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Friday 12-29-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc
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Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct
RACE #1 - AQUEDUCT - 12:20 PM EASTERN POST
6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $50,000.00 STARTER ALLOWANCE $55,000.00 PURSE
#3 SHORT KAKES
#2 HOPONTHEBUSGUS
#5 BANTY'S GIRL
#1 DARING PROSPECT
#3 SHORT KAKES has hit the board in each of her last four outings, including a win in her 4th race back ... her last three "board hit efforts" have also qualified as "POWER RUNS." #2 HOPONTHEBUSGUS, a 6-1 shot, has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in her last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back ... she's coming off a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish facing slightly better company (+1) in her last start, missing back-to-back "Circle Trips" in that race by just a "photographed nose" at the wire.
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fair Grounds
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 66
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 10 SABE MARCELETE 4/1
# 8 LOUISIANA VOODOO 7/2
# 6 SMARTFROMTHEGITGO 8/1
My selection in this race is SABE MARCELETE. She has been moving strongly recently while recording solid Speed Figures. Hernandez has one of the best jock ROI's on the grounds, returning to risk takers +23 percent. The average class figure of 60 makes this horse tough to beat. LOUISIANA VOODOO - Displays sound Equibase Speed Figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this group of animals. Ought to be given a chance in this race if only for the competitive speed rating earned in the last contest. SMARTFROMTHEGITGO - Has respectable early speed and ought to fare admirably versus this group of horses. With a respectable 52 Equibase Speed Figure last time out, will definitely be a factor in this contest.
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 4 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $23000 Class Rating: 107
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000, IF FOR $22,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 8 INCLINE VILLAGE 6/1
# 4 EMMETT PARK 7/2
# 2 MIDNIGHT DESTINY 9/2
INCLINE VILLAGE is my choice. Could provide positive returns based on respectable recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 100. EMMETT PARK - He has been travelling very well recently while recording strong Equibase speed figs. Has to be given a chance based on the solid Equibase Speed Figure garnered in the last contest. MIDNIGHT DESTINY - The speed rating of 110 from his latest race looks solid in here.
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Laurel Park
Laurel Park - Race 7
EXACTA, TRIFECTA &DAILY DOUBLE (RACES 7-8) / 10 cent SUPERFECTA 50 cent PICK 3 (Races 7-8-9) / $1.00 SUPER HIGH 5
Maiden Claiming $40,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 77 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 3:30P
(PLUS UP TO 30% MBF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000, FOR EACH $4,000 TO $32,000 2 LBS. (MD-BRED AND/OR MD-SIRED HORSES MAY WAIVE CLAIMING PRICE IN THIS RACE).
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * SIMONELA: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WHAT THE BEEP: Horse is a first time starter and its sire's win percentage with first timers is at least 18 (minimum of 50 starts). Horse is a first time starter and its mare's win percentage with first timers is at least 50. CHERRYANDTHEHAWK: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. HAIR TRIGGER: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Horse is a first time starter and its mare's win percentage with first timers is at least 50.
3
SIMONELA
4/1
4/1
10
WHAT THE BEEP
10/1
6/1
7
CHERRYANDTHEHAWK
7/2
8/1
8
HAIR TRIGGER
9/2
8/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
3
SIMONELA
3
4/1
Front-runner
81
67
67.0
63.8
58.3
4
SINGING SARAH
4
10/1
Front-runner
75
54
53.3
47.7
37.2
6
FIRTH
6
6/1
Alternator/Stalker
0
0
59.7
48.3
41.3
2
TO BE HONEST
2
8/1
Alternator/Stalker
0
0
36.7
64.3
57.3
9
SPLENDOR GAL
9
12/1
Trailer
0
0
12.3
49.3
39.3
7
CHERRYANDTHEHAWK
7
7/2
Trailer
0
0
1.9
67.3
63.3
5
BAY OF SIGHS
5
12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0
0
18.0
44.6
32.6
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 7
W-P-S / Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double
Claiming $4,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $10,500 • Post: 8:43P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JUNE 29. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * FLYING ZEALOUS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMas ter Power Rating. SWEET LIAM: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). STARSHIP EXPLORER: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
5
FLYING ZEALOUS
7/2
9/2
6
SWEET LIAM
2/1
5/1
1
STARSHIP EXPLORER
5/2
7/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
3
CASEY KEY
3
5/1
Front-runner
84
75
87.2
52.6
41.1
5
FLYING ZEALOUS
5
7/2
Front-runner
94
84
83.4
77.0
72.0
1
STARSHIP EXPLORER
1
5/2
Front-runner
79
85
77.6
74.8
68.3
2
BOOKMAKER
2
20/1
Front-runner
76
68
74.6
59.4
45.9
4
BURNING FUSE
4
12/1
Front-runner
75
80
69.6
62.4
50.9
6
SWEET LIAM
6
2/1
Trailer
93
87
41.7
66.4
63.4
7
PRIVATE TUTOR
7
20/1
Alternator/Trailer
92
85
32.4
62.5
54.0
8
KOVARRO
8
12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
89
72
63.2
56.2
45.7
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Santa Anita - Race #3 - Post: 1:29pm - Maiden Special - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $54,000 Class Rating: 100
Rating: 3
#1 SHAKY ALIBI (ML=6/1)
#4 OISEAU DE GUERRE (ML=7/2)
#5 NEW DANCER (ML=15/1)
#8 ZIPMAN (ML=5/1)
#10 MESUT (ML=6/1)
SHAKY ALIBI - If this gelding gets out of the gate cleanly, he'll be tough to catch. This gelding has been working well, and the recent bullet work says he's primed for a big performance today. OISEAU DE GUERRE - That last workout tells me this gelding is set for a top performance. Earnings per start is something that I feel can be a key factor. This racer is ranked number 1 in this group. NEW DANCER - You'll be generating money right and left by turning your bankroll onto this jockey/conditioner combination. ZIPMAN - This jock and trainer are honest together. Win percent when teamed up is very hard to top. This horse obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has garnered the highest speed rating on the turf at the distance and surface. MESUT - Roman comes to get aboard after getting to know the gelding in the last race. In my opinion, you need 'class' to be successful on the grass. This one has the highest average Equibase class figure in the field.
Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FACTORIAL (ML=6/1), #11 CASCADE ROCK (IRE) (ML=6/1), #7 CONQUEST SMARTEE (ML=6/1),
FACTORIAL - Disappointing speed figure last out at Aqueduct at 6 furlongs. Don't believe this mount will improve too much in today's race. CASCADE ROCK (IRE) - This gelding hasn't had any positive outcomes in sprint events in the last couple months. CONQUEST SMARTEE - In this circumstance, this pony's inability to close any ground in the last clash is a matter of concern. Don't feel this racer will make an impact today. That last speed rating was most unsatisfactory when compared with today's Equibase class figure.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 SHAKY ALIBI is going to be the play if we are getting 4/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [4,5,8,10]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
1 with [4,5,8,10] with [4,5,8,10] Total Cost: $12
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
1 with [4,5,8,10] with [4,5,8,10] with [4,5,8,10] Total Cost: $24
SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[1,4,5] with [1,4,5,8,10] with [1,4,5,8,10] with [1,4,5,8,10] with [1,4,5,8,10] Total Cost: $72
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Turfway Park - Race #3 - Post: 7:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 87
Rating: 4
#4 MR. COMPASS (ML=3/1)
MR. COMPASS - Got to appreciate a good work horse. This gelding's last work was second fastest of the day for the distance. This thoroughbred coming off a sharp performance in the last thirty days is a solid contender in my opinion. 68-74-83 are last 3 speed figures. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this event. Racing at a similar level as last race on Nov 29th at Turfway Park. I think Maker has found a good spot for him, and I like his chances right here.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 REPROVE (ML=5/2), #8 LO'S JOURNEY (ML=3/1), #7 RAGTIME REBEL (ML=4/1),
REPROVE - This chalk horse ran on October 8th and hasn't had a drill since then. LO'S JOURNEY - I cannot play this frequent non-winner. Gets the job finished now and then. A rallier like this one needs a speed duel to set things up and he isn't likely to get one this time around. RAGTIME REBEL - I'd like to see more preferred recent outings with morning line odds of 4/1. You have to be concerned that this vulnerable equine added bandages in the last race.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #4 MR. COMPASS to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [5,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
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When: 5:30 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl Preview: New Mexico State vs. Utah State
NOVA HOME LOANS ARIZONA BOWL STORYLINES
1. New Mexico State ended the nation's longest bowl drought when it accepted the bid to play Utah State in the Arizona Bowl on Dec. 29 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. The Aggies will be making their first bowl appearance since the 1960 Sun Bowl where they played, ironically, Utah State. New Mexico State, which is 2-0-1 all-time in bowl games, defeated Utah State 20-13 that year.
2. Last one out of Las Cruces turns out the lights. As one might imagine after such a long bowl drought, New Mexico State fans are fired up for the contest and quickly sold out their original required Sun Belt Conference allotment of 5,000 tickets. Las Cruces is just a four-hour drive down I-10 from Tucson and school officials expect around 10,000 fans to make the 275-mile trip which should give New Mexico State a pretty fair home field advantage.
3. Besides the 1960 Sun Bowl, New Mexico State and Utah State have a history, having played in the same conference for 26 years, the Big West (1985-2000) and the Western Athletic Conference (2001-2012). Utah State, which sweated out selection day because the Mountain West had just five contracted bowls for six bowl eligible spots, leads the all-time series 30-7 and will be making its sixth bowl appearance in seven years after missing out last season following a 3-9 finish. "When you get the call you're in, it's an extreme amount of joy and relief," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "I'm excited for our players to go play another game, because they deserve it."
TV: 5:30 ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Utah State -4.
ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE (6-6, 4-4 Sun Belt): Led by senior quarterback Tyler Rogers, who passed for 3,825 yards, 26 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, New Mexico ranks fourth among all FBS programs in passing offense (352.6 yards) with Rogers also ranking sixth nationally in total offense (348.1 yards). Jaleel Scott, a 6-6 wide receiver, was a first team all-conference pick after finishing with 73 receptions for 1,042 yards and eight touchdowns, while running back Larry Rose III was a second-team pick after rushing for 807 yards and nine TDs. The defense, which is tied for sixth with Texas A&M with 40 sacks, is led by a pair of first team All-Sun Belt performers in defensive end Cedric Wilcots II (8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles) and linebacker Dalton Herrington, who led the Sun Belt with 124 tackles, including 15 for loss, to go with 5.5 sacks.
ABOUT UTAH STATE (6-6, 4-4 Mountain West): The Aggies won three of their final five games to become bowl-eligible but come in off a 38-35 loss at Air Force to finish tied for fourth with the Falcons in the Mountain Division behind league champion Boise State, Wyoming and Colorado State. Freshman quarterback Jordan Love leads the offense and passed for 1,377 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions, while senior running back LaJuan Hunt rushed for a team-high 695 yards on 149 carries and scored 10 TDs. Senior cornerback Jalen Davis was a first-team all-conference selection after tying for the Mountain West lead with five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns, while sophomore placekicker Dominik Eberle also earned first team all-league honors after connecting on 16-of-18 field goals, including a 52-yarder, and going 45-of-45 on extra-point tries.
PREDICTION: Utah State 30, New Mexico State 21
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Trends - New Mexico State vs Utah State
ATS Trends
New Mexico State
Aggies are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Aggies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. MWC.
Aggies are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Aggies are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Aggies are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Aggies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Aggies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Aggies are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Utah State
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Aggies are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 Friday games.
Aggies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Aggies are 9-20 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
Aggies are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Aggies are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Aggies are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 vs. S-Belt.
Aggies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Aggies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Aggies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
OU Trends
New Mexico State
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 vs. MWC.
Over is 22-8 in Aggies last 30 non-conference games.
Over is 11-4-1 in Aggies last 16 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 11-4-1 in Aggies last 16 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2-2 in Aggies last 9 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 18-8-1 in Aggies last 27 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 26-12-1 in Aggies last 39 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 35-17-1 in Aggies last 53 games on grass.
Over is 41-20-2 in Aggies last 63 games overall.
Utah State
Under is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 Bowl games.
Over is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 non-conference games.
Under is 7-0-1 in Aggies last 8 games in December.
Under is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 neutral site games.
Under is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 bowl games.
Over is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Aggies last 7 Friday games.
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 9-3 in Aggies last 12 games overall.
Over is 5-2 in Aggies last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 18-8 in Aggies last 26 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 20-9 in Aggies last 29 games on grass.
Head to Head
Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings.
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When: 8:30 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic preview: USC vs. Ohio State
COTTON BOWL STORYLINES
1. Two of the most successful quarterbacks in the nation will be on display when fifth-ranked Ohio State meets No. 7 USC in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 29. Senior J.T. Barrett has thrown for career highs of 2,939 yards and 35 touchdowns to lead Ohio State while sophomore Sam Darnold boasts 57 scoring strikes in two seasons with the Trojans and is close to going over 7,000 yards passing in his career. The Buckeyes are averaging 42.5 points and USC is at 34.5 - 38.8 during its current five-game win streak.
2. While both teams can beat you through the air, the game may be decided in the trenches by both giving the star quarterbacks time to operate and opening up holes for talented running backs. USC junior running back Ronald Jones II has rushed for 1,486 yards - averaging 162.8 per game during the current win streak - and 18 touchdowns overall to give Darnold support. J.K. Dobbins (10 TDs) set a freshman rushing record for Ohio State with 1,364 yards while Barrett (732) and sophomore Mike Weber (608 yards, 10 TDs) have also had big years on the ground.
3. It will be the 24th matchup between the schools with rich football histories and seven of the previous games were in the Rose Bowl with USC winning four of those. The Trojans have won seven straight meetings, including the last showdown in 2009 when they defeated the Buckeyes 18-15 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won the Big Ten title by knocking off Wisconsin 27-21 and USC defeated Stanford 31-28 in the Pac-12 championship game, which in the past would have led to a trip to the Rose Bowl, but the College Football Playoff is using the fabled site in Pasadena, Calif., for one of the two semifinal games this season.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Ohio State -7.5
ABOUT USC (11-2, 8-1 Pac-12): Darnold struggled with interceptions early on (six in first three games), but was picked off only twice in the last five contests and threw for 3,787 yards overall. Junior Deontay Burnett has hauled in 74 passes for 975 yards and nine touchdowns, despite catching one pass last time out, while freshman Tyler Vaughns (51 catches, 690 yards, five TDs) and senior Steven Mitchell Jr. (41, 644, four) have also been productive. Linebacker Cameron Smith leads the Trojans defense with 102 tackles and junior lineman Rasheem Green posted five of his nine sacks in his last four games.
ABOUT OHIO STATE (11-2, 8-1 Big Ten): Barrett threw for two touchdowns with a pair of interceptions in the Big Ten title game and completed 64.7 percent of his passes this year while the Buckeyes boast 11 different receivers with a TD catch. Junior Parris Campbell (three TDs) led a balanced receiving corps with 587 yards, sophomore K.J. Hill tops (three TDs) the team with 55 receptions and junior Johnnie Dixon registered a team-best eight touchdown catches. Junior linebacker Jerome Baker leads the team with 67 tackles and sophomore lineman Nick Bosa has made an impact with seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 31, USC 28
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Trends - No. 7 Southern California vs No. 5 Ohio State
ATS Trends
Southern California
Trojans are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up win.
Trojans are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 bowl games.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Trojans are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Bowl games.
Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in December.
Trojans are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Trojans are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Big Ten.
Ohio State
Buckeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
Buckeyes are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. Pac-12.
Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
Buckeyes are 3-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
OU Trends
Southern California
Over is 4-0 in Trojans last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-0 in Trojans last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-1 in Trojans last 7 games overall.
Over is 5-1 in Trojans last 6 games following a straight up win.
Over is 5-1-1 in Trojans last 7 neutral site games.
Over is 4-1 in Trojans last 5 non-conference games.
Over is 3-1-1 in Trojans last 5 games in December.
Over is 7-3-1 in Trojans last 11 Bowl games.
Over is 7-3-1 in Trojans last 11 bowl games.
Ohio State
Over is 5-0 in Buckeyes last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Buckeyes last 4 games following a ATS win.
Over is 8-1 in Buckeyes last 9 games following a straight up win.
Over is 7-1 in Buckeyes last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 8-2 in Buckeyes last 10 games overall.
Over is 8-2 in Buckeyes last 10 games on fieldturf.
Head to Head
No trends available.
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NCAAF
Long Sheet
Friday, December 29
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TEXAS A&M (7 - 5) vs. WAKE FOREST (7 - 5) - 12/29/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
TEXAS A&M is 63-93 ATS (-39.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in December games since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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NC STATE (8 - 4) vs. ARIZONA ST (7 - 5) - 12/29/2017, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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KENTUCKY (7 - 5) vs. NORTHWESTERN (9 - 3) - 12/29/2017, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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UTAH ST (6 - 6) vs. NEW MEXICO ST (6 - 6) - 12/29/2017, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO ST is 43-72 ATS (-36.2 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
NEW MEXICO ST is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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USC (11 - 2) vs. OHIO ST (11 - 2) - 12/29/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games in December games since 1992.
USC is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
OHIO ST is 183-140 ATS (+29.0 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 183-140 ATS (+29.0 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) against Pac Twelve conference opponents since 1992.
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NCAAF
Trend Report
Friday, December 29
WAKE FOREST @ TEXAS A&M
Wake Forest is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wake Forest's last 6 games
Texas A&M is 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games
NORTH CAROLINA STATE @ ARIZONA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina State's last 9 games
North Carolina State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona State's last 5 games
Arizona State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
KENTUCKY @ NORTHWESTERN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky's last 5 games
Kentucky is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Northwestern is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Northwestern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
UTAH STATE @ NEW MEXICO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah State's last 5 games when playing New Mexico State
Utah State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Mexico State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Mexico State's last 5 games when playing Utah State
New Mexico State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA @ OHIO STATE
Southern California is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern California's last 7 games
Ohio State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ohio State's last 10 games
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NCAAF
December 29
Texas A&M vs Wake Forest (-3); Belk Bowl, Charlotte
Texas A&M lost its first game this year 45-44 at UCLA, after leading 44-10, which led to eventual ouster of HC Sumlin. Aggies went 3-4 in last seven games after a 4-1 start; they’re 3-2-1 as an underdog this year, 4-2 in games with single digit spread. New A&M coach Jimbo Fisher isn’t coaching this game; interim coach Jeff Banks will coach. Wake Forest went 3-5 in its last eight games after a 4-0 start; they’re 2-2 as favorites this year, 5-2 in games with single digit spread. This is an unusual bowl, in that favorites won/covered last five Belk Bowls, with average total of 65.4. Aggies lost last two bowls 27-21/33-28 after winning three n row before that. This is essentially a home game for Deacons, who won their bowl 34-26 (+12) LY, their first bowl since 2011. Wake is 7-4 all-time in bowls, so getting in a bowl is a big deal for them.
NC State (-6.5) vs Arizona State; Sun Bowl, El Paso
Sun Devils in Sun Bowl? Arizona State fired its coach, kept both coordinators, but they both quit anyway; WRs coach was moved up to OC. ASU won three of last four games, scoring 37+ points in all four games; they’re 5-2-1 as an underdog this year, 3-3-1 in games with single digit spread. NC State went 2-3 in its last five games after a 6-1 start; State is 1-4-1 as favorites this year, 1-3-1 in games with single digit spread. Wolfpack is 3-2 in their last five bowls, with average total 63. Favorites covered four of the five games. Sun Devils are 2-3 in last five bowls, winning Sun Bowl 36-31 (-7) vs Duke three years ago- dogs covered their last three bowls. Average total in their last five bowls, 76.4. Favorites won this bowl the last four years (2-1-1 vs spread); average total in the last five Sun Bowls is 46.2.
Northwestern (-7.5) vs Kentucky; Music City Bowl, Nashville
Northwestern won its last seven games after a 2-3 start, including three OT wins in a row; they are 6-2 as favorites this year, 6-1 in games wth single digit spread. Wildcats won their last two games by combined scored of 81-7. Kentucky lost four of last six games after a 5-1 start; they’re 3-3 as underdogs this year, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Wildcats lost last two games, 42-13/44-17. Kentucky lost its last three bowls by 8-17-15 points, scoring 13.7 ppg; LY was their first bowl since ’10- they lost this bowl 21-13 in ’10, won it 35-28 in ’07. Wildcats won two of last three bowls after Fitzgerald lost his first four bowls- this is first time in 20+ years that Northwestern is favored in a bowl. Favorites won four of last five Music City Bowls (4-1 vs spread); SEC teams are 3-2 in this game the last five years.
Utah State (-4) vs New Mexico State; Arizona Bowl, Tucson
New Mexico State is in its first bowl since 1960- they’ve got to be excited. NMS won three of last four games to become bowl eligible; they’re 4-2 vs spread as an underdog this year, 4-2 in games with single digit spread- they upset New Mexico 30-28 (+7.5) of Mountain West early in season. USU is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 2-0 as favorites this year, 4-3 vs spread in games with single digit spread. NMS lost 41-7 at Utah State in teams’ last meeting, five years ago. USU won three of its last four bowls, scoring exactly 21 points in last three- they didn’t go bowling LY. Favorites split first two Arizona Bowls; average total was 58.5. Last three years, Mountain West teams are 6-4-1 vs spread when facing a Sun Belt opponent. Over is 8-3 in USU games this year, 5-3 in NMS’s last eight games.
USC vs Ohio State (-7.5), Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TX
USC won its last five games, last two by total of 8 points; they didn’t have an off-week during season until week before ac-12 title game, so they will be lot fresher here. Trojans are 0-1 as an underdog, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Ohio State won three of last four bowls, losing 31-0 to Clemson LY; fair to question Buckeyes’ state of mind since they weren’t voted into playoff. Buckeyes won their last four games; they’re 6-7 as a favorite this year, 1-2 in games with single digit spread. USC won three of last four bowls, beating Penn State 52-49 in wild Rose Bowl LY; Trojans are 1-4 vs spread in last five bowls- this is first time they’ve been bowl underdog since since ’06 Rose Bowl, which they won. Favorites are 3-2 vs spread in last five Cotton Bowls, with average total of 57.4.
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NCAAF
Dunkel
Bowl Season
Friday, December 29
Texas A&M @ Wake Forest
Game 247-248
December 29, 2017 @ 1:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Texas A&M
90.976
Wake Forest
96.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wake Forest
by 5 1/2
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wake Forest
by 3
65
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(-3); Under
NC State @ Arizona State
Game 249-250
December 29, 2017 @ 3:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
NC State
100.780
Arizona State
92.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC State
by 8
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC State
by 6
59 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NC State
(-6); Over
Kentucky @ Northwestern
Game 251-252
December 29, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Kentucky
95.559
Northwestern
99.677
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northwestern
by 4
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northwestern
by 7 1/2
51
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(+7 1/2); Over
Utah State @ New Mexico St
Game 253-254
December 29, 2017 @ 5:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
80.782
New Mexico St
78.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah State
by 2
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah State
by 4
62
Dunkel Pick:
New Mexico St
(+4); Under
USC @ Ohio State
Game 255-256
December 29, 2017 @ 8:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
USC
101.987
Ohio State
114.886
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 13
69
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 7
64 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(-7); Over
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NCAAF
Friday, December 29
Sun Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: North Carolina State vs. Arizona State
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (+7, 59.5)
Game to be played at Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas
North Carolina State surprised some by challenging Clemson for the ACC Atlantic Division crown and has a shot at its first nine-win season since 2010. The Wolfpack finished No. 24 in the final College Football Playoff rankings and will cap their campaign by facing Arizona State in the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 29. The Sun Devils averaged 40 points while winning three of their last four games to reach bowl eligibility and will wave goodbye to coach Todd Graham, who was fired at the end of the regular season but is staying on with his staff to coach the bowl game.
Herm Edwards is a big personality and a famous name in football coaching circles after his stints as head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, and he accepted an offer to succeed Graham with the Arizona State. "Athletes from all over the country, or whether it's here locally, should be coming back here," Edwards told reporters. "Guys in California and Los Angeles should be coming here. Why is this not the destination? Why can't it be? That's my job. That's my job to go into those homes, tell those parents this is the place you want to send your son." Edwards, who spent the last nine years as an analyst at ESPN, will not be on the sideline during the Sun Bowl but certainly will be a presence.
North Carolina State avoided the coaching carousel at the end of the regular season, fending off an effort by Tennessee to hire head coach Dave Doeren and signing him to a five-year extension. "Dave has made significant strides in developing a complete program at NC State, and this new contract continues our commitment to his leadership," athletic director Debbie Yow said in a statement. Doeren is guiding the Wolfpack to their fourth consecutive bowl appearance after reaching eight wins by beating rival North Carolina in the regular-season finale.
TV: 3 p.m. ET, CBS.
LINE HISTORY: North Carolina State opened as a 6-point favorite in this matchup and have been bet as high as -7, before settling down at the current number of NC State -6.5. The total hit the board at 59.5 and has yet to move off that number.
INJURY REPORT:
NC State - G T. Adams (Probable Friday, leg) WR S. Louis (Questionable Friday, ankle), DE B. Chubb (Questionable Friday, upper body).
Arizona State - DL G. Lea (Questionable Friday, upper body).
WEATHER REPORT: 66 to 68 degrees and clear - 3 to 4 mph winds throughout
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (8-4, 4-7-1 ATS, 4-8 O/U): Wolfpack senior defensive end Bradley Chubb took home the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player after recording 10 sacks in 2017 and 25 in his career. Chubb anchors the defense while the offense is led by junior quarterback Ryan Finley, who threw for 3200 yards and 16 touchdowns and was at his best in the biggest games - averaging 373.3 yards and totaling six TD passes against Louisville, Clemson and South Carolina this season. Finley's biggest target is tight end Jaylen Samuels, who was named third-team All-American after hauling in a team-best 69 receptions and four TDs.
ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (7-5, 7-5 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Edwards is keeping most of the coaching staff, but defensive coordinator Phil Bennett elected to leave the program and will be coaching his last game after guiding a unit that allowed opposing offenses to score an average of 31.3 points in the regular season. The Sun Devils made up for some of the defensive struggles on the other side of the ball as dual-threat quarterback Manny Wilkins passed for 2,918 yards and 17 scores while rushing for 269 yards and six TDs. Arizona State averaged 180.3 yards on the ground and totaled 26 rushing TDs, led by senior Demario Richard (977 yards, 12 TDs).
TRENDS:
* North Carolina State is 0-4 ATS in its last four non-conference games.
* Arizona State is 0-4 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Over is 7-0 in North Carolina's last seven neutral site games.
* Over is 4-1 in Sun Devils last five games overall.
CONSENSUS: Bettors are giving a slight edge to the favorite in this matchup, with 53 percent of wagers backing the Wolfpack. When it comes to the total bettors like the game to eclipse the total, with 61 percent of wagers on the Over.
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NCAAF
Friday, December 29
Music City Bowl betting preview and odds: Kentucky vs. Northwestern
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Northwestern Wildcats (-7.5, 51)
Game to be played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
No. 20 Northwestern looks to win 10 games for the second time in three seasons when it takes on Kentucky in the Music City Bowl Dec. 29 in Nashville, Tenn. Northwestern has won seven consecutive games - its longest winning streak since the memorable Rose Bowl run in 1996 - and has a chance to cap off a successful campaign by posting back-to-back postseason victories for the first time in program history. Kentucky backed into a bowl game after dropping three of its last four contests, but has a chance to win eight games for the first time since 2007 and hand coach Mark Stoops some momentum on the recruiting trail.
Justin Jackson will be appearing in his final game after setting a slew of Northwestern rushing records during his stay in Evanston. Jackson became the first Big Ten player since Ron Dayne to rush for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons after gaining 1,154 on the ground in 2017. Jackson ran for 144 yards and a touchdown in the 42-7 win against Illinois in the regular season finale to move past Montee Ball (5,140) for fourth place on the Big Ten's all-time rushing list and hopes to feast on a Kentucky defense, which surrendered an average of 363.5 yards on the ground over its final two games.
Kentucky has a dynamic running back of its own in sophomore sensation Benny Snell Jr. Snell has built upon a historic freshman campaign, which saw him break the school record for most rushing yards by a first-year player (1,091) by registering 18 touchdowns in 2017, including 12 over his final five games of the regular season. Snell racked up 1,318 rushing yards to become the first running back in Kentucky history to notch back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and hopes to lead the Wildcats to their first postseason win since a 25-19 victory against East Carolina in the 2008 Liberty Bowl.
TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE HISTORY: Northwestern opened as a touchdown favorite and has nudged up a half point to 7.5. The total hasn't budged since opening at 51.
INJURY REPORT:
Kentucky - DE Denzil Ware (Disciplinary, Out), TE C.J. Conrad (Undisclosed, Out)
Northwestern - No new injuries.
WEATHER REPORT: 37 dropping to 30 degrees and partly cloudy during the game - negligible winds
ABOUT KENTUCKY (7-5 SU, 3-9 ATS, 6-6 O/U): Snell, who was named to the All-SEC second team, rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns in the disappointing 44-17 loss to Louisville on Nov. 25 to bring his career total to a school-record 31. "I'm going to keep giving it my all and I don't really care about that," Snell told reporters. "I like competition and I like it when another running back has good stats coming into the game against me." Wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. was named to the freshman All-SEC Team as a kick returner after averaging 23.1 yards per return.
ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (9-3 SU, 9-3 ATS, 5-5-2 O/U): Clayton Thorson threw for 140 yards and a score in the win over Illinois in the regular-season finale to equal the program record for most touchdown passes (44) held by Len Williams and Brett Basanez. Jackson posted his 26th career 100-yard rushing game in the victory against the Fighting Illini to move past the legendary LaDainian Tomlinson (5,263) into 11th place on the NCAA's all-time rushing list. Garrett Dickerson earned all-Big Ten honorable mention honors after catching a career-high 37 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns in 2017.
CONSENSUS: Just over 60 percent of players are backing Northwestern to cover as a 7-point fave.
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NCAAF
Friday, December 29
Arizona Bowl betting preview and odds: New Mexico State vs. Utah State
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Utah State Aggies (-4, 63)
Game to be played at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.
New Mexico State ended the nation's longest bowl drought when it accepted the bid to play Utah State in the Arizona Bowl on Dec. 29 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. The Aggies will be making their first bowl appearance since the 1960 Sun Bowl where they played, ironically, Utah State. New Mexico State, which is 2-0-1 all-time in bowl games, defeated Utah State 20-13 that year.
Last one out of Las Cruces turns out the lights. As one might imagine after such a long bowl drought, New Mexico State fans are fired up for the contest and quickly sold out their original required Sun Belt Conference allotment of 5,000 tickets. Las Cruces is just a four-hour drive down I-10 from Tucson and school officials expect around 10,000 fans to make the 275-mile trip which should give New Mexico State a pretty fair home field advantage.
Besides the 1960 Sun Bowl, New Mexico State and Utah State have a history, having played in the same conference for 26 years, the Big West (1985-2000) and the Western Athletic Conference (2001-2012). Utah State, which sweated out selection day because the Mountain West had just five contracted bowls for six bowl eligible spots, leads the all-time series 30-7 and will be making its sixth bowl appearance in seven years after missing out last season following a 3-9 finish.
"When you get the call you're in, it's an extreme amount of joy and relief," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "I'm excited for our players to go play another game, because they deserve it."
TV: 5:30 ET, CBS Sports Network.
LINE HISTORY: New Mexico State opened as a 3.5-point favorite but the line flipped a couple days after opening to Utah State -4. The total opened at 61 and has moved up to 63.
INJURY REPORT:
New Mexico State - WR OJ Clark (Shoulder, Questionable)
Utah State - No new injuries
WEATHER REPORT: 77 dropping to 66 and clear for the game - 2 to 4 mph winds
ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE (6-6 SU, 6-5-1 ATS 5-7 O/U): Led by senior quarterback Tyler Rogers, who passed for 3,825 yards, 26 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, New Mexico ranks fourth among all FBS programs in passing offense (352.6 yards) with Rogers also ranking sixth nationally in total offense (348.1 yards). Jaleel Scott, a 6-6 wide receiver, was a first team all-conference pick after finishing with 73 receptions for 1,042 yards and eight touchdowns, while running back Larry Rose III was a second-team pick after rushing for 807 yards and nine TDs. The defense, which is tied for sixth with Texas A&M with 40 sacks, is led by a pair of first team All-Sun Belt performers in defensive end Cedric Wilcots II (8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles) and linebacker Dalton Herrington, who led the Sun Belt with 124 tackles, including 15 for loss, to go with 5.5 sacks.
ABOUT UTAH STATE (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS, 9-3 O/U): The Aggies won three of their final five games to become bowl-eligible but come in off a 38-35 loss at Air Force to finish tied for fourth with the Falcons in the Mountain Division behind league champion Boise State, Wyoming and Colorado State. Freshman quarterback Jordan Love leads the offense and passed for 1,377 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions, while senior running back LaJuan Hunt rushed for a team-high 695 yards on 149 carries and scored 10 TDs. Senior cornerback Jalen Davis was a first-team all-conference selection after tying for the Mountain West lead with five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns, while sophomore placekicker Dominik Eberle also earned first team all-league honors after connecting on 16-of-18 field goals, including a 52-yarder, and going 45-of-45 on extra-point tries.
CONSENSUS: About 52 percent of players are backing New Mexico State to cover as a 4-point underdog.
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When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Matchup Edge
BUF Edge in: NJ
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending
Preview: Sabres at Devils
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017
The New Jersey Devils are the surprise leaders of the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division with goaltender Cory Schneider leading the way as they wrap up a six-game homestand against the struggling Buffalo Sabres on Friday. New Jersey came out of the break with a 3-1 victory over Detroit on Wednesday for its season-high fifth straight win, with Schneider allowing 10 goals during that span and improving to 17-6-4.
"I felt like that's kind of been the story all season, right? Cory's got our back," Devils defenseman Steven Santini told the Newark Star-Ledger. "You look at Stanley Cup teams the last few years, everyone's got good goaltending. So obviously we try to play our best and teams will have pushes, and thankfully we have Cory ..." Buffalo coughed up the lead with 1:09 left in regulation Wednesday at the New York Islanders and lost 3-2 in overtime, falling to 1-3-2 in its last six games and 4-12-6 in its past 22 contests. The Sabres score the fewest goals in the NHL at 2.16 per game, and are the worst team in the Eastern Conference - ahead of only Arizona in the overall standings. New Jersey has won four straight and nine of the last 10 meetings, including 6-2 on Oct. 9 in the first encounter this season with Jesper Bratt and Marcus Johansson scoring two goals apiece.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, MSG Plus (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE SABRES (9-20-8): Evander Kane leads the club with 15 goals and 34 points, and is on pace to record career highs in each category as his trade value continues to increase. Jack Eichel (13 goals, 33 points this season) has five goals and nine points in his last five contests while Kyle Okposo has three of his six goals in the past nine games after scoring Wednesday against his old team. Zemgus Girgensons (three goals) has scored in back-to-back contests after snapping a 25-game drought.
ABOUT THE DEVILS (22-9-5): Taylor Hall has a team-most 36 points and shares the club lead in goals (12) with Brian Gibbons after recording four goals and five assists in his last eight games. Nico Hischier, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, recorded the second two-goal game of his career Wednesday, and has seven goals and 16 assists overall. Gibbons, who has one goal in his last 13 games, is a team-best plus-13 but only a plus-1 in 12 December contests.
OVERTIME
1. New Jersey, which had the third-best penalty-killing unit entering Friday at 84.4 percent, hasn't allowed a power-play goal in four games (12 chances) and has extinguished 23 of its last 24 penalties over the past eight contests.
2. Buffalo is 0-for-12 on the power play in its past six games and converts at an NHL-worst 11.8 percent (tied with Columbus) after leading the league at 24.5 last season.
3. Devils D Will Butcher's 21 assists - 13 on the power play - are second-most among NHL rookies to New York Islanders C Mathew Barzal (23).
PREDICTION: Devils 3, Sabres 2
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