Announcement

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 09:06 AM

Hot pitchers
-- CZambrano is 4-1, 2.20 in his last eight starts.
-- Vargas is 2-2, 2.43 in his last six starts. Sosa is 4-0, 1.83 in his last eight starts.
-- Willis is 2-1, 1.35 in his last three starts. Lowry is 2-2, 2.25 in his last five starts.
-- LHudson is 2-0, 4.24 in his last three starts. Brewers are 8-2 in last ten starts by Capuano.
-- Houston is 9-1 in Oswalt's last ten home games. Duke is 5-0, 1.36 in his last six starts.
-- Padres won last three Peavy starts (2-0, 1.50).
-- Weaver is 2-0, 1.93 in his last two starts. VZambrano is 1-0, 2.20 in last four road starts, but Met bullpen lost all three no-decisions.

-- DWells is 3-0, 2.97 in his last five starts; Boston won his last six home starts. Buehrle is 2-0, 1.42 in his last two trips to the mound.
-- Westbrook is 4-0, 3.38 in his last four starts.
-- A's are 14-0 in Haren's last fourteen starts. Twins won four of Santana's last five starts.
-- Seattle is 9-3 in Moyer's last dozen starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Marquis is 0-4, 8.10 in his last four starts; Cardinals are 1-9 in his last ten starts, after winning nine of first 13.
-- Wright is 1-4, 7.29 in his last six starts. Loaiza is 0-3, 4.33 in his last four starts.
-- Phillies lost Lieber's last six starts away from home.

-- Hendrickson has 10.80 RA in his last six starts.
-- Towers has 5.88 RA in his last seven starts. Orioles lost last five Cabrera starts (0-3, 6.65).
-- Leiter is 1-3, 5.79 in his last four starts. Young has an 8.84 RA in his last four starts.
-- Johnson has 6.75 RA in his last four starts. Lima is 0-2 9.31 in his last two starts.
-- Washburn is 1-3, 4.21 in his last four starts.

Totals
-- Over is 6-2 in last eight St Louis road games.
-- Under is 9-2-1 in last dozen Arizona road games.
-- Under is 6-1 in last seven Florida home games.
-- Under is 6-1-3 in last ten games at Miller Park.
-- Last four Houston home games went over total.
-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Colorado games.
-- Under is 8-2 in last ten Lieber starts.
-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Met road games.

-- Last six Fenway games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-3 in last nine Westbrook starts, 11-2 in last thirteen Hendrickson starts.
-- Last ten Texas games all went over the total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Cabrera starts.
-- Six of last nine Detroit road games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Oakland home games.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Washburn starts.

Hot teams
-- Cardinals are 16-7 in their last 23 road games.
-- Arizona is 5-3 in its last eight road games. Braves are 8-2 in their last ten home contests.
-- Marlins won six of their last eight home games.
-- Reds won their last eight road games.
-- Houston is 23-4 in its last 27 home games.
-- Colorado is 8-4 in its last dozen games.
-- Phillies won five of last seven road games. San Diego won seven of its last nine games.

-- Red Sox won their last eleven home games. White Sox are 19-6 in last twenty-five road games.
-- Indians won eleven of their last thirteen games.
-- Bronx is 12-5 in its last seventeen home games.
-- Orioles are 5-2 under Sammy Perlozzo. Toronto won seven of its last eleven games.
-- A's are 20-4 in their last twenty-four home games.

Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Giants lost four of last five road games.
-- Brewers lost six of their last eight home games.
-- Pirates are 6-14 in their last twenty road games.
-- Nationals lost ten of last thirteen road games.
-- Dodgers lost six of their last eight home games.

-- Devil Rays lost six of their last seven games.
-- Rangers lost their last five road games.
-- Royals lost their last thirteen games. Detroit lost seven of last eight road games.
-- Twins lost nine of last eleven road games.
-- Seattle is 9-12 in their last 21 home games. Angels lost seven of their last nine road games.

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 09:27 AM

-- Bears played in Canton Monday night, now visit the Gateway Arch to play Ram squad whose second-year backup QB Smoker is said to be progressing quite nicely, but Martz Madness covered one of last six in summer.
-- Under is 4-1 in last five Chicago summer games.
-- Chicago coach Smith is former Ram coordinator on defense; they beat Rams in OT last summer, 13-10.
-- Tampa Bay allowed 8 ppg in last six summer games, with last four all staying under, and Bucs winning five of the six games. Bucs have the awful Chris Simms backing up Greise, along with former Brown QB McCown.
-- Jeff Fisher's Titans 10-1-1 vs spread last 3 summers.
-- Seattle has this collection of humans backing up its QB Matt Hasselbeck: Seneca Wallace, David Greene, Gibran Hamden. They better keep #8 healthy. Four of last five Seahawk road summer games stayed under total.
-- Cincinnati hammered Patriots 31-3 last summer, as a 3-point home dog; with Patriots totally rebuilding staff, and with new LB's, they'll need summer games to work out some kinks with their new coordinators.
-- Even with that win, Cincy lost six of last eight summer tilts, with five of last seven staying under.
-- Patriots had won eight summer games in row before losing their last three games in '04. Doug Flutie is now a Patriot, so they'll get quality play if they use him.
-- Jet fans excited about their team, with Ty Law now in green; Herm's team won five of last six summer games, six of last seven in Swamp. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six summer contests. Fiedler competent backup for Jets.
-- Detroit can't win on road in games that don't count, as they've failed to cover last four summer road games, with all four of those games staying under total. Jeff Garcia is an excellent #2 QB for Mariucci.
-- Chiefs lost three of last four summer road games, with three of those four going over total. This is matchup of two teams who supposedly improved their defenses.
-- Vikings' backup QB is Brad Johnson, who won Super Bowl three years ago with Bucs. Vikes scored 21+ points in their last six summer games.

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 02:48 PM

Friday, 8/12/2005

TEXAS (56 - 58) at NY YANKEES (61 - 52) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS YOUNG (R) vs. AL LEITER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 8-17 (-10.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 146-130 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 66-50 (+25.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 11 to 11.5 since 1997.
TEXAS is 138-121 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 97-90 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 68-63 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 60-52 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 6-12 (-12.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
NY YANKEES are 54-46 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 37-36 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 42-36 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 24-22 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LEITER is 12-21 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-4 (+0.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

CHRIS YOUNG vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
YOUNG is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

AL LEITER vs. TEXAS since 1997
LEITER is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 2.033.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (59 - 55) at BALTIMORE (56 - 58) - 7:35 PM
JOSH TOWERS (R) vs. DANIEL CABRERA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 26-18 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 43-30 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 59-55 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 24-18 (+8.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 55-59 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 6-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
BALTIMORE is 69-71 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 49-50 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 41-50 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 36-41 (-9.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-36 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

JOSH TOWERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
TOWERS is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.398.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

DANIEL CABRERA vs. TORONTO since 1997
CABRERA is 0-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 8.76 and a WHIP of 1.946.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.0 units)

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DETROIT (53 - 61) at KANSAS CITY (38 - 76) - 8:10 PM
JASON JOHNSON (R) vs. JOSE LIMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 38-50 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
JOHNSON is 19-37 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 10-20 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 6-18 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 17-33 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 34-27 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 6-0 (+8.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 19-7 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 14-8 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 25-19 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 20-15 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIMA is 11-5 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 38-75 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 61-130 (-46.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 8-27 (-15.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-6 (+0.5 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

JASON JOHNSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.99 and a WHIP of 1.602.
His team's record is 6-3 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

JOSE LIMA vs. DETROIT since 1997
LIMA is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.522.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

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ANAHEIM (65 - 49) at SEATTLE (49 - 64) - 10:05 PM
JARROD WASHBURN (L) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MOYER is 14-8 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 32-16 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 10-1 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 22-3 (+18.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 32-11 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 14-8 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 21-5 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 8-0 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
ANAHEIM is 129-96 (+30.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
ANAHEIM is 62-43 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ANAHEIM is 51-31 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ANAHEIM is 27-15 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 32-18 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ANAHEIM is 66-49 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 31-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHBURN is 15-4 (+10.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 57-37 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 14-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 112-163 (-39.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 4-11 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 107-149 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 74-113 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-4 (+4.4 Units) against ANAHEIM this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WASHBURN is 8-8 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.448.
His team's record is 9-10 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.3 units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. ANAHEIM since 1997
MOYER is 14-10 when starting against ANAHEIM with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 14-14 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-13. (+0.7 units)

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MINNESOTA (58 - 56) at OAKLAND (66 - 48) - 10:05 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 24-31 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 58-55 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-29 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 48-19 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 61-41 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 21-11 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 43-24 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 40-25 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 19-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OAKLAND is 66-49 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 37-19 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HAREN is 13-3 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 17-2 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 29-5 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 29-8 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SANTANA is 2-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

DAN HAREN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HAREN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 02:48 PM

NFL Trends

Friday, August 12th

Detroit at NY Jets, 7:00 EST

Detroit - 0-4 ATS in road games
New York - 9-4 Over first two weeks of preseason

New England at Cincinnati, 7:30 EST

New England - 1-5 ATS vs. conference opponents
Cincinnati - 4-0 Under in home games

Chicago at St. Louis, 8:00 EST

Chicago - 2-6 ATS last two years
St. Louis - 12-6 Under in dome stadiums

Kansas City at Minnesota, 8:00 EST

Kansas City - 7-0 Under in dome stadiums
Minnesota - 10-5 ATS first two weeks of preseason

Tampa Bay at Tennessee, 8:00 EST

Tampa Bay - 11-3 Under first two weeks of preseason
Tennessee - 8-0 ATS over last 2 years

Seattle at New Orleans, 8:00 EST

Seattle - 5-1 Under with a line of +3 to -3
New Orleans - 6-13 ATS as a home favorite

Saturday, August 13th

Baltimore at Atlanta, 7:30 EST

Baltimore - 8-2 ATS on artificial turf
Atlanta - 8-2 ATS as home favorites of 3 or less

Miami at Jacksonville, 7:30 EST

Miami - 14-7 ATS as a road underdog
Jacksonville - 6-1 Under last 2 years

Buffalo at Indianapolis, 8:00 EST

Buffalo - 0-4 ATS vs. AFC South opponents
Indianapolis - 16-7 Under in home games

Denver at Houston, 8:00 EST

Denver - 19-4 ATS on Saturdays
Houston - 0-6 ATS vs. conference opponents

Washington at Carolina, 8:00 EST

Washington - 1-9 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Carolina - 10-1 ATS vs. conference opponents

NY Giants at Cleveland, 8:00 EST

NY Giants - 5-17 ATS as a favorite
Cleveland - 12-5 ATS at home

Oakland at San Francisco, 8:00 EST

Oakland - 0-6 ATS in August
San Francisco - 4-1 Under as an underdog

Dallas at Arizona, 10:00 EST

Dallas - 3-17 ATS first two weeks of preseason
Arizona - 5-1 ATS as an underdog

Monday, August 15th

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 8:00 EST ESPN

Philadelphia - 6-1 Over in August
Pittsburgh - 3-8 ATS first two weeks of preseason
**Denotes Time Change

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 02:49 PM

Wednesday, 8/10/2005

DETROIT (0 - 0) at NY JETS (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 7:00 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.

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NEW ENGLAND (0 - 0) at CINCINNATI (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (1 - 0) at ST LOUIS (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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KANSAS CITY (0 - 0) at MINNESOTA (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TAMPA BAY (0 - 0) at TENNESSEE (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SEATTLE (0 - 0) at NEW ORLEANS (0 - 0) - 8/12/2005, 8:00 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.

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BALTIMORE (0 - 0) at ATLANTA (1 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MIAMI (0 - 1) at JACKSONVILLE (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BUFFALO (0 - 0) at INDIANAPOLIS (0 - 1) - 8/13/2005, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (0 - 0) at HOUSTON (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 19-4 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.

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

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WASHINGTON (0 - 0) at CAROLINA (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1993.
CAROLINA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1993.
CAROLINA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in August games over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NY GIANTS (0 - 0) at CLEVELAND (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
NY GIANTS are 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in all games since 1993.
NY GIANTS are 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in all lined games since 1993.
NY GIANTS are 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) as a favorite since 1993.

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

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OAKLAND (0 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in August games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DALLAS (0 - 0) at ARIZONA (0 - 0) - 8/13/2005, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games since 1993.
DALLAS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.
DALLAS is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all lined games since 1993.
DALLAS is 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) as a favorite since 1993.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (0 - 0) at PITTSBURGH (0 - 0) - 8/15/2005, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 02:50 PM

NCAA Football Trends

2005 Pac 10 Preview

There are a lot of debates on the strength of the Pac 10 as to whether it is one of the best considering it has had the National Champion the last two seasons. I don’t consider this to be a very strong conference this season as USC is the only clear-cut team that has a chance to make it to a BCS game. The one thing the Pac 10 has going for it this season is parity. After the Trojans, there are six teams that have a shot at second place while the bottom three won’t be nearly as bad and will have more than the four combined wins from a year ago.

Southern Cal Trojans

Take This is the obvious choice for the Pac 10 champion and with good reason. The Trojans are the best team in the country coming into 2005 as they have so much talent on both sides of the ball once again. All of the offensive playmakers return and the defense will once again be strong despite losing a lot. The biggest question mark is how the offense will perform with a new offensive coordinator calling the plays.

Returning Starters on Offense – 8 This unit is loaded once again with Heisman hopefuls at quarterback and running back. The offensive line is one of the best in the country while the wideouts are the best in the conference and arguably the best in the country as the depth makes them tough to defend. Last season, the offense finished sixth in scoring and 12th in total offense and if those rankings don’t improve, it will be a surprise.

Returning Starters on Defense – 5 If there is one potential problem for the Trojans, this is it. There are plenty of athletes still but big time players from the defensive line and linebacker have moved on. USC is also thin at cornerback as there is only one experienced player back there. The Trojans were top 10 last season in both scoring and total defense and while they won’t plummet too much, they will definitely fall some.

Schedule The schedule isn’t terrible but it isn’t the best either. The Trojans have 12 games this season with four non-conference games that won’t be cakewalks. They play at Hawaii to open the season, never an easy place to go and then travel to Note Dame in October, which is very unusual it’s so early. Home games against Arkansas and Fresno St. cannot be overlooked. The game at Cal in November could decide the Pac 10 champion.

Keep an eye on… The middle of September through the middle of October, the Trojans play four of five games on the road and one of those games is going to be a struggle. Oregon, Arizona St. and Notre Dame are not easy places to go to and this is the team everyone is gunning for. USC finished 2-4 ATS as road favorites last season and I expect more of the same this year as they will be overvalued once again.

California Golden Bears

Take Cal once again came close to beating the Trojans for a second straight year losing on the final play two years in a row. Is this the year? Probably not, although the Bears get USC coming to Berkley on November 12th and that could decide the championship. Cal has to replace a lot of talent on both sides but Jeff Tedford has turned this program into a winning one and the Bears will believe once again.

Returning Starters on Offense – 6 Replacing Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Arrington and Geoff McArthur is going to be next to impossible but Tedford is an offensive genius and the Bears will be just fine. Part of the reason is an offensive line that is top five in the country with four returnees including All-American and All-Conference players. The production will go down but there is enough in place to be successful.

Returning Starters on Defense – 3 The secondary is the only part of the defense with more than one player coming back and that could be most important considering the open offenses they will face this season. Six of the seven players from the 4-3 defense need to be replaced but talent is coming in from JUCO ranks to help fill the voids. The Bears were eighth in the country in scoring defense last year, allowing just 16 ppg. The newbies will have to play big to match that output.

Schedule The good news is that the schedule is very soft especially early on and that is going to help the offense and defense with plenty of time to find comfort levels. The three non-conference games are a joke and while there is one conference game within that mix, it’s only a trip to Washington. The Bears should be 5-0 heading to UCLA and possibly 8-0 heading to Oregon. But there will be a slip somewhere.

Keep an eye on… The game against USC is circled on the schedule but Cal cannot be looking ahead too early or the game will mean nothing. The Bears have covered in six of the last seven, eight of the last 10 and 11 of the last 15 meetings. USC is just 6-12 ATS since 1999 as a single digit favorite within the conference so another last drive finish for the third straight year wouldn’t be surprising.

UCLA Bruins

Take The Bruins are heading in the right direction and a slipup by Cal could mean a ticket to play USC in the season finale for the conference championship. UCLA finished 6-6 after a disappointing loss to Wyoming in the Las Vegas Bowl but there is plenty to build on as four of the Bruins losses were by six points or less. Eight wins is a must this season, something that hasn’t happened in six years.

Returning Starters on Offense – 7 The success of the offense will be determined how quickly quarterback Drew Olsen recovers from off-season knee surgery. If he can’t go early on, the Bruins will struggle, as there isn’t much experience behind him. The running game will carry the load and it will be behind a very experienced offensive line where all five starters have starting experience. The Bruins have one of the best tight ends in the country in Marcedes Lewis.

Returning Starters on Defense – 8 The Bruins will be more experienced this season especially on the defensive line and things should improve. The unit was last in the conference in run defense and total defense and finished 105th and 106th respectively in the nation. While the run defense will get better, UCLA can’t afford a falloff in the secondary where they are young and lack depth.

Schedule A home date with Oklahoma highlights the non-conference slate and with the Sooners looking vulnerable this year, anything is possible. Three of the upper echelon teams visit Los Angeles while the first three conference road games aren’t extremely tough. The big one is at USC on December 5th and UCLA will have three weeks to prepare for that showdown.

Keep an eye on… UCLA is only 7-18 ATS in its last 25 games as a conference favorite and the Bruins will be in that position quite a few times this season. That includes a 2-10 ATS record as a road favorite and they will be the chalk at Stanford and Arizona later in the season so those games could be closer than what we might expect.

Arizona St. Sun Devils

Take Turmoil hit the Sun Devils over the spring when leading tailback Loren Wade was arrested for murder and that is going to shadow this team all season. The pieces are in place for a possible top 25 season but the focus that this team has is going to determine their success. If they simply play football, a run at the top spot is possible although unlikely.

Returning Starters on Offense – 8 The offensive backfield is where the biggest holes are with Wade and All-Pac 10 quarterback Andrew Walter needing to be replaced. Sam Keller led the team to a Sun Bowl win last season and he looked good in the spring. He has the second best group of receivers and third best offensive line in the conference so the transition should be smooth. Finding a running game might not.

Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The front four is the weakest part of the defense as a pass rush is going to be vital this season. The unit ranked 48th in both scoring and total defense last season so there is that to build from. The linebackers and defensive backs are both experienced and deep and ranked among the top in the conference so if they can get a push up front, this could be one of the best defenses in the Pac 10.

Schedule A trip to LSU makes for a difficult schedule but the other two non-conference games are at home before the conference slate begins. It starts tough with a trip to Corvallis before hosting USC and Oregon back-to-back but the final five games make a relatively easy finish. Three of those five games are on the road but none are suicide and the Sun Devils miss Cal this season.

Keep an eye on… The Sun Devils thrive at home when getting points as they are 9-2 ATS since 1995 as home dogs. This includes an 8-1 ATS mark when getting single digits. The Pac 10 home opener is against the Trojans so USC had better be ready. Arizona St. will no doubt be getting points but the question is how many and if USC is going to stumble early, this could be the place.

Oregon Ducks

Take The Ducks have underachieved each of the past three seasons as this is a team that has had some incredible talent but hasn’t done much with it. They bottomed out last year with their first losing season in 10 years after dropping their final three games including an embarrassing loss to rival Oregon St. There is plenty of talent to turn things around but there are also a lot of missing pieces.

Returning Starters on Offense – 7 The offense slipped last season even with playmakers everywhere and even though those guys return, the problems could continue. The offensive line lost three starters and four seniors and with six of the 10 players in the two-deep chart being freshmen and sophomores, there will be struggles. They will have to mature in a hurry, as the season starts tough.

Returning Starters on Defense – 6 This is not an aggressive styled defense and with linebacker position being very thin and the worst in the conference, that probably won’t change. The secondary will have help with a rover and it is an experienced group that needs to make plays. The defensive line is one of the best around and will anchor the team early on but the rest of the unit will need to respond to be successful.

Schedule The schedule isn’t extremely difficult but it is fairly top heavy. The Ducks start out at improved Houston and following a scrimmage against Montana, Fresno St. and USC come to Autzen Stadium the next two Saturdays. The three big games in the conference against the Trojans, Bears and Beavers are all at home which is very big because of the strong home field edge.

Keep an eye on… The Ducks were lambasted at Oregon St. last season by 29 points so you know the Civil War will have a little extra motivation for Oregon. Three years ago, they lost to the Beavers in Corvallis by 21 points and came home the following season and won by 14 points. Oregon has won the last five meetings at Autzen and has also won nine of the last 11 there.

Washington St. Cougars

Take The Cougars slipped last season with their first non 10 win season in four years. Injuries and inexperience did them in last year resulting in the first losing season in five years. Four of their five wins were by four points or less so the 5-6 record could have been much worse. There is optimism going into 2005 as a lot of returning starters are back but it will be tough getting over the hump.

Returning Starters on Offense – 9 Even though most of the starters are back, there are plenty of questions heading into the fall. The quarterbacks both started half the games last season but both are relatively inexperienced. The running game is non-existent after Jerome Harrison and the offensive line is small and inexperienced. The receivers are some of the best in the Pac 10 but getting them the ball is the issue.

Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense allowed 25 or more points in each of its last five games including 38 or more three times so that is going to have to improve dramatically. The pass defense was horrid and there looks to be no end in sight with little experience and depth roaming the secondary. The linebackers are the strength of the unit but they will be getting overworked if the front four can’t get into the offensive backfield as there in not much depth up there.

Schedule The non-conference portion of the schedule is very easy and could help bring along some of the new personnel. After the first five games, the next five games are daunting with UCLA, Cal, USC, Arizona St. and Oregon on the slate in consecutive weeks. It’s possible that a win at Washington in the Apple Bowl could be the difference between a bowl berth or another postseason at home.

Keep an eye on… The Cougars are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games as a home Pac 10 favorite including a 0-3 ATS mark last year. The straight up success of 2001-2003 could still be haunting Washington St. backers with too many points to be lying. The Cougars will be favored against Stanford and possibly UCLA so the trend could continue in 2005.

Oregon St. Beavers

Take The Beavers are the last of the second tier bunch that could finish higher or be as low as seventh. The one positive heading into this season is that Oregon St. won six of its final seven games including a confidence-building win over Notre Dame in the Insight Bowl. However, a lot of what got them there is no longer around and this team is lacking playmakers after having a ton last year on both sides of the ball.

Returning Starters on Offense – 7 Inexperience at quarterback is a cause for concern after three-year starter Derek Anderson’s graduation. However, an even bigger concern is the running game where there is no experience coming back to the unit that ranked dead last in the country in rushing last season and averaged a mere 2.2 ypc. The line is very young and don’t expect SE Mike Hass to have another season like last year.

Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense finished in the top 20 in total defense last season but the Beavers were susceptible to the big play as they were only 48th in scoring defense. The linebackers are some of the best in the conference but the front line and secondary needs to rebuild after losing a lot. The potential is there but they will have to mature in a hurry.

Schedule Louisville and Boise St. are part of the non-conference schedule that is usually a killer every season. The good news is that four of the first five games are at home including their first two conference games. USC is not on the schedule which is an added bonus as is facing the bottom three teams in the Pac 10 three weeks straight before traveling to Oregon.

Keep an eye on… Reser Stadium is always kind to the Beavers and since 1998, the Beavers are 13-2-1 ATS when laying single digits at home. All of their conference home games could fit into that parameter this year depending on how the early part of the season plays out. Oregon St. is 31-6 SU at home since the end of 1998, covering 23 of the 32 lined games.

Arizona Wildcats

Take The bottom tier of the conference starts with a much improved Arizona team that was left for dead following a 4-24 losing run. The Wildcats ended last year with wins in two of their final three games and those are some incredible confidence victories heading into this year. In the early part of last season, they played Utah tough for a half and then lost the next two games by three points combined so this is a team going in the right direction.

Returning Starters on Offense – 7 The offense was horrible last season as the Wildcats finished next to last in scoring and 112th in total offense. Arizona had its two best offensive games in two of the last three contests so there is hope for this year. The running game is solid and with a the passing game coming around, teams will be forced to not stack the line like they did last year. It’s a work in progress and will take take.

Returning Starters on Defense – 7 The defense played good at times and horrible at times in 2004 so more consistency is the number one key for this year. The unit still made a vast improvement from the prior year and another jump is expected this season. The secondary is one of the best in the conference but for the Wildcats to be successful, they will need to get more pressure on the quarterbacks. The linebackers are also a concern.

Schedule The schedule is a huge problem early on and that could knock the confidence of this team down early. Four of the Wildcats first five games are against top 30 teams with three of those on the road including back-to-back games at Cal and USC. Once the dust settles, four of their final six games are at home and if the mental focus is still there, a good second half is quite possible.

Keep an eye on… Arizona is a cash burning 12-31 ATS since 1994 at home against the Pac 10. Following their brutal stretch to open the season, the Wildcats host Stanford and while stepping down in class will be a positive, coming off those games might take more than one game to recover. This game is going to be a challenge no matter what the spread may be.

Stanford Cardinal

Take Walt Harris comes in to turn around a once powerful program. The Cardinal were 9-2 just three short years ago and while Stanford had flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball last year, there was no consistency and that is something Harris needs to work on with his new team. This team is a year away from becoming a real player in the conference and in the country.

Returning Starters on Offense – 9 Stanford will incorporate the west coast offense and with a ton of talent returning, scoring points will not be a problem. Only the fullback and tight end need to be replaced but a positive attitude must come first before anything. Stanford was 92nd in total offense and 85th in scoring offense so anything will be an improvement but it should be a significant one.

Returning Starters on Defense – 5 The defense will be more of a challenge as three-fourths of the secondary needs to be replaced but that might not be all that bad. The passing defense was 96th in the country last season so a new look could be a good thing. The defensive line is solid with three seniors but overall, the defense is tabbed as one of the worst in the conference and it will be up to the offense to outscore the opposition.

Schedule The slate isn’t overwhelming but the downfall is that the Cardinal don’t play Washington, the only team behind them. Navy and UC Davis provide a good tune-up for conference action that starts easy and finishes tough. The last four games are brutal with trips to USC and Oregon St. followed by home games against Cal and Notre Dame.

Keep an eye on… Stanford is 17-9 ATS as a single digit home underdog since 1991, winning 14 of those games outright. All five of their lined home games will likely have them as the underdog so the possibility of covering more than half of those is a good possibility. The offense will be able to score and even if the game is over, the backdoor should still always be open.

Washington Huskies

Take Washington went from 10-1 in 2000 to 1-10 in 2004 with a decrease in victories every year and that signaled it was time for a change. Ty Willingham brings in a winning attitude and his success at Stanford before going to Notre Dame should eventually find its way here. It isn’t going to happen overnight but an experienced team should up the win total and provide a solid base for the future.

Returning Starters on Offense – 8 The offense finished last in the country in scoring last season and 103rd in total offense so there is no where to go but up. There is plenty of experience on the offensive line with all five starters having started at least five games in their careers. That will help the running game, which will be fairly deep this year. The only question is who will be handing the ball off and throwing to a young group of receivers as the quarterback position is still up for grabs.

Returning Starters on Defense – 9 The defense had only one good game last season and that was against an even worse San Jose St. team. Things are looking up as nine players come back and there is a lot of potential for the front seven to become one of the best in the Pac 10. The problem lies in the secondary as the cornerback position is very thin and the Huskies will have their hands full in the pass happy conference.

Schedule The schedule couldn’t be better as the Huskies have only four true road games and they don’t leave Seattle until the beginning of October. The bad part is that Cal and Notre Dame are part of that early slate and it’s possible Washington could start the season 2-2 heading into the meat of the conference schedule. They get USC at home along with rival Washington St.

Keep an eye on… The game at UCLA on October 1st will be the Huskies first road game of the season and it just so happens to follow a showdown against Willingham’s former team Notre Dame. Washington is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as a double-digit road dog and on top of that, the Huskies are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games on grass including losses in the last eight contests. This one could be ugly.

College Football Inside Look: 2005 Big East Preview
The Big East Conference was righteously maligned for most of the 2004 season as no team in the league distanced itself enough to be considered worthy of the conference’s automatic BCS Bowl spot. Pittsburgh eventually claimed the reward by virtue of a four-team tiebreaker, but was then blasted by Utah in the Fiesta Bowl. West Virginia was generally regarded as the league’s best team, but the Mountaineers were upset in their final two regular season games to fall out of the championship picture. Of the other five teams, Syracuse and Boston College also managed to split the Big East title at 4-2. Obviously, with the prior year’s departure of perennial powers Miami and Virginia Tech, there were telltale signs that this conference could be in for a tough season. For 2005, the league takes another hit as realignment continues with Boston College leaving for the ACC. On a good note, despite being the country’s smallest conference, it still placed a respectable five teams in bowl games. Of those, Connecticut and BC were the only teams to record wins.

Over the course of the last two years, realignment has left the Big East conference as barely recognizable. Most of the traditional powers are gone, with just Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia having any history in this league to boast of. That’s not to say that the league is at its lowest point though, as the addition of Louisville, combined with the loss of Temple, probably cemented that honor for 2004. The Cardinals, who scored nearly 50 PPG last season, are expected to be major factor immediately, as many publications, including the ******* Edge, actually pick them as the favorites. Fellow newcomers South Florida and Cincinnati might also enjoy some success, but probably not nearly as much, nor as early, as Louisville. Among the other expected contenders this year are Pittsburgh, which begins its first season under Dave Wannstedt, and Syracuse, who also turns to a former pro coach, Greg Robinson. Whomever it turns out to be representing the finally stabilized Big East in the BCS, conference officials can rest easier, knowing the worst is probably behind them.

Louisville
Play On: @Cincinnati 10/22
Both Louisville and Cincinnati join the Big East after departing C-USA. With the Cardinals probably being a high single digit road favorite, we’ll side with the fact that the favorite is 7-1 ATS in this series.

Play Against: Pittsburgh 11/3
This Thursday match-up could pose problems for Louisville. The physical style that Pittsburgh likes to employ could cause the Redbirds trouble. Louisville should be a touchdown or more favorite, in what could be a game for the Big East crown. Expect a tight ballgame with a winner being determined late.

Pittsburgh
Play On: @West Virginia 11/24
In the “Backyard Brawl” the visitor is 12-5 70.5%. Panthers made need this one to wrap up BCS bid for 2nd straight year.

Play Against: @Ohio U. 9/17
Difficult “sandwich” situation for Pittsburgh. Playing Notre Dame in the opener and having a roadie at Nebraska after this game, a good sized double digit favorite may not have on its game face in Athens, Ohio.

Rutgers
Play On: West Virginia 10/6
Scarlet Knights grabbed the cash as two touchdown HD last year in losing 35-30. Rutgers is improved and the Mountaineers will be very young. The home team has covered 11 of 14 times in this Big East contest.

Play Against: @Syracuse 10/15
Rutgers Knights turn into jackals when facing those dreaded orange jerseys. Rutgers is
2-16 SU and 4-14 ATS vs. the Orangemen.

West Virginia
Play On: East Carolina 9/24
After an always difficult contest with Maryland, the Mountaineers can gear up for an easy winner against ECU in Morgantown. West Virginia can take comfort in the fact that they are 10-0 vs. the Pirates at home and covering 71.4% of the time.

Play Against: @Maryland 9/17
Every team has a nemesis and this is the one that confounds West Virginia. The Mountaineers escaped in overtime last year 19-16, yet did not cover as 6-point favorites.
With UWV 0-5 ATS against the Terrapins, we’ll go against the Mountaineers one more time.

Syracuse
Play On: West Virginia 9/3
The Orangemen return 16 starters and will have a great deal of excitement building around new Coach Robinson. UWV is young and will be seeking an identity. With Syracuse a probable 4-5 point home favorite, take solace in the knowledge that the favorite is 13-3-1 with these long time rivals.

Play Against: @Florida State 10/1
As venerable announcer Keith Jackson would say “Whoa Nelly!” Tallahassee is not the place to make your road debut as a college coach. Syracuse is 9-21 ATS as an away dog.

Connecticut
Play On: @West Virginia 11/2
The Huskies are hungry for more TV exposure and this weekday tilt will satisfy that desire. UConn is 9-2 ATS as double digits dogs and 10-2-1 against the number in November.

Play Against: @Georgia Tech 9/17
Games with Buffalo and Liberty will not prepare UConn for Georgia Tech. A new QB for the Huskies will face a major road test, as they lost here 30-10 last year with outstanding quarterback Dan Orlovsky.

South Florida
Play On: Cincinnati 11/19
South Florida has a great advantage playing in the heat of November against a northern tier team. With the Bulls hurry-up offense, this should be too much for the Bearcats to keep up with in Tampa.

Play Against: @Pittsburgh 10/15
After playing both Louisville and Miami., the physical nature of Pittsburgh will take its toll on these worn-out Bulls.

Cincinnati
Play On: Connecticut: 11/15
With only six returning starters back for the Bearcats, slim pickings to post on the left side of the ledger. This becomes a must win contest for Cincy as single digit favs.

Play Against: @Miami-Ohio 9/28
Last year’s Bearcat blow-out was a rare occurrence for these in-state rivals. The loaded Redhawks will be ready to swoop in and seek revenge for last year’s 19-point pasting.

College Football Inside Look: 2005 WAC Preview
A new era in WAC history begins this year as realignment has left the conference with nine teams, three of which transfer over from the Sun Belt. The league says goodbye to UTEP, Tulsa, SMU, and Rice and welcomes in Utah State, New Mexico State, and Idaho. According to the Power Ratings, the WAC takes a hit in composite strength, but should benefit with some new and more regionalized rivalries. The conference will be trying to continue a stretch since 2001 that has seen it compile the best bowl game winning percentage of any other league. Including three straight wins by Fresno State, the WAC is 7-4 in bowl games, good for 63.6%, during that time frame.

The WAC remains an extremely top heavy league for 2005 as Boise State, Fresno State, and to a lesser degree, Hawaii, stand as favorites to win the league title. Boise State is the defending champion and will enter the season on a tremendous 26 game conference win streak. As of now, the only impending date on the schedule that figures to be a threat to that streak is the contest at Fresno State, scheduled for November. Other than that showdown, it should be smooth sailing for the two teams at the top. Elsewhere, Hawaii is a tier below and begins the first year in the post-Timmy Chang era, while Louisiana tech and Nevada will look to take advantage of a weak league and earn bowl bids for the first time in many years. In San Jose, Dick Tomey’s arrival has Spartans fans optimistic for a UTEP-like turnaround of a year ago, while Utah State, Idaho, and New Mexico State likely have no aspirations other than getting acclimated to their new surroundings in 2005.

Fresno State
Play On: @Oregon 9/17
With 16 returning starters, Coach Pat Hill’s teams usually starts fast out of the gate. The Bulldogs are 8-1 ATS against Pac-10 teams. With Oregon playing USC at home the following week, a wandering eye to the future gives Fresno State a chance to pull an upset.

Play Against: @Hawaii 10/29
The long sojourn to the islands is a difficult trip for Fresno State. The visitor is 2-11 SU and 3-10 ATS in this heated rivalry.

Boise State
Play On: Nevada 10/29
The Broncos are 5-0 SU and ATS against Nevada over the last five years, with the average score being 51-11. Boise State is the play.

Play Against: @Oregon State 9/10
Last year Boise State broke through and defeated the Beavers 53-34 in a game that was not that close. Anticipate Oregon State to be prepared this time around. The Broncos are 2-8 ATS vs. the Pac-10.

Hawaii
Play On: Fresno State 10/29
The Warriors are 7-3 ATS over the last decade against Fresno State. The Bulldogs 70 points last year were the most scored against Hawaii since 1848. These opposing coaches have little use for one another, should be a WACked –out contest.

Play Against: @Michigan State 9/10
This will be the second most difficult non-conference road game for Hawaii over the last 10 years.(USC 2003 is first) The Warriors first trip into the mainland is unkind with a 1-9 SU mark and a 3-7 ATS record. Hawaii upset Spartans 41-38 as six point home dogs last December.

Louisiana Tech
Play On: Boise State 11/26
The Bulldogs will probably be 17+ points’ home dogs for this WAC contest. With the home team delivering a 5-1 ATS record in this series, Co. Bicknell’s boys worth a solid look at Ruston, this late in the season.

Play Against: @Florida 9/10
The swamp is never a good place to visit, particularly when filled with hungry Gators. This is especially tough when the trip is to Gainesville and you are 6-16 ATS in your last 23 road games.

New Mexico State
Play On: UTEP 9/3
After being slammed 45-0 in 2004 by UTEP, a significant home underdog spot is forecasted. New passing offense under Coach Hal Mumme keeps Aggies within the number.

Play Against: @Boise State 11/5
Smurf Turf and speedy Broncos too much for WAC’s newest member New Mexico State. Aggies are 6-12 ATS in November coming from weak Sun Belt Conference.

Nevada
Play On: UNLV 9/17
In-state rival spanked Wolf Pack last year 48-13. Rebels have new coach and return only 8 starters from last year’s mediocre team. Coach Ault has Nevada on the prowl, with the duo of QB Jeff Rowe to WR Nichiren Flowers ready to deliver knock out punch.

Play Against: Fresno State 11/26
This has not a good match-up for Nevada, who has surrendered 48 PPG over the last six years to Fresno State. Nevada is 2-6 SU and ATS in home finales.

San Jose State
Play On: New Mexico State 11/19
New Coach Dick Tomey should have put his stamp on San Jose by this point of the season. Despite small crowds, the Spartans are 7-2 ATS in November home games.

Play Against: @Boise State 10/15
Last year San Jose missed a 38-yard field goal to beat Boise State at home. No such results this season, as the Broncos stampede the Spartans at home.

Idaho
Play On: Utah State 10/1
This will in all probability be the only game that Idaho will be favored in 2005. Vandals take what should have been a win last year, in convincing fashion at home this time around.

Play Against: @Washington State 9/1
The Vandals return 16 starters but will be no match for the Cougars. Washington State has 9 offensive players back including QB Swogger, this allows them to name the final score in this Northwest contest.

Utah State
Play On: @New Mexico State 11/26
The underdog is a 100%, 6-0 against the number in this battle of former Sun Belt Conference members. Utah State is 11-3 ATS since 1990 vs. the team with the same nickname as they have.

College Football Inside Look: 2005 Big 12 Preview
Last season was another huge campaign for the Big 12 and its football programs as the conference placed seven teams in bowl games, including the BCS title contest. That accomplishment marked the 4th time in the last five years that a Big 12 school played for the national title. Four of the seven Big 12 schools won their postseason contests, the most notable being the thrilling come from behind win by Texas in the Rose Bowl. There was also success on the non-conference landscape as the Big 12 logged an impressive 28-8 mark in non-league tilts. Oklahoma won the conference championship for the second straight season, by routing Colorado of the North Division in the title game. Speaking of the North Division, the race for that top spot proved to be one of the most captivating of any Div 1-A league as all six teams finished within two games of one another.

**Spark** · 08-12-2005, 02:51 PM

For 2005, the conference loses a load of NFL type talent but will remain strong. Oklahoma and Texas figure to be the teams to beat again, and the Longhorns may finally hold the edge over the Sooners, boasting the league’s most explosive player in QB Vince Young, who ranks just ahead of OU’s RB Adrian Peterson. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State also come back loaded but are cursed by having to compete with the two front runners in the South Division year in and year out. In the North, the race should be wide open again as no team has clearly distance itself from the others since last season. On the coaching front, Oklahoma State was the only school to make a change, as Les Miles’ departure left a void that was eventually filled by Mike Gundy. Realignment has thankfully kept its hands off of this conference, meaning the Big 12 should be as strong as ever in 2005. In fact, instant replay will be the only recognizable change. Don’t be surprised to see either Texas or Oklahoma competing for the national title in the Rose Bowl on January 4th, 2006. As usual, the big game to circle on the calendar involves those two powers in the “Red River Shootout”, this year scheduled for October 8th.

Texas
Play On: Baylor 11/12
Texas is 19-2 SU and 15-5-1 ATS against the Bears. The Longhorns have outscored Baylor by an average of 47-8 since 1998.

Play Against: Colorado 10/15
Texas might well be off possible win against Oklahoma for the first time six years, which places them in unfamiliar territory as a team. Colorado is a strong road dog under Coach Barnett, who is 14-7 ATS in that scenario with the Buffaloes.

Oklahoma
Play On: Texas A&M 11/12
This strictly has been a home cookin’ series. The home squad is 11-1 ATS in the last dozen years.

Play Against: Texas 10/8
For the first time in six years Texas actually has better talent then Oklahoma. Longhorns break through and beat the Sooners in the “Red River Shootout”.

Texas A&M
Play On: Baylor 10/1
Last year’s overtime loss at Waco 35-34, will serve as a reminder in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

Play Against: @Clemson 9/3
Clemson was held to 192 total yards, was sacked 5 times and were -4 in turnover margin. Texas A&M has a return engagement to find out why they call the it “Death Valley” at Clemson. Aggies 2-12 ATS in road openers.

Texas Tech
Play On: Kansas State 10-15
Red Raiders are 4-1-1 ATS against talent depleted Wildcats. Texas Tech is 16-7-1 ATS as a home favorite under Coach Leach and an incredible 20-3 against the number as a HF of 3 or more vs. a team with a .375 winning percentage or better at Lubbock.

Play Against: Kansas 10/1
This will be the first reasonable opponent for the Red Raiders after playing two D-1 AA teams. Texas Tech will likely be a 17-20 favorite, which could be too much in their Big 12 lid-lifter.

Oklahoma State
Play On: Texas Tech 11/12
The “chalk” in this series is 6-1 ATS. The Cowboys usually send the home folks happy with a 9-3-1 ATS mark in the final home game at Stillwater.

Play Against: @ Iowa State 10/22
With this being the second of a four week stretch that has @ Texas A&M, Texas and
@ Oklahoma, the Cowboys very easily could overlook the Cyclones. Iowa State returns seven starters on each side of the ball and will have a big homecoming crowd in their favor.

Baylor
Play On: @SMU 9/3
Baylor should be a single digit away favorite for the first time since 1998. These Bears need to take wins where they can find them, Baylor wins handily.

Play Against: @Texas A&M 10/1
The unfathomable upset of the Aggies as 25 point home dogs sets up a bad situation for Baylor who lost in College Station, 73-10, two years ago.

Colorado
Play On: @ Kansas State 10/29
With November just around the corner, this is the Buffs time of year. With K-State down in talent this year, expect Co. Barnett’s boys to go to 8-3 ATS at Manhattan.

Play Against: Colorado State 9/3
The Buffaloes act like this in-state rivalry is a bother most years. Consider that Colorado will be a double-digit favorite and you will find the Buffs winning the game just not covering the number. The favorite is 1-8 ATS in this series.

Nebraska
Play On: Texas Tech 10/8
After suffering the worst loss in school history to Texas Tech 70-10 last season, this will be the Cornhuskers 5th straight home game and the most important.

Play Against: @Baylor 10/15
After starting the season with five consecutive home games, playing your first road game in mid-October can be disconcerting even in Waco. Off what will likely be a high scoring affair against the Red Raiders, keep in mind the Nebraska is 4-21-1 ATS after they allow 27 or more points.

Iowa State
Play On: Baylor 10/8
Iowa State has had plenty of problems with Nebraska, whom they play the week before, yet should have no problems being ready to take out Baylor. The Cyclones have won four straight with the favored team posting a 4-2 ATS mark.

Play Against: @Nebraska 10/1
The Huskers always give Iowa State fits. The Cyclones have lost by an average of 29 points in Lincoln and Nebraska will hold nothing back after losing as a road favorite
34-27 in Ames last season.

Kansas State
Play On: Kansas 10/8
Wildcats off 1st non-winning season in over a decade, lost at Kansas last year after defeating them by an average of 40 PPG over the last 10 years. Hello Dorothy, your not in Lawrence anymore.

Play Against: Colorado 10/29
Colorado brings out the worst in Co. Snyder squads. Posting a 3-7 ATS record against the Buffaloes, keep in mind that K-State is 1-6 ATS as a favorite of less the 5-points.

Kansas
Play On: Iowa State 11/19
The home team is a delectable 11-2-1 against the spread in this Big 12 series.

Play Against: @ Kansas State 10/8
Ending long streaks come with a price, after Kansas ended a 1-10 SU and ATS record last year against K-State as 3-point home dogs. Wildcats Coach Snyder is a very unforgiving man.

Missouri
Play On: @ Oklahoma State 10/8
Off a probable Texas loss, Missouri heads to Stillwater, where the favorite is only 2-7 ATS. Tigers take comfort in knowing they are 6-2 SU and ATS vs. the Cowboys.

Play Against: @ Kansas State 11/19
The Tigers have nothing in the tank when facing K-State. Losers of 12 straight to the Wildcats, Missouri is a paltry 3-7 ATS in the last ten games against Coach Snyder.

ACC Preview
The addition of Boston College to the ACC in 2005 only enhances its position as the strongest and deepest conference in college football. This type of depth can serve as a detriment though for its elite teams hoping to compete for the BCS title. Such was the case in 2004, when Virginia Tech won the league with a 7-1 mark. The task of emerging from the league schedule unscathed is highly difficult considering the strength of schedule within, making it tough to stay atop of the BCS standings with unbeaten teams from weaker conferences like the Pac 10 and Big East. Now granted, Tech dropped an earlier non-conference clash to USC, but essentially it was the NC State loss that ended its national championship hopes. The problem becomes even greater in 2005, as the now 12-team league qualifies to host a conference championship game, thus adding yet another difficult game on the schedule. On the flip side of the argument, any team that CAN distance itself and run the table in this conference gains a near automatic berth in the BCS title game in any given year.

Preseason indicators offer no evidence that any particular team is ready to trump the rest of the ACC in 2005. Each team faces its own concerns, with Florida State having recent QB problems, the Hokies losing team MVP and conference player of the year Bryan Randall, and Miami having to reload from massive departures to the NFL once again. Elsewhere, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, and Virginia all appear to be teams on that second tier this upcoming season. However, just a bit of luck can help land this group in the same territory Tech found itself in 2004. On the coaching front, the ACC is the only league to maintain full stability, as each school’s respective coach is back. The biggest change to affect the conference in 2005 will be the addition of Boston College, and the splitting into two divisions, the Atlantic, and Coastal. Look for Florida State and Miami to represent their respective divisions in the inaugural ACC title game in Jacksonville on December 3rd.

Here is a look at a potential “Play On” and “Play Against” spot for each ACC team in 2005.

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston College
Play On: Wake Forest 11/15
This was a non-conference game last year for the Eagles. They came in undefeated and lost 17-14 at Winston-Salem. With 12 days to prepare for Virginia Tech, expect the Eagles to be flying high.

Play Against: @Clemson 9/24
BC will be off home game with Florida State and likely catching a group of angry Tigers off a loss at Miami-Fl. This Tigers den is too much for the Eagles who lose by double digits.

Clemson
Play On: Florida State 11/22
Clemson will be seeking redemption off last year’s 41-22 pasting. The home team is 8-1-1 ATS in this series. Underdog Tigers pounce on Florida State again.

Play Against: @Wake Forest 10/01
The Tigers seldom post good results at Wake Forest with a 3-10-2 ATS record. With Clemson just having a bye up next, focus could be problem. Tigers win, barely.

Florida State
Play On: Syracuse 10/1
Tallahassee is not the spot a new coach wants to play his first road game. Sorry Coach Greg Robinson, you’re not in Kansas City anymore.

Play Against: @Florida 11/26
The home team is 12-5 ATS in this heated Sunshine State rivalry. Gators on the prowl in Gainesville to take out the Seminoles.

Maryland
Play On: @ NC State 11/26
This game is moved to the end of the year for both teams. The visitor is 7-2-1 ATS this ACC match-up. Terps in another tight game between these conference rivals.

Play Against: @Florida State 10/29
Off big Thursday home contest with the Hokies, a trip to revenge minded Florida State will not be a fun trip for Coach Friedgen and Maryland. Terps are 6-13-2 ATS double digit road dogs.

NC State
Play On: @Georgia Tech 10/06
Coach Chuck Amato is a perfect 11-0 ATS as an away dog. With an improved offense and the usual strong defense, upset a possibility for the Wolfpack.

Play Against: Southern Mississippi 10/29
With homecoming this weekend and a big date at Florida State next, will the Wolfpack save there A-game for the following week? We believe that answer is yes.

Wake Forest
Play On: NC State 10/22
With Wake Forest a likely home underdog, keep in mind they are 6-2 ATS against the boys from Raleigh. The home team has covered 7 of 9 of these meetings.

Play Against: Georgia Tech 11/05
Weak teams wear down as the season progresses. This will be the Demon Deacons 10th straight contest. Wake is 1-10 ATS in recent November outings.

COASTAL DIVISION
Duke
Play On: @North Carolina 11/19
With the Dukies off a probable loss at Clemson, a big effort would not be a surprise at Chapel Hill. The dog in this Victory Bell series is 16-7 ATS.

Play Against: @Clemson 11/05
The visitor has had no luck whatsoever in this series of late, The home team is 7-0 ATS. Do not expect anything to change with this one.

Georgia Tech
Play On: Wake Forest 11/05
The home team in the ACC series has covered 77.7% of the tune over the last nine years.

Play Against: Clemson 10/29
This intriguing game has seen the underdog cover an amazing 15 of 16 times. With the Techsters a probable small favorite, a Clemson upset would not be a shocker.

Miami
Play On: North Carolina 10/29
The Hurricanes were upset as -22 point favorites at Chapel Hill last season. Revenge is wicked and Miami is 12-0 SU and 9-2-1 ATS the week before playing Virginia Tech.

Play Against: Wake Forest 11/17
Off nearly two weeks after Virginia Tech game, a Thursday night trip to Winston-Salem will not energize these ‘Canes. Miami is 2-6 ATS playing on Thursday nights.

North Carolina
Play On: Virginia 10/22
Off a bye and a 56-24 wipe-out last year, UNC catches the Wahoos off a home game with Florida State and should be a live home dog.

Play Against: Duke 11/19
This will be the Tar Heels third straight home game. This tobacco road game always means more to Duke in football. UNC is 3-9 ATS in there final home game.

Virginia
Play On: Georgia Tech 11/12
The Rambling Wreck visit Charlottesville in a series that has seen the home team grab the winning ticket 6 of 7 times.

Play Against: @North Carolina 10/22
Cavaliers have monster home game with Florida State the week prior, focus an issue for Virginia. The visitor is 4-15 ATS when these team hook-up.

Virginia Tech
Play On: Ohio U. 9/17
The Hokies always play well in September and this home contest will add to that record. VT is 31-10 ATS in non-conference games over the last decade.

Play Against: @Virginia 11/19
Virginia Tech is 4-11 ATS in November road contests. For years this used to be the last game of the year for these in-state rivals. Not anymore, the Hokies could get ambushed at Virginia this season.

2005 Sun Belt Preview

The 2004 football season was a landmark of sorts for the Sun Belt as it placed two teams in bowl games for the first time ever. Neither North Texas nor Troy State won their respective postseason contests but the mere fact that they were there broke new ground for the conference. Furthermore, both of those teams made noise on other fronts in 2004, first with the Trojans knocking off national powers Marshall and Missouri to start the season, then with the Mean Green’s Jamario Thomas finishing the season as the country’s leading rusher at 180.1 YPG. Aside from that, there was very little that happened in 2004 that was unexpected, as the league continued to struggle in non-conference play, and North Texas continued to dominate the league standings. Darrell Dickey’s team won the conference for the fourth straight season, beating opponents by an average of 14 PPG. Though not as dominant as past seasons, it was still enough to secure the automatic berth in the New Orleans Bowl.

For 2005, there will be noticeable changes in the standings, if not only for the affect realignment has had. Idaho, Utah State, and New Mexico State have departed while 2004 1-A transitional teams Florida Atlantic and Florida International join the Sun Belt. North Texas, riding a 25-game league-winning streak, again figures to be the team to beat but could be challenged by previously mentioned Florida Atlantic, as well as Middle Tennessee State and Troy State. Incidentally, the two bowl participants of a year ago did not meet in the conference season, and FAU actually won in Denton, enhancing the opportunity for a potential new champion in the Sun Belt conference.

North Texas
Play On: Arkansas State 10/8
The Mean Green has punished Arkansas State over the last four years, outscoring them by 147-31 in winning all four games and covering 3 of 4.

Play Against: @LSU 9/3
The Eagles under Coach Dickey always play tough non-conference games and this will be no exception. North Texas is 0-10 SU and 3-7 ATS in road openers. Coach Dickey’s Eagles are 0-6 ATS in the first of back-to-back road contests.

Troy State
Play On: Florida Atlantic 11/5
This will be Troy’s only home game in a five week period. With superior athletes and big Homecoming celebration, the Trojans march to win and cover.

Play Against: @Missouri 917
Missouri was embarrassed on National TV last year in losing to Troy 24-14 as 11-point road favorites. HUGE revenge spot for the Tigers who take advantage of the fact the Troy only has 8 returning starters early in the season.

LA Monroe
Play On: Arkansas State 10/1
After a 3-game road trip, the Indians return home to face Arkansas State. UL Monroe lost as 6-point favorites last year to Ark. State. Look for UL Monroe to take advantage of the fact they return 8 starters on offense including QB Jyles.

Play Against: @North Texas 10/29
Rest does very little for this band of Indians who are just 1-9 ATS after a bye week.

Middle Tennessee State
Play On: @Alabama 9/3
With M.T.S a probable 17+ point underdog at Alabama, this should be a good spot for the Blue Raiders. The Crimson Tide are notoriously poor large home favorites in September and M.T.S. returns 18 starters from last year’s 5-6 team. The Blue Raiders seek to make it a perfect 7-0 ATS in road openers.

Play Against: @Troy State 11/26
The visitor has been an underdog in this series all three times and has dropped all 3 games both SU and ATS.

Arkansas State
Play On: Florida Inter. 9/24
After an arduous trip to Oklahoma State the week prior, the Indians open there home conference season against new member FIU. Arkansas State is 9-4 ATS in conference home openers.

Play Against: @Oklahoma State 9/17
Always tough and physical Cowboys lay the wood to these worn down Indians, who will no match for this style of play. Arkansas State is 4-13 ATS on artificial turf.

LA Lafayette
Play On: @LA Monroe 11/19
In this in-state rivalry, we find the visitor is the prime choice. The home team is 1-8 ATS with four of the last five games being decided by 5 or less points.

Play Against: @North Texas 11/5
The Ragin’ Cajuns have found no solitude in visiting Denton, Texas. Newly named Louisiana U. is 0-5 SU and ATS, no matter what name they want to call themselves.

Florida Atlantic
Play On: LA Monroe 9/24
This game is the only real opportunity for the Owls to win in there first five games. An apparently over ambitious schedule, makes this a “must” game as a new member of the Sun Belt Conference for this Boca Raton university.

Play Against: @Minnesota 9/17
The Golden Gophers love to run up the score against weak non-conference teams and no reason to believe this will not happen with a very experienced Minnesota offense.

Florida International
Play On: Florida Atlantic 11/26
This is the only true natural rival for both new schools to Sun Belt Conference. With 18 returning starters including QB Padrick, home revenge should be sweet for the Golden Panthers.

Play Against: @Texas Tech 9/10
FIU can rest assure they have never seen an offense quite like the Red Raiders. Highly ranked Big 12 teams have left Lubbock embarrassed, what do you think they can do to a new Sun Belt Conference member?

Conference USA Preview

For you Conference USA traditionalists, we offer our sincerest apologies for what realignment has done to the state of football in your league. For those unaware of how much Conference USA has changed, we will attempt to explain it in concise fashion. Gone are perennial powers Louisville, Cincinnati, and TCU, as well as Army and South Florida. Added are WAC doormats of recent years SMU, Rice, UTEP, and Tulsa, plus Marshall. The result is a league comprised of 12 teams with a composite Power Ranking that places it just above the Sun Belt in terms of conference strength. The good news is this will enable the league to split into two divisions and hold a season ending conference title game. The bad news is that the league, particularly the West Division, is so watered down that an extra game could do more harm than good.

The most unfortunate aspect of the whole realignment situation surrounding Conference USA is that the league comes off of one of its finest season’s ever, one in which its best team was being talked about on a national stage. Louisville was a legitimate BCS contender and its totals of 49.8 PPG and 539 YPG on offense stand as testament to that. Had they beaten Miami in one of the 2005 season’s most exciting games, the Cardinals would have grabbed one of the at-large BCS berths. Elsewhere, four other teams claimed bowl berths, including Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Memphis, and first time postseason participant UAB. Louisville won the league title by three games last year and would have been a heavy favorite again, so naturally, the Cardinals’ defection opens the door for several other contenders to emerge. UAB, Memphis, Southern Miss, and Tulane seem to be the most likely candidates. On the field, RB DeAngelo Hall of Memphis assumes the role as the league’s biggest star and new coaches are welcomed in at Marshall and East Carolina.

East Division
UAB
Play On: @ Troy 9/10
Off a presumed loss at Tennessee, the mobile senior QB Hackney has a big game against inexperienced Troy. The Blazers are 15-6 ATS in September.

Play Against: @ UTEP 11/19
New conference foes go at it in Southwest Texas. Blazers find out first hand how difficult it is to win in El Paso.

Southern Mississippi
Play On: Memphis 11/19
Southern Miss. is a superior home favorite with a 32-19 ATS record in Hattiesburg. The Golden Eagles have covered 12 of 13 vs. the Tigers of Memphis.

Play Against: @ Alabama 9/10
USM established themselves as a “Big Game Killer” when Bret Favre was taking snaps at the university. The Crimson Tide is now 7-1 SU and ATS against the Golden Eagles.

Memphis
Play On: Marshall 11/26
Memphis could be contention for a bowl game. After playing at Tennessee and at Southern Miss. this has the look of the game they will need to win to secure the bid.

Play Against: @ Southern Miss. 11/19
Tigers are 0-7 SU & ATS at Hattiesburg the last seven visits. The Tigers have been toyed with by the Golden Eagles by a 25-10 average losing score.

Central Florida
Play On: Marshall 9/24
Central Florida returns 16 starters from last season, including 9 on offense. In this contest they face-off against fellow MAC foe Marshall. The Thundering Herds ranks have been severely thinned for new Coach Snyder.

Play Against: @ Rice 11/19
The Golden Knights have not flourished in back-to-back road games. Central Florida last lost 8 of 9 times and has that same record against the spread.

East Carolina
Play On: @ SMU 10/15
Lou Holtz’s son looks to change the fortunes of the Pirates who were 3-20 over the last two years. With an expected tight game, keep in mind the ECU is 11-2 ATS as a touchdown or less underdog.

Play Against: @ West Virginia 9/24
Back-to-back road games are toilsome for any team, especially if you are used to losing. The Pirates are 6-13-1 ATS away from Greensville.

Marshall
Play On: SMU 10/1
With only 3 starters returning on each side of the pigskin, this is not the Thundering Herd you remember over the last 10 years. This contest presents an opportunity to grab a victory on a schedule that will test Marshall’s abilities with so many new faces.

Play Against: Kansas State 9/10
Two years ago a quality Marshall team rolls in Manhattan and takes a 27-20 win out of town as 19 point dogs. Most of the betting public will still believe that this is the Marshall of old and Kansas State takes apart depleted Thundering Herd.

West Division
UTEP
Play On: Tulsa 11/5
UTEP suffered an embarrassing 37-35 loss as 8-point road favorites at Tulsa in last season’s closer. The Miners will dig a whole to deep this year and end a 3-game losing streak to Tulsa.

Play Against: @ New Mexico State 9/3
After slamming New Mexico State 45-0 in 2004, a significant road favorite spot is forecasted for this opener. New passing offense under Coach Hal Mumme keeps Aggies within the number.

Houston
Play On: Memphis 10/15
Veteran Houston squad will be itching to have Memphis as a visitor after last year’s 41-14 pummeling. QB Kevin Kolb looks to return favor with big performance for Cougars.

Play Against: @ UTEP 9/16
Early important C-USA West Division contest has the Cougs sporting a 13-33 ATS mark in conference road games.

Tulane
Play On: UTEP 10/14
With 17 starters back in the fold for the unpredictable Green Wave, a likely small home dog role is possible. With high-octane pedal to the metal offense ready to roll, a Tulane upset is the call here.

Play Against: @ Central Florida 10/22
With Tulane off possible upset on ESPN 2, the Green Wave is reduced to placid state, with this being their only road game in a five week period.

Tulsa
Play On: Houston 10/1
A real possibility that Tulsa could be 0-4 going into this home game. Houston will be off important game with So. Mississippi and may not bring A-game against a team without a win.

Play Against: Memphis 9/24
With Tulsa off games @Oklahoma and @ North Texas, understand that the Golden Hurricanes are 4-18 ATS off two consecutive roadies. The home team in this series is 0-7-1 ATS.

Rice
Play On: Navy 9/24
The Midshipmen have just six starters back for the ’05 season. This is the Owls only home game in the first five games of the year. Rice should definitely give a hoot here.

Play Against: Tulane 11/22
The host in this series is 1-7 against the number.

SMU
Play On: Rice 11/5
The home team is 7-1-1 ATS for these long time in-state rivals

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