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  • Trends Sunday

    Hot pitchers
    -- Mulder is 2-0, 0.53 his last two starts; Redbirds have won ten of his last eleven starts.
    -- LHudson is 4-1, 4.15 in his last five starts.
    -- Capuano is 2-0, 1.20 in his last two starts.
    -- Zambrano has 2.04 RA in his last eight starts.
    -- PAstacio has 2.37 RA in his last three starts.
    -- Lowry is 4-0, 0.58 in his last four starts.
    -- Clemens has 2.01 RA in his last seven starts, but Astros scored total of two runs in losing his last three. Dodgers won last five Weaver starts (4-0, 4.24)
    -- Arizona is 5-2 in last seven Vargas starts. Padilla has a 2.34 RA in his last five starts.

    -- Towers is 2-0, 1.19 in his last three starts.
    -- Maine threw five shutout innings vs Texas in winning his only '05 start, 1-0.
    -- DWells is 3-0, 2.14 his last three Fenway starts, but this is his first home start in four weeks. Robertson is 1-0 2.35 in his last three starts.
    -- Young is 3-0, 2.28 in his last four starts. Santana is
    3-0, 0.37 in his last three starts.
    -- Devil Rays are 4-1 in Hendrickson's last five starts.
    -- Former Mariner Garcia has a 1.96 RA in his last three starts, but no wins.

    Cold pitchers
    -- Journeyman Halama makes first '05 start for Nationals he threw four scoreless innings in relief at Shea eight days ago, needing just 45 pitches.
    -- Thomson is 0-2, 11.47 since coming off the DL.
    -- KWells is 1-5, 6.08 in his last eight starts.
    -- Florida is 1-5 in Beckett's last six road starts.
    -- Wright is 0-4, 6.39 in his last four starts.
    -- Benson has 6.92 RA in his last five starts.


    -- Westbrook has 7.67 RA his last five starts, but Tribe is 6-1 in his last seven starts, scoring 47 runs.
    -- Greinke is 0-4, 7.34 in his last six starts. Leiter has a 5.71 RA in his last three starts.
    -- Haren is 0-3, 3.68 in his last three starts, after A's had won 13 of his starts in row.
    -- Angels won last four Washburn road starts (3-0, 2.70)
    -- Moyer is 1-2, 4.44 in his last four starts.

    Totals
    -- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Mulder starts.
    -- Under is 6-1-2 in last nine Cincinnati road games.
    -- Thomson's last six starts all went over the total.
    -- Under is 6-0-1 in last seven Zambrano starts.
    -- Under is 7-3 in last ten Colorado games.
    -- Under is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Met games.
    -- Under is 7-3 in last ten Astro games.
    -- Over is 7-3 in last ten Arizona home games.


    -- Over is 8-4 in last dozen Westbrook starts.
    -- Seven of last nine Bronx games stayed under total.
    -- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Oriole games.
    -- 37 runs scored first two games of Tiger-Boston series.
    -- Last five Minnesota road games stayed under total.
    -- Six of last nine Angel games stayed under the total.
    -- Under is 7-2 in last nine White Sox games.


    Hot teams
    -- Cardinals won three of their last four games.
    -- Reds won seven of their last nine games.
    -- Brewers are 7-4 in their last eleven games. Braves won five of their last seven road games.
    -- Florida allowed just seven runs, won last three games.
    -- Mets won five of six and nine of last thirteen games.
    -- Colorado allowed just 10 runs, won its last four games
    -- Phillies are 7-4 in their last eleven games.


    -- Indians won eight of their last ten games.
    -- Bronx is 19-5 in its last twenty-four home games.
    -- A's are 14-1 in their last fifteen road games.
    -- Red Sox are 14-1 in last fifteen home games.
    -- Twins won seven of last nine road games. Texas won five of its last seven home games.
    -- White Sox are 24-9 in last thirty-three road games.

    Cold Teams
    -- Nationals are 2-6 in last eight home games.
    -- Cubs lost six of their last seven games.
    -- Pirates lost twelve of last sixteen home games.
    -- Padres lost 13 of their last eighteen home games.
    -- Astros lost six of their last nine road games. LA is
    8-15 in their last twenty-three home games.
    -- Giants lost six of their last eight games.
    -- Arizona lost six of their last seven games.

    -- Blue Jays lost seven of their last nine games.
    -- Royals are 2-14 in their last sixteen road games.
    -- Orioles lost seven of their last eight games.
    -- Tigers are 1-11 in last dozen games at Fenway.
    -- Angels allowed 20 runs in losing last three games.
    -- Mariners lost six of their last eight games.

    Umpires
    -- Dog is 10-5 last 15 Darling games, with five of last seven going over the total. (StL-Wsh)
    -- Favorite is 8-1 in last nine Cooper games. (Cin-Pitt)
    -- Favorite won last four Layne games. (Atl-Mil)
    -- Over is 7-2 in last nine Diaz games. (Fla-Chi)
    -- Over is 5-1 in last six Timmons games. (Col-SD)
    -- Dogs are 11-6 in last 17 BWelke games. (NY-SF)
    -- Favorite won last seven Eddings games. (Hst-LA)
    -- Under is 7-1-1 last nine Froemming games. (Phil-Az)

    -- Dogs are 11-7 in last 18 Guccione games. (Cle-Tor)
    -- Over is 7-3 in last ten Dimuro games. (KC-NY)
    -- Over is 10-5-1 last sixteen Crawford games. (A's-Blt)
    -- Four of last five Holbrook games went over (Det-Bos)
    -- Dogs are 6-1 in last seven Hirschbeck tilts (Min-Tex)
    -- Over is 3-0-2 in last five Hallion games. (LA-TB)
    -- Dogs are 5-4 in last nine Nelson games, with the last three staying under the total. (Chi-Sea)

  • #2
    MLB (Baseball) Trends

    Sunday, August 28th

    National League:

    St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals, 1:05 EST
    Mark Mulder (L) vs. John Halama (L)

    Mulder - 15-3 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175 this season
    Halama - Washington 12-40 after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons

    Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:35 EST
    Luke Hudson (R) vs. Kip Wells (R)

    Hudson - 7-1 TSR in road games in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons
    Wells - 1-8 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150 over the last 2 seasons

    Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers, 2:05 EST
    Tim Hudson (R) vs. Chris Capuano (L)

    Hudson - Atlanta 9-23 in road games after a win this season
    Capuano - 9-2 TSR in day games this season

    Florida Marlins at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 EST
    Josh Beckett (R) vs. Carlos Zambrano (R)

    Beckett - 0-7 TSR in road games after a win this season
    Zambrano - Cubs 7-1 Over vs. Florida this season

    Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres, 4:05 EST
    Jamey Wright (R) vs. Pedro Astacio (R)

    Wright - Colorado 3-18 in road day games this season
    Astacio - San Diego 23-12 Over after scoring 3 runs or less 2 straight games this season

    New York Mets at San Francisco Giants, 4:05 EST
    Kris Benson (R) vs. Noah Lowry (L)

    Benson - 26-8 Under in road games in the second half of the season since 1997
    Lowry - 9-1 TSR in August over the last 2 seasons

    Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers, 4:10 EST
    Roger Clemens (R) vs. Jeff Weaver (R)

    Clemens - 0-3 TSR with 2.82 ERA and 0.672 WHIP last 3 starts
    Weaver - 10-1 TSR in August over the last 2 seasons

    Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:05 EST
    Vicente Padilla (R) vs. Claudio Vargas (R)

    Padilla - 3-0 TSR with 1.29 ERA and 0.952 WHIP over last 3 starts
    Vargas - 1-5 TSR with 6.67 ERA and 1.815 WHIP vs. Phillies

    American League:

    Cleveland Indians at Toronto Blue Jays, 12:35 EST
    Jake Westbrook (R) vs. Josh Towers (R)

    Westbrook - Cleveland 10-3 in road games revenging a one run loss to opponent this season
    Towers - Toronto 40-20 Under as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season

    Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees, 1:05 EST
    Zack Greinke (R) vs. Al Leiter (L)

    Greinke - 5-21 TSR this season
    Leiter - Yankees 8-0 at home vs. Kansas City over the last 3 seasons

    Oakland Athletics at Baltimore Orioles, 1:35 EST
    Danny Haren (R) vs. John Maine (R)

    Haren - Oakland 8-3 at Baltimore over the last 3 seasons
    Maine - Baltimore 16-44 with an on base percentage of .300 or worse over their last 10 games over the last 3 seasons

    Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox, 2:05 EST
    Nate Robertson (L) vs. David Wells (L)

    Robertson - Detroit 1-11 at Boston over the last 3 seasons
    Wells - 49-15 TSR against AL Central opponents since 1997

    Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers, 2:05 EST
    Johan Santana (L) vs. Chris Young (R)

    Santana - 11-0 TSR in road games after walking 1 hitter or less in each of his last 2 outings over the last 2 seasons
    Young - Texas 9-21 vs. left-handed starters this season

    Anaheim Angels at Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 2:15 EST
    Jarrod Washburn (L) vs. Mark Hendrickson (L)

    Washburn - 8-0 TSR as a road favorite of -110 or higher this season
    Hendrickson - 11-3 Over as an underdog of +150 or more this season


    Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners, 4:05 EST
    Freddy Garcia (R) vs. Jamie Moyer (L)

    Garcia - 9-0 TSR on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 this season
    Moyer - 51-23 Over as an underdog since 1997


    **Denotes Time Change
    TSR = Team Start Record

    Comment


    • #3
      Sunday, 8/28/2005


      PHILADELPHIA (70 - 60) at ARIZONA (59 - 72) - 8:05 PM
      VICENTE PADILLA (R) vs. CLAUDIO VARGAS (R)
      Top Trends for this game.
      PHILADELPHIA is 69-63 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
      PHILADELPHIA is 49-40 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
      PHILADELPHIA is 7-0 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in road games after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
      PHILADELPHIA is 37-29 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
      ARIZONA is 111-183 (-71.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
      ARIZONA is 29-37 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
      ARIZONA is 15-35 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
      ARIZONA is 29-37 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
      ARIZONA is 40-58 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
      ARIZONA is 18-29 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      PHILADELPHIA is 4-2 (+1.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
      4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)



      VICENTE PADILLA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
      PADILLA is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.233.
      His team's record is 3-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)



      CLAUDIO VARGAS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
      VARGAS is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.67 and a WHIP of 1.815.
      His team's record is 1-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)




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


      CLEVELAND (72 - 58) at TORONTO (65 - 64) - 12:35 PM
      JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. JOSH TOWERS (R)
      Top Trends for this game.
      TORONTO is 65-64 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      TORONTO is 34-30 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
      TORONTO is 22-11 (+12.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
      TORONTO is 40-30 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
      TORONTO is 27-17 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
      CLEVELAND is 18-10 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
      CLEVELAND is 19-16 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
      CLEVELAND is 71-58 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      CLEVELAND is 40-27 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
      CLEVELAND is 51-39 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
      TORONTO is 15-32 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
      TORONTO is 42-62 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      CLEVELAND is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
      3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)



      JAKE WESTBROOK vs. TORONTO since 1997
      WESTBROOK is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
      His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)



      JOSH TOWERS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
      TOWERS is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
      His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)




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


      KANSAS CITY (42 - 85) at NY YANKEES (72 - 56) - 1:05 PM
      ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. AL LEITER (L)
      Top Trends for this game.
      KANSAS CITY is 100-188 (-42.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
      KANSAS CITY is 42-103 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
      KANSAS CITY is 32-72 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
      KANSAS CITY is 26-59 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
      GREINKE is 5-21 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
      GREINKE is 5-18 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
      GREINKE is 3-16 (-10.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
      GREINKE is 3-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
      NY YANKEES are 64-48 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      NY YANKEES are 49-39 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
      NY YANKEES are 30-24 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
      NY YANKEES are 71-56 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      NY YANKEES are 11-13 (-13.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+4.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
      4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)



      ZACK GREINKE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
      GREINKE is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.000.
      His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)



      AL LEITER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
      LEITER is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
      His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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


      OAKLAND (72 - 56) at BALTIMORE (61 - 67) - 1:35 PM
      DAN HAREN (R) vs. JOHN MAINE (R)
      Top Trends for this game.
      OAKLAND is 72-57 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      OAKLAND is 21-6 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
      OAKLAND is 28-16 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
      OAKLAND is 67-49 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      OAKLAND is 46-27 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
      HAREN is 13-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
      BALTIMORE is 28-38 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
      BALTIMORE is 10-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
      BALTIMORE is 60-68 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      BALTIMORE is 32-34 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
      BALTIMORE is 33-34 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
      BALTIMORE is 45-69 (-42.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
      BALTIMORE is 54-59 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      BALTIMORE is 40-46 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      BALTIMORE is 4-4 (+1.3 Units) against OAKLAND this season
      6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)



      DAN HAREN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
      HAREN is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.273.
      His team's record is 1-1 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)



      JOHN MAINE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
      No recent starts.




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


      DETROIT (62 - 65) at BOSTON (73 - 54) - 2:05 PM
      NATE ROBERTSON (L) vs. DAVID WELLS (L)
      Top Trends for this game.
      DETROIT is 21-50 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
      WELLS is 178-94 (+51.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
      WELLS is 135-71 (+39.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
      WELLS is 92-37 (+33.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
      DETROIT is 73-88 (+28.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997.
      BOSTON is 53-45 (-29.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997.
      BOSTON is 83-70 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      DETROIT is 4-5 (+0.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
      6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.6 Units)



      NATE ROBERTSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
      ROBERTSON is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.60 and a WHIP of 1.641.
      His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)



      DAVID WELLS vs. DETROIT since 1997
      WELLS is 8-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.226.
      His team's record is 10-4 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.0 units)




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


      MINNESOTA (68 - 61) at TEXAS (60 - 68) - 2:05 PM
      JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. CHRIS YOUNG (R)
      Top Trends for this game.
      TEXAS is 69-61 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
      TEXAS is 150-140 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
      TEXAS is 23-15 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
      TEXAS is 17-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
      TEXAS is 85-58 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
      TEXAS is 15-2 (+13.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
      TEXAS is 142-128 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
      MINNESOTA is 123-125 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
      MINNESOTA is 148-104 (+32.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
      SANTANA is 71-29 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
      SANTANA is 15-2 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      SANTANA is 32-8 (+21.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      TEXAS is 7-17 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
      TEXAS is 9-21 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      TEXAS is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
      4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)



      JOHAN SANTANA vs. TEXAS since 1997
      SANTANA is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.32 and a WHIP of 1.273.
      His team's record is 4-0 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)



      CHRIS YOUNG vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
      YOUNG is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.500.
      His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)




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


      ANAHEIM (73 - 56) at TAMPA BAY (54 - 76) - 2:15 PM
      JARROD WASHBURN (L) vs. MARK HENDRICKSON (L)
      Top Trends for this game.
      WASHBURN is 2-9 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      WASHBURN is 4-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      TAMPA BAY is 125-167 (+2.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
      TAMPA BAY is 36-32 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 26-19 (+12.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 14-10 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 36-35 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 39-39 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 30-25 (+17.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
      TAMPA BAY is 17-12 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
      HENDRICKSON is 13-8 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      ANAHEIM is 74-56 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      ANAHEIM is 36-28 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
      ANAHEIM is 30-16 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
      ANAHEIM is 36-21 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
      ANAHEIM is 19-9 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
      WASHBURN is 59-37 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
      WASHBURN is 24-7 (+18.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)


      Head-to-Head Series History
      TAMPA BAY is 3-2 (+2.5 Units) against ANAHEIM this season
      3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)



      JARROD WASHBURN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
      WASHBURN is 7-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.335.
      His team's record is 7-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)



      MARK HENDRICKSON vs. ANAHEIM since 1997
      HENDRICKSON is 3-2 when starting against ANAHEIM with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.444.
      His team's record is 3-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)




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


      CHI WHITE SOX (79 - 47) at SEATTLE (54 - 74) - 4:05 PM
      FREDDY GARCIA (R) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
      Top Trends for this game.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 20-28 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
      GARCIA is 27-28 (-23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
      MOYER is 11-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
      MOYER is 23-4 (+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 11-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
      MOYER is 8-1 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
      CHI WHITE SOX are 55-25 (+24.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 13-5 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 37-18 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 80-47 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 33-13 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 13-3 (+9.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 42-20 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 21-5 (+15.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 30-14 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 72-43 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      CHI WHITE SOX are 12-5 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
      GARCIA is 11-3 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
      GARCIA is 12-2 (+10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      GARCIA is 10-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      GARCIA is 11-1 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
      SEATTLE is 54-74 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      SEATTLE is 51-67 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      SEATTLE is 18-26 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
      SEATTLE is 70-103 (-24.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.


      Head-to-Head Series History
      CHI WHITE SOX is 6-2 (+3.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
      5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)



      FREDDY GARCIA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
      GARCIA is 1-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.22 and a WHIP of 1.355.
      His team's record is 1-2 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)



      JAMIE MOYER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
      MOYER is 3-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.316.
      His team's record is 7-6 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.0 units)

      Comment


      • #4
        NCAA Football Trends

        2005 Big Ten Preview
        Six Big Ten schools qualified for bowl games in 2004, as a loss by Northwestern in its season finale kept that number from running to seven. It is becoming the norm for this conference to place that many teams in the postseason, and in fact, for 2005, the Big Ten has relationships with officially seven bowl games. Of the six teams that did play, their record was only 3-3, with all three defeats coming in heartbreaking fashion. Also, none of the top teams were ever in national title consideration, so in that sense, it was a down year for the Big Ten Conference. The 2005 campaign is expected to bring this league back to the forefront, as three teams in particular, Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa, boast returning talent capable of playing with anyone in the country. A host of young stars from those teams, including RB Michael Hart and QB Chad Henne of Michigan, WR Ted Ginn of Ohio State, and QB Drew Tate of Iowa, put on prominent performances in their respective bowl games, and are consequently being recognized for preseason individual honors.

        Thankfully, the Big Ten is another conference that was unaffected by realignment. Most of what was in place for 2004, including instant replay, will remain so for 2005. Two coaching changes were made however, as Indiana grabbed Terry Hoeppner from Miami Ohio to replace Gerry DiNardo, and Illinois turned to former Florida Head Coach Ron Zook to resurrect its program. With the top three teams in prominent national position, and the next level of teams, notably Purdue, Michigan State, and Wisconsin always capable of making noise, the 110th season of Big Ten football could turn out to be one of its best.

        Purdue
        Play On: Iowa 10/8
        The home team is 8-3 ATS in this series. Coach Tiller and the Boilermakers are 22-8-2 ATS in Big 10 home games.

        Play Against: @ Penn State 10/29
        Purdue is 3-11 against the spread under Co. Tiller as an away underdog. The Boilers are 1-10 ATS as Big 10 road dogs of 7 or less points.

        Michigan
        Play On: Pen State 10/15
        Superb situation for Michigan, who catch the Nittany Lions off big home game against Ohio State. The Wolverines are 5-1 ATS against Penn State.

        Play Against: @ Wisconsin 9/24
        Despite the fact that the Badgers will be down this year, Michigan is 3-7 ATS vs. Bucky and 8-20 ATS as a road favorite. Wolverines have dropped last SEVEN road openers to the spread.

        Ohio State
        Play On: Iowa 9/24
        Monster revenge spot for Ohio State off last year’s 33-7 whipping at Iowa City. Buckeyes are 10-2-1 SU and 10-3 ATS against the Hawkeyes.

        Play Against: San Diego State 9/17
        After a huge home game with Texas and revenge contest with Iowa, this is standard issue sandwich game. The Aztecs are unlikely to draw much emotion from Ohio State. Two years ago San Diego visited the former ‘Horseshoe’ and lost 16-13 as 30-point underdogs.

        Iowa
        Play On: Illinois 10/1
        Iowa off probable loss at Ohio State is 14-4-1 ATS in next contest after dropping a game.

        Play Against: @ Ohio State 9/24
        Last year’s 26-point win was the largest margin of victory for Iowa over the Buckeyes. Welcome back to the ‘Horseshoe’ Iowa.

        Michigan State
        Play On: Penn State 11/19
        6 of the 8 times these teams have met; the average winning margin has been 32 points. In each case the home team won. The Spartans are 13-0-1 ATS in home finales.

        Play Against: @ Purdue 11/5
        With Purdue always tough at home, the Spartans are 4-9-1 ATS in recent November contests and 1-6 against the spread at West Lafayette.

        Penn State
        Play On: Central Michigan 9/17
        The Nittany Lions have three cupcakes at home before the Big 10 season commences. Co. Paterno is 13-2 vs. MAC teams and 11-1 ATS as double digit favorites against teams below .500.

        Play Against: @ Michigan State 11/19
        The home team is 10-2 against the number in this season closing series for both teams.

        Wisconsin
        Play On: Iowa 11/12
        This figures to be emotional game anyway, which is made more significant with this being Barry Alvarez’s last home game as coach. Wisky is 12-2 ATS in last home games.

        Play Against: @ Northwestern 10/8
        These next door neighbors have troubled Wisconsin for years. The Badgers are 1-7 ATS at Evanston, with the home team posting an 11-3-1 ATS mark.

        Minnesota
        Play On: Florida Atlantic 9/17
        Minnesota loves non-conference home blowout games, owning an 8-0 record. Coach Mason will try and start 3-0 for the 4th consecutive year by covering a large number.

        Play Against: @ Iowa 11/19
        The Floyd of Rosedale trophy has been residing in Iowa for 4 straight years. Minnesota is 1-11 ATS vs. Hawkeyes including 0-6 at Iowa City. The Gophers last road cover against Iowa was 1991.

        Illinois
        Play On: @ Ohio State 11/5
        The Illini are 14-4 ATS vs. Ohio State. With new Coach Ron Zook’s penchant for his team’s playing well on the road, no reason to think anything differently will occur here.

        Play Against: @ Purdue 11/12
        The straight winner is 11-2-1 ATS in this Big 10 series. The Illini will not win.

        Indiana
        Play On: Illinois 10/8
        This represents the only real shot the Hoosiers have at winning a Big 10 game on paper. The home team has covered 75% of the last eight meetings.

        Play Against: @ Wisconsin 10/1
        The Hoosiers are 9-21 ATS as road dogs the last seven years.

        Northwestern
        Play On: @ Arizona State 9/17
        The Wildcats are 9-3 ATS in non-conference road games. Co. Walker’s Cats are 8-2 against the spread when dressed up as dogs.

        Play Against: @ Purdue 10/15
        Northwestern is 2-6-1 ATS against Purdue.


        2005 SEC Preview
        In 2004, the Southeastern Conference experienced an unusual circumstance, an undefeated team from its highly regarded league being shutout of the national championship picture. Auburn rolled to 13-0 record a year ago, including an impressive 38-28 dismantling of Tennessee in the SEC title game, only to finish third in the BCS standings behind two other power conference unbeatens. It’s a scenario that probably won’t be seen again for long time, and one that commands more attention to a potential playoff system. It was still a remarkable season for the Tigers but one that might be remembered more for what didn’t happen on the field than for what did. Elsewhere, the Volunteers enjoyed a renaissance season behind a pair of freshmen quarterbacks, capped by a Cotton Bowl win, and Georgia said goodbye to an elite class of seniors by winning the Outback Bowl. It wasn’t so pretty at other schools though as LSU fell victim to a miraculous play by Iowa in the Capital One Bowl, and Alabama and Florida each lost their respective postseason contests. The most noteworthy incident though surrounded the season finale game between South Carolina and rival Clemson, in which a massive brawl ensued at the end of the contest, marring the coaching finale of Lou Holtz at USC. Both teams elected to withdraw from bowl consideration following the ugly incident.

        For 2005, the SEC again figures to have at least three teams among the BCS contenders. LSU, Tennessee, and Florida are all coming back loaded and hungry for the upcoming season. LSU and Florida each welcome in new coaches, as Les Miles takes over Nick Saban in Tiger country and Urban Meyer gains control of the Gators. Ironically, those high profile changes pale in comparison to the coaching replacement for the Gamecocks, as the SEC welcomes back Steve Spurrier to the college ranks. His arrival has created a fan frenzy in Columbia, and made the contest between USC and Florida on November 12th one of the most intriguing, can’t miss games of the season. Finally, at Ole Miss, Ed Orgeron takes over as head coach for David Cutcliffe. From a player standpoint, look for QB Chris Leak of Florida, and Tennessee’s RB Gerald Riggs and QB Erik Ainge to grab most of the headlines not given out to the coaches. Instant replay will also be in play in the SEC for 2005.


        East Division

        Georgia
        Play On: @ Vanderbilt 10/15
        With the Bulldogs off a possible loss at Tennessee, Georgia bounces back knowing they have won 26 of 27 by double digits against Vandy. Expect much more of the same in the Music City.

        Play Against: Florida 10/29
        The world’s largest outdoor cocktail party has had Georgia fans drowning their sorrows with a 2-13 SU record and 4-11 ATS after the games. No reason to look for anything different in Jacksonville again.

        Florida
        Play On: Florida State 11/26
        The Gators have more talent and are better coached under Urban Meyer. The straight up winner in this in-state rivalry is 22-1-1 ATS. Florida wins at home.

        Play Against: @ South Carolina 11/12
        The ol’ ball coach will have his boys revved up when Florida visits Columbia. The Gators are 5-8 ATS the last four years as road favorites.

        Tennessee
        Play On: @ Alabama 10/22
        This long time SEC rivalry used to always be played on the 3rd Saturday in October. When the SEC expanded, that tradition went by the boards. One thing that has not changed in the visitor is 12-1 ATS in this contest.

        Play Against: Mississippi 10/1
        This is the middle game of a monstrous early season schedule for the Vols. This fits a natural letdown situation for Tennessee. The home team is 3-10 ATS.

        South Carolina
        Play On: Vanderbilt 10/22
        The Gamecocks have owned the Commodores with a 10-3 against the spread record.

        Play Against: @ Arkansas 11/5
        With South Carolina off Tennessee and Florida on deck, Arkansas can cause a hog of trouble for the Gamecocks. The Razorbacks are 6-1 ATS vs. South Carolina.

        Vanderbilt
        Play On: Kentucky 11/12
        Vandy will have a chance to put Kentucky out of its misery with a home win. The Commodores are 15-5 ATS including 7-2 in Nashville. The home favorite is 10-4 against the number in this battle of neighboring states.

        Play Against: Georgia 10/15
        Vandy has been less then dandy vs. the SEC East with a 1-19 SU record. The visitor is a lucrative 10-3 ATS.

        Kentucky
        Play On: @ Indiana 9/17
        Coach Brooks has stated this is his best team at Lexington. The Wildcats are 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS in this border SEC/Big10(11) contest.

        Play Against: @ Georgia 11/19
        Kentucky has been an underdog 27 straight times to Georgia. The Wildcats are 2-11 ATS in the last road game of the season.


        West Division

        LSU
        Play On: @ Alabama 11/12
        In this highly unusual series, the visitor failed to cover last year for the first time in a dozen tries. Things revert back to normal at Bama.

        Play Against: Florida 10/15
        In this highly anticipated game of ranked teams, the home squad is only 3-10 ATS.

        Auburn
        Play On: Mississippi State 9/10
        The Tigers are a perfect 12-0 SU and 10-2 ATS in SEC openers. The “chalk” in this series is 10-3 ATS

        Play Against: @ Arkansas 10/15
        The Tigers head into trouble where the Razorbacks are 9-3 ATS as home dogs. Little comfort is added to Coach Tuberville whose Tigers are 0-5 against the number in the first of back to back road games.

        Alabama
        Play On: So. Mississippi 9/10
        The Crimson Tide are 7-1 SU and ATS against the Golden Eagles. Alabama rolls in this low-scoring non-conference affair.

        Play Against: Tennessee 10/22
        The home team can not help but trip up in this long time southern rivalry. The home team has lost 12 of 13 ATS.

        Arkansas
        Play On: Auburn 10/15
        The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these SEC West division combatants. Coach Nutt always has the Hogs ready as home underdogs, with a 9-3 ATS
        mark.

        Play Against: @ USC 9/17
        This will not be a good match in styles. The Trojans wide receivers will have the Arkansas defensive backs heads spinning. Big Time Blowout in Cally.

        Mississippi
        Play On: Wyoming 9/24
        Last year was an embarrassment for the Rebels in Laramie. New Coach Orgeron will have the Rebels well prepared for their home opener with him as head coach.

        Play Against: Alabama 10/15
        The straight winner is this SEC contest is 19-2 ATS. Alabama has superior talent, as the Tide roll to another win.

        Mississippi State
        Play On: Alabama 11/5
        The Bulldogs always give the Tide trouble with an 11-3 ATS mark, despite posting only 4 wins in 14 tries.

        Play Against: LSU 10/1
        The Bengals Tigers have run roughshod over the Bulldogs in delivering a 12-1 record both SU & ATS.


        2005 Mountain West Preview
        In last year’s stats, we called for an unbeaten season from Utah and it delivered in stellar fashion, winning all 12 games by a margin of 45.3-19.5 while delivering the first BCS Bowl appearance and victory for the Mountain West Conference. The level of dominance conference play was even more staggering as the Utes won their league games by 29 PPG and at one stretch recorded five consecutive wins by 20 points or more. For the school, it was the second straight conference title, and they remain one of only three teams able to stake claim to a MWC Championship. Thankfully for the rest of the league, the loss of two key Utes, Head Coach Urban Meyer, and top NFL Draft Pick QB Alex Smith, immediately injects some parity back into the conference. Elsewhere in 2004, the remaining seven teams performed a virtual flip of the projections by most experts as New Mexico, BYU, and Wyoming turned in surprising seasons and perennial powers Colorado State and Air Force, as well as expected contender San Diego State, struggled.

        A new wrinkle is thrown into the mix for 2005 as TCU joins the Mountain West. The Horned Frogs are a familiar foe to the current MWC representatives, having played one another from ’97-’99 in the old WAC. TCU has won 26 games over the past three seasons so should be an immediate factor in its new surroundings. Alongside of that, it was a fairly active offseason in terms of coaching changes, as three of the 9 teams start anew on the sidelines. As mentioned earlier, Utah’s Urban Meyer has departed for Florida, and is replaced by Defensive Coordinator Kyle Whittingham. At UNLV, John Robinson is out in favor of Mike Sanford, and finally, BYU turns to Bronco Mendenhall in place of Gary Crowton. On the field, Smith is the biggest departing standout from a league not exactly known for its star power. The 2005 standings are expected to be balanced, with Utah recognized as the favorite and upstarts BYU & Wyoming potential contenders if everything goes right for each.

        Utah
        Play On: San Diego State 10/15
        Utah is 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS against the Aztecs, with the average winning margin being 19 points per game. The straight up winner of this series is 15-1 ATS. Look for the Utes to make it 16-1.

        Play Against: @Colorado State 10/8
        Distinct possibility Utah could still be undefeated and a slight road favorite, if that was the case. Utah is 2-5 ATS against the Rams the last seven years and last year’s 63-31 blowout was the most points surrendered in the Sonny Lubick era.

        Colorado State
        Play On: San Diego State 11/12
        Rams return 17 starters after first losing season in a decade. Colorado State has had great success against S.D. State with a 7-2 record both SU and ATS against the Aztecs.

        Play Against: Air Force 10/1
        CSU has monster revenge game with Utah next week, which makes Air Force easy to overlook. The favorite is 4-10-1 against the number in the MWC contests and the Rams are 0-8-1 in league openers.

        San Diego State
        Play On: @Ohio State 9/17
        The offensive minded Aztecs catch Ohio State at the perfect time. The Buckeyes will be off colossal match-up with Texas. Two years ago San Diego State gave Coach Tressel’s team all it could handle with a narrow 16-13 win as -30 home favorites.

        Play Against: @Air Force 9/10
        Despite this being a Mountain West Conference game, this falls into the sandwich situation for the Aztecs. S.D. State opens at home with the Pac-10’s UCLA Bruins and has Big 10(11) power Ohio State after this contest. Coach Craft’s team has a long history of failure in road openers, with a 0-12 record and dismal 4-8 ATS mark.

        BYU
        Play On: Air Force 10/29
        BYU will be off possible loss at Notre Dame, will resume MWC play with the knowledge the winner of the contest is an incredible 17-1 ATS.

        Play Against: @Wyoming 11/12
        Cowboys appear to have best team since 1999 with 17 returning starters. Possible All-Conference QB Bramlett might have field day against Cougars. BYU is 8-2 vs. Wyoming, with the exact reverse record being true against the spread. (2-8)

        Texas Christian
        Play On: Utah 9/15
        This ESPN Thursday special will be TCU’s first game as a Mountain West member. This excited home dog is 8-2 ATS against teams with a >.600 record.

        Play Against: @Wyoming 10/8
        TCU allowed 304 yards passing per game and will square off against pass happy Wyoming. Has the making of another long day for the Horned Frogs with their first trip to Laramie.

        Wyoming
        Play On: @Colorado State 10/22
        This “Border War” has been played every year since 1946. The visitor has been unkind to the host with a 10-3 ATS record in this series.

        Play Against: @Florida 9/3
        Traveling to hot and humid Gainesville will be no treat for a team for Wyoming. Facing a coach like Urban Meyer who is familiar with your team only complicates the matter.

        New Mexico
        Play On: @San Diego State 10/22
        Lobos are 9-1 ATS vs. San Diego State including four straight wins.

        Play Against: @UTEP 9/24
        After a rivalry game with New Mexico State, the Lobos face a tough trip to explosive Texas-El Paso. The Miners have too many weapons for Coach Long’s unusual 3-3-5 defense.

        Air Force
        Play On: Army 11/5
        The home team is 15-0 ATS in this service academy match-up.

        Play Against: Wyoming 9/17
        The Falcons are below .500 with Coach DeBerry at the helm in Colorado Springs. With Air Force a possible field goal favorite at this time, look for the Cowboys to lasso the Falcons and pull the upset.

        UNLV
        Play On: Idaho 9/10
        New Coach Sanford will only have 9 returning starters to work with. This will be the Rebels only home game in their first five games of the year. UNLV needs this one badly to excite the fans for the new coach.

        Play Against: @New Mexico 9/3
        New Mexico’s tricky defense and experienced offense will take down the Rebels in the opener for both teams. Speaking of opener’s, UNLV is 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS when hitting the road for the first time of a given season.


        2005 MAC Preview
        Conference realignment hit the Mid-American conference right where it hurts as perennial league power Marshall left for Conference USA. Fortunately, losing perhaps its most recognizable school comes at a time when the conference is at the height of its success in terms of football. The MAC placed a league record five teams in bowl games a year ago. Though only Bowling Green and Northern Illinois won their respective bowl contests, it was still a landmark achievement for the league. For 2005, there are only two established relationships with bowl games, but if things work out like last season, it’s perceivable that another three or four teams could receive bids, as Toledo, and Miami Ohio have the talent to join last year’s winning MAC bowl teams in the postseason. On a down note, the MAC went just 5-34 SU against teams from other 1-A conferences last season, poor by recent league standards.

        There are a few key changes in the MAC this season that are worthy of note. The departure of Marshall, as well as Central Florida, left the league with 12 teams. While the MAC still qualifies to host a league title game with that number, the divisions did require some reshuffling. As such, Bowling Green now finds itself in the East Division where it should contend with Miami Ohio for supremacy. The Redhawks begin their first season under Shane Montgomery, as former Head Coach Terry Hoeppner left for the greener pastures of the Big Ten and Indiana. Elsewhere on the coaching front, Bill Cubit, a long time offensive coordinator with Western Michigan, returns there as head coach in 2005, and Ohio University hands its football program over to Frank Solich, the former embattled coach of Nebraska. Finally, on the playing field, most of the league’s defensive standouts from 2004 are gone, but the return of QB Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green, QB Bruce Gradkowski of Toledo, and RB Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois, should be more than enough to sustain the league’s star power.

        East Division

        Miami- Ohio
        Play On: Buffalo 11/5
        This veteran Miami-O squad is 18-5 ATS as a home conference favorite and 14-5 against the number off a 2-game road trip.

        Play Against: @ Kent State 9/17
        The Redhawks travel to Kent State with a big in-state rivalry game with Cincinnati on tap. The visitor in the MAC match-up is 1-6 ATS.

        Bowling Green
        Play On: Temple 10/1
        The Falcons are 9-1 ATS off back-to-back road games. Bowling Green plans to give a hoot at homecoming against now independent Temple Owls.

        Play Against: @ Miami-O 11/15
        Bowling Green has not beaten the Redhawks since 1997. These Eastern Division rivals go at with a vengeance, with the Falcons 0-5 ATS.

        Kent State
        Play On: @ Michigan State 9/3
        The Golden Flashes have 7 starters back on each side of the ball and are 8-1 against the spread when a 10-28 underdog.

        Play Against: @ Western Michigan 10/29
        Kent State has lost 11 consecutive times to the Broncos with a 3-7 ATS record.

        Akron
        Play On: Central Michigan 10/1
        Akron off a probable loss is 6-1 ATS in the 2nd of back to back home contests.

        Play Against: @ Kent State 11/23
        The home team is 0-7 ATS in what will be the season finale for these MAC East teams.

        Ohio U.
        Play On: Pittsburgh 9/10
        The Panthers will be off big home game with Notre Dame maybe unsettled coming into Athens. Ohio U. is 5-1 against the number with revenge on their minds.

        Play Against: @ Bowling Green 10/8
        The Bobcats visit Bowling Green armed with the knowledge that they are 4-8 SU and 3-9 ATS vs. the Falcons.

        Buffalo
        Play On: Ohio U. 10/29
        These evenly matched teams compete for the MAC basement, has Buffalo 4-1 ATS against Bobcats.

        Play Against: @ Syracuse 9/10
        Buffalo surely has a speed problem on artificial turf with a 1-18 SU record. The stronger, faster Orangemen squeeze the Bulls and win decisively.


        West

        Toledo
        Play On: Northern Illinois 11/16
        With this likely the battle for the MAC West crown, Toledo has had the Huskies number. The Rockets was won 11 straight and dominated NIU 9-1-1 ATS.

        Play Against: @ Bowling Green 10/22
        These top MAC teams conclude their regular season’s with this contest. The visitor takes it on the chin with a 0-7 ATS mark in this game.

        Northern Illinois
        Play On: Miami-O 10/5
        NIU is 21-9 ATS in October and 11-4 vs. number the last three seasons at Husky Stadium.

        Play Against: Toledo 11/16
        Huskies are 1-16 all-time vs. Toledo and have covered once in 11 tries vs. the Falcons.

        Eastern Michigan
        Play On: @ Toledo 10/8
        The Eagles are 7-2-1 ATS over last decade against Toledo, with the Rockets being favored by an average by 19 points.

        Play Against: Miami-O 10/22
        Eastern Michigan could be worn down after trips to Toledo and Northern Illinois. Another top level MAC team will be too much for the Eagles to handle.

        Western Michigan
        Play On: Kent State 10/29
        The Broncos have won 10 straight against Kent State and hold a 7-3 ATS mark.

        Play Against: @ Northern Illinois 11/22
        The Huskies should have bowl implications for this game. Western Mich. is 2-13 ATS with revenge and 1-7 ATS vs. NIU.

        Central Michigan
        Play On: Ohio U. 10/15
        This homecoming game has the home team at 5-1 ATS and the Chippewas are 7-1 vs. the spread off a non-conference game.

        Play Against: @Penn State 9/17
        This over-matched team is 3-11 ATS on the road in non-conference contests.

        Ball State
        Play On: Ohio U. 10/22
        Ball State should be 0-6 coming into this game. With the Cardinals a probable road dog, against an equally bad Ohio U. squad, this might provide value since the visitor has covered 71% of the last seven games.

        Play Against: @ Auburn 9/17
        The Tigers can name the score in this home game. Ball State has only 9 seniors that could start. Auburn executes a 4th quarter cover in this SEC/ MAC match-up.


        2005 Independents Preview

        The number of schools playing as Independents climbs back up to four in 2005, matching the total of 2003 before Troy State and Connecticut began conference affiliation. Army and Temple are the latest programs to join the independent ranks, with the Black Knights leaving Conference USA and the Owls having departed the Big East. Neither team enjoyed the stay in its respective conference, so each will be looking for a fresh start in 2005. Perhaps independence is just what the doctor ordered for both. Meanwhile, Navy comes off its best season in decades having won 10 games, including a 34-19 Emerald Bowl decision over New Mexico. The Midshipmen may be headed for rebuilding though, as several of the stars of that team have been lost to graduation. Finally, in South Bend, a new era begins as Charlie Weis takes over for Tyrone Willingham after the Irish struggled to a 6-6 finish in 2004. The magic of Willingham’s first season in 2002 quickly wore off and he was ousted after just three short years. Notre Dame, and NBC for that matter, badly need for a quick turnaround for the nation’s most visible football program. As usual, the Irish do themselves no favors with a murderer’s row schedule. At the end of the season, it’s a strong possibility that not a single team of the four independents will be playing in a bowl game.

        Notre Dame
        Play On: Michigan State 9/17
        This is the Irish’s first home game under new Coach Weis and should be revved up after two tough road games. With all 11 starters back on offense, Notre Dame should take out the Spartans in their only home game in the first five contests of 2005.

        Play Against: Tennessee 11/5
        Off last year’s upset in Knoxville, the highly ranked Vols will want to turn the tables on Notre Dame. The Irish are only 11-18 ATS in November.

        Navy
        Play On: @ Notre Dame 11/12
        Navy has lost 41 consecutive games to Notre Dame. (NCAA record) The Midshipmen have sunk the Irish 11 of 15 times against the spread.

        Play Against: neutral site- Maryland 9/3
        With only two offensive starters back for Navy, that spells trouble against the fast starting Terps. The neutral site decreases value towards the Midshipmen.

        Temple
        Play On: @ Wisconsin 9/10
        With forced upon independent status for Temple, the Owls travel to Madison. Temple is 12-4 ATS off a presumed loss and 21-12-1 ATS under Co. Wallace.

        Play Against: Toledo 9/17
        The Rockets can explode with points on the scoreboard. Temple is 1-9 ATS against MAC schools.

        Army
        Play On: Cent. Michigan 10/8
        This is the most winnable game to start the new era of Independence for the Cadets. The Black Knights are 10-4 SU and 8-3 ATS against the MAC.

        Play Against: @ Air Force 11/5
        The visitor is 6-15 ATS in this service academy contest. Army is an awful 1-15 against the number off a bye.

        2005 Pac 10 Preview

        Any talk of the Pac 10 in recent years has to start with the tremendous accomplishments by USC. Three straight conference titles, three straight BCS Bowl victories, and of course, back-to-back national titles. In fact, in 2005, the Trojans will try to become the first team ever to win three straight national championships. Clearly, every other storyline in the Pac 10 takes a backseat to that chase this season. Elsewhere, Arizona State appears to be the only other team with a reasonable chance of unseating USC in conference play. The Sun Devils come off a Sun Bowl winning season and boast one of the most potent offensive attacks in the league. California, Oregon, and UCLA are the three other returning bowl teams from 2004 but each sits a notch below USC in terms of talent and questions heading into the season. On an individual front, several key Pac 10 players are vying for various honors this season, including QB Matt Leinart and RB Reggie Bush of USC, WR Derek Hagan of Arizona State, and the UCLA duo of QB Drew Olsen and RB Maurice Drew.

        The Pac 10 was one of the few conferences left unchanged by realignment so everything should remain status quo for 2005. The only minor changes to note are on the coaching front and in instant replay usage, as the league has decided to use instant replay on an experimental basis this season. As far as coaching changes are concerned, two new high profile names will be manning the sidelines in Pac 10 games in 2005 as Walt Harris takes over at Pittsburgh and Tyrone Willingham assumes the controls at Washington. The conference again has relationships with six bowl games but could place as many as seven teams in the postseason if the stars align.

        Southern California
        Play On: @ California 11/12
        USC has had a few problems with Cal over the last couple of years; however the Bears return just 8 starters and have lost all the top playmakers. The visitor is 7-2 against the spread and Coach Carroll’s Trojans are 11-2 ATS in November.

        Play Against: @ Arizona State 10/1
        This will be a much anticipated shootout in the desert, with the visitor in this big Pac-10 game 3-7 ATS.

        California
        Play On: Illinois 9/17
        After Pac-10 opener, Cal faces an Illinois team in transition under Co. Ron Zook. Anytime you can beat a Big 10(11) team if you’re from the West Coast, that is of note and the Bears are 6-1 home off an away game.

        Play Against: @ Oregon 11/5
        Eugene is always a tough place to win, especially if your California, who is 2-8 SU and against the spread.

        Oregon
        Play On: Oregon State 11/18
        The Ducks will be quacking in this case as the home team is 7-1 ATS.

        Play Against: @ Stanford 10/1
        With a home game with USC the week prior and a trip to Arizona State to follow; this is a “classic sandwich” situation. This trip to ‘The Farm’ will be unpleasant for Oregon.

        Arizona State
        Play On: Temple 9/1
        ASU is hoping for a big season and it starts with newly adorned independent Temple. The Sun Devils are 9-3 ATS in non-conference home games over the last dozen.

        Play Against: @ Oregon State 9/24
        The Sun Devils are in a look ahead situation with USC coming to Tempe. The visitor in this Pac-10 contest is 0-7 ATS. ASU is 4-12 ATS in conference road openers.

        UCLA
        Play On: Washington 10/1
        UCLA is 7-1 and 7-0-1 against the number vs. these passive Huskies.

        Play Against: @ Washington State 10/15
        The Bruins visiting Pullman has not been good for UCLA. The Cougars are 8-3 SU and ATS at home against Coach Dorrell’s team.

        Oregon State
        Play On: Arizona 10/29
        The favorite is a terrific 8-1 ATS in this Pac-10 match-up. The Beavers are always eager at Corvallis with a 20-6 against the spread record the last seven years.

        Play Against: @ Louisville 9/17
        OSU returns 13 starters, unfortunately the attrition cost them many playmakers on both sides of the ball. With Louisville favored to be the Big East champions, knocking off a Pac-10 team would be a treat. The Beavers are 3-7 ATS on road openers the last decade.

        Washington
        Play On: Oregon State 11/5
        New coach Tyrone Willingham returns to Pac-10 country armed with 19 starters back. The Huskies off a dismal year, are 7-3 ATS in November recently.

        Play Against: @ UCLA 10/1
        Most dogs like grass, but these Huskies are 2-12 ATS on the real stuff. UCLA has mastered Washington with a 7-0-1 ATS mark.

        Washington State
        Play On: @ Nevada 9/9
        The Cougars like to start fast with an 8-3 against the spread record in road openers since 1994.

        Play Against: @ California 10/1
        The visitor is an ugly 2-11 ATS in this Pacific-10 series.

        Arizona
        Play On: @ Arizona State 11/25
        This duel in the desert rivalry has the visitor posting a 10-3 ATS record.

        Play Against: Washington 11/12
        Arizona is 2-10 ATS before playing Arizona State and 1-10 vs. the spread in their final home game.

        Stanford
        Play On: @Washington State 10/8
        Stanford loves those burgundy and grey uniforms of Washington State. The Cardinal is 11-2 ATS against Wazzou, including 5-0 at Pullman.

        Play Against: Notre Dame 11/26
        Now having to play the Irish after the big game with California, leaves the emotional tank dry. The Cardinal is 2-8 ATS vs. Notre Dame.

        Comment


        • #5
          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.

          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.

          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.

          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.

          2005 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?


          2005 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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          • #6
            Thursday, September 1

            - UConn outscored Buffalo 91-10 in last three series meetings, outgaining Bulls 477-96 last year. Buffalo covered three of last 12 as road underdog.
            -- Oregon covered 11 of last 12 games on grass, six of last eight as road favorite. Houston just 4-9 as underdog under Briles, 6-9 as home dog since '99.
            -- Eastern Michigan covered just three of last 23 non-MAC games; they're 6-10 as road dog since '02. Cincinnati has new QB, but covered five of last six home openers.
            -- Wake Forest is 3-10-1 in last 14 tries as home fave, 4-7-1 in non-ACC games; they visit Nebraska next week, but better not look past Vanderbilt squad with first-team SEC QB that had five losses last year, by combined total of just 15 points.
            -- Spurrier Era starts in Columbia, where South Carolina faces Central Florida squad they drilled last year, 34-3, as Knights limped to 0-11 mark. UCF is 2-8 last ten tries as road dog. Gamecocks have Georgia next and new starter at QB.
            -- Temple covered 11 of last 15 tries as road dog; they have QB with 26 career starts. Arizona State is 14-9 as home fave since '00, and covered nine of last 12 non-Pac 10 home games, but they go to Baton Rouge next, so could looking ahead to LSU.
            -- Idaho, Washington State only eight miles apart, but Coogs won last four series meetings by a combined score of 159-29 (40-7 avg.). Wazoo 4-11 as favorite last two years, 3-8 at home.
            -- Tulsa is 6-1 as home dog under Kragthorpe; this is first visit by Big 11 squad to Tulsa in nine years, so big deal for hosts. Minnesota routed Tulsa 49-10 two years ago; they're 9-4 as road fave since '99, 15-9 overall as favorite since '01.

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