Saturday 9-1-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?57-ML-Baseball)

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?55-NCAA-Basketball)

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

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Marc lawrence
Free play = tennessee

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Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free South Alabama +10 Over Louisiana Tech

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Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR EARLY SATURDAY: Take SOUTH CAROLINA -29½ over Coastal Carolina

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Totals4U

Early Saturday's Free Selection: Marshall/Miami-Ohio under 51

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Atlantic Sports

Early Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Central Michigan + 17

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#1 Sports

Early Saturday's Free Selection: Central Michigan Chippewas + 17

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Platinum Plays

Free Pick the Cincinnati Bearcats +14½ over UCLA

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Easy Money Sports

Lee's Early Saturday Free Selection Is
Boston College -17½

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Nevada Sharpshooter

Your free winner for Saturday: Take ARIZONA ST -17½ over UTSA

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Golden Dragon Sports

FREE WINNER for SATURDAY: Kent State +16'

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Hawkeye Sports

Saturday's Free Pick: Wyoming Cowboys + 2

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Huddle Up Sports

Free Play: Texas State +16'

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Arthur Ralph Sports

SAT: KC Royals w/Filmyer PK

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Saturday: Take OLD DOMINION -5½ over Liberty

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High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Early Saturday: Washington State Huskies - 2

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John Anthony Sports

Early Saturday's Free Selection: Marshall Thundering Herd - 2 1/2

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Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Saturday, September 1, 2018

CF (183) MID TENNESSEE STATE VS (184) VANDERBILT

Take: (183) MID TENNESSEE STATE

Reason: Your free play for Saturday, September 1, 2018 is in the College football contest between Middle Tennessee State and Vanderbilt. Your free play is on Middle Tennessee State.

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Jeff Allen Sports

Saturday's Free Selection is on the Atlanta Braves

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Roz Wins

Roz's Saturday, September 1, 2018, Free Pick

(205) WASHINGTON STATE VS (206) WYOMING

Take : Wyoming

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Sharp Bettor

SharpBettor FREE Play for Saturday, September 1, 2018

(175) BOISE STATE VS (176) TROY

Take : Troy

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Kenny Towers

FREE PLAY FOR SATURDAY - VANDERBILT -2½ over M. Tenn St

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SAL MICHAELS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Louisiana Tech vs. South Alabama
Free Play on Louisiana Tech -10 -109

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BOBBY CONN
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
North Carolina vs. California
1* Free Play on North Carolina +7½ -110

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JIMMY BOYD

1* Free Pick on Ohio State Buckeyes -36.5

The fact that Urban Meyer is suspended for the first 3 games and the Buckeyes have to replace J.T. Barrett, one of their most successful quarterbacks in program history, will have a lot of people afraid to lay this big number with Ohio State when they host Oregon State in Week 1.

Not me. I don't think the Beavers have any hopes of keeping this game close. Simply put, Ohio State is one of the most talented teams in the country and Oregon State is one of the worst Power 5 programs out there.

Last year the Beavers gave up a ridiculous 43 ppg and were atrocious against the run, allowing 326 ypg (5.5 yards/carry). Even if Dwayne Harris struggles at quarterback, which I don't think he will at all, the Buckeyes should run wild on this defense with the talent they have on the offensive line and at running back with JK Dobbins and Mike Weber.

Not to mention Oregon State is down their top returning tackler in safety David Morris. They will also be without projected starting defensive end Jeromy Reichner and starting corner Isaiah Dunn is questionable.

As for the Beaver's offense, I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't score until late when the game is completely out of hand. Oregon State only managed 20.7 ppg last year and will be starting a quarterback with 4 career starts against one of the best defensive lines in the country. Take Ohio State!

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KYLE HUNTER
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Akron vs. Nebraska
Akron+26 -110

*3 Star Free Pick on Akron*

The Nebraska Cornhuskers hired the right guy. Scott Frost is going to do a great job with this program. Still, I have to believe it is going to take some time for things to work the way people are expecting. Frost didn't change the UCF program overnight, and Nebraska doesn't have the talent that Frost needs to be great right away. They are learning a new system, and they have a bunch of inexperience at key positions. Nebraska has been steamed by the betting public because of their love for Scott Frost.

Akron has a fairly strong defense, and they have a good coach in Tommy Bowden. The Zips won't overlook this game at all. My numbers had Nebraska by 20 here, and six points of value is hard to pass up.

Look for Nebraska to struggle more than expected here. Grab the points.

Take Akron.

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INFO PLAYS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Cincinnati vs. UCLA
1* Free Play on Cincinnati vs UCLA over 61 -110

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TOTALS GURU
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UMass vs. Boston College
Free Total Annihilator On UMass vs Boston College over 58½ -110

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ALEX SMART
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Louisville vs. Alabama
Louisville+24½

Camping World Stadium - Orlando, FL

My early season power rankings suggest Louisville is very under rated according to this line while, Alabama despite of being reliable top tier national program of late and ranked No.1 in the AP Poll is being over rated as a lot of key personnel changes are underway. It must also be noted that Louisville owns a strong 7-0 ATS record as double-digit dogs, and have covered 5 of their L/6 season openers . Alabama is also just 1-12 ATS as a non-conference favorite of 21 or more points. With that said, the innovative Bobby Petrino and company gets my support here in the underdog role despite of having to move the ball without LeMar Jackson who has now gone to the NFL. Note: Louisville still returns 7 starters on offense, and QB Jawon Pass has an arm that is stronger than his predecessor and must not be underestimated.

Play on Louisville to cover

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MATT FARGO
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UMass vs. Boston College
UMass+18 -108

Expectations are high in Chestnut Hill as Boston College is coming off a pair of 7-6 seasons and it returns 16 starters. The Eagles finished strong last season with wins in five of their last six games but lost to Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl to kill the offseason momentum. Defense used to be the strength of this team but they struggled mightily against the run last season and they lost five starters including All-ACC defensive end Harold Landy. On the other side of the ball, one big issue that could limit the Eagles is that quarterback Anthony Brown is recovering from a serious knee injury and only returned to live action recently. Massachusetts is coming off its best season since joining the FBS and while 4-8 does not look very good, it was considered a very successful season. What made it especially promising was that the Minutemen closed by going 4-2 in their last six games and of the eight losses, six of those were by 10 points or less and another loss to Mississippi St. by just 11 points. Like the Eagles, Massachusetts has 16 starters returning with the bulk of those on offense that was very potent down the stretch. Quarterback Andrew Ford was outstanding, throwing for 2,924 yards with 22 touchdowns and just four picks. The Minutemen have the advantage of already playing a game last week as they rolled over Duquesne and while the opponent was not a good one, it gives them game experience. They fall into a profitable situation where we play on road underdogs that averaged 400 or more total ypg last season, after gaining 6.25 or more yppl in their previous game.

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JACK JONES

Jack’s Free Pick Saturday: Northern Illinois +10.5

The Northern Illinois Huskies aren’t afraid of the big boys. They have been the best team in the MAC over the past decade and have pulled off several big upsets along the way. They beat Iowa on the road back in 2013. They won at Northwestern in 2014. They only lost by 7 as 34-point dogs at Ohio State in 2015. And they pulled the upset as 11-point underdogs at Nebraska in 2017.

This will be one of Rod Carey’s best teams yet at Northern Illinois. The Huskies return 14 starters, including eight on offense. Sophomore QB Marcus Childers will take the next step forward after earning MAC Freshman of the Year honors last season. All 5 starters return along the offensive line with 111 career starts among them.

The Huskies are coming off a great defensive season in which they gave up just 22.0 points per game. They have 6 starters back on D this year, led by 2017 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Sutton Smith at defensive end. He had 14 sacks plus another 15.5 tackles for loss last season and is a one-man wrecking crew.

Smith will certainly challenge an Iowa offensive line that will be missing its two starting offensive tackles in RT Tristan Wirfs & LT Alaric Jackson due to suspension. The Hawkeyes lack playmakers at receiver yet again this season, which is why a talented QB like Nathan Stanley won’t put up big numbers. And they lose their best playmaker from last season in RB Akrum Wadley, who accounted for 1,462 yards and 13 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2017.

The Hawkeyes lose six of their top eight tacklers defensively. They must break in three new starters at linebacker. And their depth along the defensive line is in question for the opener because both Brady Reiff and Cedrick Lattimore are out with suspensions. Both are on the 2-deep at defensive line.

Rod Carey is 11-3 ATS as a road underdog as the coach of Northern Illinois. Carey is 22-10 ATS in all road games with the Huskies. Better yet, the Huskies are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games a road underdog of 7.5 to 14 points. Northern Illinois is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 vs. Big Ten opponents. The Huskies are 34-16-3 ATS in their last 53 road games overall. The Hawkeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. MAC foes. Bet Northern Illinois Saturday.

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DOUG UPSTONE
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Texas State vs. Rutgers
UNDER 47

On Saturday, Play Under teams when the total is between 42.5 and 49 (TEXAS ST. and RUTGERS) in the first week of the season, after closing out last season with two or more straight losses, against an opponent in the first month of the season, after closing out last season with two or more straight losses. In the last 25, this situation is 38-8 UNDER, which is 82.6 percent!

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KENNY WALKER
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
North Carolina vs. California
North Carolina+7½ -110

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R&R TOTALS

R&R Totals FREE CFB Over-Under Saturday 9-1-18

UNDER 63 1/2 Massachusetts/Boston College

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MATT JOSEPHS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Florida Atlantic vs. Oklahoma
OVER 69

The Sooners begin their quest to return to the college football playoff on Saturday as they host Florida Atlantic. Kyler Murray is foregoing baseball for now as he inherits the quarterback position from Baker Mayfield. Murray will be doing a lot of handing off to Rodney Anderson who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2017. There's some talent at wide receiver and the line is pretty strong. The Sooners defense has six starters back and they were an exploitable unit at times last season. The team gave up 54 to Georgia, 41 to Baylor and 38 to Iowa State. Florida Atlantic went 11-3 last season and brings back 15 starters of their own. Devin Singletary leads the way on offense and "Motor" ran through pretty much all of his opponents last year. This would be a revenge game for quarterback Chris Robison who used to be a Sooner. We don't know if he or DeAndre Johnson will be under center for this one. FAU's defense returns a bunch of starters, but they struggled against teams with an offensive pulse. FAU allowed 42 to Navy, 31 to Wisconsin and 34 to Buffalo in 2017. I think the Sooners rock and roll early putting up big time amount of points in a big win over FAU.

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FREDDY WILLS

NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018

Oklahoma -20.5 1.1% Free Play

This line opened up at -24, and has dropped down to a point where I think there is value on the heavy favorite. I have said Oklahoma is a team you could fade this year in LIncoln Riley's second year, but this is the type of game I think they may want to come out and blow out Florida Atlantic. FAU is getting a lot of credit here and actually taking a good % of the bets with some even calling for a possible upset, because Lane Kiffin is there and they won 10 straight games a year ago, and finished 10-3-1 ATS.

10-3-1 ATS to me means we are going to have value fading FAU and the line is already giving us 3.5 points of value. I actually looked back at non-power 5 schools and head coaches in their second year and FAU is in a major fade spot. Teams with coaches in their second year at a non-power five school following 9 or more wins ATS have gone a combined 14-25 ATS over the last 5 seasons. FAU is also returning just 5 starters on the offense from last year and they are breaking in a new QB and they will have to face an Oklahoma defense that should be much better in 2018.

Oklahoma meanwhile I have mentioned that I don't trust Kyler Murray, but in a game against a C-USA opponent I see no problem with this offense putting up huge #'s. last year against UTEP & Tulane, Oklahoma scored 56 points. The Big 12 has outscored the C-USA by 22 points on average over 40+ games since 2010. There is obviously a big talent gap, this game is at Oklahoma, and Oklahoma is very motivated to prove that their offense won't miss a beat without Baker, and that their defense is better and they are still the team to beat in 2018.

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Chip Chirimbes

Texas vs. Maryland Noon ET

Terrapins (+) over Longhorns

'How soon they forget!' Do any of you guys remember that these two clubs meet in their opening game last season and Texas was a heavy (-18) favorite and got completely demolished 51-41 and they struggled to overcome it the rest of the season. I haven't heard a thing about it. I've heard of the death on campus and the powerful Texas offense that brings thoughts of Earl Campbell, Rickey Williams and Vince Young to mind as well as a coach that can 'heal' other people's relationships. Enough of that stuff. I just believe this will be an emotional test for Maryland and I expect the best they have out of them here. By the way the Terrapins have some quality players of their now on offense a veteran line and multitude purpose runner. Take MARYLAND!

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CAPPERS CLUB
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Central Michigan vs. Kentucky
Central Michigan+17½

This play just missed out on our premium card. The Central Michigan Chippewas and Kentucky Wildcats face off on Saturday and in this game the underdogs have the value.

The Kentucky Wildcats are hyped up every year and every year they turn into be big disappointments.

The Chippewas are going to be a good team in the MAC this year and there is no reason they should be this big of underdogs.

Back the Chippewas.

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ROB VINCILETTI

The College Football comp play is on Akron plus the 26 points at 8:00 eastern.

Akron is the beneficiary of a 30-9 opening week system that plays against Nebraska and any game 1 favorite that won 5 or less last year vs a team that won 4 or more. These teams are 9-30 ats since 1990. Akron has covered the last 4 on the road with a total that is 52 to 56. The Huskers have failed to cover 5 of 6 at home if the total is 49 to 56. The Huskers lost 5 of 7 at home last year and allowed 36 points here. Nebraska wins but Akron gets the cover. Take the 26+ points.

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BEN BURNS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UNLV vs. USC
USC-26 -110

If you're looking for a "blowout" on the first full Saturday of football, check out USC. The Trojans, who are 18-1 their last 19 home openers, know that they have a pair of fairly tough road games (Stanford & Texas) coming up in Weeks 2 and 3. They also know that if they can survive those two games, they have a great shot at running the table. That makes taking care of business and building confidence crucial here. The Rebels may be improved from last season but we won't see that here; the Trojans are a National Title contender. Expect a "statement blowout." Consider laying the points with USC.

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BRAD DIAMOND
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UTSA vs. Arizona State
Arizona State-19½

I am putting this up early as the line has been moving. Arizona State could be under valued from the power rating standpoint. The futures for winning the conference 100/1. UTSA has just 10 starters returning which bring an effective yield of 40% production. Get this now!

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DUSTIN HAWKINS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Oregon State vs. Ohio State
Free Play on Oregon State vs Ohio State under 64½ -110

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RED DOG SPORTS
Soccer | Sep 01, 2018
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace-102

I think we see a 2-1 win by Crystal Palace on Saturday. This soccer match takes place in England.

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Doc’s Sports

Take #184 Vanderbilt Commodores over Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7:30p.m., Saturday, September 1 SECN)

Coach Derek Mason will enter his fifth season as head coach and he is on the hot seat despite facing numerous academic challengers imposed by the university. He made a bowl game in 2016 but feel just short of going bowling last year with a 5-7 record. The Commodores have had great success in this series winning three straight games against the Blue Raiders the last three years. The last two have been blowouts and that is how I see this game going as well. Vanderbilt is 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games against Conference USA teams. MTSU is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games against SEC teams. Lay the points in this game.

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ART ARONSON
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Louisville vs. Alabama
This is a 1* FREE PLAY on Alabama.

Louisville faces off with No. 1 Alabama in Orlando in a neutral site affair on Saturday night and in our opinion, this one has “blowout” written all over it. The Cardinals finished 8-5 last year, eventually losing 31-27 to Mississippi State in the TaxSlayer Bowl. The Crimson Tide were 13-1 and they’d go on to beat Georgia 26-23 in OT in the title game. Note that these teams haven’t played each other since 1991. While the Cardinals finished with an overall winning record last year, they were a poor 4-4 in ACC action. Both teams have plenty of positions to fill, but we expect Louisville to struggle more without Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson under center. And despite the turnover for Alabama, the Tide are once again expected to lead the country on both sides of the ball this season. Alabama’s run game will be on full display here, keep your eyes on Damien Harris (had 1,000 yards and 11 TD’s last year) and Najee Harris (370 yards, three TD’s.) It also doesn’t hurt that two competent athletes will be battling it out for the No. 1 QB spot between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa for the Tide. We think the “bigger” and “deeper” SEC defending national Champions take full advantage of a Louisville team which is looking for an identity early. Lay the points, play on ALABAMA.

AAA Sports

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JESSE SCHULE
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Washington vs. Auburn

This is a Free NCAAF play on the Washington Huskies.

If you happened to catch my longshot pick for the Heisman Trophy, you probably already know I am big on the Huskies. Here are some of the things I said about Washington: "Two years ago Jake Browning led all Power 5 quarterbacks with 43 TD passes. He’s coming into his senior year surrounded by the most talented group in the Chris Peterson era. The Huskies are ranked 6th overall, the favorites to win the PAC12." Auburn is ranked 9th overall, and yet the Tigers will be a favorite at a neutral site game in Atlanta in Week 1. The knee jerk reaction is to think that because Auburn beat Alabama last season, and went on to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, that they are the better team here. Once you get past the SEC bias, you see that Washington actually ranked first nationally against the run in 2017, allowing just 2.6 yards per game. These teams match up pretty close in every category, except for the quarterback position. Jarrett Stidham struggled against top defenses last season. He threw for just 79 yards in a loss to Clemson, 145 yards in a loss to Georgia, and 165 yards in a loss to LSU. Give me the better quarterback and give me a couple points, and I'll take the Huskies as the DAWGS! Take WASH. GL,
Jesse Schule

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CALVIN KING
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
Washington State vs. Wyoming
[1%] Free Play on Washington State -1

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STEVE JANUS

1* Free Sharp Play on Troy +10½ -110

My money is the Trojans to cover the number at home against the Broncos. Boise State may not be as big a public team as they were in the Chris Petersen days, but the public still loves to back this team. With the Broncos ranked in the preseason Top 25, I believe it has Boise way overvalued here on the road against a good Troy team that gave the Broncos all they could handle in Boise last year (also season opener). The Trojans are trending up under head coach Neal Brown. They are 21-5 the last two years, which includes last year's big upset of LSU in Baton Rouge. They got a much better home field edge than people realize and if the Broncos aren't careful they could lose this game outright. Bet Troy +10.5!

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JOSEPH D'AMICO
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UNLV vs. USC
UNLV+26½ -110

Saturday's FREE NCAAF WINNER: UNLV

Game 189.

1:00 pm pst.

Southern Cal had to replace a few major cogs in their offensive wheel, including a QB that went #3 in the Draft. Even with Sam Darnold at the helm LY, the Trojans were pointspread poison, going just 3-10-1 ATS. This is an ideal spot for UNLV as USC has Stanford on deck and will be looking forward. Tony Sanchez has improved the team in each of his 3 seasons as HC. The team is 11-4 ATS as a road underdog and has covered all 3 away outings vs. Power-5 teams (Michigan, UCLA, Ohio State). SoCal has failed to cover 5 straight vs. non-PAC 12 opposition as is notoriously slow starters, going 1-6 ATS the L7 in the month of September. Take UNLV. Thank you.

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LARRY NESS
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
West Virginia vs. Tennessee
West Virginia-9 -110

My free play is on West Va at 3:30 ET. West Va was 7-3 and on the verge of entering the national rankings after beating 28-23 Kansas St on Nov 11 of last season. However, the Mountaineers lost the following week to Texas, ended the regular season by getting blown out at Oklahoma and then lost 30-14 to Utah in the school's bowl game. West Va opens the 2018 season ranked 17th in the AP and will square off against Tennessee in the Belk College Kickoff, which is being played in Charlotte, N.C. The Volunteers are coming off a 4-8 season in which they were winless in the Southeastern Conference at 0-8 (school record for SEC losses). The contest marks the first-ever matchup between the two programs.

Tennessee has a new head coach in Jeremy Pruitt, who was the former defensive coordinator at Alabama. Pruitt takes over a defense that was besieged by injuries last season and allowed 29.1 PPG (the school's most since 2012). The offense also had its problems, ranking last in the SEC in scoring at 19.8 PPG, down from 36.4 the previous season. The Vols averaged just under 300 YPG and had featured a stretch in which they went over a month without scoring an offensive TD. QB Jarrett Guarantano went 4-2 as a starter last season and completed 62 percent of his 139 passes for 997 yards with four TDs and two interceptions. He is expected to start but graduate transfer Keller Chryst, 11-2 as starter at Stanford the last two years (54.2 completion percentage, 962 yards, eight TDs, four Interceptions) is also expected to contribute.

West Va QB Will Grier is the top returning signal-caller in the Big 12 (64.4 completion percentage & 34-12 TD-to-INT) and he owns two big-time returning targets. Senior WR David Sills V (60 receptions, 960 yards) tied for the national lead with 18 TD receptions last season and is joined by Gary Jennings Jr. (Big-12 leading 97 receptions, 1,096 yards). Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson needs to improve a defense that surrendered 31.5 PPG and 446 yards YPG, as both totals represented the school's most since 2013.

Tennessee has won nine straight openers but is a woeful 6-34 against ranked teams over the last eight seasons. West Va's Holgorsen has changed his scheduling philosophy since taking over West Virginia eight years ago, trading in early-season contests against FCS foes for the likes of Virginia Tech, Penn State and Alabama in an attempt to build a national powerhouse. The 17th-ranked Mountaineers open this season against a Power 5 opponent for the fourth time in five years. No way Tennessee has the defense to contain Grier and his one-two receiver 'punch,' nor does the Tennessee offense have the firepower to match West Va score for score. Lay it!

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STEPHEN NOVER
NCAA-F | Sep 01, 2018
UNLV vs. USC
UNLV+26

UNLV is a borderline bowl team and catch USC at a good time. The Trojans are breaking in several new players, including three offensive linemen and have replaced Sam Darnold with true freshman JT Daniels. I'm high on Daniels, I just question how good and turnover-free he will be in his first start. Southern Cal has huge look-ahead games the next two weeks with road matchups looming against Stanford and Texas. So this is an excellent situational spot for UNLV. The Trojans care far more about upcoming Pac-12 rival Stanford than a middle-of-the-road Mountain West Conference foe such as UNLV. The Rebels are going to be far more enthused about this matchup than USC. The southern California region is prime recruiting area for UNLV.

The Rebels own the firepower to hang in against USC. Rebels quarterback Armani Rogers is a dual threat, one of the best in the Mountain West. Rogers is from LA so he certainly won't lack motivation. Rogers can make big plays and he has talented receiving targets and stud running back Lexington Thomas, who rushed for 1,336 yards while averaging 6.3 yards per carry last year. USC lost much of its pass rushers from last season and will be without injured Porter Gustin, one of its best defensive players. The Trojans haven't been good as chalk versus lesser foes under Clay Helton, while the Rebels have proven to be an excellent road underdog covering 11 of their last 15 games as an away 'dog under Tony Sanchez. UNLV is 6-1 in its past seven road contests.

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PURE LOCK

Pure Lock's FREE CFB play Saturday 9-1-18

Houston -25 1/2 -124

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MIKEY SPORTS

Mikey Sports FREE CFB play Saturday 9-1-18

Miami Ohio +2 1/2 -108

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JOHN MARTIN

1 Unit FREE PLAY on UNLV +26

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are a team on the rise under Tony Sanchez. They have gone from 3 to 4 to 5 wins in each of Sanchez’s first three seasons, improving every year. I think they have a great shot to get to a bowl game this year with 14 returning starters. The Runnin’ Rebels won three of their final five games last season. They havee an explosive offense behind RB Lexington Thomas and QB Armani Rogers, who combined for 2,116 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns last year. The defense has seven starters back and should be the best stop unit that Sanchez has fielded in his time here. USC returns 13 starters but loses QB Sam Darnold, RB Ronald Jones and WR Deontay Burnett to the NFL. Those were their best three players on offense last year. With a two-game road trip at Stanford and at Texas on deck, I think the Trojans could be overlooking UNLV here enough to not cover this 26-point spread. Give me UNLV.

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Sports Book Edge
Kevin 'Bubba' Smith
'Railside' Harry MLB Expert
#189/0 UNLV/USC Over

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Priority Sports Info
Roy Maddux
#153 Houston

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TDS Pucks & Dunks
Sloan Shannon
Home of the Dog Pound
#151 Florida Atlantic

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Billy Irish Picks
Billy Irish
Original Pot of Gold Top Play
#212 Notre Dame

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Winning Colors Pks
TJ Elliot
Football & Basketball specialist
#165/6 Kent St.Illinois Over

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Todays Round Robin
Harry Walker
Free:#201 West Virgina

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Golden Locks Sports

#204 California

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Valley Sports

#151 Florida Atlantic

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Hotsheet

#209 Old Dominion

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Weekend Warrior
Mark Mayer

#202 Tenn
#203 No Carolina
#208 Oregon
#200 S0 Carolina
#189 UNLV

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Cappers Access

#174 Maryland
#192 UConn
#101 Tennessee
#211 Michigan

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JEFF BENTON

Your Saturday freebie is the Houston Cougars over the Rice Owls.

It's a new era at Rice, as long-time coach David Baliff has been replaced by former Stanford offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren, while former Michigan DB's coach Brian Smith will be in charge of shoring up a defense that has allowed right at 35 points per game over the last 3 seasons.

Let's start there, as you can assume the Houston Cougars are going to post at least 5 TD's which would definitely be enough to cover this big impost.

This will be the Owls second game of the season, and if the first is any kind of a barometer, this could be a long afternoon at Rice Stadium, as the Owls needed a closing minute score to rally for the 31-28 win over - wait for it - Prairie View!

Houston brings a more talented edition cross-town than last week's foe, and they have won and covered the last 4 series meetings, including a 38-3 beatdown last year in the second game of the season.

Major Applewhite is in his second season at the helm for Houston, and he has a very talented QB in D'Eriq King calling the shots. He is a dual threat that will be able to run the ball when he needs to, and also spread the field all afternoon long.

The Cougars did not start a senior last year, but this season there are plenty of them set for their last campaign, and they do have future NFL defensive tackle Ed Oliver leading the stop unit that figures to force a few Rice turnovers that should also lead to some short-field points for the visiting Cougars.

Blowout City before it is all said and done. Houston by 30 points.

3* HOUSTON

[Can'tPickAWinner]

RAY CHADWICK

Tennessee has parted ways with Butch Jones, and now former Alabama assistant Jeremy Pruitt leads Orange Nation in a rebuild. Hopes are high, but high-hopes cannot play the game on the field for the Volunteers, and this game being played in Charlotte shapes up to be a Mounties win and cover if you ask me.

West Virginia now has senior leadership in Will Greir under center, and bring back plenty of starters from last year's underachieving 7-6 team. Right now that offense that Grier is piloting is way ahead of the Tennessee attack that was held to 17-points or less in half of their dozen games just a season ago, and while Pruitt was the D.C. for the Crimson Tide, I don't expect his Vols defense to be anywhere near "top shelf" just yet.

The Mountaineers have flirted with "big" seasons in the past, but this could very well be the season they actually do something. A convincing win in this "neutral" site spot could be the springboard Dana Holgorsen's team needs to get the ball rolling in Morgantown.

I am going to lay the wood with West Va.

2* WEST VIRGINIA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TOMMY BRUNSON

Saturday free play winner is Oregon to blast Bowling Green.

It is now Mario Cristobal's turn at head coach in Eugene, as last year's assistant takes over for now Florida State head coach Willie Taggart. Cristobal is the third coach in three years at Oregon, but the schedule is very kind for his debut, as Bowling Green (2-10 last year, 4-8 the season before last) comes calling. Then its Portland State next week with San Jose State and finally Stanford closing out 4 straight at home for the "itching to go" Ducks.

Justin Herbert is back at quarterback and the junior enters the season in full health. The Ducks were able to cover 4 of 6 last season when laying double-digits, while the Falcons went just 3-9 against the spread last season including losing to South Dakota. Bowling Green also could not convert when getting double-digits from the oddsmakers, as they dropped 4 of 6 against the spread in that role.

Cristobal did coach his team in a bowl loss to Boise State, expect him to let the dog eat in his home debut, as Herbert shows that he is NFL-ready with a huge game tonight at home.

Big price here, but this one could see Oregon reach the 50-point plateau, so I say "lay away!" with the Ducks.

3* OREGON

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Randy Chambers

MICHIGAN

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris Ruffolo

WEST VIRGINIA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mark Roberts

PHILLIES

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andrew Jett

TB RAYS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Saturday, September 1 is:

Rice +26 over Houston.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BUSTER SPORTS

Event: (173) TEXAS at (174) MARYLAND
Sport/League: CFB
Date/Time: September 1, 2018 12PM EDT
Play: MARYLAND 13.0 (-108)

We will be on Maryland in this one as we like the Terrapins to stay within what we believe is too big a number at the time of this writing. There is a real mess going on at Maryland with the inexcusable death of Jordan McNair and at the time of this writing the suspension of HC D J Jurkin. However, issues like thes can make a team stronger and we believe that Maryland could be a real sleeper this year as they battled injuries last year that slowed them down and are now healthy. They also have a new OC Matt Canada who will act as the interim coach until the investigation is over. We love what Canada will be able to do with this offense as we see him as a top level OC in the nation. Maryland will be very motivated to win this game after beating the Longhorns last year in Texas especially with the weak schedule ahead. With a win here, they could be 4-0 heading into the Big House on October 6th. Texas should also be better this year as well with HC Tom Herman in his second year in Texas. We believe with the talent this team has they will have to be much better than the 7-6 record of last year. One reason they might have some trouble early is that they have not really cemented their QB situation. We believe QB Sam Ehlinger will start the Maryland game but they have 3 other QB’s very capable of playing, with sophomore Shane Buechele and two freshmen top recruits in quarterbacks Casey Thompson and Cameron Rising. The Texas D should be better this year as well as they have recruited well and have 6 starters back from last year. It will be interesting to see if they learned anything from last years game as Maryland ran for 263 yards. Maryland will definitely be capable of doing that again this year so we will know quite fast how far the D has come along for Texas. Overall for us, now that the line has climbed all the way to 13, we will jump in on the Terrapins, as we believe no matter what happens regarding the internal situation at Maryland that this is just way too many points. So lets get the job done with the Maryland Terrapins as your free play for September 1st in CFB.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS SYNERGY

Event: (163) MASSACHUSETTS at (164) BOSTON COLLEGE
Sport/League: CFB
Date/Time: September 1, 2018 1PM EDT
Play: Total Over 62.0 (-110)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TONY FINN

Event: (181) SMU at (182) NORTH TEXAS
Sport/League: CFB
Date/Time: September 1, 2018 7PM EDT
Play: NORTH TEXAS -4.0 (-108)

Southern Methodist visits North Texas to kickoff the team's 2018 college football season opener. The event is schedule for a 7:30 p.m. ET start and will be played at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas. NCAAF Week #1 Preview and Free Pick: Mean Green vs Mustangs.

Game Preview
Teams: (181) SMU (0-0) at (182)North Texas (0-0)
Date and Time: Saturday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX
Line:: North Texas -4, 72

This Lone Star State affair is projected to be one of the highest scoring games of the Week #1 college slate. This is the third consecutive season the two Texas schools will have met. The duo combined for nearly 800 passing yards in last season's 54-32 SMU win. And while most expect the scoreboard to light up again in 2018 there are differences in this year's September contest.

North Texas is expected to challenge for a Conference US title with Florida Atlantic while SMU will have to be at its best under new head coach Sonny Dykes to outperform the likes of Houston and Navy.

While high school football rules in Texas these two schools reside just 40 miles apart and the Dallas Fort Worth area is in for a gridiron treat to kick off September campus action.

SMU Mustangs
Dykes is in while Chad Morris is out at SMU. And for those fortunate enough to follow Southern Methodist football a season ago it could well be even more entertaining in 2018. The SMU offense was and still is explosive and could well be more productive this year.

Quarterback Ben Hicks is back behind center for the 'Stangs and comes off a 33-touchdown season. The junior from Waco has two years remaining and has thrown for 6,499 career yards and 52 touchdowns in his SMU career. Hicks won't have the services of receivers loses Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn Granted who both declared for the NFL draft. Sutton and Quinn combined for nearly 60 percent of SMU’s aerial targets last year, leaving James Proche as the only other receiver with 20 receptions or more returning.

There are more than enough good targets back, the running backs can catch, and the offensive line that was good in pass protection should be solid again.

The Dykes offense spreads the ball around. Running back Braeden West is used in a multitude of schemes including working out of the slot as a receiver. He averaged 7.8 yards on his 73 rushing attempts and also caught 18 passes last season. Running backs Xavier Jones, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2017, and Ke'Mon Freeman provide a strong one-two punch. The offensive line returns four starters.

The new Mustangs defensive coaching staff have plenty of player personnel question marks. The defensive front seven lacks depth and size and the secondary was a gambling unit a season ago that allowed far too many big plays. Dykes and his assistants inherit a defense that ranked 122nd in total defense a season ago allowing 476.7 yards and 36.7 points per game. Under Morris a year ago the defense presented a 4-2-5 formation. This season under the guidance of former Northern Illinois DC Kevin Kane the unit will operate under a 4-3-4 scheme.

North Texas Mean Green
Quarterback Mason Fine threw for 4,000+ yard a season ago and the offense returns most of their key pieces including four starters on the front line. In Seth Littrell's second season in Denton the Green ranked as the 24th in offensive scoring, a big step forward from the school's 117th in 2016. With Fine more confident and experienced in combination with a talented and battle tested receiving corps and a pair of talented running back the Mean Green are in position to outscore the best in C-USA this season.

Any improvement from the Mean Green 2017 defense and Littrell's squad will be a contender on each and every Saturday.

The scoreboard at Apogee Stadium on Saturday night will be the second most entertaining variable in Denton. Second only to the skills of both offenses and the holes in the school's defensive units.

SMU finished 121st in the nation in total defense, and when all is said and done in these two team's season opener Dykes and his Mustangs will come up short and likely be positioned at the bottom of the FBS defensive rankings after Week #1.

Free Pick
This Week #1 college football free pick expects the Mean Green to do enough on defense to outscore the Mustangs and ready for Week #2 with a 1-0 record.

Play on the North Texas Mean Green minus the small number.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

THE PREZ

Event: (7401) Texas Longhorns
Sport/League: FUT
Date/Time: September 1, 2018 9PM EDT
Play: Season Win Total UNDER 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Team Underground

NCAA Football LIBERTY FLAMES +5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DONNY ACTION

NCAA Football TROY TROJANS +10.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mississippi Rebels vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
A.J. Brown has the talent and production of a star wide receiver, not to mention the swagger. Ole Miss hopes Brown can begin his junior campaign in strong fashion Saturday when the Rebels face Texas Tech in Houston.

Brown was named a preseason All-American after racking up 75 catches for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He combined with now-senior DaMarkus Lodge (41 catches) and current sophomore D.K. Metcalf (39) for 155 grabs and 25 TDs a season ago. "You've got to have that swagger about it," Brown said earlier this summer. "I feel like we're the best receivers corps in the country." Brown and company certainly will pose an early test for the Red Raiders, who gave up over 32 points per game a season ago.

TV: Noon ET. LINE: Texas Tech -2.5

ABOUT OLE MISS (2017: 6-6): While Brown is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, one of his teammates has a chance to join him in that group. Offensive tackle Greg Little, who is anything but at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, could be a high draft pick as the junior prepares to protect senior Jordan Ta'amu's blind side this season. Ta'amu played the second half of the season under center for the Rebels in 2017 and enjoyed terrific back-to-back performances against Kentucky and Louisiana, torching those defenses for a combined 800 passing yards and seven TDs.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (2017: 6-7): The Red Raiders had a three-way quarterback competition this summer with junior McLane Carter, sophomore Jett Duffey and freshman Alan Bowman competing for snaps. Whoever starts at quarterback for Texas Tech will have the comfort of five returning starters along the offensive line with 83 total starts between the quintet. Texas Tech is certainly eager to take the field after losing last season's Birmingham Bowl on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 16 seconds left, sending the team to its sixth loss in eight games after a 4-1 start.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ole Miss is 18-3 in its last 21 season openers.

2. Texas Tech has won 15 straight season openers, trailing only Ohio State (17) and Alabama (16) among current Division I streaks.

3. The Rebels also have an experienced offensive line with the five starters - four of which are returning - combining for 103 career starts.

PREDICTION: Ole Miss 39, Texas Tech 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Longhorns vs. Maryland Terrapins Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Coach Tom Herman's message to his No. 21 Texas team has been simple as the Longhorns prepare for Saturday's opener against Maryland at FedExField. Herman reminded his team that the Terrapins, trying to overcome a summer full of scandal, beat the Longhorns 51-41 last year and are a good team.

Third-year coach DJ Durkin has been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 11 as Maryland investigates the June death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair after a workout and allegations of a toxic culture in the football program. Offensive coordinator and interim coach Matt Canada, who joined Maryland this offseason from LSU, did not announce a starting quarterback at his press conference Tuesday. Sophomore Sam Ehlinger was named the Longhorns' starter after leading the team in passing and rushing yards last season. Texas junior Malcolm Roach (37 tackles, two sacks) joins senior linebackers Gary Johnson (60 tackles, two sacks) and Anthony Wheeler (47 tackles, 2.5 sacks) in the middle of a defense that was strong against the run last year.

TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Texas -13.5

ABOUT TEXAS (2017: 7-6): Ehlinger (1,915 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 385 rushing yards and two scores) split time with junior Shane Buechele (1,405 yards and seven TDs) last year. Junior wideouts Collin Johnson (54 catches, 765 yards, two TDs) and Lil'Jordan Humphrey (37 catches, 431 yards, score) return after leading Texas last year. California graduate transfer Tre Watson brings plenty of experience (1,390 career rushing yards in 37 games) to a backfield that could also see sophomore Daniel Young (386 yards, three TDs) and freshman Keaontay Ingram share the load.

ABOUT MARYLAND (2017: 4-8): The starting job is between a pair of quarterbacks who had 2017 end early because of knee injuries - sophomore Tyrrell Pigrome (who was hurt in the Texas game last year) and redshirt freshman Kasim Hill (who threw for 230 yards and two TDs before getting hurt in the third game). The Terrapins return their entire offensive line to clear the way for top rushers Ty Johnson (a senior) and junior Lorenzo Harrison III, who have a combined 3,134 yards in the past two years. Defensive ends Jesse Aniebonam (a senior returning from an ankle injury) and Byron Cowart (a junior transfer from Auburn) should strengthen a defense that allowed 37.1 points per game last year.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Longhorns finished 2017 ranked eighth nationally in rushing defense (106.8 yards).

2. Maryland will honor the memory of McNair with a moment of silence Saturday, the creation of a scholarship in his name and by keeping his No. 79 jersey open until his graduation year.

3. Five of Texas' six losses last year were by 10 points or fewer, the most among Power Five conference schools.

PREDICTION: Texas 37, Maryland 23

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Cougars vs. Rice Owls Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Houston junior defensive tackle Ed Oliver's big plans start on the road when the Cougars face intercity rival Rice on Saturday. "(I want to) leave the place better than I found it - and it was pretty damn good when I got here," the defensive tackle told ESPN The Magazine. "I don't care about personal accolades. Team trophies are what's important. They will be here long after I'm gone."

Oliver, who has already declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, has been named the nation's top player by several publications and is on five preseason watch lists for national awards. The reigning Outland Trophy winner has 39.5 career tackles for loss and led the Cougars with 73 stops last year. Houston's defensive rotations around Oliver will be strengthened by several transfers, including former TCU end Isaiah Chambers, a sophomore. The Owls rushed for 310 yards in a come-from-behind 31-28 victory against Prairie View A&M on Aug. 25, snapping a 10-game losing streak.

TV: Noon ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Houston -25

ABOUT HOUSTON (2017: 7-5): Junior D'Eriq King is the Cougars' leading returning passer (1,260 yards, seven touchdowns) and receiver, catching 29 passes for 264 yards and two scores before starting the final four games at quarterback. Senior transfers Terence Williams (1,859 rushing yards in three years at Baylor) and Raelon Singleton (531 receiving yards and four touchdowns at Utah last year) will try to boost a Houston offense that lost several starters. Graduate transfer Quinten Dormady, who began last year as Tennessee's starter before a shoulder injury, will back up King.

UT RICE (1-0): Junior Emmanuel Esukpa (261 yards, one touchdown last year) rushed for a career-high 173 yards and a score in the opener while senior Austin Walter added two rushing scores. Graduate transfer Shawn Stankavage, slowed by injuries at Vanderbilt, went 7-of-15 for 43 passing yards in his Rice debut. Rice had two strips sacks in the second half but allowed Prairie View A&M to average 15.3 yards per completion.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oliver's 1.56 tackles for loss leads all active players nationally.

2. Houston has won the last four meetings with Rice by an average of 25 points.

3. Notre Dame transfer Nick Watkins and Mississippi transfer Deontay Anderson will give Houston much-needed depth in the secondary.

PREDICTION: Houston 42, Rice 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Oklahoma Sooners Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Murray, who won a camp battle to fill the void left behind by the departure of Heisman Trophy winner and overall No, 1 NFL Draft pick Baker Mayfield, is expected to leave the program following the season after he was the ninth overall selection in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. "I don't coach with fear. This is football. ... (Injuries) are part of the game," Riley told reporters last week when asked if he had a "fear level" in trying to keep Murray healthy for his future employer. The Owls are coming off a Division I school-record 11-win season and enter 2018 after reeling off 10 straight victories to close out the school's first season under coach Lane Kiffin. FAU is the preseason favorite to repeat as Conference USA champions and figures to rely heavily on Devin Singletary again after the junior running back rushed for 32 touchdowns in 2017 - the third-highest total in FBS history.

TV: Noon ET, FOX. LINE: Oklahoma -21

ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC (2017: 11-3): The Owls return 15 starters, including Singletary and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair - the preseason Conference USA offensive and defensive players of the year. Singletary led FBS with 63 runs of at least 10 yards in 2017 and rushed for a school-record 1,920 yards - 528 more than second-place Alfred Morris in 2009 - including 12 straight 100-yard efforts to end the season. The quarterback position is less settled, as former Oklahoma player Chris Robison, Last Chance U star DeAndre Johnson and Rafe Peavey are all battling to replace Jason Driskel (2,247 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2017).

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (2017: 12-2): Running back Rodney Anderson led all Power Five players with 1,333 yards from scrimmage from Oct. 21 on, including 201 rushing yards in the College Football Playoff loss to Georgia. Fellow preseason All-Big 12 selection Marquise Brown (1,095 receiving yards and seven TDs) set a school record with 265 receiving yards against Oklahoma State last year and will be asked to step up more often following the departure of tight end Mark Andrews to the NFL. Preseason All-Big 12 Newcomer of the Year selection Brendan Radley-Hiles - a highly touted five-star recruit - is expected to make an immediate impact at cornerback after Oklahoma lost three starters in its secondary.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oklahoma placed seven players on the preseason All-Big 12 first team, while Florida Atlantic saw six players land on the Conference USA first team.

2. Singletary already owns the school record in rushing touchdowns (44). He is also only 589 rushing yards shy of breaking Morris' school record of 3,529, set from 2008-11.

3. The Sooners (579.6 yards per game) and Owls (498.4) ranked first and ninth, respectively in FBS in total offense in 2017.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 45, Florida Atlantic 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oregon State Beavers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Ohio State has experienced a month of chaos in the program and the No. 3 Buckeyes will certainly be happy to step onto the football field when they host Oregon State on Saturday. Interim coach Ryan Day will run the squad in the opener after Urban Meyer was suspended for three games after a university investigation involving allegations of domestic abuse against former assistant Zach Smith.

Meyer was disciplined by the school after the investigation found he didn't respond properly to knowledge of Smith's behavior in 2015, and that leaves him on the sidelines and Day in charge of the program. "The plan to win has never changed," the 39-year-old Day told reporters on Monday in his first media session. "So that's the culture here and the plan to win is always going to be here at Ohio State." Oregon State lost its final 10 games last season, and former star quarterback Jonathan Smith (third with 9,680 passing yards from 1998-2001) is back as the school's head coach, although he doesn't want anybody feeling sorry that the powerful Buckeyes are first up on the slate. "I want them to enjoy this thing and enjoy the competition of it," Smith told reporters. "If they can do that, I think the experience will be positive."

TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Ohio State -38.5

ABOUT OREGON STATE (2017: 1-11): Senior Jake Luton was named the starting quarterback on Monday, 11 1/2 months after suffering a fractured thoracic spine during a game against Washington State that almost ended his career. "I was pleased with how it played out," Smith said of the competition that included sophomores Conor Blount and Jack Colletto. "What really separated Jake was the last three or four practices. He began to separate, and really played well in the scrimmages. We're completely behind Jake." The defense was atrocious last season while allowing 43 points and 473.1 yards per game, and the Beavers suffered a blow when sophomore safety David Morris (75 tackles last season) was lost for at least one month with a foot injury.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (2017: 12-2): With the J.T. Barrett era over, sophomore Dwayne Haskins (57 career pass attempts) was named the starting quarterback on Monday over redshirt freshman Tate Martell, and Day said both-signal callers will see action against the Beavers. "Dwayne has a lot of talent, he's very talented throwing the football," Day told reporters. "He's worked on his athleticism, strength, power. ... Now being a starter, that's different. You have to prepare different, you have to be ready." Junior defensive end Nick Bosa (team-high 16 tackles for loss last season) leads a strong defense that also features junior safety Jordan Fuller (two interceptions last season) and junior defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones (23 career starts).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio State won both previous meetings, the most recent being a 22-14 win in 1984.

2. Beavers junior TE Noah Togiai (knee), who led Oregon State with 34 receptions last season, will miss at least a month after being hurt in a recent scrimmage.

3. The Buckeyes have a strong running back group with sophomore J.K. Dobbins (1,403 yards last season) and junior Mike Weber (1,722 yards in two seasons) leading the way.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 52, Oregon State 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Southern Jaguars vs. Texas Christian Horned Frogs Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Double-digit wins are the norm for Gary Patterson and TCU, and the 2018 campaign is not letting up on the expectations. The Horned Frogs are ranked No. 16 in the nation in the preseason and will get started living up to that billing when they host Southern in the season opener on Saturday.

TCU had a Big 12 title and a possible trip to the playoffs in its sights last season before suffering a pair of losses in the final month to Oklahoma - including the Big 12 championship game - and will try to close that gap with an offense featuring a new quarterback. Shawn Robinson secured the starting job in camp, though the Horned Frogs will likely give backup Michael Collins some time in Saturday's game as well. "Our kids our excited, tired of hitting each other," Patterson told reporters. "We're playing a Southern team I think that does a lot of good things. They do a nice job coaching. They do a lot of things that cause you problems. We've taken them very seriously." The Jaguars held a quarterback competition in camp, as well, with sophomore John Lampley winning the starting job.

TV: Noon, ET, FS Southwest. LINE: None

ABOUT SOUTHERN (2017: 7-4): The Jaguars finished second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's West division in each of the last two seasons after failing to top Grambling in the Bayou Classic. Southern is hoping the switch to Lampley can help it get off to a better start after opening the season 1-3 in 2017. "We have three very good quarterbacks," Jaguars coach Dawson Odums told reporters. "John is just slightly above those guys from a consistency standpoint and that's really what we look for out of that quarterback position."

ABOUT TCU (2017: 11-3): The Horned Frogs are counting on their new quarterback as well, and Robinson drew raves from Patterson for his maturity. "Shawn is really starting to step up, own the offense, understand what's going on," Patterson told reporters. "He lost 10-12 pounds, which has made him even faster and probably more durable, better shape than he was maybe at the end of the school year last season. He's done everything up to this point we've asked him." Robinson inherits an offense that averaged 33.6 points and finished off the 2017 season with a 39-37 win over Stanford in the Alamo Bowl.

EXTRA POINTS

1. TCU has won its last 16 home openers.

2. Southern OL Jeremiah Abby and DB Andre Augustine were named to the preseason All-SWAC first team.

3. The Horned Frogs return 11 starters, including top RB Darius Anderson and WR Jalen Reagor.

PREDICTION: TCU 58, Southern 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Villanova Wildcats vs. Temple Owls Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
In last season's matchup, Temple led 13-0 before giving up 13 straight points, although a late field goal by Aaron Boumerhi allowed the Owls to escape with a three-point victory. Temple won three of its final four contests to become bowl-eligible last season and then capped its campaign by defeating Florida International in the Gasparilla Bowl. Frank Nutile threw for 254 yards and a touchdown in that one and, in fact, he enters the 2018 opener with a streak of six straight games of at least 200 passing yards and one score. Villanova is ranked 19th in the FCS poll and aims to present problems for Temple for the second straight season.

TV: Noon ET. LINE: None

ABOUT VILLANOVA (2017: 5-6): After 10 winning seasons in its previous 11 campaigns, Villanova slipped to 5-6 last season as injuries hammered the Wildcats following a 4-2 start. Villanova returns 17 players who have played in at least 20 games, including 16 returning starters from last season. Zach Bednarczyk suffered a season-ending injury a month into the 2017 season, but the senior quarterback is eager to build off his strong start a year ago (1,068 passing yards, six TDs, no interceptions before getting hurt).

ABOUT TEMPLE (2017: 7-6): Senior back Ryquell Armstead is looking to match his sophomore year statistics (5.9 yards per carry, 14 rushing TDs) after averaging 3.9 yards per carry and finding the end zone only five times last year. Ventrell Bryant also watched his numbers sag as a junior, but his sophomore statistics (54 catches, 895 yards) offer a glimpse of his potential. Junior receiver Isaiah Wright scored in five different ways last season (receiving, rushing, passing, kick return, punt return) and will certainly be a focus of the Villanova defense this weekend.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The all-time series is tied 16-16-2.

2. Armstead is one touchdown away from moving into fourth place on the Owls' all-time list.

3. Temple has won four straight meetings with Villanova, matching its best streak ever versus the Wildcats.

PREDICTION: Villanova 22, Temple 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Two teams looking to bounce back from ugly two-win seasons face off when Illinois hosts Kent State on Saturday afternoon in a non-conference season opener for both squads. Coach Lovie Smith is in his third year at the helm of the Illini, and he'll look for his first winning season at the school with a team that has only eight seniors -- the least of any team in FBS.

One of those seniors will start under center as Smith named AJ Bush Jr. as his quarterback days before the opener. Another player in his final season at Illinois, wide receiver Mike Dudek, is hoping to recapture the form that he had as a freshman (76 catches, 1,038 yards) before injuries limited him to seven games over the last three seasons. Smith will need to find some defense to keep the Illini in games after they allowed 31.5 points last season, and Smith is looking at another senior, linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (85 tackles), to lead the way. Sean Lewis, the youngest head coach in FBS at 32, brings the fast-paced offense he ran as offensive coordinator at Syracuse to his first year with the Flashes, promising a much more uptempo attack than years past.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Illinois -16.5

ABOUT KENT STATE (2017: 2-10): Lewis is trying to bring a new attitude to Kent State, looking to ignite the program with his offense that topped FBS in snaps per game with 87.8 at Syracuse a season ago. The Golden Flashes didn't know who their starting quarterback would be days before the opener -- sophomores Woody Barrett and Dustin Crum were the top candidates -- but whoever starts at each of the offensive positions on the field had better be ready to play, because Lewis doesn't like substitutions that slow down his offense. Kent State scored only 12.8 points per game a season ago -- second-fewest in FCS to UTEP (11.8), including five contests with three points or fewer, but Lewis is banking on that changing quite a bit in 2018.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (2017: 2-10): Though he's a senior, Bush Jr. doesn't have a lot of playing experience at the collegiate level, having played at three other schools before making his way as a graduate transfer to Champaign for his final campaign. Bush spent two years at Nebraska without seeing the field before spending a season at Iowa Western, which led to a season at Virginia Tech, where he played in five games and attempted 11 passes. Smith likes Bush's experience, though, saying that he trusts the dual-threat signal caller in his first collegiate start because he's learned how to handle himself throughout his time in college, even if he hasn't spent a lot of it on the field.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Illinois WR Ricky Smalling ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 16.5 yards per catch as a freshman, finishing with a team-high 510 receiving yards.

2. Kent State LB Jim Jones leads the team's defense, coming off a junior season in which he paced the Flashes with 98 tackles and six sacks.

3. Illinois has won 20 consecutive home openers, the fourth-longest active streak in the nation.

PREDICTION: Illinois 35, Kent State 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas State Bobcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rutgers will attempt to move on from a rocky preseason when it takes on visiting Texas State on Saturday in the season opener for both teams. Less than two weeks before the start of the year, the Scarlet Knights saw eight players - all from the defensive side of the ball - charged for their alleged involvement in a credit-card fraud scheme.

"Any time you have members of your family make poor decisions and get into trouble, it's discouraging, it's frustrating and it hurts," third-year head coach Chris Ash recently told reporters. Several of the players were projected to be backups on the defensive side of the ball, while junior safety K.J. Gray - who was included in the charges but had already been dismissed from the team - was a likely starter for a team that ranked 13th in the Big Ten in total defense in conference play last year. Saturday's tilt is a warmup for a much more challenging affair for the Scarlet Knights, who next visit No. 3 Ohio State - a 56-0 winner at Rutgers in 2017. The Bobcats of the Sun Belt Conference are 7-29 over the past three seasons but were one of the nation's youngest teams in 2017 and have generated some notable recruiting classes under third-year head coach Everett Withers.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Rutgers -16.5

ABOUT TEXAS STATE (2017: 2-10): Withers inherited a stripped-down program that has been built back up and finally has the feel of a complete product, sporting 76 scholarship players two years after fielding just 62. "Anytime you have more depth at a position, it creates more competition so players are competing at a higher level," Withers recently told reporters. "It makes your football team better and if that happens at each of the positions, it gives you a chance to go compete against your opponents." Willie Jones III is the only quarterback on the roster with any experience and figures to get most of the snaps, while junior Anthony Taylor (team-high 436 rushing yards last year) is expected to lead the way on the ground.

ABOUT RUTGERS (2017: 4-8): True freshman Artur Sitkowski won the starting quarterback job over two others - including incumbent Gio Rescigno - and will be the first first-year player to start under center for the program since 2001. "We feel really good about what we're going to do at the quarterback position," Ash told the media. "We feel really confident about [Sitkowski]." The most notable recruit of the Ash era, the 6-6 Sitkowski hopes to elevate a passing offense that ranked 124th nationally with just 115.6 yards per game in 2017.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Sitkowski threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns in the annual spring game in April.

2. Scarlet Knights RB Raheem Blackshear averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 19 yards per reception as a freshman last season.

3. This marks the first meeting between the two programs.

PREDICTION: Rutgers 35, Texas State 18

[Can'tPickAWinner]

James Madison Dukes vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

North Carolina State opens its 2018 campaign on Saturday afternoon by hosting James Madison. The Wolfpack will be looking to build on a promising nine-win season and six conference victories - good for second in the ACC Atlantic Division - and earn a win in the Sun Bowl over Arizona State.

N.C. State returns quarterback Ryan Finley, and the graduate student is coming off a solid season that saw him throw for 3,518 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He'll be key to an offense that lost running back Nyheim Hines to the NFL Draft (Indianapolis Colts). James Madison has emerged as an FCS powerhouse coming off consecutive 14-win seasons. The Dukes lost in the FCS National Championship Game last season after claiming the FCS national title in 2016.

TV: Noon ET, ESPNU. LINE: None

ABOUT JAMES MADISON (2017: 14-1): The Dukes are missing a couple of key pieces on offense as 2017 starting quarterback Bryan Schor and top receiver Terrence Alls graduated. Schor's replacement hasn't been named yet as the quarterback competition in camp has been tight between Cole Johnson, Schor's backup last season, and Pittsburgh transfer Ben DiNucci. The offense figures to revolve around the running game as Marcus Marshall, Trai Sharp, and Cardon Johnson all return - they combined for 1,956 yards last season.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (2017: 9-4): In addition to Hynes, the Wolfpack lost six other players to the 2018 NFL Draft, including the entire starting defensive line - highlighted by No. 5 overall pick Bradley Chubb (Denver Broncos). The defense also lost two of its top three linebackers and three of six defensive backs. Offensively, Finley gets his top five receivers back, but his top two backs - Hynes and Jaylen Samuels - are both gone, as are two of his starting offensive linemen.

EXTRA POINTS

1. N.C. State's nine wins in 2017 were second-most in school history.

2. Finley's career .630 winning percentage is second in school history behind Philip Rivers.

3. The James Madison secondary led the FCS in pass defense (161.5 yards per game) and interceptions (31) last season.

PREDICTION: North Carolina State 35, James Madison 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

The opening weekend should be little more than a tune-up for South Carolina, which hosts Coastal Carolina on Saturday. The Gamecocks begin the season just outside the top 25 and are eager to take care of the Chanticleers with SEC East rival Georgia awaiting next week.

South Carolina has high expectations entering its third season under coach Will Muschamp, who guided the squad to six wins in 2016 and nine last year. "I think I've learned a lot over the last two years, and the same thing can be said for a lot of guys on our team," Gamecocks junior quarterback Jake Bentley told reporters. "We will be able to use that experience during the past two years." Despite finishing 3-9 last season, Coastal Carolina nearly upset an SEC opponent as it lost a 39-38 decision at Arkansas. South Carolina won the only previous meeting between the in-state foes, posting a 70-10 victory in 2013.

TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: South Carolina -29.5

ABOUT COASTAL CAROLINA (2017: 3-9): The Chanticleers are picked to finish last in the Sun Belt's East Division after struggling in their first season as an FBS team a year ago. The defense had an especially tough time making the transition, allowing 34 points per game, although Coastal Carolina gave up a total of 24 points in winning its final two games of 2017. The offense has some weapons - including dual-threat quarterback Kilton Anderson, who could cause some problems for the Gamecocks.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (2017: 9-4): The Gamecocks return nearly all of their offensive production, as tight end Hayden Hurst is the only skill-position player they must replace. Bentley is surrounded by a bevy of dangerous receivers - including the dynamic Deebo Samuel, who returns after having his 2017 season cut short by injury after three games. The defense doesn't have quite as much back, but six starters return, including linebacker T.J. Brunson (88 tackles) and defensive end D.J. Wonnum (57, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Gamecocks are 15-1 against current Sun Belt teams, with the only loss coming against Appalachian State.

2. South Carolina has won 17 of its last 18 season openers, including 13 straight versus non-conference opponents.

3. The Gamecocks return 100 percent of their passing yards, 98 percent of their rushing yards and 80 percent of their receiving yards from last season.


PREDICTION: South Carolina 47, Coastal Carolina 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Furman Paladins vs. Clemson Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

With a big matchup looming next week, Clemson would prefer to make quick work of visiting Furman in its season opener on Saturday. The second-ranked Tigers hope to do just that by building an early lead so they can get their stars out of the game and start looking ahead to a trip to Texas A&M that could prove critical in their quest for a second national championship in three years.

Clemson, which has won three straight ACC titles and qualified for the four-team College Football Playoff in each of the last three seasons, returns 61 letter-winners from last year's 12-2 squad. "We've got all the ingredients," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told reporters. "I think we've got talent. We've got experience. We've got depth. We've got character. We've got good leadership. So we have, I think, all of the things that it takes." The Tigers have won 30 consecutive meetings between the in-state rivals dating to a tie in 1937, including a 41-7 rout in the most recent matchup in 2012. Furman has recorded six wins against FBS opponents, including a 16-15 victory over UCF in 2015.





TV: 12:20 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: None





ABOUT FURMAN (2017: 8-5): The Paladins are coming off their first FCS playoff appearance since 2013 after earning a share of the Southern Conference title in coach Clay Hendrix's first season. They return nine starters on defense, including safety Aaquil Annoor (64 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss) and nose guard Jaylan Reid (45, 8.5, two sacks). However, they have big holes to fill on offense - including one at quarterback, where either Harris Roberts - an engineering student at Clemson through a dual-enrollment program - or redshirt freshman JeMar Lincoln will replace All-Conference passer P.J. Blazejowski.

ABOUT CLEMSON (2017: 12-2): Incumbent quarterback Kelly Bryant, who needs 123 passing yards to become the 15th player in Clemson history with 3,000, won the starting job to begin the season, but highly touted freshman Trevor Lawrence is likely to see playing time. Bryant's favorite target is receiver Hunter Renfrow (60 receptions in 2017), and the Tigers have their top two rushers returning in Travis Etienne (766 yards, 13 TDs) and Tavien Feaster (669, seven). Clemson has eight starters back from one of the nation's best defenses, including the entire line.





EXTRA POINTS





1. The Tigers are opening the season against the Paladins for the ninth time - and first since 1998 - and have won all eight of the previous meetings.

2. Clemson has won a program-record 15 consecutive regular-season non-conference games.

3. The Tigers are 32-0 against FCS opponents since the division was formed in 1978, with 31 being double-digit victories.

PREDICTION: Clemson 52, Furman 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tennessee Volunteers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/29/2018

Dana Holgorsen has changed his scheduling philosophy since taking over West Virginia eight years ago, trading in early-season contests against FCS foes for the likes of Virginia Tech, Penn State and Alabama in an attempt to build a national powerhouse. The 17th-ranked Mountaineers open this season against a Power 5 opponent for the fourth time in five years Saturday when they play a Tennessee program coming off a school-record eight losses in the Belk College Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C.

Albany Great Danes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Preview and Predictions

"Obviously we like it - and it's not going to end anytime soon," Holgorsen told reporters. "If you talk non-conference schedules in general, I think there needs to be more of a uniformed policy across the country for people doing this. ... I think the biggest thing is we've got 11 Power 5 games on our schedule and there are some other teams out there that have eight." Holgorsen has his best team since arriving in Morgantown in 2011 and it is led by Heisman hopeful Will Grier, who ranked second in the country with 34 touchdown passes and third with 3,490 yards passing last season before suffering a season-ending broken finger in November. New Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt, a former defensive coordinator at Alabama, takes over a defense that was besieged by injuries last season, allowing 29.1 points per game - its most since 2012 - and a gaudy 251 yards rushing per contest. The Volunteers also had problems on offense, ranking last in the SEC in scoring at 19.8 points - down from 36.4 the previous season - and total offense at 291 yards per game while going over a month without scoring an offensive touchdown.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: West Virginia -10.

ABOUT TENNESEE (2017: 4-8): Jarrett Guarantano, who went 4-2 as a starter last season and completed 62 percent of his 139 passes for 997 yards with four TDs and two interceptions, is expected to start at quarterback. Graduate transfer Keller Chryst, 11-2 as starter at Stanford the last two years (54.2 completion percentage, 962 yards, eight TDs, four Interceptions) is also expected to contribute. With John Kelly (778 yards, nine TDs) off to the Los Angeles Rams, sophomore Ty Chandler (305 yards, 4.3 yards per carry) will have a chance to take over as the feature back and take a crack at a West Virginia defense that yielded 204 yards per game in 2017.



ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (2017: 7-6): Grier (64.4 completion percentage, 12 interceptions) will have two big-time targets returning: senior wide receiver David Sills V (60 receptions, 960 yards), who tied for the national lead with 18 TD receptions last season, and Gary Jennings Jr. (Big-12 leading 97 receptions, 1,096 yards).The Mountaineers return four offensive line starters - three earning preseason Big 12 recognition - to open holes for running backs Kennedy McCoy (596 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, seven TDs), Martell Pettaway and freshman Alec Sinkfield. If West Virginia is going to contend for the Big 12 title, Holgorsen and defensive coordinator Tony Gibson need to improve a defense that surrendered 31.5 points and 446 yards per game - both most since 2013.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Both teams enter on three-game losing streaks; the Vols lost seven of their last eight and were 0-8 in conference play last season.

2. Tennessee OL Trey Smith, second-team All-SEC and freshman All-American last season, is expected to play either guard or tackle Saturday. He missed spring practice after suffering blood clots in his lungs.

3. Tennessee has won nine straight openers but is 6-34 against ranked teams over the last eight seasons.

PREDICTION: West Virginia 42, Tennessee 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Boston College Eagles Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Boston College has finished 7-6 in four of head coach Steve Addazio's five seasons, a run of relative mediocrity the program hopes to end in 2018. Much of the Eagles' success - or lack thereof - will depend upon the legs of bruising sophomore running back AJ Dillon, who leads his team into the season opener at home against in-state rival Massachusetts on Saturday.

Dillon ran for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2017 despite opening the year as a backup and is poised to dominate once again behind an offensive line that returns all five starters. "We've got a dynamic running back," offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler told reporters of Dillon. "We have a few dynamic running backs in my mind. Any time the defense has to account for the run game, it makes our throw game much better." The Minutemen were the first team in college football to pick up a win when they crushed FCS squad Duquesne 63-15 last Saturday. Andrew Ford passed for 186 yards and two touchdowns while his backup Ross Comis accounted for three scores for UMass, which has won five of their last seven dating to 2017.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra. LINE: Boston College -18

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS (1-0): The Minutemen are averaging more than 40 points over their last eight games as the offense continues to take shape under head coach Mark Whipple, but he knows the talent level is about to greatly increase. "BC is a different beast next week, not to take anything away from Duquesne," Whipple told reporters. "They have bigger guys who are faster." Bilal Ally gained 109 yards and a TD on the ground while Andy Isabella hauled in five passes for 131 yards and two scores in the rout.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2017: 7-6): Anthony Brown showed flashes of potential as a freshman quarterback - including a breakthrough game at Virginia in which he threw for 275 yards and three TDs - before a knee injury in November ended his campaign, and the New Jersey native looks to be on target with his rehab. "I've said it a lot, I'm going to say it again: a lot has to do with that trigger man," Addazio told reporters. "Anthony looks great. Hopefully he'll continue on his course back and be ready in the appropriate amount of time." Defensive lineman Zach Allen emerged as a force in 2017 with a team-high six sacks for a unit that held its final five regular-season opponents to 20 points or fewer.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boston College TE Tommy Sweeney returns after leading the team with 512 receiving yards and four TDs last year.

2. Ford has 11 TD passes and one interception over his last four games.

3. The Eagles won 26-7 in the most recent meeting in 2016.

PREDICTION: Boston College 42, Massachusetts 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
No. 9 Penn State said goodbye to perhaps the most dynamic player in college football but they have plenty in place to stay at or near the top of the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions begin another season with high expectations with a tricky opener when they play host to Appalachian State on Saturday.

Saquon Barkley, who electrified the Penn State program while scoring a school-record 51 touchdowns in three years, is now a rookie with the New York Giants, yielding the full glow of the limelight to senior quarterback Trace McSorley - the second-leading passer in program history. A late collapse and a one-point loss at Ohio State followed by a last-second defeat at Michigan State kept the Nittany Lions from a chance at a second straight Big Ten title last year, but they've won 14 straight at home. The Mountaineers are no pushover after picking up 30 wins - including a 3-0 bowl record - over the last three years and garnering six first-place votes in the Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches' poll. They pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history exactly 11 years to the day with a 34-32 triumph at a highly-ranked Michigan team.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Penn State -24

ABOUT APPALACHIAN STATE (2017: 9-4): Zac Thomas will take over under center and can lean heavily on senior running back Jalin Moore, who had 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground last year. Thomas Hennigan hauled in seven TD catches as a freshman in 2017 and will lead a talented receiving corps. The defensive side features a standout in the secondary in Clifton Duck, who led the Sun Belt with six interceptions as a sophomore last year after winning league Freshman of the Year honors the prior season.

ABOUT PENN STATE (2017: 11-2): McSorley lost three of his top four targets and Barkley yields to Miles Sanders, who averaged 6.2 yards per carry as his backup a year ago. "I can't wait," Sanders told reporters of his chance to start. "I don't like doing too much talking. That's never been me. I'm just ready to show what I can do, show the Big Ten, show everybody." Juwan Johnson (701 receiving yards) and DeAndre Thompkins (443) step into the spotlight in the passing game, while a committee of tight ends is expected to try to fill the void left behind by Mike Gesicki, the program's all-time leader in catches, yards and TDs at the position.

EXTRA POINTS

1. McSorley (7,369 career passing yards) needs 1,089 to pass Christian Hackenberg and become the school's all-time leader.

2. Moore has 3,170 rushing yards, 688 behind the school's all-time leader (Marcus Cox, 2014-16).

3. This will be the first meeting between the teams.

PREDICTION: Penn State 42, Appalachian State 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington State Cougars vs. Wyoming Cowboys Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

Washington State has been the third winningest program in Pac-12 play over the last three years, but the Cougars are entering a season of uncertainty. They'll begin to find some answers Saturday afternoon in the season opener at Wyoming.

Coach Mike Leach already faced a tall task in replacing three-year starting quarterback and Pac-12 all-time leading passer Luke Falk. But then the program was rocked by the news in January that backup Tyler Hilinski, who started for the injured Falk in the Holiday Bowl, had committed suicide. An offseason of healing has followed, and now the Cougars are beginning anew, likely with East Carolina-transfer Gardner Minshew II taking over the controls of Leach's Air Raid attack. Wyoming, meanwhile, got an early jump on the new season/post-Josh Allen era Saturday, using a punishing ground attack and a stout defense to dominate host New Mexico State 29-7.





TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Washington State -1.5





ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2017: 9-4): Leach hasn't officially named his new starting QB, but most signs point to Minshew, a senior who threw for 3,487 yards and 24 TDs in 17 games at East Carolina. There will be ample targets to throw to as three of the Cougars' top six pass catchers return in running back James Williams along with wideouts Kyle Sweet and Renard Bell. Defensively, Washington State has had to replace coordinator Alex Grinch and six starters, but brings back its top two tacklers in All-Pac 12 second-team safety Jalen Thompson and linebacker Jahad Woods.

ABOUT WYOMING (1-0): Freshman Tyler Vander Waal got the start in the opener replacing Allen, the seventh overall pick in last spring's NFL Draft, but it was a rushing attack that rolled up 312 yards on 57 carries that did most of the damage against the Aggies. Nico Evans led the way, rushing for 190 yards and two scores on 24 attempts. The Cowboys were stifling on defense, not allowing New Mexico State across midfield until the game's waning minutes and limiting the Aggies to seven first downs and 135 total yards - including minus-9 rushing yards on 16 attempts.





EXTRA POINTS





1. Washington State has lost of five of its six season openers under Leach with its only win coming last season in a 31-0 shutout of visiting Montana State of the FCS Big Sky Conference.

2. The Cougars have four of their six meetings with Wyoming, with the latest being a 31-14 home win in 2015.

3. Evans entered Saturday's opener with 108 career rushing yards on 36 attempts over his first three seasons but eclipsed that total by 82 yards against New Mexico State.

PREDICTION: Washington State 23, Wyoming 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
An early-season showdown between two marquee teams is on tap when No. 6 Washington faces No. 9 Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday in Atlanta. The Huskies are a combined 22-5 over the past two seasons, while Auburn is looking to post a second straight 10-win campaign.

Washington was part of the College Football Playoff two seasons ago and the preseason belief is the Huskies must beat the Tigers to have a chance at making another visit. "I think our guys are always excited to play," Huskies coach Chris Petersen told reporters. "They know how good Auburn is. They're not dumb. They've seen tape." Tigers junior quarterback Jarrett Stidham sees the intersectional showdown as a terrific opportunity for both programs. "It's going to be a great situation for us, a great situation for Washington," Stidham told reporters. "Whoever comes away with the win will have a little bit of an edge throughout the rest of the season. The good thing about this game, it doesn't have any conference implications. You should go and play this game, leave it all on the line, whether you're Auburn or Washington in my opinion. It's going to be a lot of fun."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Auburn - 1.5

ABOUT WASHINGTON (2017: 10-3): Senior quarterback Jake Browning holds the school record of 78 touchdown passes, ranks second with 9,104 passing yards and has been intercepted just 24 times in 1,095 career attempts. Senior running back Myles Gaskin has topped 1,300 rushing yards in each of his three seasons and is just 52 yards away from surpassing the school career mark held by Napoleon Kaufman (4,106 from 1991-94). The Huskies have a strong secondary featuring sophomore cornerback Byron Murphy (three interceptions in 2017) and junior free safety Taylor Rupp (five career picks) and also have two productive senior linebackers in Tevis Bartlett (team-high 12 tackles for loss last season) and Ben Burr-Kirven (team-best 84 tackles).

ABOUT AUBURN (2017: 10-4): Stidham was just the second quarterback in school history to top 3,000 passing yards in a season as he finished with 3,158 and 18 touchdowns against six interceptions. Junior Kam Martin (453 rushing yards last season) will have the first shot to replace departed Kerryon Johnson (1,391) as the feature back while senior wideout Ryan Davis looks to build on a superb 2017 campaign in which he caught a school-record 84 passes for 815 yards and five scores. Junior defensive tackle Derrick Brown (nine tackles for loss last season), senior nose tackle Dontavius Russell (37 career starts) and senior inside linebacker Deshaun Davis (team-best 82 stops last season) are among the defensive stalwarts.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Washington and Auburn are meeting for the first time - the Huskies are 2-11 against teams currently in the SEC and the Tigers are 8-3 versus foes currently in the Pac-12.

2. The Tigers will be without junior WR Eli Stove (29 catches last season) and senior WR Will Hastings (26 receptions, 20.2 average) for the beginning of the campaign after both players tore ACLs in spring drills.

3. Gaskin needs 16 rushing touchdowns to surpass the Pac-12 career mark set by Oregon's Royce Freeman (60 from 2014-17).

PREDICTION: Washington 30, Auburn 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Kirk Ferentz may not see himself as belonging in the same class as Iowa coaching legend Hayden Fry, but he finds himself on the brink of passing his predecessor in the only category that usually matters to coaches. The dean of FBS football coaches attempts to pass Fry for the most wins in school history Saturday when his Hawkeyes host Northern Illinois.

The only active coach in FBS to take over his program before the turn of the century, Ferentz improved to 143-97 at Iowa following his team's 27-20 victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl to cap off the program's 14th winning season in 19 years under his direction. "In a lot of ways, I see myself just like I did in 1981. I just hope I'm more aware now, because I had no clue what was going on back then," Ferentz told ESPN in a recent interview. The 63-year-old can move into sole possession of fifth place in conference history with his next win - trailing only Amos Alonzo Stagg, Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler and Joe Paterno - but could have his hands full against the Huskies, who have been a thorn in the side of Big Ten opposition in recent years. Under sixth-year coach Rod Carey, Northern Illinois is 4-1 in such contests - including a 21-17 victory at Nebraska last season.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Iowa -10.5

ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (2017: 8-5): Predicted to win the West Division of the Mid-American Conference, the Huskies return 17 starters overall, including all five starting offensive lineman and Marcus Childers, who finished with 21 total touchdowns (16 passing) while starting the final eight games of the season. The 2017 MAC Freshman of the Year will have his top two targets returning in Spencer Tears (44 catches) and D.J. Brown (42), but the team will have to replace tight end Shane Wimann's team-leading seven receiving scores. Junior defensive end Sutton Smith led the nation with 14 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss in 2017, spearheading a Northern Illinois defense that posted league-best marks by allowing 22 points and 338.5 yards per game.

ABOUT IOWA (2017: 8-5): Sophomore Ivory Kelly-Martin is expected to get the first opportunity to replace last year's leading rusher Akrum Wadley and add some juice to a ground game that ranked 97th nationally with 139.2 yards per game in 2017. While the rushing attack will remain the focal point of the offense, Iowa returns junior quarterback Nate Stanley and preseason All-American Noah Fant, who set a Big Ten record for tight ends last season with 11 receiving scores. The Hawkeyes will be shorthanded in the opener, however, as two offensive linemen (Alaric Jackson and Tristan Wirfs) and two defensive linemen (Cedrick Lattimore and Brady Reiff) will serve suspensions for violating team rules.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Iowa will open the season without a linebacker with a single career start for the first time under Ferentz.

2. Carey's first victory as a head coach came in a 30-27 upset at Iowa in 2013 - the Hawkeyes' only season-opening loss since 2001.

3. Stanley's 26 passing TDs last year were the second-most in a season in school history.

PREDICTION: Iowa 27, Northern Illinois 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. California Golden Bears Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
California opened the Justin Wilcox era last year on a high note by going to North Carolina and recording a surprising come-from-behind 35-30 victory. Cal's second-year coach looks for a similar result Saturday when the Bears host the depleted Tar Heels, who will be without 13 suspended players and standout defensive lineman Aaron Crawford (knee injury) in the season opener for both teams.

North Carolina is taking the longest trip in school history to face an improving Cal team that has made just one bowl game in the past six seasons and was picked to finish fourth in the Pac-12 North Division. The Bears are hoping to build on the promising signs from last season, when former walk-on Patrick Laird rushed for 1,127 yards - including an average of 145.4 yards over the final five games. Laird returns for his senior season and figures to receive a heavy workload against North Carolina, which finished 88th in the nation in points allowed in last year's injury-plagued season but hopes to bounce back behind a veteran defensive line. The Tar Heels will look to pressure Cal quarterback Ross Bowers, who completed 59 percent of his passes for 3,039 yards and 18 touchdowns against 12 interceptions last season.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: California -7

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (3-9 in 2017): Dual-threat quarterback Nathan Elliott started the final three games last season and will get the nod Saturday over Chazz Surratt, who is suspended for the first four contests. Coach Larry Fedora plans to rotate Jordon Brown, Antonio Williams and true freshman Javonte Williams at running back, while wide receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams looks to build on a strong sophomore campaign. The Tar Heels boast a formidable defensive line and two impressive linebackers in Cole Holcomb and Jonathan Smith, but the secondary could be vulnerable against Cal's aerial attack.

ABOUT CAL (5-7 in 2017): In search of their first bowl appearance since 2015, the Bears need continued growth from a defensive unit led by linebackers Cameron Goode and Jordan Kunaszyk, who had a team-high 74 tackles last season. Cal fell from third to 10th in the conference in scoring offense last year and needs a quick start from Bowers, who will be operating behind a veteran offensive line. There are question marks at the wide receiver position after three key wideouts left the program, but Kanawai Noa and Vic Wharton III return after combining for 123 catches last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cal has won its last four consecutive season openers and is 12-4 in its first game since 2002.

2. Saturday's contest marks North Carolina's first trip to the West Coast since a 37-34 loss at Stanford in 1998.

3. Cal was 4-2 at home last season with its two losses coming by a combined 11 points to USC and Arizona.

PREDICTION: Cal 27, North Carolina 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. UCLA Bruins Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Chip Kelly will make his debut as coach at UCLA when the Bruins host Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl. Kelly led Oregon to three Pac-12 titles from 2009-12, and then spent four seasons in the NFL (2013-16) as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

Kelly has yet to coach at game at UCLA and he's already dealing with serious internal distractions. UCLA announced Monday that running back Soso Jamabo, tight end Devin Asiasi, defensive back Mo Osling, center Boss Tagaloa, and defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa and Moses Robinson-Carr have been suspended for the season opener for violating unspecified athletic department policies. Jamabo was the team's second-leading rusher last season (446 yards, six touchdowns), Tagaloa was in the hunt for the starting center spot and Odighizuwa was expected to play a key role on the defensive front. Cincinnati is looking for a fast start coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998-99, and the Bearcats have their leading passer, rusher and receiver back this season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: UCLA -15

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2017: 4-8): Hayden Moore has been the primary starter at quarterback the past two seasons, and he played eight games for the Bearcats as a freshman in 2015, giving him considerable experience at the position. He didn't improve at the rate many expected last season, however, and could face early challenges from the four other Cincinnati quarterbacks, most notably redshirt freshman Desmond Ridder. Gerrid Doaks missed the final three games with an ankle injury last season, but still led the Bearcats in rushing as a freshman with 513 yards on 87 carries, and look for the offense to lean on senior wide receiver Kahlil Lewis, who caught a team-high 61 passes for 676 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

ABOUT UCLA (2017: 6-7): The quarterback position was still murky at UCLA to start the week, and it may take Kelly right up until game day to make a decision on a starter. Wilton Speight started 11 games for Michigan in 2016 and the first four for the Wolverines last season before a fractured vertebrae ended his year. He has moved on to UCLA as a graduate transfer this season and is competing against freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson and redshirt sophomore Devon Modster for the starting nod.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kelly's regular-season record as a college head coach is 44-5 and his NFL mark is 28-35.

2. UCLA junior tight end Caleb Wilson caught a school-record 15 passes for 208 yards in last year's season-opening win against Texas A&M.

3. Cincinnati is the only American Athletic Conference team to return its leading passer, rusher and receiver this season.

PREDICTION: UCLA 37, Cincinnati 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Florida International Golden Panthers Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indiana opens its 2018 campaign -- and quest to return to a bowl game after missing out last season -- when it travels to take on Florida International in a non-conference contest Saturday night. The Hoosiers are hoping to get more consistency at quarterback with redshirt sophomore Peyton Ramsey (1,252 yards, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions) earning the job after starting four games in 2017.

Coach Tom Allen likes the team's uptempo offense under offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, and Ramsey should be more comfortable running things in his second season playing in the system. Senior Luke Timian gives Ramsey an explosive target, having made 68 catches for 589 yards and two touchdowns in 2017, while the sophomore duo of Morgan Ellison (704 yards, six touchdowns) and Cole Gest (428, one) will power the Hoosiers' ground attack. The Indiana defense will be anchored by senior safety Jonathan Crawford, a playmaker who can also stop a ball carrier, ranking fourth on the team with 62 tackles in 2017. Golden Panthers coach Butch Davis isn't giving anything away about his quarterback for the opener, listing junior Christian Alexander or Bowling Green transfer James Morgan as the starter, saying he'll wait until the day of the game to make a decision, though both are expected to play.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Indiana -10.5

ABOUT INDIANA (2017: 5-7): For consistency sake, Allen is hoping Ramsey can stay healthier than last season, when he was sidelined after making four starts under center. But with the recent departure of expected backup Brandon Dawkins, a graduate transfer from Arizona in the offseason, that leaves Allen having to count on freshman MIchael Penix Jr. if Ramsey goes down. Ramsey is able to pick up yards on the ground, rushing 92 times for 226 yards and two scores as a freshman, but Allen may look to rein in his signal caller and have him stay in the pocket to avoid taking needless hits and avoid injury.

ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (2017: 8-5): The Panthers had a very efficient offense last season behind quarterback Alex McGough, finishing first in the nation in red-zone efficiency, scoring on 40-of-41 trips inside the 20. Now Davis' squad has to almost start over, with Alexander only having played in four games over the last two seasons, while Morgan is new to the program. That means the team will likely try to rely on the ground attack to start so senior Napoleon Maxwell, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2017, will have to be ready for a solid workload against the Hoosiers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana ranked first nationally in forcing three-and-outs defensively, averaging 6.5 per contest.

2. The Hoosiers have won 11 of their last 12 non-conference games and were 3-0 in such contests in 2017.

3. Indiana has won both its meetings with Florida International -- 36-22 in 2015 and 34-13 in 2016 -- with last season's scheduled game canceled because of Hurricane Irma.

PREDICTION: Indiana 31, Florida International 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Michigan Wolverines vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

No.11 Notre Dame will host 14th-ranked Michigan on Saturday as one of the most storied rivalries in college football is set to resume after a three-year hiatus. The Fighting Irish have won at least 10 games in two of the previous three seasons and hope their Citrus Bowl victory against LSU serves as a springboard to their second straight win against Michigan, after routing the Wolverines 31-0 in the last meeting in the series in South Bend in 2014.

"We're excited about it as this is something that Jim (Harbaugh) and I wanted to get back on the schedule," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly told reporters. "We think it's great for college football and I know our kids and our coaches can't wait for Saturday night." Michigan looks to bounce back from a disappointing campaign, which saw the Wolverines drop rivalry games to Michigan State and Ohio State en route to an 8-5 record. There is plenty of optimism in Ann Arbor despite a three-game losing streak to end the season as Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson was granted a waiver for immediate eligibility. The former five-star recruit hopes to lead Michigan to its first road win against Notre Dame since 2010. "I understand the shoes that I have to fill with so many good quarterbacks who have come through here," Patterson told reporters. "I'm so excited especially with the group of guys we have here."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Notre Dame -1

ABOUT MICHIGAN (2017: 8-5): Patterson, who threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns in seven games before a knee injury ended his season prematurely, beat out Brandon Peters for the starting job, but was stripped of a major weapon as No. 1 wide receiver Tarik Black was ruled out indefinitely with a fractured right foot. Michigan's defense, which gave up 18.3 points per game in 2017, promises to be fearsome once again as nine starters return, including preseason All-Americans Rashan Gary, a defensive end who is a projected top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and linebacker Devin Bush. Karan Higdon flirted with the NFL after rushing for 994 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and will form a dynamic duo with Chris Evans, who accounted for 842 total yards and seven TDs.

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (2017: 10-3): Brandon Wimbush passed for 1,870 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with another 803 yards and 14 TDs on the ground last season, and was named the starter after beating out Ian Book, who relieved him during the win against LSU and could see some action if Wimbush struggles. Tony Jones Jr. is likely to replace last season's leading rusher Josh Adams, who bolted to the NFL after racking up 1,430 yards and nine touchdowns, while Dexter Williams' status is unclear following speculation of a university imposed four-game suspension. Offensive lineman Robert Hainsey is expected to play on Saturday after missing two weeks of practice with a calf strain.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Notre Dame has won 25 of its last 31 season openers.

2. Michigan has won nine straight regular-season games against non-conference opponents under Harbaugh.

3. The Fighting Irish have won five of the last six meetings with the Wolverines in South Bend.

PREDICTION: Michigan 23, Notre Dame 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Louisville Cardinals vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Top-ranked Alabama begins its quest for its sixth national championship under coach Nick Saban when the Crimson Tide oppose Louisville on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. Alabama, which defeated Georgia in last season's College Football Playoff title game, is looking to win 12 or more games for the fifth consecutive season.

The quarterback situation remains in flux with junior Jalen Hurts and sophomore Tua Tagovailoa listed as co-No. 1s on the depth chart, and Saban has not indicated which way he's leaning in terms of a starter. "They've both done a good job in fall camp," Saban said at a press conference. "We're excited about the progress both guys have made and what they're capable of doing." Louisville is breaking in a new starting signal-caller in sophomore Jawon Pass and coach Bobby Petrino understands what a huge challenge Pass and his team are facing. "The No. 1 thing we have to do is believe that we can go down there and beat them so that when you truly believe in something, then you go out and play your best, play to the best of your ability, and that's what's important for us," Petrino said at a press conference. "If there's any disbelief at all, usually you underachieve, and that's the main thing we can't do. We need to go play our best game to give us an opportunity to win."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Alabama -24.5

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2017: 8-5): Pass (33 career passing attempts) has big shoes to fill as the replacement for 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, and Petrino said he has been pleased with the youngster's accuracy and decision-making during fall camp. Senior receiver Jaylen Smith (appendectomy on Aug. 3) is expected to play against the Crimson Tide and aims to build on a stellar 2017 campaign in which he caught 60 passes for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore linebacker Dorian Etheridge (team-high 83 tackles last season) and junior defensive end Jonathan Greenard (team-best 15.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks) lead the defensive unit under new coordinator Brian VanGorder.

ABOUT ALABAMA (2017: 13-1): The quarterback competition is intriguing as Hurts is 26-2 as a starter and ranks fourth in school history with 40 career touchdown passes, while Tagovailoa (no career starts) threw three touchdowns in the national title game to rally the Crimson Tide to the victory. Saban declined to reveal if both quarterbacks will see action, cutting off a question with this: "Look, none of that's been decided yet. I wish we could talk about something else because I don't really have anything else to say about it." The defense will again be strong with junior defensive end Raekwon Davis (team-best 8.5 sacks last season) being the best of the bunch, but the secondary is breaking in four new starters and two outside linebackers - junior Terrell Lewis and sophomore Christopher Allen - have been lost with season-ending knee injuries.

EXTRA POINTS
1. Alabama has won two of the three previous meetings, but the Cardinals routed the Crimson Tide 34-7 in the Fiesta Bowl following the 1990 regular season.
2. Smith is 45 yards away from becoming the 11th Louisville player to reach 2,000 career receiving yards.
3. Crimson Tide senior RB Damien Harris (2,194 career rushing yards) has a career average of 6.7 yards per carry, third in program history behind Wilbur Jackson (7.2 from 1971-73) and Eddie Lacy (6.8 from 2010-12).

PREDICTION: Alabama 38, Louisville 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bowling Green Falcons vs. Oregon Ducks Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
For a program entering the season with its third head coach in the last three years, Oregon boasts a surprising amount of stability. The Ducks begin the Mario Cristobal era on Saturday against visiting Bowling Green eager to show why many experts believe they could contend for the Pac-12 title.

Oregon was picked to finish third in the Pac-12 North but could surprise with an explosive offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Tony Brooks-James. "With coach Cristobal behind the wheel, it's full speed, right down your throat, take your blank-blank-blank," Brooks-James told reporters. "There ain't no, 'It's a first-year coach, we're just trying to fill things out.' We're going for everything." Oregon has averaged 41.2 points over Herbert's 15 career starts, and the 6-foot-6, 233-pound junior begins the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate after completing 67.5 percent of his passes last year. Oregon has won 13 straight home openers and are heavy favorites versus Bowling Green, which was picked to finish fifth in the East Division in the Mid-American Conference preseason media poll.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Oregon -31.5

ABOUT BOWLING GREEN (2-10 in 2017): The Falcons have the firepower to keep pace early with Oregon but will need to take care of the football after committing 25 turnovers last season. Sophomore quarterback Jarret Doege returns after completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns against three interceptions last season, while Andrew Clair will be the starting tailback after averaging 6.8 yards per carry as a freshman. The Falcons replaced their entire defensive coaching staff after allowing 506.6 yards per game last season and could easily be overwhelmed by Oregon's high-powered attack.

ABOUT OREGON (7-6 in 2017): The Ducks again have plenty of speed at the skill positions with Brooks-James expected to carry a heavy workload and wide receivers Dillon Mitchell and Tabari Hines primed to build on last season's strong finish, when they combined for 544 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over the final three games. The defense showed dramatic improvement last year under new coordinator Jim Leavitt and should continue to thrive with inside linebacker Troy Dye leading the way. The junior is Oregon's active leader in tackles (198) and tackles for loss (26.5), while ranking second in sacks (10.5).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oregon has won 20 consecutive home non-conference games dating back to 2008.

2. Bowling Green is seeking its first season-opening victory since defeating Tulsa in 2013.

3. Oregon went 6-2 and averaged 49.1 points with Herbert in the starting lineup last season.

PREDICTION: Oregon 51, Bowling Green 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Akron Zips vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
After watching Scott Frost turn Central Florida from a winless team into an undefeated one in two seasons, Nebraska would like nothing more than to watch its last national championship-winning quarterback spark a similar revival following their worst season since 1961. The Cornhuskers hope their native son can get them pointed back in the right direction starting Saturday when they host Akron.

Frost took over UCF in 2016 following a 0-12 campaign and guided the Knights to a six-win season before they became the darlings of FBS in '17 by going 13-0, including a 30-27 victory over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. The 43-year-old, who led Nebraska to the last of its five national titles in 1997, assumes control of a program that has suffered losing campaigns in two of the past three years - including a 4-8 mark in 2017 - after finishing 49 of the previous 53 seasons with at least nine wins. Frost wasted little time making his first notable decision last weekend, naming Adrian Martinez as the starting quarterback and making him the first true freshman signal-caller to open the season as the starter in school history. The Zips proved to be more than the sum of their parts in 2017, winning the East Division of the Mid-American Conference despite sporting the 121st-ranked offense and 103rd-ranked defense in FBS by leading the league in turnover margin and winning three of their games by a total of five points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Nebraska -24.5

ABOUT AKRON (2017: 7-7): Sophomore quarterback Kato Nelson sparked the offense with four touchdown passes in a critical conference victory over Ohio last season and faces the daunting task of trying to improve after losing four of his top five pass-catchers from a season ago. The one returning receiver is senior Kwadarrius Smith, who averaged a MAC-best 21.4 yards per catch and led the team in receiving yards (726) and receiving scores (seven) despite finishing with only 34 receptions. First-team all-conference linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III tallied 140 tackles, five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions as a junior; he is one of nine returning players back from a defense that led the MAC with 19 interceptions.

ABOUT NEBRASKA (2017: 4-8): Martinez should have no shortage of weapons at his disposal as senior Stanley Morgan Jr. (61 catches for 986 yards and 10 touchdowns) and sophomore JD Spielman (55, 830 and two) ranked second and fifth, respectively, in the Big Ten in receiving yards. Junior college transfer Greg Bell is expected to get the first shot at being the next in a long line of great running backs for the Cornhuskers after averaging over six yards per carry and rushing for at least 1,187 yards in each of his two seasons at Arizona Western. The Cornhuskers struggled mightily on defense in 2017, surrendering nearly twice as many rushing yards as the offense gained on the ground (2,577-1,290) and recording a Big-Ten low 14 sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Nebraska gave up at least 54 points in each of its final three games last season.

2. Akron failed to rush for 180 yards against any FBS team and allowed a FBS-worst 328 first downs last season.

3. The Cornhuskers' only other matchup against the Zips came in the aforementioned 1997 national championship season. Ironically, Nebraska's second game that season was against UCF.

PREDICTION: Nebraska 38, Akron 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brigham Young Cougars vs. Arizona Wildcats Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Kevin Sumlin will make his debut as coach at Arizona when the Wildcats host BYU in the season opener Saturday night. Sumlin was hired in January after spending the past six seasons as coach at Texas A&M, where he posted a 51-26 record.

Sumlin inherits one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football as Khalil Tate has already put his name in the hat for Heisman Trophy consideration. Tate threw for 1,591 yards as a sophomore last season and ran for another 1,411 yards, including an FBS quarterback record 327 against Colorado after entering the game for the injured starter in the first quarter. Tate will have some inexperienced blockers in front of him, as the Wildcats lost three offensive linemen to graduation, left tackle Layth Friekh is suspended the first two games and center Nathan Eldridge is struggling with a recurring knee ailment. BYU kicked a 33-yard field goal with four seconds left to beat Arizona 18-16 in the season opener two years ago, and the Cougars return seven starters from a defense that held seven opponents to 21 points or fewer and limited the opposing run game to 3.7 yards per carry last season.

TV: 10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Arizona -11.5

ABOUT BYU (2017: 4-9): Tanner Mangum won a tense competition against freshman Zach Wilson for the starting nod at quarterback in the season opener, and the senior hopes to replicate his 2015 season, when he passed for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Cougars will mostly rely on their defense, and they've got some big players in the trenches, namely 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who is difficult to move, even with a double team. Anchoring the defensive end positions are brothers Corbin and Devin Kaufusi, who not only have the size to cause problems, but the length.

ABOUT ARIZONA (2017: 7-6): Tate was the leading rusher for the Wildcats last season, but they also return their top running back in sophomore J.J. Taylor, the co-offensive player of the year among Pac-12 freshmen last season. Taylor set out to improve his speed in the offseason and getting around the corners against BYU would help Arizona overcome its size disadvantage in the middle. The player who's expected to back up Taylor and get meaningful carries as well is sophomore Gary Brightwell, who played slot receiver last season but is shifting back to his natural running back role.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arizona PK Lucas Havrisik sent 63 of his 93 kickoffs into the end zone last season, fifth-best in the nation.

2. Sumlin has had only one losing season in 10 years as a head coach.

3. BYU is coming off its worst season record-wise since 1970.

PREDICTION: Arizona 35, BYU 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Navy Midshipmen vs. Hawaii Warriors Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/28/2018

Navy opens its 2018 season at Hawaii on Saturday, but the groundwork for a campaign that has coach Ken Niumatalolo brimming with confidence already was being established after the Midshipmen's 14-13 loss to Army in December. Navy routed Virginia 49-7 in its next game - the 2017 Military Bowl - after tougher-than-usual preparation and hopes to carry the momentum into a season that will feature junior Malcolm Perry at quarterback.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Preview and Predictions

"From what I saw in the bowl game, what I saw during spring ball and what I've seen in August camp, I couldn't be more pleased," Niumatalolo told the Capital Gazette. "I feel as good as I've ever felt in my 11 years of being the head coach." Perry took over from Zach Abey, who switched to wide receiver, and rushed for a combined 364 yards and three touchdowns versus Army and Virginia without throwing a pass. Navy, which was second nationally to Army in rushing yards per game last season (351.4), could have an easy time against a Rainbow Warriors' defense that permitted an average of 210.2 yards on the ground - 110th among the 129 FBS teams in 2017. Hawaii opened its season with a 43-34 victory at Colorado State on Aug. 25 as sophomore quarterback Cole McDonald threw for 418 yards and accounted for five touchdowns.

TV: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Navy -11

ABOUT NAVY (2017: 7-6): Perry rushed for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, including a 68-yard score versus Army, and averaged 8.6 yards per carry while attempting only two passes. He also was the Midshipmen's top kickoff returner at 24.5 yards per try but doesn't appear on the depth chart at that position with his role as the starting quarterback. Navy's defense took a hit with the graduation of linebacker Micah Thomas (team highs of 81 tackles and three interceptions last season), but senior defensive end Josh Webb returns with his team-best four sacks.



ABOUT HAWAII (1-0): McDonald also is a threat running the ball as his 96 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries versus Colorado State attest. Juniors Cedric Byrd and John Ursua appear to be McDonald's favorite targets after combining for 304 yards and three TDs on 18 receptions. Junior linebacker Solomon Matautia spearheaded the Rainbow Warriors' defense with a team-high 10 tackles, including six solo.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Rainbow Warriors coach Nick Rolovich (2000-01) and Niumatalolo (1986-87, 1989) are former Hawaii quarterbacks.

2. Navy was 6-0 when scoring more than 30 points in 2017 and 1-6 when totaling fewer than 30.

3. Navy was picked to finish third in the West Division in the American Athletic Conference preseason poll while Hawaii was tabbed to wind up fifth in the six-team West Division of the Mountain West Conference.

PREDICTION: Navy 35, Hawaii 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

Newly acquired Andrew McCutchen is expected to be in the lineup when the New York Yankees continue their four-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night. With right fielder Aaron Judge sidelined since late July, the Yankees pulled off a deal with San Francisco on Friday to bring in 2013 National League MVP and five-time All-Star McCutchen.

"He thrives in big situations and in the spotlight. He proved that in Pittsburgh," said New York's Neil Walker, a teammate of McCutchen when the two played for the Pirates. "I think that's going to carry over into this situation for us." The Yankees rebounded from a crushing loss in the series opener by rallying for three runs in the eighth inning in Friday's 7-5 victory. Rookie Gleyber Torres provided the decisive hit with a go-ahead two-run single, lifting his career average to .455 (5-for-11) with the bases loaded. Detroit's Niko Goodrum, who belted a tiebreaking homer in the ninth Thursday, went deep again Friday and is 5-for-8 in the series.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, FS Detroit, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-2, 5.87 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-5, 3.97)

Norris will return to the rotation after spending more than four months on the disabled list following groin surgery in May. He made five appearances in April (two starts) before he was injured but failed to pitch beyond 4 2/3 innings. "Just happy to be here. It's definitely been an interesting year," said Norris, who pitched four innings of one-run ball in a Triple-A rehab start at Toledo on Sunday.

Tanaka will be happy to see the calendar flip to September after he was winless in five starts in August despite allowing two runs or fewer in three outings. He fell to 0-3 with a 4.40 ERA in the month after giving up four runs and a season-high 10 hits in a 6-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox last time out. Tanaka is 1-3 in four career starts versus Detroit and 3-5 with a 4.39 ERA at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees C Gary Sanchez will come off the disabled list and rejoin the lineup Saturday.

2. Tigers INF Dawel Lugo, called up to the minors after an injury SS José Iglesias, is 4-for-8 in his first two career games.

3. Torres has a team-high five go-ahead or game-tying hits in the eighth inning or later this season.

PREDICTION: Yankees 8, Tigers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The trading of Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees opened up a spot for top prospect Chris Shaw, who will receive a long look from the San Francisco GIants over the final month of the season. Shaw again is expected to be in the lineup against the visiting New York Mets on Saturday after going 0-for-2 with an RBI in his major-league debut in the series opener.

Shaw, the 31st overall pick of the 2015 draft, hit 24 homers in 101 games for Triple-A Sacramento this season, but Giants manager Bruce Bochy wants to minimize expectations on the 24-year-old lefthanded-hitting outfielder. "I don't want him coming up trying to hit home runs," Bochy said prior to Friday's 7-0 victory. "Just try to hit the ball hard. I don't want to put that pressure on him. He's a hitter. It's only going to get better with him. This will give him a chance to see what he has to face up here." San Francisco has won five of its last six contests after prevailing in the opener of the three-game set, while the Mets lost for the fourth time in five games. The Mets recorded just three hits while being blanked for the second time in five contests and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.36 ERA) vs. Giants LH Derek Holland (7-8, 3.65)

Matz has gone 0-3 over his last four turns but is coming off a strong outing against Washington. The 27-year-old gave up one run and five hits while striking out seven over as many innings in a contest the Mets ended up losing 15-0. Matz is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two career starts against the Giants, including a no-decision on Aug. 21 in which he gave up two runs and two hits over five frames, and will be pitching in San Francisco for the first time.

Holland defeated Texas in his last outing, when he gave up one run and three hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, including a no-decision on Aug. 20 in which he allowed one run and four hits over five frames. Holland is 4-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 13 home appearances (10 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Aramis Garcia also made his major-league debut in the series opener and went 2-for-4 with a home run.

2. New York 3B David Wright (back/neck/shoulder), who hasn't played since early in the 2016 season, rejoined the team on Friday and expressed hope he will be activated before the end of the season.

3. San Francisco officially announced McCutchen was traded to the Yankees for INF Abital Avelino and RHP Juan De Paula.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers sent a message that they are all in as they pursue a bid to the National League postseason party, adding a pair of left-handers to bolster their pitching staff and an outfielder in three separate trades on Friday. Reliever Xavier Cedeno is expected to be available when the Brewers resume their three-game series at the Washington Nationals on Saturday night.

"He has a long track record of getting left-handers out. Especially when the rosters expand, you can use this type of pitcher really effectively," said Milwaukee assistant general manager Matt Arnold of Cedeno. The Brewers also swung a trade with the Nationals by acquiring starter Gio Gonzalez to fortify the rotation just prior to Friday's 4-1 victory -- the team's third win in a row and eighth in 11 games -- and later obtained veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from Toronto. While Milwaukee stocked up for its wild-card battle with St. Louis, Washington continues to purge its roster, trading Gonzalez and sending reliever Ryan Madson to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will make his third start since coming off the disabled list when he matches up with Chase Anderson on Saturday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (9-7, 4.04 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (7-7, 4.15)

Anderson won his second straight start and extended his unbeaten streak to seven outings despite giving up four runs and seven hits over five innings versus Pittsburgh on Sunday. It marked the third time in four starts he has allowed at least four runs and the fourth time in five outings he's permitted two homers, boosting his NL-leading total to 28. Anderson is 4-4 with a 2.97 ERA in 12 road starts.

Strasburg is trying to reclaim his form after two stints on the disabled list that sidelined him for more than a month each time. He lasted only four innings and yielded five runs against the Phillies on Aug. 22 in his return from the DL, but was better in the rematch at Philadelphia with six innings of two-run ball. Strasburg has made three career starts against Milwaukee, going 0-2 with a 5.30 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers RF Christian Yelich is 10-for-19 in his last four games, raising his batting average to an NL-high .317.

2. Nationals LF Juan Soto has multiple hits in five of his last nine games.

3. Brewers 1B Jesús Aguilar hit his 31st homer Friday, extending his hitting streak to four games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Brewers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies ended an otherwise difficult August with a dramatic win and now set their sights on a strong closing month, beginning with Saturday's matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Asdrubal Cabrera launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Phillies to a 2-1 win in the opener of the three-game series Friday night.

It gave Philadelphia two straight wins following a 7-14 swoon and pulled the club within two games of first-place Atlanta in the National League East. The Cubs went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position in the loss but are expected to welcome back third baseman Kris Bryant, who missed more than a month with shoulder inflammation, and may also activate shortstop Addison Russell (shoulder/finger) on Saturday. They will take aim at Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin, who starts Saturday opposite Kyle Hendricks for Chicago. The Cubs finished August at 18-10 and hold a 3 1/2-game lead on second-place St. Louis in the NL Central.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (10-10, 3.86 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-5, 3.99)

Hendricks became a 10-game winner for the second time in his career by tossing seven scoreless innings in a rout of Cincinnati his last time out. He is 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA over a six-start span and has lasted seven frames three times during that stretch. The 28-year-old gave up five runs over five innings in a loss to the Phillies earlier this year and is 3-2 with a 3.58 ERA in five career meetings.

Eflin is 0-1 with an ERA of 7.27 over his last two starts - both of which were against the Washington Nationals. He outdueled Hendricks on June 5 with 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball and has a 2.45 ERA in two career starts versus the Cubs. Bryant is 5-for-8 against the 24-year-old Eflin.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Dillon Maples from Triple-A Iowa.

2. Phillies OF Roman Quinn doubled and scored his team's first run Friday night and is 14-for-29 during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago reportedly signed LHP Jaime Garcia, who had been released by Toronto.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Phillies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

Slugger Edwin Encarnacion made the difference in the series opener and looks continue his offensive surge when the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays for the middle contest of a three-game set Saturday night. Encarnacion launched his 29th homer, knocking in his sixth run in five games, during the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie as American League Central-leading Cleveland went on to post a 3-0 victory Friday.

Encarnacion, who is one homer away from recording 30 in seven straight seasons, apparently will have even more help in the middle of an already potent lineup soon as the Indians reportedly acquired former MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson from Toronto on Friday. Rookie Shane Bieber will try to start September strong after going unbeaten last month for Cleveland, while Tampa Bay will turn to Cy Young candidate Blake Snell, who attempts to tie the major-league lead with his 17th victory. Corey Kluber and two relievers cooled the Tampa Bay bats Friday after the Rays had scored 37 runs in their previous five games and won nine of 10 contests. Tommy Pham (12-for-26) and Joey Wendle (10-for-26) each take six-game hitting streaks into Saturday's contest for Tampa Bay.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (16-5, 2.05 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (8-2, 4.52)

Snell has taken his performance to a higher level since a three-week stint on the disabled list, allowing three runs and 11 hits over 26 innings in his last five starts. The 25-year-old Washington native, who has lost once since mid-June, won in each of his last four trips to the mound after beating Boston with six innings of one-run ball Sunday. Snell yielded one run across 6 1/3 innings without a decision in one start against Cleveland last year.

Bieber is unbeaten in his last six starts, including wins at Kansas City on Sunday and at Boston five days earlier - giving up seven runs combined over 11 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old UC-Santa Barbara product, who survived three homers against the Royals, went 3-0 with a 3.81 ERA in five starts during August. Bieber, who faces Tampa Bay for the first time in his career, is 4-2 with a 4.64 ERA in six home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays placed C Michael Perez (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list Friday and recalled C Adam Moore from Triple-A Durham.

2. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley has multiple hits in seven of his last 11 games and batted .333 in August.

3. The Indians have won 19 of the last 27 meetings after winning the first game of the season series Friday night.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Indians 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Atlanta Braves were all-in on Chris Archer at the trade deadline before turning to Kevin Gausman at the last minute, and on Saturday night they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a matchup of the starting pitcher they wanted against the hurler they acquired. Tampa Bay sent Archer to the Pirates after Pittsburgh offered a package more robust than other suitors, including the Braves, who in turn traded with Baltimore to land Gausman mere minutes before the July 31 deadline.

So far, Archer has struggled in his first five starts as the Pirates have slipped out of contention in the National League wild-card race, while Gausman has been outstanding in helping push the Braves into first place in the NL East. Pittsburgh took advantage of two critical Atlanta errors to win Friday's series opener 3-2, trimming the Braves lead in the division to two games over Philadelphia. Pittsburgh infielder Josh Harrison singled in the seventh inning to extend his hitting streak against Atlanta to 12 games and is batting .360 in that span with six RBIs. Atlanta rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. ended his torrid August with a homer, finishing the month hitting .336 with 11 homers, 21 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 30 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet (Pittsburgh), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-7, 4.72 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (9-9, 3.87)

Archer has lost his past two starts and is 1-2 with a 6.45 ERA since joining Pittsburgh, giving up four or more runs three times in five outings. The 29-year-old fell to the Braves on Aug. 20, pitching only four innings and allowing one run on five hits, then lasted just four innings Sunday at Milwaukee in surrendering six runs on seven hits. Archer has pitched to a 1.63 WHIP and a 5.77 ERA in seven starts between Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh since the All-Star break.

Gausman has sparked the Braves rotation since arriving, going 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA and issuing only seven walks in 32 innings. The 27-year-old has fired back-to-back shutouts in winning four games in a row, including eight scoreless innings at Pittsburgh on Aug. 21 and five innings of one-hit pitching five days later at Miami. Gausman gave up three runs in losing his first start with Atlanta to the Mets, but has surrendered just three runs in 27 innings since.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo homered and finished with two hits Friday, and in 39 games since the All-Star break is hitting .324 with six homers, 25 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

2. Pirates CF Starling Marte extended his hitting streak to seven games with two hits Friday, and is batting .387 in that stretch with five runs scored and three multi-hit games.

3. The Braves have lost three in a row and seven of their past eight games at home.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

On the day they reportedly traded away a former MVP and a veteran outfielder, the Toronto Blue Jays also said goodbye to a miserable road losing streak. The Blue Jays will try to build upon their first win away from home since Aug. 15 when they take on the host Miami Marlins in the second of a three-game series Saturday night.

Hours after reports surfaced that third baseman Josh Donaldson - a linchpin on teams that reached back-to-back American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016 - was traded by Toronto to Cleveland, the Blue Jays scored five runs in the ninth inning to steal a 6-5 win in the series opener Friday. Justin Smoak's pinch-hit grand slam was the big blow as Toronto - which also shipped Curtis Granderson to Milwaukee late Friday - snapped a seven-game road losing streak - its longest since 2014. Marco Estrada gets the nod Saturday for the Blue Jays as he opposes lefty Wei-Yin Chen, who is coming off his best start of the season. Miami's bullpen spoiled an outstanding start by Dan Straily on Friday and it has given up an alarming 19 earned runs in six innings over the last three games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-10, 5.18 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (5-9, 4.91)

Estrada has been dealing with back soreness but is expected to be ready as he attempts to bounce back from a rough outing. He gave up five runs and seven hits with four walks in just two innings of an 8-3 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. The 35-year-old Mexico native has a 5.94 ERA in 10 career games (five starts) against the Marlins.

Chen scattered six hits and struck out a season-high 10 in six scoreless innings to defeat the Atlanta Braves last Saturday. He finished with a 1.54 ERA in four starts during August and a 1.51 mark over his last seven outings at home. Kendrys Morales is 6-for-15 with two doubles against Chen, who has a 5.40 ERA in four career starts against Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Billy McKinney was 3-for-5 on Friday to improve to 15-for-38 since joining the team in a trade with the New York Yankees in mid-August.

2. Marlins OF/1B Derek Dietrich has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games.

3. Toronto won six of the last seven meetings with Miami.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who posted 11 victories through July 9, is expected back from the disabled list to start Saturday night when his major league-best Boston Red Sox visit the Chicago White Sox for the third of a four-game set. Rodriguez's return is a welcome sight with Chris Sale (shoulder) still not back and David Price likely missing his next start after getting hit with a line drive off his left wrist Wednesday.

Boston's bats cooled off Friday in a rain-delayed 6-1 loss to the White Sox after scoring 31 times in the previous three games, but leadoff batter Mookie Betts extended his hitting streak for the Red Sox (93-43) to five games (8-for-15, two homers, six RBIs). J.D. Martinez homered in the 9-4 victory over Chicago on Thursday, leaving him one shy of his second straight season with at least 40, and he has gone deep twice in eight official at-bats against White Sox scheduled starter Carlos Rodon. Chicago (54-81) won for the sixth time in its last eight games and finished an impressive 17-12 in August, moving into a tie with Detroit for third place in the AL Central. Yolmer Sanchez is 7-for-20 with two walks in his last five games for the White Sox, while teammate Avisail Garcia boasts eight RBIs in his last eight contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (11-3, 3.44 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-3, 2.70)

Rodriguez returns after spending almost seven weeks on the DL with an ankle injury to make his 20th start of the season - the fourth straight season with at least that many. The 25-year-old Venezuelan did not give up a run in his previous three starts in July, allowing 10 hits and four walks combined over 17 innings. Nicky Delmonico is 1-for-3 with two RBIs versus Rodriguez, who is 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the White Sox.

Rodon is unbeaten in nine starts, including victories in his last three trips to the mound when he permitted seven runs across 21 innings total. The 25-year-old Miami native completed at least seven innings in six of his last eight starts, giving up just three homers during that stretch. Rodon suffered a loss at Boston on June 9 in his season debut, giving up four runs (two earned) and six hits over five innings - including homers by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Martinez.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox are one of only two AL teams leading the season series against the Red Sox (Oakland is the other), winning three of five with two to go.

2. Along with Rodriguez, the Red Sox are expected to activate C Christian Vazquez and RHP Steven Wright from the DL on Saturday.

3. Former Boston prospect 2B Yoan Moncada is 3-for-7 with a homer, two RBIs and a walk in the series.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Red Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Josh James will make his major-league debut when the Houston Astros host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. The 25-year-old James is receiving a chance after registering 171 strikeouts in 114 1/3 innings at the Double- and Triple-A levels.

James was a 34th-round draft pick out of Western Oklahoma State College in 2014 and truly has come out of nowhere to become part of the Astros' plans. "He's just performed his way to the big leagues," Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters before Friday's game. "He's punching out everybody in the minors. The next test for him is going to be at this level. He's conquered everything else. He's the best available, and has outperformed a lot of pitchers along the way to climb his way to the top of the list." The Astros hold a 1 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the American League West, but they will be hoping their offense will resurface after they recorded just six hits while being blanked 3-0 on Friday. Los Angeles' Andrelton Simmons belted a two-run homer and has gone 7-for-12 with five RBIs over his last three contests

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-4, 4.52 ERA) vs. Astros RH Josh James (NR)

Pena has lost four straight decisions and is winless in his last nine turns since defeating Baltimore on June 29. The 28-year-old lost to the Astros in his last turn as he gave up three runs and five hits over six innings in his first career outing against the club. Pena registered a career-high 12 strikeouts versus Arizona in his previous outing, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs and seven hits over six frames.

James is starting in place of Charlie Morton, who landed on the 10-day disabled list with a shoulder injury earlier this week. James went 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA in 23 appearances (21 starts) at Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno, and Hinch is looking forward to seeing him pitch for the first time. "I'm excited to meet him," Hinch said. "I've never met him. I've never seen him in person. But our people, to a man, will tell you that stuff is real. It's high-end stuff, and he's performed his way to this opportunity."

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman went 0-for-3 on Friday, ending his 11-game hitting streak, but drew a walk to reach base in his 28th consecutive contest.

2. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani, who went 1-for-3 on Friday, batted .328 with six homers and 18 RBIs in August.

3. Houston C Brian McCann (knee) and OF Jake Marisnick (groin) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list while LHP Cionel Perez will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno on Saturday, when rosters expand to 40.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Angels 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The Kansas City Royals have spent the bulk of the season struggling for offense, but there has been no shortage of run production throughout their eight-game homestand. The Royals look to extend their best six-game stretch of the season a bit longer Saturday when they host the second of three contests against the Baltimore Orioles.

Hunter Dozier and Ryan O'Hearn combined for five hits - including one home run apiece - and six RBIs in Friday's 9-2 rout of the Orioles, further distancing the Royals (43-91) from Baltimore (40-95) for the worst record in the majors. Kansas City remains the lowest-scoring team in the American League, but the club has averaged 6.8 runs - scoring no fewer than five runs in any game - while going 5-1 more than halfway through its homestand. The Orioles were unable to build upon any momentum they might have created while sweeping Toronto earlier in the week, managing only four hits Friday after piling up 29 runs and 41 hits in three games versus the Blue Jays. Rookie Cedric Mullins went 2-for-4 with a solo shot in the opener and has been a steady bright spot for Baltimore since his Aug. 10 big-league debut, batting .317 with six doubles and three home runs in his first 18 games.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-13, 5.37 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (2-1, 4.21)

Bundy has struggled mightily over his last four outings, losing three of them while giving up 26 runs (25 earned) on 35 hits and six walks over 19 1/3 innings. His latest poor effort came in Sunday's loss to the New York Yankees after he was tagged for four runs over five frames. Bundy has surrendered 34 home runs this season - one shy of a club record - and was embarrassed by the Royals on May 8, allowing seven runs - including four homers - while failing to record an out.

Fillmyer was sharp for the second time in three home outings during a win over Cleveland last Saturday, yielding one run on three hits and two walks across six innings. The 24-year-old rookie had surrendered 10 runs over his previous two starts spanning eight frames after firing seven scoreless innings in a victory over the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 8. Fillmyer is 2-1 with a 2.53 in six appearances (five starts) at home entering his first career game against Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals traded C Drew Butera to Colorado in exchange for LHP Jerry Vasto earlier Friday.

2. Mullins has recorded at least one hit in 12 of the 17 games in which he has logged at least one official at-bat.

3. Dozier has hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests (batting .324 over that span), while O'Hearn is hitting .389 with eight RBIs during the homestand.

PREDICTION: Royals 7, Orioles 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals' decision to pass on veterans and trust their farm system at the trade deadline sparked one of the best months in club history. Daniel Poncedeleon hopes to continue the Cardinals' recent success with rookie starters Saturday when St. Louis hosts the second of three games versus the Cincinnati Reds.

Matt Carpenter connected on his National League-best 35th home run and Paul DeJong had a career-high five RBIs to help Austin Gomber become the first St. Louis rookie left-hander to win five games in August following Friday's 12-5 series-opening victory, ending a month during which the NL wild-card leaders finished 22-6. Over that span, Cardinals' rookies were credited with 12 of the victories while posting a combined 2.53 ERA. St. Louis (76-59), which moved 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central with the win, will attempt to secure its 11th straight series victory overall Saturday versus the Reds, who have dropped three straight and eight of nine. Scooter Gennett was one of two Cincinnati players with three hits in the opener and is tied with Milwaukee's Christian Yelich for the best batting average in the NL (.317).

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (7-11, 5.07 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Daniel Poncedeleon (0-0, 2.08)

Castillo went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five July starts, but he dropped three of his four August outings in part because he has given up five runs - including a pair of homers each time - in two of his last three efforts. One of those turns came last Saturday at the Chicago Cubs, as the 25-year-old lasted only 3 1/3 innings. Carpenter (4-for-10, one homer) and Yadier Molina (4-for-12, four RBIs) have fared well against Castillo, who is 0-2 with a 4.64 ERA in four starts versus St. Louis this season.

Poncedeleon will make his third career start and first since an inefficient yet dominant no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 21 in which he allowed one run and fanned eight while throwing 90 pitches over four innings. The former ninth-round pick has performed similarly at Triple-A Memphis this season, going 9-4 with a 2.24 ERA across 19 games (18 starts) while striking out 110 in 96 1/3 frames. Poncedeleon fired seven hitless innings in a no-decision during his first big-league start at Cincinnati on July 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez is batting .444 with five multi-hit efforts during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Cincinnati OF Scott Schebler is batting .415 with five home runs and 14 RBIs over his last 17 appearances at Busch Stadium.

3. St. Louis OF Marcell Ozuna (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Saturday, although manager Mike Shildt indicated he may be limited initially.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Reds 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

After finishing August with five consecutive losses, the Texas Rangers look to begin the final month of the season on a positive note when they host the Minnesota Twins on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Texas let a six-run lead disappear on Friday and suffered a 10-7 defeat in the series opener.

Nomar Mazara belted a three-run homer and Jurickson Profar recorded a two-run double while Elvis Andrus scored three times as the Rangers lost for the seventh time in nine contests. Tyler Austin ignited an eight-run fifth inning with a homer and Mitch Garver registered a three-run double as the Twins improved to 2-2 on their nine-game road trip. Austin has launched seven blasts in 16 games since being acquired from the New York Yankees and 15 in 50 contests overall this year. Joe Mauer has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, recording two-hit performances four times in that span.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (11-9, 3.74 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-3, 6.01)

Berrios had his four-start unbeaten streak halted on Sunday as he took the loss against Oakland after yielding three runs and eight hits in five innings. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican went 1-0 during his streak but worked more than five frames just once in that span. Berrios has won both of his lifetime starts against Texas, including a triumph on June 24 in which he allowed two hits and registered a career-high 12 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings.

Gallardo is coming off a loss at San Francisco on Sunday in which he surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. The 32-year-old Mexican has posted an unimpressive 5.18 ERA at home this season, which actually is more than two runs lower than his mark on the road (7.24). Gallardo recorded a victory at Minnesota on June 23 to improve to 5-2 with one complete game - a shutout - and a 3.72 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers recalled Connor Sadzeck from Triple-A Round Rock after trading fellow RHP Cory Gearrin to Oakland for RHPs Teodoro Ortega and Abdiel Mendoza.

2. Minnesota OF Eddie Rosario (quadriceps) likely will miss the remainder of the team's road trip after being injured Thursday in Cleveland.

3. Mazara is three blasts away from reaching the 20-homer plateau in each of his three major-league seasons.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

After closing August with back-to-back ugly losses, the Colorado Rockies are hoping that turning the calendar awakens their suddenly quiet offense. The Rockies continue their four-game series against the host San Diego Padres on Saturday looking for a spark from the top of their order after scoring a total of two runs in the first two contests.

Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado are a combined 2-for-27 in the last two games for the Rockies, who have fallen into third place in the National League West, 1 1/2 games behind first-place Arizona and three games behind Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez saw his seven-game hitting streak come to an end and the Rockies were held to five singles in Friday's 7-0 loss to the Padres, who have won four consecutive games for the first time since July 26-29, 2017. San Diego rookie Luis Urias belted his first career home run and Franmil Reyes extended his hitting streak to six games with his second homer in as many days and fourth in the past six games. San Diego's last four starting pitchers - rookies Jacob Nix, Joey Lucchesi, Eric Lauer and Brett Kennedy - have allowed a total of two earned runs over the last four games across 26 innings.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (10-7, 4.67 ERA) vs. Padres LH Robbie Erlin (3-4, 3.69)

Colorado failed to win for the first time in Gray's past 10 starts last Monday, when he allowed five runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels. The outing was a rare misstep for the 26-year-old, who was 4-0 with a 3.02 ERA in nine starts from June 22-Aug. 22. Wil Myers is 8-for-23 with a home run against Gray, who is 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 14 career starts versus San Diego - including 3-1 with a 3.33 mark in four outings this season.

Erlin allowed four runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings last Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and lost for the first time since returning to the rotation on Aug. 2. The 27-year-old Bay Area native has posted a 5.01 ERA in 19 games (five starts) on the road this season compared to a 2.45 mark in 15 home appearances (two starts). Blackmon, LeMahieu and Arenado are a combined 17-for-37 against Erlin, who owns a 4-2 record and 6.06 ERA in 12 career games (five starts) versus Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres OF Hunter Renfroe is 12-for-34 during his career-high eight-game hitting streak.

2. The Rockies acquired C Drew Butera and cash from Kansas City in exchange for minor league LHP Jerry Vasto.

3. San Diego RHP Bryan Mitchell will be activated from the disabled list to start Monday's series opener against Arizona.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Padres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The Oakland Athletics hope to continue their climb toward first place in the American League West when they host the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. Oakland bounced back from a series-opening beatdown to post a 7-5 win on Friday and get within 1 1/2 games of division-leading Houston.

The Athletics produced a five-run first inning that was highlighted by Stephen Piscotty's two-run homer but squandered the sizeable lead before Ramon Laureano lifted a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the fifth. Matt Olson went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Matt Chapman homered as Oakland improved to a major league-best 47-19 since June 16 and 1-1 on its 10-game homestand. Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Ryon Healy went deep during a four-run fourth inning for Seattle, which has lost six of its last nine contests. The Mariners fell 5 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second AL wild-card spot but meet the Athletics five more times.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (10-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (6-6, 4.28)

Paxton will be making his first start since suffering a forearm injury at Oakland on Aug. 14. The 29-year-old Canadian retired only one batter in that outing but registered 16 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Athletics on May 2. Paxton has yet to lose to Oakland in his career, going 3-0 with a 3.50 ERA eight starts.

Mengden has not started for Oakland since June 23, when he was tagged for five runs over two innings in a no-decision against the White Sox in Chicago. The 25-year-old Texan surrendered 21 runs over 16 1/3 frames in four turns in June after ending May with four consecutive victories. Mengden lost both of his career starts against Seattle, yielding six runs on 10 hits and five walks in 11 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics acquired Cory Gearrin from Texas on Friday for fellow RHPs Teodoro Ortega and Abdiel Mendoza.

2. Cruz needs 18 RBIs to reach the century mark for the third consecutive season.

3. Oakland recalled OF Dustin Fowler from Triple-A Nashville and optioned RHP Frankie Montas to the Sounds.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Athletics 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Clayton Kershaw looks to win his fourth straight decision as well as pitch his team into a first-place tie in the National League West when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. Justin Turner hit the tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning on Friday as Los Angeles pulled within one game of the first-place Diamondbacks with a 3-2 victory.

Kershaw is aiming for a strong stretch drive after going 2-0 with a 2.06 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 33 strikeouts against three walks over 35 innings in five starts during August. Arizona counters with Patrick Corbin, who has been superb against the Dodgers this season as he is 1-0 with a 0.98 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 24 strikeouts over 18 1/3 frames in three starts. The Diamondbacks have scored just eight runs while going 2-3 over their last five games as the Dodgers and Colorado, which is 1 1/2 games back, remain in close pursuit. Los Angeles also received a pinch-hit homer from Enrique Hernandez in Friday's contest while remaining 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee for the NL's second wild-card spot.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (10-5, 3.15 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (6-5, 2.39)

Corbin won four consecutive decisions before losing to San Francisco in his last outing despite a strong effort. The 29-year-old registered nine strikeouts while allowing two runs and four hits over seven innings in the 2-0 setback. Despite the strong 2018 showings, Corbin is just 4-9 with a 3.78 ERA in 19 career appearances (17 starts) against the Dodgers.

Kershaw did not factor in the decision against San Diego in his last turn, when he gave up three runs - two earned - and seven hits over eight innings. The 30-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA in three starts against the Diamondbacks this season and 15-9 with a 2.53 ERA in 29 career meetings. Kershaw has had success against A.J. Pollock (8-for-40, one homer) and has struck out Paul Goldschmidt (11-for-52) 19 times despite serving up three homers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers acquired 3B David Freese from Pittsburgh for INF Jesus Manuel Valdez, obtained Ryan Madson from Washington for fellow RHP Andrew Istler and designated LHP Adam Liberatore for assignment.

2. Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer on Friday, extending his franchise-record streak to 43 consecutive road games in which he has reached base.

3. Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 33rd save after allowing seven runs over his previous four appearances in the aftermath of some heart-related issues.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Saturday, September 1

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FLA ATLANTIC (11 - 3) at OKLAHOMA (12 - 2) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLA ATLANTIC is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Big 12 conference opponents since 1992.
FLA ATLANTIC is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday 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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HOUSTON (7 - 5) at RICE (1 - 11) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 76-51 ATS (+19.9 Units) in home games since 1992.
RICE is 76-51 ATS (+19.9 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
RICE is 76-51 ATS (+19.9 Units) in home games in games played on turf since 1992.
RICE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) as an underdog of 21.5 to 31 points since 1992.

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

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OREGON ST (1 - 11) at OHIO ST (12 - 2) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 32-51 ATS (-24.1 Units) in September games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 184-140 ATS (+30.0 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 184-140 ATS (+30.0 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) against Pac Twelve conference opponents since 1992.
OHIO ST is 166-126 ATS (+27.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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APPALACHIAN ST (9 - 4) at PENN ST (11 - 2) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PENN ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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AKRON (7 - 7) at NEBRASKA (4 - 8) - 9/1/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games in games played on turf 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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MASSACHUSETTS (4 - 8) at BOSTON COLLEGE (7 - 6) - 9/1/2018, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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KENT ST (2 - 10) at ILLINOIS (2 - 10) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 127-166 ATS (-55.6 Units) in all games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 127-166 ATS (-55.6 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 63-92 ATS (-38.2 Units) in home games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 63-92 ATS (-38.2 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 63-89 ATS (-34.9 Units) in home games when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 85-127 ATS (-54.7 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

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

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TEXAS ST (2 - 10) at RUTGERS (4 - 8) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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INDIANA (5 - 7) at FLA INTERNATIONAL (8 - 5) - 9/1/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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N ILLINOIS (8 - 5) at IOWA (8 - 5) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 72-44 ATS (+23.6 Units) in road games since 1992.
N ILLINOIS is 72-44 ATS (+23.6 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
N ILLINOIS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against Big 10 conference opponents since 1992.
N ILLINOIS is 97-70 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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TEXAS (7 - 6) vs. MARYLAND (4 - 8) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BOISE ST (11 - 3) at TROY (11 - 2) - 9/1/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 140-102 ATS (+27.8 Units) in all games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 140-102 ATS (+27.8 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 67-44 ATS (+18.6 Units) in road games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 67-44 ATS (+18.6 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 98-72 ATS (+18.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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LOUISIANA TECH (7 - 6) at S ALABAMA (4 - 8) - 9/1/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ALABAMA is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

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

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MARSHALL (8 - 5) at MIAMI OHIO (5 - 7) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARSHALL is 45-68 ATS (-29.8 Units) in road games since 1992.
MARSHALL is 45-68 ATS (-29.8 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
MARSHALL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SMU (7 - 6) at NORTH TEXAS (9 - 5) - 9/1/2018, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MIDDLE TENN ST (7 - 6) at VANDERBILT (5 - 7) - 9/1/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANDERBILT is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) against Conference USA opponents since 1992.

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

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BYU (4 - 9) at ARIZONA (7 - 6) - 9/1/2018, 10:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points since 1992.
ARIZONA is 57-90 ATS (-42.0 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
ARIZONA is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) as a home favorite of 10.5 to 14 points since 1992.
ARIZONA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

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

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UTSA (6 - 5) at ARIZONA ST (7 - 6) - 9/1/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA ST is 82-49 ATS (+28.1 Units) in home games when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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UNLV (5 - 7) at USC (11 - 3) - 9/1/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNLV is 86-123 ATS (-49.3 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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CINCINNATI (4 - 8) at UCLA (6 - 7) - 9/1/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
UCLA is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1992.
UCLA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WASHINGTON (10 - 3) vs. AUBURN (10 - 4) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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C MICHIGAN (8 - 5) at KENTUCKY (7 - 6) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
KENTUCKY is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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OLE MISS (6 - 6) vs. TEXAS TECH (6 - 7) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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COASTAL CAROLINA (3 - 9) at S CAROLINA (9 - 4) - 9/1/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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W VIRGINIA (7 - 6) vs. TENNESSEE (4 - 8) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 6-21 ATS (-17.1 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.

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

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N CAROLINA (3 - 9) at CALIFORNIA (5 - 7) - 9/1/2018, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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WASHINGTON ST (9 - 4) at WYOMING (8 - 5) - 9/1/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WYOMING is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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BOWLING GREEN (2 - 10) at OREGON (7 - 6) - 9/1/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOWLING GREEN is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MICHIGAN (8 - 5) at NOTRE DAME (10 - 3) - 9/1/2018, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LOUISVILLE (8 - 5) vs. ALABAMA (13 - 1) - 9/1/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA is 77-54 ATS (+17.6 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday since 1992.

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

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NAVY (7 - 6) at HAWAII (3 - 9) - 9/1/2018, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NAVY is 167-124 ATS (+30.6 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 167-124 ATS (+30.6 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 81-41 ATS (+35.9 Units) in road games since 1992.
NAVY is 81-41 ATS (+35.9 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) against Mountain West conference opponents since 1992.
NAVY is 151-111 ATS (+28.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
NAVY is 58-34 ATS (+20.6 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
NAVY is 79-43 ATS (+31.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.
HAWAII is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HAWAII is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HAWAII is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Week 1

Trend Report

Saturday, September 1

Mississippi @ Texas Tech
Mississippi
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Mississippi's last 9 games
Mississippi is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games

Texas Tech
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas Tech's last 7 games
Texas Tech is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

Coastal Carolina @ South Carolina
Coastal Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Coastal Carolina's last 5 games on the road
Coastal Carolina is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

South Carolina
South Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
South Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

Oregon State @ Ohio State
Oregon State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oregon State's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oregon State's last 6 games

Ohio State
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Florida Atlantic @ Oklahoma
Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Florida Atlantic is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games
Oklahoma is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games at home

Southern University @ Texas Christian
Southern University
Southern University is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Southern University is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road

Texas Christian
Texas Christian is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas Christian's last 10 games

Texas @ Maryland
Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games

Maryland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Maryland's last 9 games
Maryland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

James Madison @ North Carolina State
James Madison
The total has gone OVER in 5 of James Madison's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of James Madison's last 5 games

North Carolina State
North Carolina State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina State's last 10 games

Kent State @ Illinois
Kent State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kent State's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Kent State's last 22 games on the road

Illinois
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Illinois's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois's last 6 games

Houston @ Rice
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Rice

Rice
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rice's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Rice's last 5 games at home

Texas State @ Rutgers
Texas State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas State's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas State's last 9 games

Rutgers
Rutgers is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Rutgers is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home

Villanova @ Temple
Villanova
Villanova is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Villanova is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Temple
Temple is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Temple's last 6 games

Furman @ Clemson
Furman
Furman is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Furman is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games

Clemson
Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Furman
Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Furman

Alcorn State @ Georgia Tech
Alcorn State
Alcorn State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Alcorn State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Georgia Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

Massachusetts @ Boston College
Massachusetts

Massachusetts is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Massachusetts is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Boston College
Boston College is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Massachusetts
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston College's last 6 games at home

Stony Brook @ Air Force
Stony Brook
Stony Brook is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Stony Brook is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Air Force
Air Force is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Air Force's last 21 games

Howard @ Ohio
Howard
Howard is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Howard is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Ohio
Ohio is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Ohio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

Washington @ Auburn
Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games

Auburn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games
Auburn is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

Austin Peay @ Georgia
Austin Peay
Austin Peay is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Austin Peay is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Georgia
Georgia is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Georgia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

Central Michigan @ Kentucky
Central Michigan
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Central Michigan's last 5 games
Central Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Kentucky
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky's last 6 games

West Virginia @ Tennessee
West Virginia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of West Virginia's last 5 games
West Virginia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee's last 6 games
Tennessee is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games

Albany-NY @ Pittsburgh
Albany-NY
No trends to report

Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Northern Illinois @ Iowa
Northern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Northern Illinois's last 7 games
Northern Illinois is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

Iowa
Iowa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Iowa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois

Appalachian State @ Penn State
Appalachian State
Appalachian State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Appalachian State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Penn State
Penn State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Penn State is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games

Marshall @ Miami-OH
Marshall
Marshall is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Miami-OH
Marshall is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

Miami-OH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami-OH's last 6 games when playing Marshall
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami-OH's last 6 games

Washington State @ Wyoming
Washington State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington State's last 9 games on the road

Wyoming
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Wyoming's last 8 games
Wyoming is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

Eastern Illinois @ Arkansas
Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Illinois is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

Arkansas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arkansas's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arkansas's last 10 games

Tennessee-Martin @ Missouri
Tennessee-Martin
Tennessee-Martin is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tennessee-Martin is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

Missouri
Missouri is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Missouri is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games

North Carolina @ California
North Carolina
North Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road

California
California is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
California is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Nevada-Las Vegas @ Southern California
Nevada-Las Vegas
Nevada-Las Vegas is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nevada-Las Vegas's last 6 games on the road

Southern California
Southern California is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Southern California is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games

Richmond @ Virginia
Richmond
Richmond is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Richmond is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

Virginia
Virginia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Richmond
Virginia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Richmond

Fordham @ Charlotte
Fordham
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Fordham's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Fordham's last 5 games on the road

Charlotte
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home

North Carolina A&T @ East Carolina
North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
North Carolina A&T is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

East Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 8 of East Carolina's last 11 games
East Carolina is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home

Elon @ South Florida
Elon
Elon is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Elon is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

South Florida
South Florida is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
South Florida is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games

Boise State @ Troy
Boise State
Boise State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Boise State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

Troy
Troy is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Troy is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

South Carolina State @ Georgia Southern
South Carolina State
South Carolina State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
South Carolina State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

Georgia Southern
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Georgia Southern's last 10 games
Georgia Southern is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

Delaware State @ Buffalo
Delaware State
Delaware State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Delaware State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

Buffalo
Buffalo is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Buffalo is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games

Old Dominion @ Liberty
Old Dominion
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Old Dominion's last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Old Dominion's last 6 games

Liberty
Liberty is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Liberty is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games

Cincinnati @ California-Los Angeles
Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Cincinnati's last 19 games

California-Los Angeles
California-Los Angeles is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of California-Los Angeles's last 5 games at home

Nicholls State @ Kansas
Nicholls State
Nicholls State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Nicholls State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Kansas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas's last 7 games
Kansas is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games

Indiana @ Florida International
Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games on the road
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

Florida International
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida International's last 5 games
Florida International is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

Louisiana Tech @ South Alabama
Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road

South Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Alabama's last 5 games
South Alabama is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home

Jackson State @ Southern Miss
Jackson State
Jackson State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Jackson State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Southern Miss
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern Miss's last 5 games
Southern Miss is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home

Grambling State @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Grambling State
Grambling State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Grambling State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Louisiana-Lafayette
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 5 games at home

Mercer @ Memphis
Mercer
No trends to report

Memphis
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Memphis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

Central Arkansas @ Tulsa
Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Central Arkansas is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road

Tulsa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tulsa's last 5 games at home

VMI @ Toledo
VMI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of VMI's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of VMI's last 6 games on the road

Toledo
Toledo is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Toledo is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

Southeast Missouri State @ Arkansas State
Southeast Missouri State
Southeast Missouri State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Southeast Missouri State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Arkansas State
Arkansas State is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Arkansas State is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games

South Dakota @ Kansas State
South Dakota
South Dakota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
South Dakota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Kansas State
Kansas State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas State's last 5 games at home

Charleston Southern @ Florida
Charleston Southern
Charleston Southern is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charleston Southern is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

Florida
Florida is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
Florida is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home

Stephen F. Austin @ Mississippi State
Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Stephen F. Austin is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games

Mississippi State
Mississippi State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Mississippi State's last 9 games at home

Middle Tennessee @ Vanderbilt
Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Middle Tennessee's last 5 games

Vanderbilt
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Vanderbilt's last 9 games
Vanderbilt is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games

Southern Methodist @ North Texas
Southern Methodist
Southern Methodist is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing North Texas
Southern Methodist is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing North Texas

North Texas
The total has gone OVER in 7 of North Texas's last 8 games at home
North Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

Northern Arizona @ Texas El Paso
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Northern Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Texas El Paso
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas El Paso's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Texas El Paso's last 18 games at home

Michigan @ Notre Dame
Michigan
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Michigan's last 16 games on the road
Michigan is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

Notre Dame
Notre Dame is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Notre Dame is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

Louisville @ Alabama
Louisville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games
Louisville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

Alabama
Alabama is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
Alabama is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Bowling Green @ Oregon
Bowling Green
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Bowling Green's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Bowling Green's last 5 games on the road

Oregon
Oregon is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oregon's last 11 games at home

Abilene Christian @ Baylor
Abilene Christian
Abilene Christian is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Abilene Christian is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

Baylor
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baylor's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baylor's last 6 games at home

South Dakota State @ Iowa State
South Dakota State
South Dakota State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
South Dakota State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Iowa State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Iowa State's last 8 games
Iowa State is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games

Akron @ Nebraska
Akron
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Akron's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Akron's last 12 games

Nebraska
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Nebraska's last 7 games
Nebraska is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home

Incarnate Word @ New Mexico
Incarnate Word
No trends to report

New Mexico
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Mexico's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Mexico's last 7 games at home

Idaho @ Fresno State
Idaho
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Idaho's last 5 games
Idaho is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games on the road

Fresno State
Fresno State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Fresno State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Idaho

Texas-San Antonio @ Arizona State
Texas-San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas-San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas-San Antonio's last 8 games on the road

Arizona State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona State's last 6 games
Arizona State is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games at home

Brigham Young @ Arizona
Brigham Young
Brigham Young is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Brigham Young's last 11 games on the road

Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

Navy @ Hawaii
Navy
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Navy's last 6 games on the road
Navy is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

Hawaii
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hawaii's last 6 games
Hawaii is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Week 1

Friday, August 31/Saturday, September 1 best 13 games

Colorado won its last three games with Colorado State 17-3/44-7/27-24; Buffaloes are 12-8 as favorites under MacIntyre, but were just 1-4 LY. Buffs’ QB Montez has 15 career starts; they’ve got only 10 starters back, four on offense. Colorado State (last week’s info). Under Bobo, Rams are 6-8 vs spread out of conference; they covered nine of last 12 games as an underdog. Last three year, Pac-12 teams are 18-15-1 vs spread when facing a Mountain West foe.

Northern Illinois (+3) upset Iowa 30-27 in last meeting five years ago; Huskies covered four of last five games vs Big 14 opponents. NIU has 14 starters back, 8 on offense- their OL has 111 starters back. Huskies are 10-3 vs spread as home underdogs under Carey; their QB is a sop with only 7 career starts. Iowa is 12-22-1 vs spread in its last 35 home games; they’ve got 13 starters back, 7 on offense. Hawkeyes’ QB is a junior with 13 starts. Last three years, MAC teams are 19-10-1 vs spread when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Maryland (+17) went to Austin LY and shocked Texas 51-41, running ball for 263 yards, but Terps had a terrible off-season, with a player dying in conditioning workouts. Hard to tell what effect that will have, but it won’t be good. Maryland is 5-7 vs spread at home with Durkin; their OL has 105 returning starts, but their QB has almost no experience. Texas covered four of five on road in Herman’s first year; Longhorns have two experienced QB’s- their OL has 102 starts. Last four years, Big X teams are 6-5-1 vs spread when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Vanderbilt won its last three games with Middle Tennessee, winning 47-24 (-3) in last meeting here in ‘16. Commodores have 12 starters back, 7 on offense- their senior QB Shurmur (30 starts) is son of the NJ Giants’ coach. Vandy is 13-14 vs spread at home under Mason, 4-8 when a home favorite. MTSU has 17 starters back, 9 on defense; senior QB Stockstill (32 starts) is the coach’s son. Blue Raiders are 6-10-1 in last 17 games as road underdogs. Last three years, SEC teams are 13-6-1 vs spread against Conference USA opponents.

Arizona (-1.5) beat BYU 18-16 in last meeting two years ago, on a neutral field. Arizona debut for Kevin Sumlin, who was 13-19-1 as home favorite in his last job (Tex A&M). Since 2012, Wildcats are 11-13-1 as home favorites; they’ve got 16 starters back, 9 on defense- their mobile junior QB Tate has 9 starts. Arizona’s OL has 66 returning starts. BYU has senior QB with 21 starts; their OL has only 39 returning starts. Cougars have 14 starters back, 7 on both sides of ball; they’re 7-3 as road underdogs under Sitake.

Long trip into SEC country (Atlanta) for Washington squad that has senior QB with 39 career starts, an OL with 97 career starts. Under Petersen, U-Dub is 17-14 vs spread away from home. Huskies have 17 starters back, 9 on defense. Since 2014, Auburn is just 5-14-1 vs spread in out of conference games; Tigers have junior QB with 17 starts- their OL has only 40 returning starts. Auburn has 13 returning starters, 7 on defense. Last seven years, SEC teams are 8-3 vs Pac-12 opponents, but Pac-12 teams won both matchups LY.

Ole Miss-Tex Tech haven’t met since 2009; last two years, Rebels were 2-6 vs spread outside the SEC. Ole Miss has 15 starters back, 8 on offense- their OL has 102 returning starts. Rebels’ QB is a senior with only 5 career starts. Tech has a new QB; they’ve got 10 starters back on defense- their OL has 93 returning starts, but only one starter is a senior. Under Kingsbury, Red Raiders are 9-8-1 vs spread out of conference. Last seven years, Big X teams are 11-10 vs spread when facing an SEC opponent. This game is in Houston, so Tech will have crowd edge.

West Virginia has 12 starters back, 7 on offense; their OL has 65 returning starts, the senior QB has 16 career starts. Mountaineers covered only one of last nine neutral field games. Tennessee has a new coach, their 5th coach in 11 years. Since 2012, Vols are 12-15 vs spread out of conference. Tennessee’s OL has 51 returning starts; their grad transfer QB had 13 career starts at Stanford. Last seven years, Big X teams are 11-10 vs spread when facing an SEC opponent. This game is in Charlotte, NC, so crowd support should be fairly even.

North Carolina QB Surratt is suspended here for selling his sneakers; some of UNC’s offensive line are also out. Cal (+12) won 35-30 in Chapel Hill last season, throwing for 363 yards. Tar Heels have 13 starters back, 8 on defense; their OL has only 19 returning starts- since 2015, UNC is 10-4 vs spread on road. California covered nine of its last 12 home games; they’ve got 18 starters back, 10 on offense. Bears’ junior QB has 12 starts; their OL has 76 returning starts. Last four years, ACC teams are 8-3 vs spread when facing a Pac-12 team.

Home side won last four Michigan-Notre Dame games; teams last met in 2014. Irish won 31-0 in last meeting here. Wolverines are 6-8 vs spread on road under Harbaugh; their new QB is Ole Miss transfer Patterson, who started 10 games at Ole Miss. Michigan has 17 returning starters, 9 on defense; their OL has 54 returning starts. Notre Dame has 15 returning starters, 9 on defense; their OL has 65 returning starters, their QB has 12. Since 2011, Irish are 14-11 vs spread at home- they covered their last three games as a home underdog.

Alabama hasn’t announced their starting QB yet; obviously both are good. Crimson Tide covered four of its last five season openers. Alabama has 103 returning starts on its OL, but has only three returning starters on defense- they’ve got injury problems at linebacker. Louisville is 6-4 vs spread in its last ten games as an underdog; Cardinals have a new QB- their OL has 79 returning starts, their defense has only four returning starters. Last three years, ACC teams are 20-14-1 vs spread when playing SEC opponents. This game is in Orlando.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 1

Saturday, September 1

Florida Atlantic @ Oklahoma

Game 151-152
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida Atlantic
94.907
Oklahoma
112.732
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma
by 18
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma
by 21
69
Dunkel Pick:
Florida Atlantic
(+21); Under

Houston @ Rice

Game 153-154
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
82.300
Rice
64.078
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 18
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 25 1/2
56
Dunkel Pick:
Rice
(+25 1/2); Under

Oregon State @ Ohio State

Game 155-156
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon State
72.886
Ohio State
116.012
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 43
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 37
63 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(-37); Over

Appalachian St @ Penn State

Game 157-158
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Appalachian St
87.938
Penn State
113.645
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn State
by 25 1/2
68
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn State
by 23
54
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(-23); Over

Akron @ Nebraska

Game 161-162
September 1, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
70.053
Nebraska
80.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 11
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nebraska
by 24
54
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+24); Under

Massachusetts @ Boston College

Game 163-164
September 1, 2018 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Massachusetts
80.178
Boston College
96.934
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston College
by 17
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston College
by 18 1/2
63
Dunkel Pick:
Massachusetts
(+18 1/2); Under

Kent State @ Illinois

Game 165-166
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kent State
59.772
Illinois
72.692
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois
by 13
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Illinois
by 16 1/2
57
Dunkel Pick:
Kent State
(+16 1/2); Under

Texas State @ Rutgers

Game 167-168
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas State
62.702
Rutgers
70.711
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rutgers
by 8
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rutgers
by 16 1/2
47
Dunkel Pick:
Texas State
(+16 1/2); Under

Indiana @ FIU

Game 169-170
September 1, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
89.224
FIU
75.702
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 13 1/2
75
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 10
57
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-10); Over

Northern Illinois @ Iowa

Game 171-172
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Illinois
81.982
Iowa
99.417
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iowa
by 17 1/2
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iowa
by 9 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iowa
(-9 1/2); Over

Texas @ Maryland

Game 173-174
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
93.615
Maryland
83.365
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 10 1/2
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
by 13
56 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Maryland
(+13); Over

Boise State @ Troy

Game 175-176
September 1, 2018 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boise State
94.970
Troy
87.052
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boise State
by 8
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boise State
by 10 1/2
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Troy
(+10 1/2); Over

Louisiana Tech @ South Alabama

Game 177-178
September 1, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisiana Tech
82.535
South Alabama
65.152
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisiana Tech
by 17 1/2
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisiana Tech
by 10 1/2
51
Dunkel Pick:
Louisiana Tech
(-10 1/2); Under

Marshall @ Miami of Ohio

Game 179-180
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Marshall
73.724
Miami of Ohio
77.783
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami of Ohio
by 4
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami of Ohio
by 2 1/2
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami of Ohio
(-2 1/2); Under

SMU @ North Texas

Game 181-182
September 1, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SMU
75.380
North Texas
75.304
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
SMU
Even
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Texas
by 4 1/2
71
Dunkel Pick:
SMU
(+4 1/2); Under

Middle Tennessee St @ Vanderbilt

Game 183-184
September 1, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Middle Tennessee
77.626
Vanderbilt
80.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Vanderbilt
by 2 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vanderbilt
by 4 1/2
57
Dunkel Pick:
Middle Tennessee
(+4 1/2); Under

Brigham Young @ Arizona

Game 185-186
September 1, 2018 @ 10:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brigham Young
74.353
Arizona
89.476
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 15
77
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 11 1/2
60 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-11 1/2); Over

TX-San Antonio @ Arizona State

Game 187-188
September 1, 2018 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-San Antonio
71.679
Arizona State
91.934
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona State
by 20 1/2
68
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona State
by 18 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona State
(-18 1/2); Over

UNLV @ USC

Game 189-190
September 1, 2018 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UNLV
71.657
USC
102.192
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
USC
by 30 1/2
70
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
USC
by 25
62 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
USC
(-25); Over

Cincinnati @ UCLA

Game 191-192
September 1, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
68.228
UCLA
89.783
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
UCLA
by 21 1/2
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
UCLA
by 16 1/2
61 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
UCLA
(-16 1/2); Over

Washington @ Auburn

Game 193-194
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
107.497
Auburn
103.925
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Auburn
by 2 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+2 1/2); Under

Central Michigan @ Kentucky

Game 195-196
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Central Michigan
79.296
Kentucky
86.348
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 7
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kentucky
by 17
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Central Michigan
(+17); Under

Mississippi @ Texas Tech

Game 197-198
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Mississippi
90.778
Texas Tech
91.272
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Mississippi
Even
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Tech
by 2 1/2
67 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Mississippi
(+2 1/2); Under

Coastal Carolina @ South Carolina

Game 199-200
September 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Coastal Carolina
67.023
South Carolina
93.303
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Carolina
by 26
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Carolina
by 29 1/2
57
Dunkel Pick:
Coastal Carolina
(+29 1/2); Under

West Virginia @ Tennessee

Game 201-202
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
West Virginia
89.924
Tennessee
76.386
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
West Virginia
by 13 1/2
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
West Virginia
by 10
61
Dunkel Pick:
West Virginia
(-10); Over

North Carolina @ California

Game 203-204
September 1, 2018 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
North Carolina
85.739
California
95.485
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
California
by 10
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
California
by 7
61
Dunkel Pick:
California
(-7); Over

Washington St @ Wyoming

Game 205-206
September 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington St
92.361
Wyoming
85.846
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington St
by 6 1/2
35
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington St
by 2 1/2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Washington St
(-2 1/2); N/A

Bowling Green @ Oregon

Game 207-208
September 1, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Bowling Green
62.699
Oregon
98.695
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon
by 36
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oregon
by 31 1/2
73 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon
(-31 1/2); Under

Old Dominion @ Liberty

Game 209-210
September 1, 2018 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Old Dominion
65.270
Liberty
60.075
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Old Dominion
by 5
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Old Dominion
by 7
48
Dunkel Pick:
Liberty
(+7); Over

Michigan @ Notre Dame

Game 211-212
September 1, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Michigan
96.812
Notre Dame
98.790
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Notre Dame
by 2
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 1 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Notre Dame
(+1 1/2); Over

Louisville @ Alabama

Game 213-214
September 1, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisville
92.413
Alabama
121.845
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Alabama
by 29 1/2
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alabama
by 25
60
Dunkel Pick:
Alabama
(-25); Over

Navy @ Hawaii

Game 215-216
September 1, 2018 @ 11:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Navy
91.083
Hawaii
70.865
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Navy
by 20
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Navy
by 16
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Navy
(-16); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

College Essentials - Week 1
Tony Mejia

The first weekend of the college football season featured only two games where FBS teams squared off against one another and produced an upset right out of the gate.

Hawai’I had a great weekend, capturing the Little League World Series less than 24 hours after its largest university held off 17-point favorite Colorado State to start 1-0 in Mountain West play. Wyoming won its first game post-Josh Allen thanks to an impressive defensive effort in a 29-7 victory at New Mexico State.

We’re now off and running with every other team set to debut in games scheduled daily beginning Thursday.

Here’s a look at the games I’m most excited about between Friday and Monday, a top ten that you can’t miss and should be wagering on if so inclined.

Saturday, Sept. 1

Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma (-21/68.5), 12:00 p.m. ET, FOX: Points are expected to pile up here as early numbers have placed this total near 70 and the ‘over’ should still be a popular play. It’s Lane Kiffin vs. Lincoln Riley, two offensive masterminds, going at in a season opener, so they’ll have had plenty of time in the lab to show off a few wrinkles that could overwhelm the defense. The Owls are stepping up in weight class significantly and haven’t seen a quarterback emerge to take the reins, so that’s going to be a concern in a hostile atmosphere in Norman. It would spice things up if Oklahoma transfer Chris Robison starts for Florida Atlantic. Kyler Murray replacing Baker Mayfield was always the expectation, so now it’s time to see if the former elite recruit who never lost in high school can produce at a high level consistently before beginning his journey in the A’s farm system. The Sooners are laying a big number, so he’ll need to be sharp to keep this from getting too interesting. Impressive OU RB Rodney Anderson will shoulder a heavy load, but FAU’s Devin Singletary is also a pro. It’s expected to be sunny, so weather shouldn’t be a concern.

Washington at Auburn (-1.5/49), 3:30 p.m ET, ABC: This one reigns as the top matchup of the weekend given the rankings and title aspirations both harbor. Huskies QB Jake Browning has gotten a reputation as a player who struggles in the biggest moments and took a step back after a brilliant sophomore year, so we’ll see how he attacks his senior season. Counterpart Jarrett Stidham is a potential No. 1 NFL overall pick given his arm and athleticism. Going up against SEC defenses will test him weekly, but don’t sell Washington short. Taylor Rapp is a tremendous safety leading one of the country’s top secondaries to the table. If Greg Gaines is back to his old self up front, Auburn will have some trouble moving it effectively. The dome at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes any weather concerns out the window and certainly gives the SEC’s Tigers the edge since their fan base will help create a great atmosphere and make life difficult for an offense that will lean on elite running back Myles Gaskin. It’s easy to dismiss what looks to be the Pac-12’s top team entering the season due to the league’s lack of success over the past few years but that would be foolish in this case. Washington has the coaching talent to take advantage of a season opener in which Gus Malzahn may believe his defense is ahead of the offensive, potentially slowing this contest down.

West Virginia (-10/61) vs. Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS: The Mountaineers have the nation’s most prolific returning passer in Will Grier and genuine Big 12 title aspirations, so it’s no surprise to see them as a double-digit favorite against the rebuilding Vols. There is significant SEC talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that West Virginia must contend with in order to move it. The prospect of WR David Sills and Gary Jennings helping Grier light up a Vols’ defensive backfield that will start a pair of true freshmen. New head coach Jeremy Pruitt can coach and scheme up a defense, but this will be a tough first test for him and his staff in Charlotte. Tennessee has entrusted Jarrett Guarantano over Stanford transfer Keller Chryst with the keys to the offense despite a shaky freshman season, so the offense is somewhat of a mystery. Thunderstorms are a possibility here as well.

Michigan at Notre Dame (PK/47), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC: We’ve got ourselves a pick’em here in addition to the possibility of inclement weather, so I’d wait until closer to kickoff to pick a side in this potential classic. Jim Harbaugh is entering a critical fourth season in Ann Arbor and has his best quarterback since arriving back at his alma mater with Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson at the controls. Unfortunately, talented receiver Tarik Black has been ruled out for a few months with an injury so Michigan will be down a playmaker in South Bend. The Wolverines topped the country in pass defense last season and will pose a major challenge for Irish QB Brandon Wimbush with so many starters back. Sophomore Ian Book might get in a series if the junior incumbent can’t produce results early but has remained the backup despite helping take down LSU in January’s Citrus Bowl. There are plenty of moving parts here. The last meeting between these former annual rivals saw Notre Dame help usher in the Harbaugh era with a 31-0 home win in 2014 that spelled the beginning of the end for Brady Hoke’s tenure. How will Brian Kelly fare now? Whichever team loses faces a major buzzkill.

Louisville vs. Alabama (-24.5/60), 8 p.m. ET, ABC: Nick Saban has another tremendous defense in place, but the Crimson Tide will have to prove it on the field given the roster turnover. Redshirt senior Christian Miller and juniors Raekwon Davis and Anfernee Jennings are worthy leaders who should make life difficult for Lamar Jackson’s replacement, Jawon Pass. Bobby Petrino will have a strong offensive game plan in place with so long to prepare for a daunting challenge, so we’ll likely see this QB race between Heisman Trophy favorite Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts play out immediately. They’ve been listed as co-starters. The Tide are a 25-point favorite in Orlando, where rain is always a concern. Will having a new set of coordinators and a host of new faces derail the Tide or have them ready to show out. The ‘Ville will need standout WR Jaylen Smith to prove he’s a quick learner. He underwent an emergency appendectomy at the start of fall camp and is still coming along, which is unfortunate timing given the opening game opposition.

BYU at Arizona (-11.5/60.5), 10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Cougars are looking to bounce back from their first losing season since 2004 and have chosen Tanner Mangum over highly touted freshman Zach Wilson to lead the offense out on the field in Tucson. Former Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has taken over after the Rich Rodriguez era ended and promises to push tempo in order to make QB Khalil Tate continue to shine since he’s got Lamar Jackson-like skills. This should be compelling given where both programs are entering the season. BYU tight end Matt Bushman was a freshman All-American last season but wasn’t handed the starting job, which is likely a message thing. With WR Dylan Collie and RB Squally Canada in the mix, Mangum will have weapons to move the ball on the road. The speculation is he’ll have a long leash. The ‘Cats will have to give Tate time and room to work without suspended senior left tackle Layth Friekh after losing three starters to graduation. The other key returnee, center Nathan Eldridge, has been hampered by knee issues and may not be up to speed if he can go. Getting the offensive line prepared has been one of Sumlin’s top objectives upon arrival.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

College football trends for games that didn’t make my top 13……..

13) San Diego State (+8) upset Stanford 20-17 last year; Aztecs are 12-6 vs spread in their last 18 road games. Stanford is 3-7 in its last ten games as home favorites.

12) Since 2014, UCLA is 8-16 vs spread at home; they play Oklahoma next week. Cincinnati has a new QB, only 21 starts back on OL; they’re 13-10 vs spread in last 23 road games.

11) Since 2012, Florida Atlantic is 20-7-1 as a road underdog; Oklahoma covered 13 of last 17 tries as a home favorite- they play UCLA next week.

10) Wake Forest’s QB is suspended for this game; Deacons are 10-6 vs spread in their last 16 road games. Tulane is 7-5 vs spread at home under Fritz.

9) Since 2011, Navy is 24-14 vs spread on road; Hawai’i allowed 653 yards in their upset win last week at Colorado State, but 537 of those were thru air. Since 2011, Rainbows are 8-15-1 as a home underdog.

8) Syracuse is 7-3 vs spread on road under Babers; Western Michigan is 7-5 vs spread in its last 12 home games. Last seven years, ACC teams are 16-10 vs spread when playing MAC opponents.

7) Central Michigan is 7-3 as road underdogs under coach Bonamego; since 2015, Kentucky is 4-10 as a home favorite.

6) Marshall’s QB has 20 career starts, but they were at I-AA Wagner; Thundering Herd is 10-3-1 vs spread in its last 14 games as road underdogs. Miami (-1.5) lost 31-26 at Marshall LY; Red Hawks are 4-7 vs spread in their last 11 home games.

5) Indiana won its last two games with FIU, 34-13/36-22; Hoosiers are 11-15 vs spread in their last 26 road games. FIU was 4-0 as a home underdog LY, in Butch Davis’ first year there.

4) SMU won its last three games with North Texas: 54-32, 34-21, 31-13; Mustangs are 6-4-1 vs spread in their last 11 road games. Since 2011, Mean Green is 14-7 as home favorites.

3) Since 2008, Boise State is 36-16 as road favorites; they’re 12-8 vs spread in last 20 non-MW games. Since 2008, Troy is 3-4 as home underdogs.

2) Since 2012, UNLV is 21-8 vs spread as road underdogs; since ’11, USC is 25-17 as home favorites.

1) A final word on betting college football, from Alex Kolodziej, betting writer for The Score:

“…….however, a warning: More teams mean more opportunities, and more opportunities mean increased betting volume. And I’ll be the first to say that when Week 1 of college football arrives and there are 40 more games to choose from than the opening week of the NFL, there will be a raging impulse to take every nugget from your Phil Steele magazine and apply them.

Do not listen to that impulse. Be selective. Or be broke.”

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, September 1


National League
Brewers (76-60) @ Nationals (67-68)
Anderson is 3-0, 4.83 in his last six starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 14-12, 5-7 away
5-inning record: 14-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26

Strasburg is 1-1, 7.98 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-8, 5-2 home
5-inning record: 8-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Brewers are 6-2 in their last eight games; over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Washington won three of its last five games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine home games.

Cubs (79-55) @ Phillies (72-62)
Hendricks is 4-1, 3.26 in his lat six starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 13-14, 8-6 away
5-inning record: 10-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 14-27

Eflin is 1-1, 8.22 in his last three starts; under is 9-5 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 10-9, 6-3 home
5-inning record: 12-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-19 (3 of last 3)

Cubs won eight of their last ten games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 road games. Philly is 4-8 in its last 12 games; over is 4-2 in their last six games.

Pirates (66-69) @ Braves (74-60)
Archer is 0-2, 7.62 in his last three starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Gausman is 4-0, 1.00 in his last four starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 4-1, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 3-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Pirates lost seven of their last ten games; under is 14-4 in their last 18 games. Atlanta lost seven of its last eight home games; three of their last four games went over.

Reds (57-78) @ Cardinals (76-59)
Castillo is 1-3, 6.43 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 13-13, 5-9 away
5-inning record: 11-14-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Poncedeleon is 0-0, 0.82 in his two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 1-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 1-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Reds lost nine of their last 11 games; under is 4-2 in their last six road games. St Louis is 18-4 in its last 22 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Diamondbacks (73-62) @ Dodgers (73-62)
Corbin is 3-1, 2.70 in his last five starts; under is 8-4-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 16-11, 8-5 road
5-inning record: 13-7-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-27

Kershaw is 3-0, 2.32 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-10, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 13-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-20

Arizona lost five of its last eight games; they’re 25-21 vs vs lefty starters—nine of their last 11 games stayed under. Dodgers won six of their last seven games; they’re 30-21 vs vs lefty starters- over is 7-5-1 in their last 13 games.

Rockies (72-62) @ Padres (54-83)
Gray is 3-0, 3.42 in his last eight starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 15-10, 7-5 road
5-inning record: 12-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-25

Erlin is 1-1, 5.66 in his last four starts (over 4-3). Team in his starts: 3-4, 0-2 home
5-inning record: 0-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Colorado is 8-6 in its last 14 games; under is 10-4 in their last 14 games. San Diego won five of its last six home games; four of their last seven games went over.

Mets (59-75) @ Giants (68-68)
Matz is 0-3, 9.82 in his last four starts; his last seven starts went over. Team in his starts: 11-13, 6-6 road
5-inning record: 7-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-24

Holland is 2-0, 2.78 in his last four starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-11, 7-2 home
5-inning record: 9-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Mets lost four of their last five games; they’re 13-22 vs lefty starters- over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Giants won five of their last six games; they’re 26-26 vs vs lefty starters. Under is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

American League
Detroit (54-81) @ New York (85-50)
Norris is 0-1, 4.91 in his two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Tanaka is 0-3, 4.88 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 13-9, 4-5 home.
5-inning record: 12-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Tigers lost six of their last seven games; over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. New York won six of its last nine games; five of their last seven games stayed under.

Rays (71-63) @ Indians (77-57)
Snell is 4-0, 0.82 in his last four starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 16-9, 8-6 away (home team won all five)
5-inning record: 16-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-25

Bieber is 3-0, 3.81 in his last five starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-4, 4-2 home.
5-inning record: 8-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Rays won nine of their last 11 games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Cleveland lost five of its last nine games; they’re 18-16 vs vs lefty starters- under is 10-3 in their last 13 home games.

Minnesota (63-71) @ Texas (58-77)
Berrios is 0-1, 6.11 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five road starts. Team in his starts: 15-12, 4-8 away
5-inning record: 9-13-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-27

Gallardo is 0-2, 5.65 in his last three starts (under 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 9-3, 6-1 home.
5-inning record: 7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-12

Twins lost five of their last seven games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Texas lost its last five games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Red Sox (93-43) @ White Sox (54-81)
Rodriguez is 2-0, 0.00 (17 IP) in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 16-3, 6-1 away
5-inning record: 12-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Rodon is 3-0, 3.00 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 8-6, 4-2 home.
5-inning record: 5-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Red Sox won three of their last four games; they’re 17-16 vs vs lefty starters- over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Chicago is 12-5 in its last 17 games; they’re 10-20 vs vs lefty starters- under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Angels (66-69) @ Astros (82-53)
Pena is 0-1, 4.18 in his last four starts; under is 8-2 in his last 10. Team in his starts: 5-7, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 3-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-12

James is making his MLB debut here; he was 6-4, 3.40 in 17 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Angels lost six of their last eight games; under is 3-0 in their last three games. Houston won eight of its last 12 games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Orioles (40-95) @ Royals (43-91)
Bundy is 0-4, 9.95 in his last five starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 8-17, 3-8 away
5-inning record: 8-13-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-25

Fillmyer is 2-0, 4.71 in his last four starts (over 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 2-6, 2-3 home.
5-inning record: 3-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8

Baltimore won three of its last four games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Royals won six of their last seven home games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Mariners (75-60) @ A’s (81-55)
Paxton is 1-1, 5.84 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 14-10, 8-5 away
5-inning record: 9-9-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Mengden is making his first start since June 23; he is 0-2, 11.57 in his last four starts- over is 3-0-2 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-6, 6-4 home.
5-inning record: 8-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Mariners are 6-10 in their last 16 games; under is 5-3 in their last eight road games. A’s are 20-9 in their last 29 games, 3-3 in last six; they’re 27-20 vs vs lefty starters- over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Interleague
Blue Jays (60-73) @ Marlins (53-81)
Estrada is 2-2, 7.91 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-12, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 9-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Chen is 3-3, 2.16 in his last seven home starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five starts overall. Team in his starts: 10-11, 6-3 home.
5-inning record: 9-10-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-21

Blue Jays lost four of their last five games; they’re 14-31 vs vs lefty starters. Over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. Miami lost its last four games; under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Umpires
NY-SF- Under is 7-1 in last eight Fairchild games.
Chi-Phil- Underdogs are 9-4 in last 13 Foster games.
Mil-Wsh- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Carlson games.
Pitt-Atl- Under is 7-3 in last ten Welke games.
Cin-StL- Four of last five Meals games went over.
Col-SD- Under is 10-4-2 in Rehak games this year.
Az-LA- Under is 13-3-2 in last 18 Bellino games.

Det-NY- Favorites won last seven Nauert games.
LAA-Hst- Under is 8-2-1 in last 11 DeJesus games.
Bos-Chi- Five of last seven Barksdale games went over.
TB-Clev- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Wolf games.
Balt-KC- Over is 8-4 in last dozen Gibson games.
Min-Tex- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Miller games.
Sea-A’s- Over is 16-6-1 in last 23 Johnson games.

Tor-Mia- Underdogs are 7-6 in last 13 Timmons games.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/31
Ariz 36-23-10……33-22-10……..69-45
Atl 30-28-10…..33-24-9………63-52
Cubs 26-27-13……32-28-9…….58-55
Reds 21-41-4……25-32-10….…46-73
Colo 33-25-14……33-23-8……65-49
LA 34-23-8…….31-27-14……66-50
Miami 23-33-9…..28-28-15…….51-61
Milw 28-33-9…..34-25-7…….62-58
Mets 31-30-6……26-27-15…..57-55
Philly 26-26-15…..34-22-10……60-48
Pitt 30-29-7……29-27-13……..59-56
StL 34-25-10……30-30-6………64-55
SD 20-39-10……24-34-9…….44-73
SF 29-30-12…..27-24-14……56-54
Wash 29-28-13..…29-26-10……58-54

Orioles 18-38-12……21-37-11……39-75
Boston 32-25-14……41-18-6……..73-43
W Sox 23-40-6…..…22-35-10……45-75
Clev 27-27-13……41-17-10……..68-44
Det 22-35-10…..…30-30-11.……52-65
Astros 37-18-15……33-20-14…….70-37
KC 20-38-8…….28-32-10…..48-70
Angels 28-27-13……28-32-8……56-59
Twins 22-35-11……32-31-8…..54-66
NYY 33-21-11……41-22-8………74-42
A’s 26-32-11……29-26-12…..55-58
Seattle 33-30-9……29-24-14…….62-52
TB 30-26-13……31-25-9……60-50
Texas 22-35-8…..25-38-7…….47-73
Toronto 18-38-11…23-30-15……41-67

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/31)
Ariz 29-68…….25-66…..…54
Atl 21-67……27-66………48
Cubs 12-66……..22-66……..34
Reds 16-67……..16-69……..32
Colo 22-71…….24-64.…….46
LA 22-65……..25-70..…..47
Miami 14-65……..19-70…….33
Milw 24-69…..…25-68…….49
Mets 27-66……..21-68……48
Philly 16-67……..21-67……37
Pitt 15-66……..19-70…….34
StL 23-69……..20-66…….43
SD 19-70……..19-68…….38
SF 13-69………21-68..…..34
Wash 25-70……..20-65…….45

Orioles 20-68……..20-68……..40
Boston 19-70……25-66………44
White Sox 19-68……18-66…….37
Clev 18-66…….28-67……..46
Detroit 21-67……..20-69….…41
Astros 20-69…..…15-67………35
KC 16-66..…….22-68…….38
Angels 17-66…..….18-68…….35
Twins 15-66………15-68…….30
NYY 15-65……..28-70………43
A’s 18-71…..…..19-67…….37
Seattle 27-70………21-67…….48
TB 21-69..……20-64…….41
Texas 10-65……19-69…….…29
Toronto 17-67………14-67….….31

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 71-67 NL, favorites +$100
AL @ NL– 68-57 NL, favorites -$67
Total: 139-124 NL, favorites +$33

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, September 1

Trend Report

New York Mets
NY Mets is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games on the road
NY Mets is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Francisco is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets


Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
NY Yankees is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit


Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Chi Cubs is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
Philadelphia is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs


Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington Nationals
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee


Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 13 games
Atlanta is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 12 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay


Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Marlins
Miami is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Miami is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Chi White Sox is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing Boston
Chi White Sox is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Chi White Sox is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing at home against Boston


Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Angels is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
LA Angels is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
LA Angels is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 9 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
LA Angels is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Astros
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Houston is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games at home
Houston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels


Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Baltimore is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Baltimore is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Kansas City
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Kansas City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Baltimore
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Kansas City's last 23 games when playing at home against Baltimore


Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games
St. Louis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
St. Louis is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati


Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
Minnesota is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Texas
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Minnesota is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Texas
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas Rangers
Texas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games at home
Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Texas is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Minnesota
Texas is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Texas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota


Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games
Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego Padres
San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
San Diego is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado


Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 13 games on the road
Seattle is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 10 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Oakland is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oakland's last 16 games at home
Oakland is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 10 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Seattle
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing at home against Seattle


Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games
Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games
LA Dodgers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games at home
LA Dodgers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games at home
LA Dodgers is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Saturday, September 1

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http://i65.tinypic.com/anizw4.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/21obqzb.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/21chtz8.jpg

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, September 1


NY Mets @ San Francisco

Game 951-952
September 1, 2018 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Matz) 16.284
San Francisco
(Holland) 13.987
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+115); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia

Game 953-954
September 1, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 17.049
Philadelphia
(Eflin) 13.278
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-135); Under

Milwaukee @ Washington

Game 955-956
September 1, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Andrson) 15.010
Washington
(Strasburg) 16.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-135); Over

Pittsburgh @ Atlanta

Game 957-958
September 1, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Archer) 17.505
Atlanta
(Gausman) 13.997
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+130); Under

Cincinnati @ St. Louis

Game 959-960
September 1, 2018 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Castillo) 16.343
St. Louis
(Pncedeleon) 15.479
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+125); Over

Colorado @ San Diego

Game 961-962
September 1, 2018 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Gray) 16.279
San Diego
(Erlin) 13.876
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-160); Under

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 963-964
September 1, 2018 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Corbin) 18.298
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 14.630
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 3 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+140); Under

Detroit @ NY Yankees

Game 965-966
September 1, 2018 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Norris) 12.901
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 15.402
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
N/A

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 967-968
September 1, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Pena) 14.480
Houston
(James) 17.874
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
N/A

Boston @ Chicago White Sox

Game 969-970
September 1, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rodriguez) 15.879
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 17.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+140); Under

Tampa Bay @ Cleveland

Game 971-972
September 1, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Snell) 17.037
Cleveland
(Bieber) 16.265
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+100); Under

Baltimore @ Kansas City

Game 973-974
September 1, 2018 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Bundy) 15.385
Kansas City
(Fillmyer) 13.455
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-115); Over

Minnesota @ Texas

Game 975-976
September 1, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Berrios) 15.689
Texas
(Gallardo) 14.056
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-125
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-125); Over

Seattle @ Oakland

Game 977-978
September 1, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Paxton) 15.331
Oakland
(Mengden) 16.893
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+110); Under

Toronto @ Miami

Game 979-980
September 1, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 14.114
Miami
(Chen) 11.684
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-115); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, September 1

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

NY METS (59 - 75) at SAN FRANCISCO (68 - 68) - 4:05 PM
STEVEN MATZ (L) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 58-75 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 34-57 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-68 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-28 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-18 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 291-197 (+55.9 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-51 (+30.3 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-9 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOLLAND is 7-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 13-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY METS are 451-470 (+34.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-32 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-51 (-29.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MATZ is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.64 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. NY METS since 1997
HOLLAND is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (79 - 55) at PHILADELPHIA (72 - 62) - 7:05 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. ZACH EFLIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1774-1817 (-263.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-52 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1310-1354 (-205.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
HENDRICKS is 27-27 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 72-62 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 43-24 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-13 (+12.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-16 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-27 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-18 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EFLIN is 7-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 41-19 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
HENDRICKS is 18-3 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-2 (+0.9 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HENDRICKS is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 0.949.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

ZACH EFLIN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
EFLIN is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.227.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (76 - 60) at WASHINGTON (67 - 68) - 7:05 PM
CHASE ANDERSON (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 14-25 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-16 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 76-60 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 64-56 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-26 (+12.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 78-73 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 54-29 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 60-43 (+15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 67-68 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-24 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-35 (-21.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-32 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-14 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-41 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 53-45 (-7.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 31-34 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-35 (-9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-17 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 27.00 and a WHIP of 4.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
STRASBURG is 0-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 0-3 (-5.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

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PITTSBURGH (66 - 69) at ATLANTA (74 - 60) - 7:10 PM
CHRIS ARCHER (R) vs. KEVIN GAUSMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 33-45 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-46 (-20.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 38-51 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 22-32 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 14-30 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 74-59 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 94-90 (+23.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 56-38 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 35-24 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 50-46 (+4.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 12-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
ATLANTA is 71-96 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
GAUSMAN is 3-9 (-7.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 12-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.1 Units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ARCHER is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GAUSMAN is 1-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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CINCINNATI (57 - 78) at ST LOUIS (76 - 59) - 7:15 PM
LUIS CASTILLO (R) vs. DANIEL PONCEDELEON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 21-41 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 76-59 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 119-109 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 51-50 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 57-54 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 55-61 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 12-5 (+5.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-1.8 Units)

LUIS CASTILLO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CASTILLO is 0-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.302.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

DANIEL PONCEDELEON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PONCEDELEON is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.429.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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COLORADO (72 - 62) at SAN DIEGO (54 - 83) - 8:40 PM
JON GRAY (R) vs. ROBBIE ERLIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 103-105 (-25.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 6-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 38-36 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-62 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 38-32 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 54-37 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 56-42 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 26-42 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 18-32 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 4-21 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 8-9 (+1.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.4 Units)

JON GRAY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GRAY is 7-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 0.961.
His team's record is 7-7 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.3 units)

ROBBIE ERLIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
ERLIN is 2-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.89 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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ARIZONA (74 - 61) at LA DODGERS (73 - 62) - 9:10 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 22-34 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 168-133 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-5 (+9.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 this season.
ARIZONA is 39-30 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 80-59 (+14.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 27-18 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 73-62 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 15-22 (-19.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-34 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 4-10 (-14.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-17 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 31-28 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-44 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 9-5 (+6.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

PAT CORBIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CORBIN is 4-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 6-11 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-9. (-2.1 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KERSHAW is 16-9 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 17-13 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-12. (+3.7 units)

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DETROIT (54 - 81) at NY YANKEES (85 - 50) - 4:05 PM
DANIEL NORRIS (L) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-3 (+1.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

DANIEL NORRIS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
NORRIS is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. DETROIT since 1997
TANAKA is 1-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.207.
His team's record is 2-3 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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LA ANGELS (66 - 69) at HOUSTON (82 - 53) - 7:10 PM
FELIX PENA (R) vs. JOSH JAMES (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-8 (+1.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)

FELIX PENA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PENA is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOSH JAMES vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (93 - 43) at CHI WHITE SOX (54 - 81) - 7:10 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CARLOS RODON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 539-491 (-68.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 28-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-42 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 93-43 (+31.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
RODRIGUEZ is 16-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-2 (+4.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

CARLOS RODON vs. BOSTON since 1997
RODON is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.232.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (71 - 63) at CLEVELAND (77 - 57) - 7:10 PM
BLAKE SNELL (L) vs. SHANE BIEBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 134-66 (+36.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-4 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-63 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 49-46 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 35-35 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SNELL is 16-9 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SNELL is 11-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 77-57 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-12 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-39 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 48-58 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 43-33 (-8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 22-29 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

BLAKE SNELL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SNELL is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

SHANE BIEBER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (40 - 95) at KANSAS CITY (43 - 91) - 7:15 PM
DYLAN BUNDY (R) vs. HEATH FILLMYER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 40-95 (-46.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-41 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-63 (-22.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 16-51 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-49 (-21.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 5-20 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-63 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-67 (-38.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 26-68 (-35.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-35 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BUNDY is 1-15 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 43-91 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-51 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-45 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-34 (-12.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-58 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-64 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

DYLAN BUNDY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUNDY is 1-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

HEATH FILLMYER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (63 - 71) at TEXAS (58 - 77) - 8:05 PM
JOSE BERRIOS (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 24-42 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 231-231 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-32 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 171-160 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 171-164 (+17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
GALLARDO is 9-3 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 148-149 (+1.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 97-87 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-53 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-2 (-0.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. TEXAS since 1997
BERRIOS is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GALLARDO is 5-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 7-5 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.7 units)

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

SEATTLE (75 - 60) at OAKLAND (81 - 55) - 9:05 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. DANIEL MENGDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 81-55 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 37-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 86-62 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-7 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
OAKLAND is 49-36 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 46-34 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MENGDEN is 15-8 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 75-60 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 41-35 (+5.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 37-32 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 18-13 (+7.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 52-36 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 53-38 (+16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 34-24 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 35-36 (+5.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-6 (+2.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PAXTON is 3-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

DANIEL MENGDEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MENGDEN is 0-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

TORONTO (61 - 73) at MIAMI (53 - 82) - 7:10 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 137-159 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-28 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 82-100 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 14-31 (-16.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 57-79 (-26.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 105-124 (+1.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-16 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
CHEN is 96-72 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 32-12 (+21.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 55-31 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. MIAMI since 1997
ESTRADA is 2-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 6.33 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-5. (-5.5 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. TORONTO since 1997
CHEN is 1-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.661.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Albuquerque
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $14100 Class Rating: 71

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 BUILDEM LITTLE 7/2

# 7 LAST BEST WEST (T) 6/1

# 10 ONE SWEET KING 8/1

BUILDEM LITTLE is the top wager in this race. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding. Should come out strong - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the front end recently. Has to be given a shot based on the competitive Equibase Speed Fig put up in the last affair. LAST BEST WEST (T) - Overall the Speed Figures of this animal look very strong in this race. Evans has this gelding running well and is a solid pick based on the decent Equibase Speed Figures garnered in longer quarter horse races as of late. ONE SWEET KING - He should have a good showing versus this easier group. Has run admirably when moving a longer quarter horse race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Arlington
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $32000 Class Rating: 74

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 ASSEMBLYMAN 5/2

# 7 GOTTA BOUNCE 7/2

# 5 W W SPRINGTIME 4/1

ASSEMBLYMAN looks formidable to best this field. Should definitely be given consideration versus this field based solely on pedigree figs. Has to be given consideration as Stidham has been among the top trainers with two-year olds. GOTTA BOUNCE - Dialed In is a reliable sire when it comes to two-year olds. Recently this trainer has produced very good profits for risk takers with this barn's first asking entries. W W SPRINGTIME - Change in Lasix (with second time Lasix) may be the means to a return. Must be given consideration here on the basis of the figs in the speed section alone. Must be given a shot as Becker has been among the top trainers with two-year olds.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Del Mar

09/01/18, DMR, Race 11, 7.01 PT
6F [Dirt] 1.07.03 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $60,000.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / 50 Cent Trifecta - $1 Superfecta (10-cent min.) / $1 Super High 5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 29.73, $1 ROI 0.81, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 4 Giveherdalute 5-1 Van Dyke D Baffert Bob TW
096.1056 3 Creative Contessa 9/2 Prat F Ruis Mick J
095.1169 10 Magical Gray 5-1 Talamo J Garcia Victor L. SFL
094.7295 8 Tivat 5-1 Franco G Gaines Carla
094.6231 2 See That Kat 12-1 Bejarano R Baltas Richard
093.6879 1 Beyond Pleasure 15-1 Espinoza A Baltas Richard
093.1559 6 Glitznglamour 6-1 Figueroa H Ivory John C. EC
091.5545 9 Kindred 7/2 Gutierrez M Shirreffs John A.
090.4937 7 Johansson 15-1 Gonzalez S Hansen Scott
090.3575 5 Sandona Girl 12-1 Pedroza M A Sherman Art

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Indiana Downs
Indiana Downs - Race 1

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta 10 Cent Superfecta / 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) 50 Cent Pick 5 (Races 1-2-3-4-5)


Maiden Special • 7 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3-5 • CR: 64 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 6:05P
FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. (PREFERENCE TO HORSES THAT HAVE NOT STARTED FOR LESS THAN $25,000 IN THEIR LAST 5 STARTS). IF THIS RACE IS TAKEN OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT 1 MILE ON THE MAIN TRACK.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. JUST PASSING TIME is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * JUST PASSING TIME: Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. HAWAIIAN MEMORIES: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seve n days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
4
JUST PASSING TIME
12/1

1/1
3
HAWAIIAN MEMORIES
2/5

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
YO CITY LADY
7

6/1
Front-runner
51

41

0.0

0.0

0.0
4
JUST PASSING TIME
4

12/1
Stalker
66

69

51.6

47.7

42.7
9
UNDISPUTED JUSTICE
9

9/2
Trailer
49

54

0.0

21.8

15.3
3
HAWAIIAN MEMORIES
3

2/5
Alternator/Trailer
64

64

22.1

30.5

26.5
8
FORGET I'M A LADY
8

20/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

9.7

22.4

10.9
6
SHE'S MY VALENTINE
6

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: CAPE KIMBERLY (20/1) [Jockey: Ulloa Andres Patricio - Trainer: Fridley Steve], I GOT REVENGE (20/1) [Jockey: Prescott Rodney A - Trainer: Fridley Steve], IVORY TOWER (8/1) [Jockey: Sanjur Santo - Trainer: Mulvey Emma].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Kentucky Downs - Race #7 - Post: 4:52pm - Stakes - 8.3 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $250,000 Class Rating: 109 One Dreamer S.

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 ON LEAVE (ML=3/1)


ON LEAVE - My expertise says this is the only stalker in the race. The racer with the top average class rating in turf events is usually a solid play. This horse fits the bill. This animal is at the top in earnings per race entered. She looks nice in today's event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 PRADO'S SWEET RIDE (ML=4/1), #2 GIANNA'S DREAM (ML=6/1), #1 CELESTIAL INSIGHT (ML=8/1),

PRADO'S SWEET RIDE - Improbable that the rating she recorded on Jul 7th will be good enough in this event. GIANNA'S DREAM - The finish of fifth in the last race shows me that this animal may be tailing off. Finished fifth in her most recent performance with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this field. CELESTIAL INSIGHT - This mare showed very little last time out. This mare recorded a speed fig in her last race which probably isn't good enough in today's event.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ON LEAVE - The Power Rating tells me that this race horse looks good versus the rest of this field. I'm making a bet.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #11 ON LEAVE on the nose if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
11 with [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
11 with [1,3] with [1,2,3,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
11 with [1,2,3] with [1,2,3,6,10] with [1,2,3,6,10] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Retama Park
Retama Park - Race 1

Exacta / Trifecta (.10 Cent Minimum) / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) Double (Races 1-2)(12% Takeout) Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3)(12% Takeout)(.50 Cent Minimum)


Claiming $5,000 • 870 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 63 • Purse: $4,700 • Post: 6:45P
QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MARCH 1, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (MULTIPLE WINNERS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * BROOKSTONE DASH: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. SMASHIN KNIGHT: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break S tyle designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. ROCKIEFELLER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has t he highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. THUNDERSACTION: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
2
BROOKSTONE DASH
7/5

7/2
5
SMASHIN KNIGHT
10/1

7/1
1
ROCKIEFELLER
7/2

9/1
1A
THUNDERSACTION
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
ROCKIEFELLER
1

7/2
Average
63

56

5.7

0.0

0.0
1A
THUNDERSACTION
2

7/2
Average
66

56

4.1

0.0

0.0
2
BROOKSTONE DASH
3

7/5
Average
75

65

5.1

0.0

0.0
3
TINYS CORONA JET
4

20/1
Slow
55

42

7.4

0.0

0.0
4
TONG THRU TRAFFIC
5

6/1
Average
55

50

4.7

0.0

0.0
5
SMASHIN KNIGHT
6

10/1
Fast
59

56

2.6

0.0

0.0
6
SNOWBOUND COWBOY
7

2/1
Average
72

45

5.2

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:36 PM EASTERN POST
The Saranac Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS TURF GRADE III THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#3 RAGING BULL
#9 MARAUD
#1 UP THE ANTE
#2 MARCH TO THE ARCH

This race which was first run in 1901 at Saratoga, the Saranac named for a village in the Adirondack mountains located about two hours north of the track. Here in the 112th renewal of this graded stakes test, #3 RAGING BULL is the overall speed and pace profile leader racing at 9.0 furlongs on the turf, and has hit the board in each of his four career starts, winning three times, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his last start, as well as in his 3rd race back. #9 MARAUD, a 9-2 shot, has turned in four "POWER RUNS" in his last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #7 - Post: 4:40pm - Allowance - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $31,800 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 TIZ A RUSH (ML=6/1)
#6 DON'T TEXT N DRIVE (ML=3/1)


TIZ A RUSH - Got to appreciate a good work horse. This gelding's last morning work was second fastest of the day for the distance. The July 28th race at Thistledown was at a class level of (79). Dropping to a lower class level drastically, so he should be in a good spot. DON'T TEXT N DRIVE - Jock hops up on board after getting to know the mount by riding last race out. That's always a good indicator. This animal is number one in earnings per race. He looks solid in today's affair.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 OFTEN ENOUGH (ML=7/2), #7 HONOR THE D (ML=9/2), #4 TANCAHUA (ML=6/1),

OFTEN ENOUGH - This animal doesn't have a winner's demeanor. Very often finishes near the winner. HONOR THE D - Had to show me more than that last time out. Never made much of an impact. This mount ran a mediocre speed figure last time around the track. He shouldn't run better and will probably lose in today's event running that figure. TANCAHUA - The insufficiency of speed in the last one, a route race, is a bit disturbing. Nice race on Aug 2nd at Belterra Park, but the fact that there are no workouts since has to make one a little worried. This gelding didn't show me enough down the stretch to warrant backing against stronger opponents.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - TIZ A RUSH - This gelding has the best last speed figure at Thistledown. Must be considered in your gambling.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #5 TIZ A RUSH on the win end if we get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
5 with 6 with [3,4,8] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
5 with 6 with [1,2,3,4,8] with [1,2,3,4,8] Total Cost: $20

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **