12-28-12

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::clap::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFB

Independence Bowl (Shreveport)
UL-Monroe is in its first-ever bowl; they'll be excited and have lot of fan support- this is game Louisiana Tech didn't want to play in, due to their animosity with ULM. Faves won/covered last six Independence Bowls; MAC teams are 0-2 in this bowl the last nine years, losing 17-13/17-10. Ohio is playing in 5th bowl in last eight years, upsetting Utah St 24-23 in LY's Potato Bowl; Bobcats could be diappointed to be here after 7-0 start that included win at Penn State- they lost last three games, allowing 35.3 ppg- they're 1-2 as underdog this year. ULM stumbled when QB Browning was hurt, but he's back now; they're 4-3 vs spread as favorite this year, and also won at Arkansas, lost to Auburn/Baylor by combined total of 8 points. Ohio QB Tettleton is son of former big league catcher; he threw 16 TDs with only three INTs, but Browning (27 TDs, 7 INTs) is key to this game for ULM/ Sun Belt non-conference favorites are 6-3 vs spread this year, 1-1 in bowls; MAC dogs are 18-18, 1-2 in bowls.

Russell Athletic (Orlando)
This is worst Hokie team since an 8-5 team in '03; they lost 40-12/23-20 in BCS bowls last two years. Virginia Tech covered only 7 of its last 26 games (3-9 this year); they had just three offensive starters back from LY and it showed, going 3-5 SU in last eight games, covering two of eight as a favorite. Rutgers is 5-0 in bowls over last five years, but Schiano is now in NFL and Flood is first-time HC; Knights lost last two games to slip out of BCS game to here, but they've got lot of Florida kids, should still be motivated. Problem is, they scored total of 33 points in last three games, but they also covered three of four as underdog, with SU wins at USF/Arkansas/Cincinnati. Tech allowed 27+ points in all six losses this year; Rutgers scored 27+ in only two of its last eight games. ACC teams are 7-2 in this bowl last nine years; underdogs covered five of last seven, with average total in last three just 32.0.

Meineke Car Care (Houston)
Domed stadium has lent to high-scoring games in this bowl; average total in last four Car Care Bowls is 51.8. Favorites are 6-2-1 vs spread in this bowl last nine years. 6-6 Minnesota's best WR (walk-on) quit team and trashed coach on his way out door; Gophers are in a bowl for first time in three years- they've lost last four bowls, with three losses by 3 or less points. Minnesota scored 13.5 ppg in last four games. Texas Tech didn't play in bowl LY but is 4-1 in last five bowls, scoring 39 ppg in five games- they played three OT games in last six, winning two of three OT tilts. Tuberville bolted for Cincinnati, so yet another interim coach here. Big X teams lost four of last five appearances in this bowl, with Texas A&M winning here LY, in its last game as a Big X member. Tech (-7) beat Gophers 44-41 in bowl game six years ago, in only series meeting. Houston setting favors Tech; so does Minnesota's 2-6 spread record as an underdog. Big Dozen non-conference underdogs are 4-3 vs spread.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ohio Bobcats vs. ULM Warharks
Point Spread - Pick

Ohio Bobcats (8-4 SU, 4-8 ATS) vs. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS)
Independence Bowl
Date/Time: Friday, December 28th, 2012, 2:00 p.m. EST
Where: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.
TV: ESPN/DirecTV 206
by Badger, Football Handicapper.

Point Spread: OU +7/Louisiana Monroe -7
Over/Under Total: 60

The ULM Warhawks will finally get a reward for their huge season-opening upset of Arkansas, their first-ever bowl appearance, when the Warhawks take on the Ohio Bobcats in the Independence Bowl in nearby Shreveport Friday, December 28th, on ESPN.

Louisiana-Monroe made headlines and turned heads everywhere in the college football world back on September 8th when they dropped then-No. 8 Arkansas in overtime, 34-31. The Warhawks then went on to give Auburn and Baylor everything they could handle the next two weeks despite losing, proving they weren't a flash in the pan and finally putting them on the college football map under coach Todd Berry after spending most of their time as an FBS program in the shadows (moved to FBS in 1994).

With confidence at an all-time high, the Warhawks tore through the Sun Belt Conference and finished the rest of the year at 7-2, earning a bid to the Independence Bowl and a chance at another program first … a bowl victory, if they can just get past the Bobcats in what will likely be a "home" game in front of a huge Louisiana crowd in Independence Stadium.

Hopes were really high in Athens, Ohio, this season since the Bobcats were returning a host of starters as defending Mid-American Conference champions. The Bobcats pushed those expectations even higher when they scored an upset of their own on opening weekend, defeating Penn State on the road in State College, Pa., 24-14.

Ohio was cruising along and looking at a repeat of MAC West champions into mid-October when injuries started to mount and those expectations took a tumble in the form of an upset loss on the road at Miami (OH). The Bobcats then went on to lose their final three games of the season to finish 8-4, in third-place in the MAC West and come limping into the Independence Bowl.

Once the matchup was announced in early December, oddsmakers set the opening point spread with Louisiana-Monroe as 7-point touchdown favorites. The money so far has been mixed enough on both sides that the number hasn't changed at all, although there are a scant few online sportsbooks currently listing the game at minus -7.5.

The over/under total opened at 60 and also has yet to move in either direction really. You might find a 61 in Las Vegas, since most of the early sharp action has been on the over, but for the most part the number has held at 60.

The early action on the total has favored the over for good reason, since both teams feature dynamic junior quarterbacks in Ohio's Tyler Tettleton and Louisiana-Monroe's Kolton Browning.

Tettleton, the son of former MLB catcher Mickey Tettleton, isn't the MAC's most accurate passer (62%, 2,513 yards, 16 TD), but he's an excellent decision maker in the Bobcats spread-option offense and he rarely makes mistakes (3 INT). Ohio has a very good running back in Beau Blankenship (1,500 yards, 11 TD) and a strong offensive front that helps the Bobcats run the ball for over 200 yards a game (202 ypg - 29th).

But if the Bobcats are going to get the win, Tettleton will have to throw it and try and take advantage of the Warhawks weak pass defense (allowing 272 ypg - 108th). With most of the Bobcats dangerous outside weapons graduated, Tettleton's favorite target has become Donte Foster (7 TD), who will have to have a big game against the Louisiana-Monroe secondary.

Browning leads the Warhawks spread-option attack, but unlike the Bobcats, the Warhawks prefer to pass-first with an average of 297 yards a game in the air (27th). Browning is dangerous (65%, 2,830 yards, 27 TD-to-7 INT) and a great leader, and especially important because when he missed two games in the middle of the season with a foot injury Louisiana-Monroe lost both games. Ohio's defense does a decent job against the pass (allow 230 ypg - 55th), but they'll face a tough task in stopping Warhawks receiver Brent Leonard. Leonard crossed the 1,000-yard mark and added 10 touchdowns in his 97 catches this season, but if Ohio chooses to double-team him they'll have to watch out for Je'Ron Hamm (14.9 ypc, 6 TD), who is probably the Warhawks best deep threat.

These two schools have never met before, so betting trends and playing histories are like most bowl game matchups … non-existent.

Ohio started the season as a great wager, but they went 1-7 ATS in the final eight games this year to bleed money for anyone silly enough to stay with them. In six of those eight games they were the favorites, but they closed the season as 6-point and 9.5-point underdogs and lost both of those games too (and failed to cover), so wager on Ohio in this game with caution. Ohio does seem to like playing on Friday though, going 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Friday night games and 4-1 ATS in their last five non-MAC games.

Louisiana-Monroe went a perfect 4-0 ATS in their non-conference games this year and are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall, but they haven't done well against MAC teams in the past going 0-4 ATS over the years.

The over is looking like an excellent wager, since it's 4-0 in Ohio's four games against a Sun Belt team, 8-3 in Ohio's last 11 non-conference games and also 6-0 when Louisiana-Monroe plays in non-conference too.

Badger's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Picking a side in these "mid-major" conference bowl games is always a hard proposition. I truly believe that Ohio can not only cover, but also probably win this game straight up if they weren't playing so bad right now. Considering that Louisiana-Monroe is the very definition of Cinderella this year, I hate to go against them in this spot too. All of this leads me to think that maybe the best wager is the over, since I don't think either defense is well enough equipped to stop the other, even with three weeks to prepare. I'm taking the over of 60.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Point Spread - Pick

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6 SU, 3-9 ATS)
Russell Athletic Bowl Preview
Date/Time: Friday December 28th, 2012. 5:30PM Eastern
Where: Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, F.L.
TV: ESPN
by Jay, Football Handicapper.

Point Spread: Rut +2/VT -2
Over/Under Total: 41

Typically the Virginia Tech Hokies' goal each season is to play in South Florida at the Orange Bowl. After all Coach Frank Beamer has consistently kept Virginia Tech at the top tier of the ACC and the Hokies are usually in the midst of the ACC Championship hunt where the winner plays in the prestigious Orange Bowl. Well this year the Hokies are headed to South Florida but possibly not as far south as they had hoped. Following one of the worse seasons in the Frank Beamer era, the Virginia Tech Hokies will meet the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando on Friday December 28th.

The Hokies had to rally this season to win their final two games to finish at 6-6 at earn a postseason bowl bid. Still, the 6-6 mark is the worse for a Virginia Tech team in 20 years dating back to the 1992 season. It is unclear whether Beamer is truly in the hot seat considering the type of prestigious program he has built in Blacksburg. However, Virginia Tech definitely wants to avoid ending the year with a losing record when they meet the Scarlet Knights this Friday night. Luckily the Hokies have a little history on their side considering ACC teams have won the last 8 of 9 pairings in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

For Virginia Tech to keep the ACC trend intact they will have to take down a solid Rutgers' team that is coming off a respectable 9-3 campaign and a share of the Big East Championship. The Scarlet Knights narrowly fell to Louisville 20-17 in the season finale. If a few things would have turned out differently in that game, the Scarlet Knights would have been headed to the Sugar Bowl. Instead, the Scarlet Knights will have a chance to win their 6th straight postseason bowl game when the meet the Hokies in Orlando.

Ironically this game will feature two teams with eerie similar identities. Both Rutgers and Virginia Tech have struggled tremendously on offense while riding their defenses all year. Rutgers especially has been horrible on paper averaging just 341 total yards (100th in FBS) per game. QB Gary Nova has battled consistency issues all season and as a result the offense has kept the ball on the ground more often than usual. Tailback Jawan Jamison has carried the team for 1,054 yards on the ground this season and he will likely be the key guy again for the Scarlet Knight's offense against Virginia Tech.

Still, Rutgers' strength this year has been the play of their defense that has held teams to just 321 total yards (14th in FBS) per game. Rutgers has a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball and they are superb against the run. Virginia Tech's main issues this year has been the play of the offense. The Hokies have averaged just 391 total yards (71st in FBS) per game. Bud Foster's defense has been solid as usual holding opponents to just 344 total yards per game (24th in FBS). However, Virginia Tech has to find a way to move the football against one of the best defenses they have had the privilege of playing all year when they meet Rutgers.

One of the main factors surrounding the Hokies struggles on offense this season surrounds the play of QB Logan Thomas and a subpar running game. Virginia Tech has had the luxury of housing some really talented tailbacks over the last few years but have yet to find that breakout guy in the backfield this season. Thomas actually leads the team with 528 rushing yards. The coaching staff had a lot of high hopes for Thomas entering this year but the junior has not met those expectations throwing the football. Thomas has completed just 52% passing for 2,783 yards with 17 scores and 14 picks. Obviously the turnovers have been an issue and a big reason the Hokies' offense has been rather vanilla this year. It will be interesting to see what type of game plan Coach Beamer puts together and if he allows Thomas the opportunity to throw the ball often if the Hokies fail to have any success running the football. Somehow either Virginia Tech or Rutgers is going to have to find a way to break through on offense.

Jay's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: The total for this game is set very low at the 41 mark making it one of the lowest totals for the entire bowl season. However, I think this game will still go under that mark because both offenses have been pathetic down the stretch. I'll take my chances on the under 41. Good luck!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Football Betting Sheet

2012-13 Bowl Season

Plays based upon a five-point scale. Plays over a 4.0 are strong plays.
Plays above 4.5 are mandatory plays.
SEASON RECORD: 53-36-1

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas Tech Red Raiders 31 – MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS 21 (9:00 ET 12/28) – The line opened with Minnesota as a 13-point underdog, and that has held for weeks. Texas Tech has an offense that throws it all over the place, while the Golden Gophers rank 11th in the land in pass defense. An ailing offense should find some consistency over the course of the next two weeks, and Minnesota should at least be able to stick inside of the number, knowing that it has gone 3-4 SU in seven bowl games, but has lost three of those games by three points or fewer.
MINNESOTA +13 Rating: 4.3/5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

STATFOX

Bowl Games Forecaster

Ohio Bobcats 27
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 29

Rutgers Scarlet Knights 21
Virginia Tech Hokies 18

Minnesota Golden Gophers 23
Texas Tech Red Raiders 35

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phil Steele

24 points: Louisiana-Monroe over Ohio
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (Dec. 28; Shreveport, La.)
Pick Center Matchup
Quarterback Kolton Browning and a talented set of receivers operate an up-tempo passing assault that produces right around 300 yards per game. An Ohio defense that's been thinned by injuries will have trouble countering the Warhawks' speed. Defensively, Monroe has been susceptible to big-play vertical passing attacks, but that's not the Bobcats' forte; none of Ohio's top seven pass-catchers average better than 12 yards per reception. The Warhawks undoubtedly would have preferred a matchup with Louisiana Tech, but they are still playing close to home in the school's first-ever bowl game against a program with a scant record of postseason success.
Louisiana-Monroe 38, Ohio 27

19 points: Texas Tech over Minnesota
Meineke Car Care of Texas Bowl (Dec. 28; Houston)
Pick Center Matchup
Texas Tech is one of the biggest favorites of the bowl season, but given the circumstances, a wide range of outcomes are possible and we can't let the Red Raiders ascend too far up the list just yet. Minnesota's pass defense has been the best-looking part of its team for most of the year, so in a sense the Gophers match up pretty well, but Seth Doege and Co. are vastly more talented than a Minnesota offense that's managed just 272 yards and 18 first downs in its past two games combined and can't claim a receiver with even 20 catches. Tech, though, is not likely to be too excited about another trip to a third-tier in-state bowl to face another heavy underdog from the lower half of the Big Ten standings. The departure of head coach Tommy Tuberville -- along with that of playcaller Neal Brown -- makes this a messy game to predict.
Texas Tech 34, Minnesota 24

10 points: Virginia Tech over Rutgers
Russell Athletic Bowl (Dec. 28; Orlando, Fla.)
Pick Center Matchup
Both teams feature excellent defenses and inefficient, self-destructive offenses. It's hard to see either side managing even 15 first downs, so we'll opt for the team with positive momentum and a coaching advantage. The Hokies ended the regular season by topping rival Virginia to keep Tech's 20-year bowl streak alive, while Rutgers choked away the biggest game in school history last time out.
Virginia Tech 21, Rutgers 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BETTORS WORLD

3* Rutgers +3 -127 - We want the +3 on this one.
Don't know if we'll see 3's on the board so we'll send this out with the half point buy.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NEWSLETTERS

Winning Points

Best Bets

#224 UL-Monroe
#225 Rutgers
#228 Texas Tech

Nelly's Green Sheet

RATING 2: #224 UL-MONROE (-7)
RATING 1: #227 MINNESOTA (+13)
RATING 1: #225 RUTGERS (+2)

CKO

Priority Picks
10* #224 Louisiana Monroe

Gold Sheet

Projected Scores

#224 LA.-MONROE 33 - Ohio 20
#226 Virginia Tech 27 - Rutgers 20
#228 Texas Tech 31 - Minnesota 14

Powersweep

1★: OVER Ohio/ ULM
3★: VIRGINIA TECH over Rutgers
1★: TEXAS TECH over Minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Meineke Car Care Bowl: What bettors need to know

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-13, 55.5)

MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL OF TEXAS STORYLINES

1. Offensive line coach Chris Thomsen, who has seven years of coaching experience at Abilene Christian, will guide the Red Raiders following the surprise departure of Tommy Tuberville to Cincinnati. The good news is that some players, angered by Tuberville's decision to leave, said they want to take out their anger on Minnesota.

2. Beside stumbling to the finishing line on the field, Minnesota also had its share of issues off it. Wide receiver A.J. Barker, who had a team-best 30 receptions and seven touchdowns, quit the squad late in the season claiming mistreatment by coach Jerry Kill and the training staff over an ankle injury while backup quarterback Max Shortell announced he was transferring.

3. The Gophers, who scored 30 or more points in a game only three times this season, must find a way to slow down a high-scoring Red Raiders' offense that averaged 37.75 points and scored 41 or more points in a game seven times.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Texas Tech opened around -12.5 and has been bet up to -13. The total opened at 57 and has been bet down to 55.5.

CONSENSUS: 66 percent of Covers Consensus players are on Texas Tech while 69 percent are on the over.

TRENDS:

* Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Red Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their last six Bowl games.
* Under is 7-3 in Golden Gophers' last 10 non-conference games.
* Over is 5-0 in Red Raiders' last five bowl games.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten, 5-7 ATS): Despite a 2-6 finish in the Big Ten that saw the Gophers outscored by a combined 64-24 in back-to-back regular season ending losses to Nebraska and Michigan State, Jerry Kill's squad is making its first appearance in a bowl game since losing to Iowa State in the 2009 Insight Bowl. Only seven seniors on the squad played in that contest so the Gophers, who went 3-9 in both 2010 and 2011, are happy to be here, especially the 13 players on the team that hail from Texas. Kill, who has had epilepsy for nine years, missed the second half of the season finale against Michigan State after suffering a seizure. The Gophers are solid on defense but have struggled badly on offense, ranking 111th nationally with an average of 317.5 yards. Freshman quarterback Philip Nelson, who took over the starting job for the final month of the season, completed only 50 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six).

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (7-5, 4-5 Big 12, 6-6 ATS): Like Minnesota, the Red Raiders also sputtered to the finish line, losing four of their last five games with the only victory a 41-34 double overtime victory over 1-11 Kansas. That win was sandwiched between losses to Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State and to Baylor in double overtime in the season finale. Senior quarterback Seth Doege passed for 3,934 yards and 38 touchdowns while completing 70.4 percent of his passes, including 81 to senior wide receiver Darrin Moore. Although the defense allowed almost 32 points per game in the wild, wild Big 12, it ranked a respectable 39th nationally in total defense allowing 367 yards per game.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Independence Bowl: What bettors need to know

Ohio Bobcats vs. UL Monroe Warhawks (-7, 60)

ADVOCARE V100 INDEPENDENCE BOWL STORYLINES

1. It did not take long for either team to make a major splash on the national scene this season. One week after Ohio opened its season Sept. 1 with a victory at Penn State, Louisiana-Monroe started what would become a historic campaign with a win over then-No. 10 Arkansas. The Warhawks are playing in the first bowl game in program history. The Bobcats gained a bowl bid for the fourth straight time and the fifth time since 2006.

2. Both teams had some bumps in the road following their season-opening victories over major-conference opponents, most notably Ohio. The Bobcats gained a Top 25 ranking after going 7-0, but lost four of their last five, the last three by a combined score of 106-47.

3. Louisiana-Monroe lost only two of its last nine games. It is not a coincidence that those two games came with quarterback Kolton Browning on the sidelines with a foot injury. Since coming back, Browning has returned to form and enters this one on a roll. In his last two games of the regular season, the junior completed 77.8 percent (56-for-72) of his passes and accounted for six touchdowns, including two on the ground.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Louisiana-Monroe opened as low as -6 and has been bet up as high as -7.5. The total opened at 60 and has moved to 61 points.

CONSENSUS: 56 percent of Covers Consensus plays are on UL Monroe while 54 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: There is a 60 percent chance of rain for Independence Stadium and temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s. Winds are expected to blow NNW at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Warhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. MAC.
* Over is 4-0 in Bobcats' last four vs. S-Belt.
* Over is 6-0 in Warhawks' last six non-conference games.

ABOUT OHIO (8-4, 4-4 MAC, 4-8 ATS): The Bobcats' 7-0 start was their best since 1968 and it came on the heels of a victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last season. However, to finish on a strong note again they will need to get over the late-season skid. In the finale against Kent State, Ohio's own mistakes hurt. Frank Solich's squad had two turnovers in the first quarter, both of which were returned for touchdowns. The Bobcats got the usual contributions from junior running back Beau Blankenship, whose 145 rushing yards gave him exactly 1,500 for the season, good enough to rank ninth nationally. Junior quarterback Tyler Tettleton was a steady presence under center. He had 16 touchdowns against only three interceptions and ran for four more scores. Ohio was invited to participate in the Independence Bowl after Louisiana Tech, which finished 9-3, did not immediately act on an invitation from bowl officials.

ABOUT LOUISIANA-MONROE (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt, 8-4 ATS): Browning's primary target has been Brent Leonard, who ranks sixth nationally with 97 catches, 10 of which have gone for touchdowns. Leonard had 13 catches, including two on the game-winning drive in overtime, in the Warhawks' 23-17 victory over Florida International in the last game of the regular season. That was one of four overtime games for Louisiana-Monroe. They won three of them, including the opener against Arkansas, showing the late-game mettle that has made this the best Warhawks team since it joined what would become the FBS in 1994. This game will be played less than two hours away by car from the Warhawks' campus, making this a veritable home game for Todd Berry's team.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DOUBLE DRAGON SPORTS - NCAA - Friday, December 28th - Free Member Play
TOP (3 UNITS)
MINNESOTA / TEXAS TECH UNDER 55 (6pm)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Sports Connection
ORL-1 @ Wizz...Wizz have dropped 8 straight and are playing like Michael Jordan still owns em....ORL won 5 of 9 and look not too shabby.

OVER 90.5 TORONTO TEAM TOTAL....recent trends are our friends in this particular situation.Check em out.

DALLAS-2 vs Nuggets...look at the last 6 losses for Dallas...they've played all the Napoleon Dynamos....OKC-MEMPH-MIAMI...playing The Nugg's will feel like playing a (shitty)WNBA team for the Mav's.

UTAH +2 vs Clippers...Clips have won 15 straight...played last night vs Celts...fly into high altitude....Tonight's the night to fade em in my humble opinion.

PHILLY +6 @ (Baitman's) GST Warriors.....Warriors 19-10 record is a little deceiving...look at all the marshmellow teams they've beat....GST 2-5 ATS in last 7 as favorite....I'm grabbing the 6 pernts and giggling.Sorry Baitman.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dr. Bob

Minn/T Tech UNDER **

Rutgers 21 VT 19
ohio 29 UL Monroe 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI College Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

12/28/12 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 1383-404 (.774)
ATS: 546-570 (.489)
ATS Vary Units: 1970-2161 (.477)
Over/Under: 159-149 (.516)
Over/Under Vary Units: 205-226 (.476)

Dr. Pepper Classic
1st Round at Chattanooga, TN
Austin Peay 74, Utah Valley 73
CHATTANOOGA 72, High Point 71

UCF Holiday Classic
1st Round at Orlando, FL
Belmont 74, Boston U. 61
UCF 71, Howard 51

Non-Conference
Albany 62, NAVY 56
Bowling Green 67, NORTH DAKOTA 58
Bucknell 62, LOYOLA (MD.) 60
COLGATE 70, Binghamton 59
Cornell 67, SAINT FRANCIS (PA.) 61
GONZAGA 76, Baylor 69
INDIANA 91, Jacksonville 59
LSU 84, Houston Baptist 57
MEMPHIS 78, Oral Roberts 63
Missouri 76, UCLA 73
NEVADA 77, Yale 61
Providence 72, BROWN 57
RUTGERS 75, Rider 63
SAINT JOSEPH'S 81, Iona 73
SAINT LOUIS 76, Siue 47
SETON HALL 66, Stony Brook 60
Southern Miss 65, MOREHEAD STATE 61
TEXAS TECH 71, North Carolina A&T 68
VILLANOVA 82, Njit 54

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI College Football
The Daniel Curry Index

Week 18 Predictions

Week
Straight Up: 4-0 (1.000)
ATS: 4-0 (1.000)
ATS Vary Units: 19-0 (1.000)
Over/Under: 0-4 (.000)
Over/Under Vary Units: 0-13 (.000)

Season
Straight Up: 1050-346 (.752)
ATS: 421-395 (.516)
ATS Vary Units: 2464-2295 (.518)
Over/Under: 375-365 (.507)
Over/Under Vary Units: 1237-897 (.580)

Friday, December 28, 2012
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl
at Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
ULM 33, Ohio 26

Russell Athletic Bowl
at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, FL
Rutgers 18, Virginia Tech 16

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
at Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Texas Tech 35, Minnesota 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

12/28/12 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 278-132 (.678)
ATS: 208-208 (.500)
ATS Vary Units: 672-599 (.529)
Over/Under: 214-201 (.516)
Over/Under Vary Units: 377-318 (.542)

Orlando 92, WASHINGTON 91
INDIANA 101, Phoenix 92
BROOKLYN 102, Charlotte 90
Miami 100, DETROIT 91
Atlanta 98, CLEVELAND 92
NEW ORLEANS 95, Toronto 90
Denver 105, DALLAS 104
SAN ANTONIO 111, Houston 101
L.A. Clippers 100, UTAH 97
New York 105, SACRAMENTO 100
L.A. LAKERS 105, Portland 97
GOLDEN STATE 100, Philadelphia 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ACE ACE/ Allan Eastman

4* Texas Tech Under 55.5
3* Ohio +7.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with San Jose State (-7 1/2) Thursday.

Friday it’s UL-Monroe. The deficit is 1088 sirignanos.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Free Plays are 955 - 711 (57 + %) over the last 4 1/2 years !

Free Winner FRI C Fla -16

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Gamblers Data

Free Play Friday

Nuggets -1.5

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NCAA Basketball Picks

Baylor at Gonzaga

The Bulldogs look to build on their 11-3 ATS record in their last 14 home games. Gonzaga is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST


Game 825-826: Detroit at Temple (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings:
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:


Game 827-828: Providence at Brown (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 58.704; Brown 47.461
Dunkel Line: Providence by 11; 135
Vegas Line: Providence by 13; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brown (+13); Over


Game 829-830: Baylor at Gonzaga (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 65.330; Gonzaga 75.074
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 8 1/2; 143
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2); Under


Game 831-832: Yale at Nevada (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.875; Nevada 61.997
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 16
Vegas Line: Nevada by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-12 1/2)


Game 833-834: Missouri at UCLA (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 68.707; UCLA 72.362
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 3 1/2; 148
Vegas Line: UCLA by 2; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-2); Under


Game 835-836: Austin Peay vs. Utah Valley State (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 44.439; Utah Valley State 44.189
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Utah Valley State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (+1 1/2)


Game 837-838: High Point at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: High Point 47.520; Chattanooga 45.396
Dunkel Line: High Point by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: High Point


Game 839-840: Howard at Central Florida (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Howard 43.458; Central Florida 62.378
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 19
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 16
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-16)


Game 841-842: Belmont vs. Boston U (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 67.702; Boston U 53.343
Dunkel Line: Belmont by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Belmont by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (-9 1/2)


Game 843-844: Iona at St. Joseph's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 55.715; St. Joseph's 65.415
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-7 1/2)


Game 845-846: Rider at Rutgers (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 51.320; Rutgers 63.177
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 12
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-10 1/2)


Game 847-848: Southern Mississippi at Morehead State (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 56.594; Morehead State 56.343
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+2 1/2)


Game 849-850: Bowling Green at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 51.264; North Dakota 49.826
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 3
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+3)


Game 851-852: SIU-Edwardsville at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 42.103; St. Louis 68.023
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 26
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-21 1/2)


Game 853-854: Jacksonville at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 43.156; Indiana 83.149
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 40; 149
Vegas Line: Indiana by 37 1/2; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-37 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot Teams
-- Pacers won/covered six of last seven games (7-3 as HF).
-- Miami won/covered last six games (4-5 as AF).
-- Hawks won five of last seven road games (3-1 as AF). Cavaliers won last two games, first time this year they won consecutive games (3-6 as a HU).
-- Raptors won five of last six games (6-11 as AU).
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games (4-5 as AF).
-- Clippers won their last 15 games (5-5 as AF, 2-4 if less than 5 pts).
-- Knicks won five of last seven road games, covered one of seven overall (3-4 as AF).
-- Golden State won 14 of last 19 games (5-3 as HF).
-- Portland won six of last seven games (3-7 as AU). Lakers won five of last six games (7-6 as HF).

Cold Teams
-- Suns lost last three games, but covered five of last six (3-6 as AU).
-- Magic lost last three games, all by 4 or less points (5-8 SU on road). Wizards lost last eight games (2-10 SU at home).
-- Pistons lost seven of last nine games (3-4 as HU).
-- Bobcats lost last 16 games (covered one of last seven). Brooklyn lost five of last six games, fired its coach Thursday (3-7-2 as HF).
-- Hornets lost 11 of last 12 games (1-1 as HF).
-- Dallas lost four in row, seven of last eight games (1-2 as HU).
-- Jazz lost five of last seven games (2-0 as HU).
-- Sacramento lost seven of last nine games (3-5 as HU).
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games (5-5 as AU).

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Denver road games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Clipper games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Golden State games went over the total.
-- Last four Portland road games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Dallas is 3-4 vs spread if it played night before (all on road).
-- Clippers are 2-3 vs spread if they played night before.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Football Crusher
Rutgers +2 over VT
(System Record: 42-4, lost last 7 games)
Overall Record: 42-51-4



Basketball Crusher
Missouri +2.5 over UCLA
(System Record: 31-2, lost last 2 games)
Overall Record: 31-24-0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Houston at San Antonio

The Spurs look to follow up their 100-80 win over Toronto and build on their 20-5-2 ATS record in their last 27 games following a SU victory of more than 10 points. San Antonio is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8). Here are all of today's picks.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


Game 801-802: Phoenix at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 115.288; Indiana 123.862
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 803-804: Orlando at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 113.797; Washington 113.571
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 1 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+1 1/2); Over


Game 805-806: Miami at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 125.114; Detroit 118.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 8; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+8); Over


Game 807-808: Atlanta at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.833; Cleveland 109.663
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 177
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 809-810: Charlotte at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.090; Brooklyn 120.615
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 13 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 811-812: Toronto at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 115.050; New Orleans 119.172
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 188
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2 1/2); Over


Game 813-814: Houston at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.701; San Antonio 129.423
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 214
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under


Game 815-816: Denver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.390; Dallas 116.137
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 211
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1 1/2); Over


Game 817-818: LA Clippers at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 129.860; Utah 118.973
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 11; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-2); Over


Game 819-820: New York at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 120.030; Sacramento 109.561
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 821-822: Philadelphia at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.181; Golden State 123.618
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 7 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-5 1/2); Under


Game 823-824: Portland at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 114.685; LA Lakers 123.243
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

5Lines

Total Line for 12/28/2012
(Won last 2 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Philadelphia 76ers : o198.5
Cost: -110


Run Line for 12/28/2012
(Lost last 2 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Philadelphia 76ers : +5.5
Cost: -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CBB

-- 5-5 Detroit won four of last five games after 1-4 start (also have two non-D-I wins); Titans are 1-5 on road, with only win at #331 Akron- they're 1-4 vs top 100 teams, beating Akron at home, losing by 3-15-13-4 points. Temple just upset Syracuse after losing to Canisius; six of its nine wins are by 11+ points.
-- Providence won last five games with crosstown rival Brown by 31-27-16-24-19 points; Friars only play seven guys, are 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 1-32-10-34 points. Brown lost five of last six tilts, losing by 27 to Notre Dame, 21 to Northwestern in last two; they turn ball over 21.8% of time- this is their second game in last 20 days.
-- Gonzaga beat Baylor 68-64 in Texas two years ago, in last meeting in series; Bears are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, but Kentucky (64-55 Baylor win in inly road game) was only one of six that is ranked above #45. Gonzaga is 6-1 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 vs top 70, losing by 11 to Illinois at home, before beating K-State by 16- they shoot 57.5% inside the arc.

-- 7-4 Nevada won its last three games; they're 3-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 18-1-13 points; all four Wolf Pack losses are vs teams ranked from 138-165, so they're no superpower- they still haven't been in a top 100 game. 3-7 Yale is playing first D-I game in 20 days; they're turning ball over 23.6% of time, have one loss by more than 13 points.
-- First true road game for 10-1 Missouri's whose only loss was to #2 Louisville on neutral court; they beat rival Illinois in St Louis last game; Tigers' other top 100 win was by 3 over VCU on neutral floor. UCLA won last four games, scoring 91.7 ppg in last three; they're 1-2 against top 100 teams, with only win by a basket over Texas in Houston.
-- Underachieving Iona is 6-5, losing by 14 at LaSalle in only game with A-16 squad; they're 1-2 on road, winning by 3 at Georgia, losing by 2 at St Peter's. Gaels allowed 81+ points in four of five losses. St Joe's has also disappointed at 5-4, losing at home to MAAC's Fairfield last game; Hawks lost 104-99 in double OT at Iona last season.
-- 6-6 Rider scored 52-45 points in losing last two games; they turn ball over 24.9% of time, are 2-3 on road, losing by 12-13-17 points, winning at Drexel/Siena. Rutgers is playing better with Coach Rice suspended- this is last game of his sentence. Knights won four in row, eight of last nine games- they start Big East play with game at Syracuse next week.

-- Morehead State lost five of last six games, is putting opponents on the foul line more than any team in country; their old coach Tyndall comes to town here with new team Southern Miss which is 8-4 but turning ball over 25.9% of time. All four USM losses are against teams ranked in top 110- they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with wins by 12-18-38-2.
-- Bowling Green lost last game in triple OT at South Florida; they're 0-2 on road, also losing by 11 at Robert Morris. North Dakota is 0-8 against D-I teams, losing last three games by 29-12-9 points; they make 28.9% of shots behind arc, lost home games vs D-I teams by 3-9 points. BG allowed average of 50.5 ppg in its four Division I wins.
-- Veteran Saint Louis squad won last five games, allowing 46.7 ppg in its last three; Billikens are 2-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 22-27 points- they've got New Mexico visiting Monday. SI-Edwardsville is 0-4 on road vs D-I teams, losing by 14-11-11-19 points; they're making only 39% of 2-point shots, turning ball over on 22% of possessions.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Football Game Picks

Minnesota vs. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders look to bounce back from their 52-45 loss to Baylor and build on their 5-2 ATS record in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Texas Tech is the pick (-12 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Raiders favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-12 1/2). Here are all of this year's bowl games.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
Time Posted: 9:00 p.m. EST (12/12)


Game 223-224: Ohio vs. UL-Monroe (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 71.274; UL-Monroe 79.423
Dunkel Line: UL-Monroe by 8; 57
Vegas Line: UL-Monroe by 7; 60
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (-7); Under


Game 225-226: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 83.855; Virginia Tech 88.030
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 4; 46
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-2); Over


Game 227-228: Minnesota vs. Texas Tech (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 80.863; Texas Tech 95.660
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 15; 54
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 12 1/2; 57
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-12 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo Football

COLLEGE BOWL SELECTIONS
2-Unit Play. Take #223 Ohio (+7) over Louisiana-Monroe (2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
2-Unit Play. Take 3226 Virginia Tech (-2) over Rutgers (5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
2-Unit Play. Take #231 Navy (+14.5) over Arizona State (4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29)
2-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 73.0 West Virginia vs. Syracuse (3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29)
2-Unit Play. Take #229 Air Force (-3) over Rice (11:45 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 29)
2-Unit Play. Take #238 Michigan State (+3) over TCU (10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29)
2-Unit Play. Take #240 Vanderbilt (-7) over N.C. State (Noon, Monday, Dec. 31)
2-Unit Play. Take #241 Georgia Tech (+10) over USC (2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31)
1-Unit Play. Take #244 Tulsa (+1) over Iowa State (3:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31)
7-Unit Play. Take #259 Louisville (+14) over Florida (8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2)
Note: This is my College Bowl Game of the Year.

NFL SELECTIONS
3-Unit Play. Take #306 Cincinnati (-2) over Baltimore (1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #304 New England (-10) over Miami (4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #309 Houston (-6.5) over Indianapolis (1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #315 Dallas (+3) over Washington (8:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #318 Detroit (+3) over Chicago (1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #319 Green Bay (-3) over Minnesota (4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #329 Arizona (+16.5) over San Francisco (4:20 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take #331 St. Louis (+10.5) over Seattle (4:20 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
1-Unit Play. Take #326 Denver (-16) over Kansas City (4:20 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)

This Week's Totals:
3-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 41.0 St. Louis at Seattle (4:20 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
Note: This was going to be a 5-Unit NFL Total of the Week, but I backed it down. I just cannot find info on how much Seattle is going to play their starters. There has been no reporting on it that I trust. So I am not going to blindly throw out a play on this one without having all of the fact. Ah, the joy of Week 17.
2-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 49.0 Dallas at Washington (8:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)
2-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 46.5 Green Bay at Minnesota (4:20 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

EAGLE EYE SPORTS---D-MOOSE
5* Va.Tech-2
-----------------------------
EAGLE EYE SPORTS--ROBERT HENZIE
5* Rutgers+2
---------------------------
EAGLE EYE SPORTS--ALBERT SCHIPANI
5* Rutgers+2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CAPPERS ACCESS
All CFB

UL-Monroe
Rutgers
Minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JOE WIZ FREE PLAY

In College Hoops take Boston University +10 over Belmont.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

CBB BAYLOR at GONZAGA

Play Under - All teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points off a home win by 10 points or more, on Friday nights.
81-40 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.9% 37.0 units )
2-8 this year. ( 20.0% -6.8 units )

CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA

Play Against - A home team vs. the money line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or more consecutive games, a bad team (20% to 40%) playing a team with a losing record.
25-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 58.1% 23.3 units )
0-1 this year. ( 0.0% -1.0 units )

CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA

Play Against - Underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread, terrible team, winning 20% or less of their games on the season.
62-28 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.9% 31.2 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH

Play Against - Home underdogs (UTAH) revenging a loss vs opponent against opponent off 2 consecutive home wins by 10 points or more.
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% 1.9 units )

NBA ORLANDO at WASHINGTON

Play On - Home teams vs. the money line (WASHINGTON) after being beaten by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last five games, vs. division opponents.
77-36 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.1% 36.1 units )
4-3 this year. ( 57.1% 2.0 units )

NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH

Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points after being beaten by the spread by 18 or more points total in their last three games, on Friday nights.
127-70 since 1997. ( 64.5% 50.0 units )
4-2 this year. ( 66.7% 1.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapping Kings

JIMMY

MEINKE CAR CARE BOWL (BOWL # 14)

9:00PM Minnesota U vs Texas Tech
[228](KINGS RANSOM- 2 UNIT PLAY) Texas Tech -13 -110

GOODFELLAS

INDEPENDCE BOWL (BOWL #12)

2:00PM Ohio vs UL Monroe
[224] UL Monroe -6.5 -110

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL (BOWL #13)

5:30PM Rutgers vs Virginia Tech
[226] Virginia Tech -2 -110

MARC

INDEPENDCE BOWL (BOWL #12)

2:00PM Ohio vs UL Monroe
[223] OVER 60.5 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian Laverty

CBB

PC/ Brown Under 130.5 (2U)

UCLA -2 (3U)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ACE ACE ALLEN EASTMAN

4-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 55.5 Minnesota vs. Texas Tech (9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28) – Meineke Bowl

This spread is the lowest that the Red Raiders has faced all season. I think that is for good reason. This Gophers team has really struggled to score points. And they are just 3-7 ATS in the last 11 games. The Gophers only had more than 55 total points scored in one of their games this year two times. There were 57 points in the UNLV game and 72 points against Purdue. Minnesota is a run-heavy team. They have one of the worst offenses in college football but they have a very strong defense, ranked No. 29. Texas Tech lost its coach and its offensive coordinator leading into this game. I think they will have a very simple game plan. I don’t expect a lot of scoring here and this one stays ‘under’.

3-Unit Play. Take #223 Ohio (+7) over Louisiana-Monroe (2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28) – Independence Bowl

This line is heavily tilted toward Monroe because this game is being played in Louisiana. But I think that the wrong team is favored. Ohio did not finish the season strong. But this is a team that started the year in some people’s Top 25. They come from the very strong MAC. UL-M is out of the weak Sun Belt. Ohio beat Utah State last year in the Humanitarian Bowl and I think the Bobcats can make it back-to-back bowl wins. Monroe is a team that has a bad pass defense that is ranked No. 107 in the country. They are facing a very strong quarterback in Ohio’s Tyler Tettleton. That matchup works in my favor and I will take advantage of that.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, December 28

First look: UCLA vs. Missouri basketball

by Peter Yoon

What: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (10-1) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m. PT

Where: Pauley Pavilion

TV: ESPN 2

Radio: AM 570

Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is on a season-best four-game win streak, but is looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Offensively, the Bruins have been on a tear the past three games as they are averaging 91.6 points per game and shooting 57.6 percent over that stretch. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad (18.8 points per game) and Jordan Adams (18.2) continue to battle for the team’s scoring lead and both have scored 20 or more in consecutive games. Kyle Anderson joined the 20-point club last time out and is also the team’s top rebounder at 8.7 per game.

Scouting the Tigers: Missouri enters on a six-game win streak and is coming off of an impressive 82-73 victory over then-No. 10 Illinois. The Tigers have a lot of size and strength inside and are leading the nation in rebounding with 47.2 per game. Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 forward, is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game while 6-7 forward Laurence Bowers is averaging 6.7. They have out-rebounded opponents by more than 14 per game. Bowers also leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game and has made 13 of 23 3-point attempts (56.5 percent). The Tigers average 78.2 points per game with quick point guard Phil Pressey running the offense. This will be Missouri’s first road game of the season, though the Tigers are 3-1 in neutral-site games. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Louisville.

The series: UCLA leads the series 5-1, though Missouri won the last time out with an 82-73 victory in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s best memory in the series came during the 1995 run to the NCAA championship when Tyus Edney dribbled the length of the court in 4.8 seconds and scored the game-winning basket in a 75-74 victory in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This will be the first time since 1975 that the teams have met in Pauley Pavilion.

Quick quote: "We need a win over anybody we play, ranked or unranked,” UCLA coach Ben Howland on the importance of getting a win over a ranked opponent.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, December 28

Sizing up the remaining unbeatens

by Andy Katz

The beauty of the college basketball regular season is that a team can lose a few games and still be in fine position for a national championship run.

But there is always an allure about those who enter their conference season unblemished to see how invincible they will be entering the New Year.

Prior to Thursday night's games, there were five remaining unbeaten teams and 19 one-loss teams, as well as two others (Florida, 8-2) and (Kentucky, 8-3) that cannot and should not be dismissed from any Final Four discussion. Both the Wildcats and Gators have played a much more difficult schedule than the majority of one-loss and undefeated teams.

There are a slew of one-loss teams that are more than capable of winning the national title such as Kansas (10-1), Louisville (11-1), Syracuse (10-1), Indiana (11-1), Creighton (11-1), UNLV (11-1), Missouri (10-1) and Gonzaga (11-1). And it's easy to make the argument that those teams, such as Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse and Indiana, are more likely to challenge for the national title than the five remaining undefeated teams.

But for the purposes of this argument, let's look at the remaining unbeatens as they stand today:

Duke (11-0)

Most impressive wins: Minnesota, VCU and Louisville in successive days in Atlantis; Kentucky in Atlanta; Ohio State at home and Temple in New Jersey.

Biggest question answered: Quinn Cook is a starting point guard and has been a stable presence.

National player of the year candidate: Mason Plumlee. Plumlee has been a double-double machine for the Blue Devils. He may be the most reliable player at his position in the country.

Difference-maker: When Seth Curry is making 3s, the Blue Devils are even harder to beat.

What to watch for: How will Duke handle true road games in the ACC? The three toughest games on the schedule would seem to be at NC State (Jan. 12), at Maryland (Feb. 16) and at North Carolina (March 9).

Final Four potential: Duke has to be considered a favorite to land in Atlanta. The team possesses experience at key positions, younger players who are becoming increasingly comfortable, there is size inside and now a growing confidence that it can win the championship.


Michigan (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Pitt in New York at the NIT Season Tip-Off and NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Biggest question answered: The Wolverines don't miss Stu Douglass and Zach Novak as much as was predicted. The youthful Wolverines have bought into John Beilein's defensive concepts.

National player of the year candidate: Trey Burke is an exceptional point guard. He gets the Wolverines up and running as efficiently as any point in the country. His play has allowed Tim Hardaway Jr., to flourish in his natural position.

Difference-maker: The continued development of the Michigan big men in Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III as well as the stretch shooting of Nik Stauskas.

What to watch for: How does Michigan get through the Big Ten gauntlet? The Big Ten is the toughest conference this season, and Michigan will have to navigate trips to Ohio State (Jan. 13), Minnesota (Jan. 17), Illinois (Jan. 27), Indiana (Feb. 2), Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Michigan State (Feb. 12). I would put that conference road schedule against any other contender in the country. It's not close. This is the toughest.

Final Four potential: Michigan has proved that it has the point guard play, the shooting, the power play inside and can defend well enough to get to Atlanta.


Arizona (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Florida in Tucson and San Diego State in the final of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.

Biggest question answered: Mark Lyons has adjusted as well as any one-year transfer I can remember. He was handed a leadership role and has excelled, making a game-winning shot to beat Florida. He has proved to be a consistent presence for the Wildcats at the point.

National player of the year candidate: Lyons, Solomon Hill and Nick Johnson have all had their moments and will be in contention for Pac-12 player of the year. But none will get enough momentum for consideration for national player of the year.

Difference-maker: Johnson. He has been the ultimate glue guy, making key plays in a variety of ways, none bigger than blocking Chase Tapley's potential game-winning layup in the Diamond Head final.

What to watch for: Arizona is the favorite in the Pac-12 and enters the conference doing more than enough to raise the conference's profile. The road wins at Texas Tech and Clemson were games the Wildcats should have won and they did. The comeback win over Florida was a tremendous effort and confidence boost. Getting through the rugged Diamond Head proved they had the stamina. Now, Arizona has to rise to the challenge of being the team to beat in the Pac-12. It is more than doable based on the inconsistency of the rest of the conference.

Final Four potential: This squad has it. The key will be the continued development of the newcomers, notably Kaleb Tarczewski, who is getting featured more and more as he improves his activity on the court.


Cincinnati (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Oregon in Las Vegas; Xavier in a rivalry game and Alabama at home when the Tide were playing well.

Biggest question answered: The Bearcats are never going to be a dominant low-post scoring team. But when needed, the Bearcats have been able to finish around the basket. Titus Rubles, JaQuon Parker, Justin Jackson and Cheikh Mbodj can take care of business of scoring and defending the post when locked in to the task at hand. The Bearcats have bigs serviceable enough to get by in the Big East.

National player of the year candidate: Sean Kilpatrick will enter the Big East as a legit player of the year contender. He has the ability to score in bunches. He flourishes playing off Cashmere Wright, who has stabilized the point.

Difference-maker: Wright. Mick Cronin has the confidence to hand him the ball and let him make a play, as he did against Alabama. Wright is a senior and has asserted himself as much more of a leader on a team that desperately needed to be led.

What to watch for: The Bearcats take possessions off and sometimes go through the motions. That cannot happen in the Big East with a host of teams that could easily knock them from their perch. Cincinnati believes it is in the same category as Louisville and Syracuse and above Pitt, Georgetown and Notre Dame in the pecking order of Big East title contenders. Now the Bearcats have to prove it. The schedule didn't do them any favors since they go to Syracuse (Jan. 21) and Louisville (March 4) without a return game. Cincinnati will find out about itself early at Pitt (Dec. 31) and at home against Notre Dame (Jan. 7).

Final Four potential: The Bearcats have it, but I'd be surprised. The lack of a proven post player may cost them in trying to win four in the NCAA tournament. Their lack of focus at times could bite them in an early round.


Wyoming (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Colorado and at Illinois State.

Biggest question answered: Leonard Washington has been a leader for the Cowboys despite all his issues, including a suspension last year. The Cowboys weren't sure who they could rely on early on but Washington has done everything asked of him so far.

National player of the year candidate: Washington is a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year candidate, but he won't be in the conversation for the national honor.

Difference-maker: Larry Nance Jr. The sophomore has played up in the big games for Wyoming, scoring 14 against Colorado, 19 in the win over Illinois State and 21 in a win over rival Denver. The Cowboys' staple has been their defense, as you'd expect from a Larry Shyatt-coached team, but it's their surprisingly-balanced offense that has been a pleasant plus.

What to watch for: Wyoming may be in the most balanced league in the country. It has to deal with two games against UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Boise State, let alone playing Nevada and Air Force. There are zero easy games on this schedule. To expect Wyoming to get through this without getting beaten up is unrealistic.

Final Four potential: No shot. But the Cowboys are going to the postseason. Shyatt has already put the Cowboys in the NIT conversation, barring a complete collapse. An NCAA berth is hardly out of the question if they can hold serve at the Arena Auditorium.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kelso

25 UL Monroe
5 Rutgers
5 Texas Tech

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Paul Leiner

100* Minnesota +13.5

100* Magic / Wizards Over 183.5

100* Baylor +8.5

50* UCLA -3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

RM 29 Fin.
all level 1
Tex Tech - 13
La. Monroe - 7

NBA Miami -8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ATS LOCK

4 U L Monroe

Hoops
4 UCLA
4 Over 213.5 Hous - SA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wayne Root

Millionaire Ohio
Pinnacle (http://www.pinnaclesports.com) Rutgers
No Limit Minnesota

[DaKid]

What a disaster yesterday. Especially all the touts on UCLA.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd
5* NBA Friday Night Feast
Denver Nuggets -2

4* NBA Utah Jazz +3
4* CBB St. Joseph -6.5

3* Meineke Car Care Bowl Minnesota +13
3* NBA Total Spurs/Rockets UNDER 214

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bankroll Sports 4-1 Yesterday with 10* on Baylor

10* Rutgers Scarlet Knights +2 (CFB)
5* Ohio Bobcats +7 (CFB)
4* Minnesota Golden Gophers +13 (CFB)
3* Dallas Mavericks +1½ (CBB)
1* Gonzaga Bulldogs -8½ (CBB)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trace Adams


1500♦
Raise the Bar
Linemakers Lament


Virginia Tech Hokies -2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Early Sebastian:
100 Monroe

[Can'tPickAWinner]

R.A.W. FOOTBALL - FRIDAY

2* = La Monroe
2* = Texas Tech
2* = "under" on Rutgers/Va Tech

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gametimesports3 Plays..
4* Ohio + 7
4* Va Tech + 1
4* Rutgers/Va Tech OVER 42

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BIG AL
upgraded 4* on Rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PSYCHIC
(1-5)

Pass

WIZARD
(1-20)

5 unit Va Tech -2
5 unit UL Monroe -7
10 unit Texas Tech -12.5

Kenny Nguyen
(1-50)

20 unit Washington (NBA)
20 unit San Antonio (NBA)

JT WALKER
(all units same)

Virginia Tech -2 (CFB)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fiest goy rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sports
ncaa hoops:
bowling green -2.5

ncaa football:
Rutgers +2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Football Play of the Day December 28, 2012 6:28 AM by GT Staff

The Meinke Car Care Bowl

Reliant Stadium-Houston, Tx

Minnesota +13 (Total 56) vs. Texas Tech at 6 p.m. PT ESPN

TT lost their HC Tuberville who moved on to Cincy and the Red Raiders lost four of their last five games but the last game was against Baylor who simply destroyed UCLA yesterday and they only lost to Baylor by a TD. The Gophers have gone 0-4 SU and ATS against winning teams this year, we will lay the points.

TEXAS TECH -13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GamingToday’s Consensus Picks December 28, 2012 6:38 AM by GT Staff

NBA Basketball

Philadelphia 76ers +5½

NCAA Basketball

Providence -13

Austin Peay +2

Boston U +9½

Southern Miss -2

Jacksonville +39

College Football Bowl Games

Ohio +7

Ohio/ Ul - Monroe OVER 61

Rutgers +2

Texas Tech -13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mark Mayer @ Gaming Today

Rutgers +2 at Va. Tech (40): I’m just not turned on by the Rutgers offense, but their defense is stout. Frank Beamer is a legend (209-98-2) in 25 years at Tech, but Beamerball is down from past glory. UNDER.

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

Richard Saber @ Gaming Today


FRIDAY

Independence, Shreveport, La.

Ohio +7 vs. UL Monroe (60): GT’s good friend Syl Friedman assured us the right side in this game is Monroe, who is just tickled pink to be bowling and close to home. ULM has enough offense to overcome the Bobcats defense and is lying in wait. UL MONROE.

Citrus at Orlando

Rutgers +2 vs. Va Tech (41): The Scarlet Knights win with defense. In their last three games they scored 10, 6, and 17 points but did beat Cincy 10-3 in that span. The VT offense was not much better so it appears to be a low scoring game. Rutgers should have had the needed time to right the ship. RUTGERS.

Meinke Car Care at Houston

Minn +12½ vs. Texas Tech (57): Another great bowl matchup (just kidding). The Golden Gophers won their first four, then dropped six of eight both SU and ATS. And, they get rewarded with a trip to Houston! The Red Raiders were not much better, dropping four of their last five. They went 0-5 ATS in their last five and are almost a two TD favorite? They did play the better schedule but can’t lay; take the lumber. A Heinz 57 game. OVER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andy Iskoe

Rockets at Spurs (Fri): Both teams last played on Wednesday as they meet for the third time. Both of the first two games were high scoring contests that produced 206 and 260 total points. That latter game included overtime but the teams were tied at 120 at the end of four quarters.

The total line was 213 for both of those games which resulted in a 1-1 split. Both teams have shown a consistent willingness if not outright desire to play at a brisk pace, suggesting we should see yet another high scoring game. OVER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SMOOTH 44

CFB
UL-Monroe vs. Ohio
(PICK: OHIO +7 ***PLAY OF THE DAY***)
(PICK: OHIO MONEYLINE +235)
Huge bowl system in effect today---certain bowl DOGS of 7 or less are a PERFECT 22-0 ATS if they have the same record as their opponent and rush for more than 200 yards per game, these teams win SU more than 90% of the time!

Virginia Tech vs. Rutgers
(PICK: VIRGINIA TECH -1)
(PICK: VIRGINIA TECH MONEYLINE -115)
Rutgers is a fraud and I've said it all season long---there is a reason why they are the short dog against a 6-6 team! Beamer and his boys are gonna give them a hard dose of reality today!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marco D'Angelo
2* Virg Tech

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NorthCoast

Top Va Tech
Reg UL Monroe
Reg Tex Tech
2* Marquee Over Tex Tech
1* Marquee Over UL Monroe
1* Marquee Under Rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo's college basketball

3-Unit Play. Take #827 Providence (-12) over Brown (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
This line is bouncing up mainly in reaction to Vincent Council's return. It shouldn't be moving this much though, since I'll be surprised if Council plays more than 10 or 12 awkward minutes. But the fact of the matter is that Brown is still an awful team from the Ivy League. And because they have played a pretty weak schedule they haven't had a chance to prove it. They have only played two teams rated in the Top 200 and they lost by 27 to Notre Dame and 21 to a banged up Northwestern team. I think Providence can do similar things and I definitely think that this is an underrated Friars club. This team has not been whole all season long. But they are so close. And I think that they are looking forward to this game as the first in which they have their entire team healthy and on the court. Finally, this is only Brown's second game since Dec. 9. . That is three weeks and one game. In between they have had finals and a holiday break. So no, I don't expect them to be sharp at all. I think Providence gets the job done here.
2-Unit Play. Take #847 Southern Miss (-2.5) over Morehead State (7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
This is going to be an emotional game for Donnie Tysdall, who returns to Morehead State with his new team. But while that gives the home team a nice motivational edge, I will go with the coach. That is how these things usually shake out when we have a coach going up against his former players. He knows all of his old team's strengths and weaknesses and he will be able to adjust accordingly. He has much more talent now with Southern Miss and this is a team that might be a little better than its record suggests. Morehead, on the other hand, is a team that has been swept by bad teams like North Dakota and struggled with teams like Norfolk State. These two programs are just on different levels and different paths. Take the better team from the better conference with the strategic advantage.
2-Unit Play. Take #840 Central Florida (-15.5) over Howard (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
This is a Golden Knights team that I still think is improving. Now that Calvin Newell has been worked into the fold their offense has a chance to be very efficient and explosive. Newell was the best guard on a decent Oklahoma team last year before he transferred and he is capable of playing at a high level. Howard is a hired punching bag. They have lost by 24 to Rutgers, by 16 to Oregon State, by 19 to Wichita State and by 30 to Iowa. Central Florida isn't as good as any of those teams, but they are in the ballpark. And I think there is still some value here on an underrated commodity.
1-Unit Play. Take #836 Utah Valley State (-3) over Austin Peay (4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
1-Unit Play. Take #844 St. Joseph's (-7.5) over Iona (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
1-Unit Play. Take #850 North Dakota (+3) over Bowling Green (8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
1-Unit Play. Take #851 SIU-Edwardsville (+23.5) over St. Louis (8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
1-Unit Play. Take #833 Missouri (+3.5) over UCLA (10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Allen Eastman's College basketball

4-Unit Play. Take #836 UCLA (-3) over Missouri (10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
This UCLA team is getting better and better. They had some players leave the program and I think that is the best thing for this team. Now the players that are still on the roster are committed to the program and they will be better in the long run. This is a chance for the Bruins to knock off a Top 10 team and I think that they will take advantage. This team already beat Texas this year and they have won four straight. Missouri is in a letdown spot here after the big rivalry win over Illinois. I don't think they will have the same intensity. And I think the Bruins will take advantage and get the win.
3-Unit Play. Take #828 Brown (+13) over Providence (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)
This is too many points for the Friars to be giving up. This team has not been as good as its record suggests this year. They are still one of the bottom teams in the Big East. And I think that this game means more to Brown. This is a rivalry game between two teams that share the same town. The Bears are really going to be focused and are going to play their best basketball with a chance to knock off the bigger team. Brown has not been able to stay close in the last few meetings. But I think that they will keep this one close. This is too many points.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Sports Informer's Fopotball

2 Unit Play. #224 Take UL Monroe -7 over Ohio (2:00p.m., Friday, Dec. 28 ESPN Holiday Bowl)
The Ohio Bobcats started the season a perfect 7-0 but then the injury bug bit them hard and their season spiraled down quickly.The Warhawks come into their first bowl game winning back-to-back games and if the Bobcats were healthy this game would be interesting but I see Monroe coming out on top. Ohio is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games and the Warhawks are 4-0 ATS against non-conference opponents.

4 Unit Play. #225 Take Rutgers +2 over Virginia Tech (2:00p.m., Friday, Dec. 28 ESPN Holiday Bowl)
If you like offense then this game might not be your cup of tea! Rutgers won 9 games this season on their defense and if the Hokies struggle to move the ball this game will be Rutgers to steal. Va Tech posted a 6-6 record which is not like a Hokie team and they needed back-to-back wins just to get a bowl bid so again, if the Hokies struggle on offense a bit in this game Rutgers will win outright and I see the Rutgers Scarlet Knights winning this game by a touchdown.Rutgers is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 bowl games and Virginia Tech is 3-14 ATS following a SU win.

2 Unit Play. #228 Take Texas Tech -13 over Minnesota (9:00p.m., Friday, Dec. 28 ESPN Meineke Bowl)
(This play is supposed to be Minnesota +13 not Texas Tech as you can see by the write up. Sorry for the confusion!! Again this play is Minnesota +13 over Texas Tech)
Both teams are struggling here and yes I know this game is being played in the state of Texas but 13-points is a big number. Texas Tech struggles on neutral site games going 2-8 ATS and the Red Raiders also struggle covering bowl game numbers. Tech is only 1-5 ATS in their last 6 bowl games and with Minnesota playing Big 10 defense they should be able to cover this double-digit number.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Sports Informer's CBB

3 Unit Play. Take #833 Missouri +3.5 over UCLA (10:00 p.m., Friday, December 28 ESPN2)
The Mizzou Tigers are coming off a big win over Illinois and tonight I see the Tigers covering this road game on their bench play. If the UCLA Bruins can't control the boards in this game then again Missouri will have complete tempo control of this game and UCLA will be in a long battle at home. Really like this Mizzou squad as I faded them against Illinois and lost but tonight we look to fade UCLA and again I believe the Tigers are a good road dog tonight. Missouri is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games and the UCLA Bruins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games against non-conference opponents.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy's CBB

4-1 Overall College Basketball Run:

3-Unit Play. #836. Take Utah Valley -3 over Austin Peay State (Friday @ 4:30pm est).

3-Unit Play. #837. Take High Point -2.5 over UT Chattanooga (Friday @ 7pm est).

3-Unit Play. #849. Take Bowling Green State -3 over North Dakota (Friday @ 8pm est).

Dick Hunsaker started coaching this team in 2009 and took them to 17 wins in their firs year. Since then Utah Valley has been a surprise year after year just with their consistency and this team reeled off 20 wins last year and they are led by essentially 7 upperclassman. They face an Austin Peay State team that is ranked around the top 300 this year and come off a difficult 6 point loss to NC-Central at home. This is a team that beat Troy twice, beat a decent top 250 Pepperdine team at home, lost to top 100 Santa Clara by 7 at home and beat Eastern Washington. As a senior laden team they are top 100 in turnover percentage which is key here considering they face Austin Peay who only has two wins against division one schools and ranks outside the top 300 in turnover percentage. Outside of the IUPUI game, Utah Valley has shown they can win close contests against similar ranked teams and given their solid coaching and lack of turnovers, I suspect they will do well once again. Austin Peay is one of those teams that figures out ways to lose games near the end of the game because of their lack of ball security and wouldn't be surprised to see this happen once again here. High Point is top 100 in turnover margin and teams such as that usually gives Chattanooga trouble. Although High Point is not an offensive juggernaut by any means they do the little things well such as take care of the ball, top 40 in the nation in free throw percentage, top 30 in the nation in blocked shots and top 20 in the nation in Steals as well. This team comes off a series of tough losses as they have lost 3 in a row to sound opponents to Wake Forrest by 11 on the road, to top 200 Western Michigan by 6 at home, to Eastern Kentucky by 3 at home who is a top 200 school. If you look at their road schedule they played Indiana State to a 14 point loss and lost to Western Michigan by 1 on the road. They have beaten any and all schools this year outside the top 250 which is where Chattanooga finds itself in the power rankings. Chattanooga is outside the top 300 in turnover margin as well which will play a role here, plus as they come off a big win against Reinhardt who is not a division one school, I can see them having a let down here against a team like High Point who is sound defensively. Chattanooga only managed to score 53 against Mercer a similar defensive team and 61 against Troy and this team has yet to beat any team in the country ranked in the top 300 and this is likely a tough matchup for this team. Finally, Bowling Green State comes off back to back difficult losses including a triple overtime loss to South Florida. It was a heartbreaking loss to a team who is ranked in the top 100 in South Florida and just the game prior had lost to Michigan State at home by 11. This is the same team that held Wright State to 41 points at home who is a top 150 team and also beat Detroit who is a top 100 team. Sure this is a game away from home which is always tough to win but keep in mind that this team has played South Florida and Robert Morris which are tougher places to play frankly and they are top 20 in the nation in turnover margin which is key. North Dakota's two wins this year are against teams that were not division one schools and given that they come off losses to Southern Utah and Northern Colorado two schools that are outside the top 200 essentially you would have to think they struggle here against a top 200 Bowling Green team especially given that North Dakota lost to Missouri Kansas City who is outside the top 300 as well. Bowling Green is a disciplined team overall and I wouldn't be surprised to see them do well here despite being away from home.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jason Sharpe's CBB

Friday December 28th 2012-

***CBB NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR***

7 Unit Play Take #849 Bowling Green -3 over North Dakota (8:00pm est):

Bowling Green lost a major heartbreaker last game as they not only blew a huge lead game late but then couldn't get over the hump in three overtimes either. All told though it was a very strong effort as they went on the road to South Florida and went toe to toe with a team favored by nearly double digits against them. That is now four straight point spread covers for the Falcons including a few impressive wins against Detroit and Wright State also.

We bet against North Dakota their last time out and once again feel the odds makers just doesn't have this team priced correctly. They joined the Big Sky Conference this season and have played two games in it already, dropping both games along the way. North Dakota is very excited to see how things go for them in this conference this season and return back to conference play after this contest here. You have to wonder just how much interest this team has in this game here against a non-conference foe. Plus like I have spoke of in the past with lots of team, the Christmas break is the one time during he CBB season where the home court advantage isn't nearly as strong with students away from schools during this time of the year.

Bowling Green is leaps and bounds better than North Dakota right now and would love nothing more than to get their last game loss out of their mouths. The Falcons have really grown the last few weeks and look like a much better team than they were to start the season. The should no problems here against what is a very weak North Dakota squad. Play Bowling Green here in this game. My NBA Game of the Month goes off today. This six unit monster selection is tied for my highest rated NBA play so far this season currently. I have done very well in bigger plays in all sports including the NBA over the past month, having hit between 60-70% in these top plays during this time. Last week I went 3-0 in my three big plays with wins in my NFL Game of the Year, CBB Game of the Month and CFB Game of the Month. Also don't forget this Monday is my big Bowl Game of the Year in CFB, a top play that I love a lot on the CFB gridiron.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sports Football

7-Unit Play. Take #225 Rutgers (+2) over Virginia Tech (5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)-Russell Athletic Bowl
Note: This is our College Bowl Game of the Year.

Virginia Tech was one of the more disappointing teams in all of college football this season. They were overrated from the start of the season and they never lived up to their preseason billing. Everyone will say that Va Tech has too good a coach and too good a program to end the season with a losing record, but this Rutgers team is better, plain and simple. Their defense is one of the best in the country and they will be able to control this game from the defensive side of the ball. Rutgers struggled down the stretch due to running back Jawan Jamison's injured ankle but he is healthy now and they will be able to move the ball more efficiently on the ground which is what hindered the Scarlett Knights versus Louisville at the end of the season. Virginia Tech gave up 157 yards to Pittsburgh's Rushel Shell and 262 yards to North Carolina's Giovani Bernard. Jamison shouold be able to find that same amount of success on Friday. If it wasn't for a ineligible man down field in the Louisville game Rutgers would be playing in a much bigger bowl game, in a game they deserve to play in. The Scarlett Knights are Big Ten bound and they want to end their Big East run on a positive note. Rutgers has won five straight Bowl Games and on Friday night they will be celebrating their sixth straight. Virginia Tech gave up 157 yards to Pittsburgh's Rushel Shell and 262 yards to North Carolina's Giovani Bernard.

Rutgers is 5-0-1 ATS in their last six Bowl Games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Virginia Tech is 3-17 ATS in their last 20 games following a S.U. win, 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine non-conference games, and 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sport's cbb



Friday's College Basketball Plays

4-Unit Play. #849 Take Bowling Green (-2.5) over North Dakota (8 p.m., Friday, December 28)

The Falcons are the better team from the better conference. I think they handle business here minus the small number. North Dakota is 2-8 and its lone two victories were against non-Division I schools. Bowling Green may be only 5-6, but they had a loss against ranked Michigan State, a 3-OT loss at South Florida as well as two early November losses on consecutive days. This is a good road spot for them to score a win prior to MAC play next week.

3-Unit Play. #833 Take Missouri (+3.5) over UCLA (10 p.m., Friday, December 28)

UCLA is a team that had more hype than substance. And there is stil a lot of talent with this Bruins team, but they do not match-up well against an athletic Mizzou squad. This Tigers team leads the nation in rebounding, and I think they should do well to dominate the boards against a perimeter, finesse Ben Howland team. Seven Tigers average over 20 minutes per game, so the depth certainly is a plus for Missouri here on the road. Off since their neutral court win over Illinois last Saturday, give me Missouri to score another non-conference win in Westwood.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Root w/ write ups

MILLIONAIRES>>>>>>>>>>>>Take Ohio

The Ohio Bobcats and the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks meet in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl from Shreveport, LA Friday afternoon. Ohio is 8-4 on the year after a decent showing in the tough MAC conference. Louisiana-Monroe also sits at 8-4 on the year and had some very large wins this season that got them national attention. Louisiana-Monroe likes to air it out and the man under center is Kolton Browning. Browning is Mr. do it all for the Warhawks as he led the team in passing and rushing this season. Ohio relies heavily on their tailbacks and most importantly Beau Blankenship who turned in a 1500 yard, 11 TD junior campaign that helped the Bobcats rank 29th in the nation at just over 200 yards rushing per game. The Bobcats feature a solid defense that has was strong early in the year against some solid QB's. I like Ohio to have prepped well for Browning and expect them to ride Blankenship to a cover.


__________________________________________________ ____
.NO LIMIT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Take Minnesota


The Bowl season continues Friday night on ESPN with the Minnesota Golden Gophers taking on the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. TT didn’t end the regular season very well suffering four losses during their last five games. The Red Raiders were even pushed in Lubbock by 1-11 KU pulling out a 41-34 OT victory. TT then was obliterated at Oklahoma State 59-21. While Minnesota is certainly a bad team, taking the double digits is the way to go especially since Texas Tech comes into this game losig four of their last five games. One additional note is that this is more of a nuisance Bowl game to the Red Raiders as it is their 10th time they've played in the Lone Star State this season.

__________________________________________________ _____
.Pinnacle>>>>>Take Rutgers


The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet in the Russell Athletic Bowl Friday evening.

The Scarlet Knights are 9-3 on the year and won a share of the Big East title but just missed out on a BCS berth because of tie-break scenarios and a late season slip up versus Louisville at home. The Scarlet Knights have won 7 bowl games in a row – good for the longest streak in college football. Rutgers features a very stout defense that made things difficult for most all opponents this season. The defense is allowing 14 points per game – good for 5th nationally. Keep an eye on safety Khaseem Greene. Greene is a true ball hawk and will be prowling and dishing out big hits and likely a takeaway or two throughout the game. Virginia Tech enters the Russell Athletic Bowl sitting at 6-6 and coming off one of the more disappointing seasons in recent memory for their program. Rutgers is 5-0-1 against the spread in their last 6 bowl games and VT is
7-19-1 against the spread in their last 27 games overall. Rutgers wants to keep their bowl streak alive so an all out effort will be their for the Scarlet Knights.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris Torrissi
Texas Tech -13

Spurs -8
Pistons +8
Nuggets -2 (bought hook)

High Point PK
North Dakota +3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

RAS
Rotation 850 North Dakota (+4) 1.00 UNIT
Game start: 12/28/12 05:00pm PST Released at: 12/28 8:01am PST

[DaKid]

Looks like everyone on Rutgers..... Va Tech looks like the play now.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

lenny stevens
20 texas tech
10 ul monroe
10 rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Big Al W/Ratings
3* Jazz +3
3* Hawks -5
3* Spurs -8

3* Gonzaga -9.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dennis Hill
ohio
vt
minn

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Smokeyourbookie
under ohio 60
over vt 40
over texas tech 56
minn+13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Intpicks
3* Texas Tech
2* UL Monroe, Rutgers, High Point, Under Nuggets
Freeplay - Over Rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FARGO ENFORCER NCAA baskets UCLA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ryan’s 30* Bowl Total Play of the Year
rutgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHRIS JORDAN 200* trifecta

Rutgers -1 (bowl game)
Missouri +3.5 (hoops)
Boston U +9.5 (hoops)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hoopsgooroo 12/28

223 Ohio U +7 @ 2p
226 Va Tech +1 @ 5:30p
227 Minnesota +13 @ 9p

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports bank
400 minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bookie Buster Daily Pick
December 28, 2012

NBA -- L.A. Clippers / Utah
-- L.A. Clippers -3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TEDDY COVERS
10* CBB Mizzou
10* NBA Heat

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Premium picks from Dave Price

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Jazz

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Cappster Game of the Day‏

Texas Tech -13 over Minnesota in NCAAF

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Ray Falco

CBB

Indiana
Over Mizzou/UCLA

CFB

Texas Tech

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Alatex

15 Missouri

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Late Seabass:
100 Virginia Tech
100 UNDER Virginia Tech
100 Minnesota
100 UCLA in baskets

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Handicappersports
Cbb
--yale +12 ...#831--

belmont -9 ... #842

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Charlies Sport
All NCAAF

500* Ohio/Lou Over 60
500* Minnesota +14
500* Minn/ Texas Tech under 56

Rutgers over 41

Rutgers +1

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Pat Hawkins

Texas Tech

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cardinal / swami group

GOY Over VA.Tech

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David Banks

Tonight: December 28,2012
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Double-digit favorites are usually bad bowl bets, but there may be an exception Friday when the Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-5, 6-6 ATS) face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-6, 5-7 ATS) in the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston at 9:00 ET on ESPN. These teams may have similar records and they both stumbled home down the stretch, but keep in mind that Texas Tech out of the Big 12 had the 20th toughest schedule in the country according to the Sagarin Ratings while Minnesota went just 2-6 inside a Big Ten Conference that sent a five-loss team in Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl.

Yes the Red Raiders lost four of their last five games, but the four losses came vs. Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State and Baylor, all of whom would be decided favorites over this Minnesota team. Despite playing in a conference that boasts some of the most powerful offenses in the country, Texas Tech finished 39th in the country in total defense allowing only 367.2 yards per game, which is slightly more yards than Minnesota allowed but vs. much tougher competition. The Red Raiders have the huge edge offensively here as they are one of the aforementioned powerful offenses in the Big 12. Texas Tech ranked 12th in the nation in total offense with 501.4 yards per game and the Raiders were second in passing offense at a phenomenal 361.9 yards though the air. Even more remarkable was the fact that Seth Doege completed 70.4 percent of his passes while throwing for 3934 yards, with 38 touchdown passes against just 14 interceptions. Granted Doege will be throwing against an 11th ranked Minnesota passing defense allowing only 178.5 passing yards per game, but keep in mind that the Golden Gophers do not face passing teams close to this inside the Big Ten.

For what its worth, Minnesota ranked 29th in total defense surrendering 352.7 yards per contest, but again, consider the competition. The Gophers were not even in the same league as the Red Raiders offensively, averaging only 317.5 total yards on a very pedestrian 3.8 yards per rush and 6.6 yards per pass attempt, and their only two conference wins all season came against Illinois and Purdue, who are not exactly a couple of Big Ten powerhouses. Minnesota has not been without its off-the-field issues either, as its leading wide receiver A.J. Barker left the team prior to the final regular season game claiming mistreatment by coach Jerry Kill in a nasty blog posting, Coach Kill himself suffered a seizure at halftime of the season finale vs. Michigan State and backup quarterback Max Shortell transferred out of the school after losing his starting job to freshman Philip Nelson in the final month of the season. Nelson promptly completed only 50.0 percent of his passes with seven interceptions against six touchdown passes.

Texas Tech is 46-22-1 ATS in its last 69 games following a straight up loss and 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games after gaining more than 200 rushing yards in its previous game. Minnesota is on an 0-4 ATS run vs. teams with winning records.

Pick: OVER 55.5

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td power call top play
gonzaga

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Kelso

50 Nets
25 Utah Valley
15 Mizz
15 Iona

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Bryan Leonard

RUTGERS

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Doc's Sports Picks For NBA Basketball

4-Unit Play #803 Take Orlando/Washington UNDER 182 (7 p.m. EST, Friday)

3-Unit Play #823 Take Portland +9 over LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST, Friday)


Robert Ferringo's Picks For NBA Basketball

2-Unit Play. Take #801 Phoenix (+7.5) over Indiana (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

2-Unit Play. Take #811 Toronto (+2.5) over New Orleans (8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

2-Unit Play. Take #821 Philadelphia (+5.5) over Golden State (10:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

Allen Eastman's Picks For NBA Basketball

4-Unit Play. Take #811 Toronto (+2.5) over New Orleans (8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

3-Unit Play. Take #803 Orlando (-1.5) over Washington (7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)


Vegas Sports Informer's Picks For NBA Basketball

6 Unit Play. Take #805 Miami -6 over Detroit (7:35 p.m., Friday, December 28)

Strike Point Sports Picks For NBA Basketball
3-Unit Play. Take #811 Toronto (+3) over New Orleans (8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

3-Unit Play. Take #822 Golden State (-6) over Philadelphia (10:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

2-Unit Play. Take #805 Miami (-6) over Detroit (7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

2-Unit Play. Take #818 Utah (+3) over L.A. Clippers (9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28)

Jason Sharpe's Picks For NBA Basketball

6 Unit Play Take #812 New Orleans -3 over Toronto (8:00pm est):

Indian Cowboy's Picks For NBA Basketball

3-Unit Play. #810. Take Brooklyn Nets -9.5 over Charlotte (Friday @ 7:35pm est).

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Executive:

250 Minnesota Gophers

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Sports bank
500 new orleans hornets