAY. UNFORTUNALY THE TOP PICK DID NOT COME THROUGH AS THEY TOTALLY COLLASPED IN THE SECOND HALF. IN ANY CASE IM QUITE HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE. AS ALWAYS I BET ON EVERY SELECTION THAT I POST AND I PLAY ALL GAMES AT $100/UNIT. I EXPECT YOU WILL ADJUST THE RATINGS ACCORDING TO HOW YOU BET. AS ALWAYS GOOD LUCK IF YOU DECIDE TO PLAY!
8* MY TOP PLAY...VERY RARE (23-8 ) LAST YEAR IN FOOTBALL (74%)
6-7* HIGH RATED SELECTION ONLY WHEN ALOT OF GAMES ON THE CARD TO CHOSE FROM (WELL OVER 60%)
5* EXCEPTIONAL PLAY USUALLY HIGHEST WHEN ONLY A FEW GAMES
4* VERY STRONG SELECTION
3* STRONG SELECTION
2* PROBABLE COVER (MOST COMMON RATING)
1* A GAME THAT SHOULD COVER
OPINION PLAY: GAME THAT I THINK MAY WIN BUT OFTEN JUST TO WATCH A GAME OR A LEAN USUALLY 1/2 A UNIT.
===============================================
SUMMARY OF NCAA PLAYS:
(2*) NORTHWESTERN +15.5
(2*) MICHIGAN STATE -2.5
(2*) STANFORD +22 Probable Upgrade
==============================================
NORTHWESTERN (1 - 2) at MINNESOTA (3 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 9:00 PM
vs
373 NORTHWESTERN
374 MINNESOTA -15.5
Analysis
Northwestern prepares to meet Minnesota in the conference opener for both schools. The reasons for favoring the underdog seem fairly clear cut. First off, Northwestern's 1-2 record came against better competition, and it's not far fetched at all to see where the Wildcats could very well have gone 3-0 to start the season. They lost the TCU game on horrific kicking errors. They played what might be a very strong Arizona State team to a virtual stalemate despite losing by nine. And they showed grit in rebounding from a blown lead to get a narrow victory over previously unbeaten Kansas. Northwestern has shown a nicely balanced offense, and junior QB Brett Basanez is living up to projections that listed him as among the most improved players in the country. Admittingly, Minnesota has been tremendous offensively in winning three straight to open the year. But the victories have come against shaky opposition, and at least at this juncture, both the Gopher defense and its passing game are somewhat unproven. This game will be determined by Northwestern's ability to at last slow down the relentless Minnesota ground game. There's no way the Wildcats can completely stifle this attack, but if they can prevent Marion Barber and Laurence Maroney from running wild, they're going to be in this game. Conversely, the Gophers need to show that they can turn it up some defensively, allowing their amazing running game to control the proceedings. Minnesota has won 16 of the last 17 straight up when they're favored, so forecasting an upset here is going too far out on a limb. But the spread is too high based on the matchup, the early results and the amazing technical history. Add all of the above plus the fact that the underdog has covered nine straight in this conference rivalry and we have ourselves a play. Take the generous points.
Forecast: Northwestern 24 Minnesota 31
PLAY 2* UNITS ON NORTHWESTERN +15.5
MICHIGAN ST (1 - 2) at INDIANA (2 - 1)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 12:00 PM
vs
317 MICHIGAN ST -2.5
318 INDIANA
Analysis
In terms of national rankings, Saturday's battle between Michigan State and Indiana is not even a blip on the radar screen. But this is a very big game for the Spartans and the Hoosiers, and it's surely one that will be played with great intensity by both entries. Obviously, both squads will be hungry to open conference play on a winning note. But there's more involved than just a league victory. The view from here is that this will be a vital contest in determining whether either of these teams has a hope of gaining a bowl bid at season's end. For Indiana, just having a chance to see post season action is the ultimate goal. The Hoosiers haven't gone bowling since 1993. But thanks to that road upset at Oregon, Indiana has a chance to go 3-1 with a win here. That would at least give them hope for an end to their nine year streak of losing seasons. Michigan State already has two losses, and aside from a November date with Illinois, the Spartans may very well be underdogs in all their remaining games. So it behooves them to win this one, else the rest of the season might be little more than playing out the string in hopes of gaining experience for next season. If Michigan State was healthy at the QB spot, they would be a more reliable looking favorite here. Nevertheless look for MSU to get their starting quarterback back for this game. The Spartans don't have to worry much about getting burned through the air, as Indiana senior Matt LoVecchio has yet to display any particular improvement from last season. The Hoosiers were pretty fortunate to shock a sloppy Oregon squad, and last week's pummeling at Kentucky is more indicative of this team's true level. In this must win game look for the team with better talent and coaching to get the road win.
Forecast: Michigan St 28, Indiana 14
[color:red] PLAY 2* UNITS ON MICHIGAN STATE -2.5 [/color]
USC (3 - 0) at STANFORD (2 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 7:00 PM
vs 
351 USC -22
352 STANFORD
Analysis
Analysis Forthcoming Check back Later
AIR FORCE (2 - 1) at UTAH (3 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 3:00 PM
vs 
331 AIR FORCE
332 UTAH -21
Analysis
Analysis Forthcoming Check back Later
8* MY TOP PLAY...VERY RARE (23-8 ) LAST YEAR IN FOOTBALL (74%)
6-7* HIGH RATED SELECTION ONLY WHEN ALOT OF GAMES ON THE CARD TO CHOSE FROM (WELL OVER 60%)
5* EXCEPTIONAL PLAY USUALLY HIGHEST WHEN ONLY A FEW GAMES
4* VERY STRONG SELECTION
3* STRONG SELECTION
2* PROBABLE COVER (MOST COMMON RATING)
1* A GAME THAT SHOULD COVER
OPINION PLAY: GAME THAT I THINK MAY WIN BUT OFTEN JUST TO WATCH A GAME OR A LEAN USUALLY 1/2 A UNIT.
===============================================
SUMMARY OF NCAA PLAYS:
(2*) NORTHWESTERN +15.5
(2*) MICHIGAN STATE -2.5
(2*) STANFORD +22 Probable Upgrade
==============================================
NORTHWESTERN (1 - 2) at MINNESOTA (3 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 9:00 PM


373 NORTHWESTERN
374 MINNESOTA -15.5
Analysis
Northwestern prepares to meet Minnesota in the conference opener for both schools. The reasons for favoring the underdog seem fairly clear cut. First off, Northwestern's 1-2 record came against better competition, and it's not far fetched at all to see where the Wildcats could very well have gone 3-0 to start the season. They lost the TCU game on horrific kicking errors. They played what might be a very strong Arizona State team to a virtual stalemate despite losing by nine. And they showed grit in rebounding from a blown lead to get a narrow victory over previously unbeaten Kansas. Northwestern has shown a nicely balanced offense, and junior QB Brett Basanez is living up to projections that listed him as among the most improved players in the country. Admittingly, Minnesota has been tremendous offensively in winning three straight to open the year. But the victories have come against shaky opposition, and at least at this juncture, both the Gopher defense and its passing game are somewhat unproven. This game will be determined by Northwestern's ability to at last slow down the relentless Minnesota ground game. There's no way the Wildcats can completely stifle this attack, but if they can prevent Marion Barber and Laurence Maroney from running wild, they're going to be in this game. Conversely, the Gophers need to show that they can turn it up some defensively, allowing their amazing running game to control the proceedings. Minnesota has won 16 of the last 17 straight up when they're favored, so forecasting an upset here is going too far out on a limb. But the spread is too high based on the matchup, the early results and the amazing technical history. Add all of the above plus the fact that the underdog has covered nine straight in this conference rivalry and we have ourselves a play. Take the generous points.
Forecast: Northwestern 24 Minnesota 31
PLAY 2* UNITS ON NORTHWESTERN +15.5
MICHIGAN ST (1 - 2) at INDIANA (2 - 1)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 12:00 PM


317 MICHIGAN ST -2.5
318 INDIANA
Analysis
In terms of national rankings, Saturday's battle between Michigan State and Indiana is not even a blip on the radar screen. But this is a very big game for the Spartans and the Hoosiers, and it's surely one that will be played with great intensity by both entries. Obviously, both squads will be hungry to open conference play on a winning note. But there's more involved than just a league victory. The view from here is that this will be a vital contest in determining whether either of these teams has a hope of gaining a bowl bid at season's end. For Indiana, just having a chance to see post season action is the ultimate goal. The Hoosiers haven't gone bowling since 1993. But thanks to that road upset at Oregon, Indiana has a chance to go 3-1 with a win here. That would at least give them hope for an end to their nine year streak of losing seasons. Michigan State already has two losses, and aside from a November date with Illinois, the Spartans may very well be underdogs in all their remaining games. So it behooves them to win this one, else the rest of the season might be little more than playing out the string in hopes of gaining experience for next season. If Michigan State was healthy at the QB spot, they would be a more reliable looking favorite here. Nevertheless look for MSU to get their starting quarterback back for this game. The Spartans don't have to worry much about getting burned through the air, as Indiana senior Matt LoVecchio has yet to display any particular improvement from last season. The Hoosiers were pretty fortunate to shock a sloppy Oregon squad, and last week's pummeling at Kentucky is more indicative of this team's true level. In this must win game look for the team with better talent and coaching to get the road win.
Forecast: Michigan St 28, Indiana 14
[color:red] PLAY 2* UNITS ON MICHIGAN STATE -2.5 [/color]
USC (3 - 0) at STANFORD (2 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 7:00 PM


351 USC -22
352 STANFORD
Analysis
Analysis Forthcoming Check back Later
AIR FORCE (2 - 1) at UTAH (3 - 0)
Week 4 Saturday, 9/25/2004 3:00 PM


331 AIR FORCE
332 UTAH -21
Analysis
Analysis Forthcoming Check back Later
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