12-2-11

[Mr. IWS]

New Guys!

Don’t be afraid to post services if you come across any. Anything you contribute will be appreciated, and your user reputation will grow (the green dots under your name.)

Note:

ALL PLAYS POSTED ARE UNCONFIRMED UNLESS YOU BUY THEM YOURSELF. THERE IS BAD INFO PASSED AROUND FROM TIME TO TIME, SO PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK

[Mr. IWS]

DUNKEL INDEX

Game 305-306: Ohio vs. Northern Illinois (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 81.748; Northern Illinois 88.857
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 7; 65
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 3 1/2; 70
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (-3 1/2); Under

Game 307-308: UCLA at Oregon (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 86.728; Oregon 120.353
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 33 1/2; 60
Vegas Line: Oregon by 31 1/2; 65 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-31 1/2); Under

[Mr. IWS]

NCAA CFB NEWS AND NOTES
SEC-Big East Challenge: Friday's Betting Preview
By Covers Staff



Florida Gators at Syracuse Orange (-6, 147)

THE STORY: Embattled Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim received a standing ovation from the crowd at the Carrier Dome on Tuesday despite the revelations in the media regarding former assistant coach Bernie Fine. Of course, it’s always easier to cheer when your team is on the way to a 36-point win. The third-ranked Orange will face a much stiffer test on Friday when they welcome No. 9 Florida to town on Friday as part of the Big East/SEC Challenge. The Gators are celebrating coach Billy Donavan’s 400th career victory, earned earlier in the week when Florida rolled over Stetson. That puts Donovan only 462 behind Boeheim, who has one of his most talented teams this season. Under all of the other headlines is the on-court product, which features reigning Big East Player of the Week Kris Joseph.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT FLORIDA (5-1): The Gators will face their second No. 3 team already this season after falling to then-No. 3 Ohio State, 81-74, on Nov. 15. Florida has strong veteran leadership in senior guard Erving Walker, who averages 13.7 points and 5.3 assists, and junior Kenny Boynton, who paces the team with 18.5 points. Joining those two has been freshman Bradley Beal, who is making himself right at home in Donovan’s offense. Beal posted his second career double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Stetson while burying five 3-pointers.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (7-0): Boeheim stated that his team would not be distracted by news on campus and he was right, at least on Tuesday, when they pummeled Eastern Michigan, 84-48. The Orange have faced a pair of major-conference teams in Virginia Tech and Stanford but will be taking a big step up in competition with Florida. Syracuse, which returned most of its major pieces from last season, leans on Joseph and senior point guard Scoop Jardine, who posted seven assists against Eastern Michigan. The veteran leadership is allowing freshman forward Rakeem Christmas to ease his way into the offense.

TRENDS:

- Florida is 7-2 against the spread in its last nine against the Big East.
- Syracuse is 7-1 against the spread in its last eight non-conference games.
- Florida has played over in five straight road games.

TIP-INS:

1. Dion Waiters is averaging 11.9 points off the bench for the Orange.

2. Florida has outrebounded its opponent in each of its first six games.

3. Syracuse won the last meeting, 85-73, on Dec. 10, 2009.



Vanderbilt Commodores at Louisville Cardinals (-8.5, 134)

THE STORY: Vanderbilt plays its second straight game against a ranked opponent, traveling to face No. 6 Louisville on Friday night at the KFC Yum! Center. The Commodores dropped to No. 19 in the coaches’ poll after an overtime loss to 11th-ranked Xavier on Monday. Louisville has yet to lose despite a laundry list of injuries to key personnel. This marks Louisville’s first game of the season against another nationally-ranked team, however. Beating Vanderbilt would give Louisville a 7-0 start in consecutive years, a program first.

TV: 9 p.m. EST, ESPN.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (5-2): The Commodores definitely are missing star C Festus Ezeli, who’s sidelined for at least another two weeks recuperating from a sprained knee. Vandy also indicated some shortcomings on the perimeter in an 82-70 loss to the Musketeers; namely, finding a guard who can handle the ball in the face of pressure and play lockdown defense when the Commodores need it. Vanderbilt does boast the top overall scorer in the SEC; John Jenkins averages 20.2 points.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (6-0): The Cardinals have battled the injury bug all season long. Currently, perimeter threat Mike Marra (knee) and freshman swingman Wayne Blackshear (shoulder) are sidelined along with forward Stephen Van Treese (knee). Other key guys like PG Peyton Silva are limited right now. As a result, Louisville has backed off its intensity in practice and is playing at a slower pace to safeguard against more injuries to an already thin team. The Cardinals are off to their second consecutive 6-0 start, something that hasn’t happened for the program since the 1954-55 and 1955-56 seasons.

TRENDS:

- Louisville has covered in eight of its last 11 home games.
- Vanderbilt is 2-7-1 against the spread in its last 10 overall.
- Six of Louisville's last seven have played under the total.

TIP-INS:

1. This marks the first true road game of the season for Vanderbilt. The Commodores’ only two prior games away from home came on a neutral court in East Rutherford, N.J., as Vandy participated in and won the LegendCity Tickets Classic.

2. Vanderbilt is shooting 65.8 percent from the free-throw line as a team. The Commodores haven’t shot below 70 percent at the stripe in a season since the 2005-06 campaign.

3. Beating Louisville at home is not easy these days. The Cardinals have won 14 straight and 24 of the past 26 at the KFC Yum! Center, extending both streaks with a 79-66 win over Long Beach State on Monday.

[Mr. IWS]

Here is Mike Davis free pick for today. He had a losing day yesterday.

My free selection is on Cincinnati

Georgia is a hard team to figure out. There is a part of me that wants to say, "they suck". And, that could be true. However, I have been impressed with the effort of their freshman guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The youngster is leading the Dawgs in scoring but, as you may expect from a freshman, he has struggled from the field shooting just 38% and only 31% from the three point line. With that being said, the guards are certainly the strength of the Bulldogs' team. The problem with that is they are facing a Bearcats squad that is very good in the backcourt.

Cincinnati returned to the NCAA tournament last year and won their first round game. They return 3 starters from that team, their 2 guards and their center. They also have other key contributors that are back. Center Yancy Gates (14.2 ppg 9.3 rpg) is leading the Bearcats in scoring and rebounding and he will be a tough guard for anyone UGA puts on the court. Dion Dixon (12.5 ppg 5.0 rpg) and Cashmere Wright (10.0 ppg 4.7 apg) are the starting backcourt mates who return from the 26 win team a year ago. Also back is Sean Kilpatrick (13.8 ppg 5.2 rpg) who was used off the bench last season but is the 2nd leading scorer so far this year. The Bearcats recently received a huge lift as freshman Cheikh Mbodj was cleared to play. The Senegal native made two big shots in the closing moments of Cincy's last game giving him 12 points for the game in just 14 minutes.

Neither of these teams have played good basketball so far this season. The difference is that the Bearcats haven't played up to their potential while Georgia really isn't that good. UGA will have problems stopping the Bearcats down low, and the Bearcats' guards are better than UGA's. The reason for the low line in this game is because it's Cincy's first road game. Quite frankly, the Bearcats needed a road game to help galvanize this team.

This is a horrible match-up for the home team. The home court advantage could keep them in it for a while but they do not have the firepower to keep up with the Bearcats.

My Free Selection is on Cincinnati

I only have 1 premium play today and it's a LARGE one. I am coming off a piss poor 1-4 day. Yesterday was only my 4th losing day of the NCAAB season. I have not had back-to-back losing days and it won't happen tonight. I am bouncing back with a HUGE NCAAB winner. Join me.

[Mr. IWS]

LuckyDaySports

Friday’s Comp Play

NCAAF
UCLA +31

[Mr. IWS]

Betting Preview: Detroit-Buffalo & Philadelphia-Anaheim

Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres (-105, 5.5)

THE STORY: The Detroit Red Wings have to be the streakiest team in the NHL this season, equally capable of ripping off a six-game winning streak or a six-game skid. Right now, the Red Wings happen to be enjoying one of their positive swings. Detroit pushed its winning streak to six on Wednesday with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. All told, the Red Wings are averaging an even four goals per contest over the string. Pavel Datsyuk has picked it up as the rest of the offense has taken off. Attempting to stop that train on Friday will be the host Buffalo Sabres, who have dropped four of their last five. Ryan Miller is back at practice and appears to be close to returning to game action. While backup Jhonas Enroth’s play has started to slip, the Sabres' offense has not been doing the team any favors.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network, FSD (Detroit), MSGB (Buffalo)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (15-7-1): Datsyuk has totaled 10 points in the last six games after recording 11 in the previous 17 contests. The star left wing had his fourth multi-point game in that stretch with a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s win over Tampa Bay. Datsyuk's effort came in front of former Detroit star Steve Yzerman, who was back in Detroit for the first time since taking over as general manager of the Lightning. Goalie Jimmy Howard has been the anchor on the other end, going 10-2-0 in his last 12 starts.

ABOUT THE SABRES (13-10-1): Miller, who has been out since sustaining a concussion on Nov. 12, returned to practice on Wednesday. Buffalo could use the boost, as it has struggled to a 3-4-1 mark with Miller out of the lineup. The Sabres were missing seven regulars in a 2-1 loss to the Eastern Conference-worst New York Islanders on Tuesday and lost defenseman Jordan Leopold to an upper-body injury in the first period.

OVERTIME:

1. Datsyuk became just the second player in the NHL this season to record two points in a game while also winning 20 faceoffs. Columbus’ Jeff Carter was the first.

2. Howard has only appeared in two games against Buffalo, allowing a total of three goals in 88 minutes.

3. The Red Wings have taken five of the last six meetings.

PREDICTION: Red Wings 4, Sabres 2.


Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks (+110, 5.5)

THE STORY: After being fired as coach of the Washington Capitals on Monday, Bruce Boudreau will guide his new team - the Anaheim Ducks - into battle against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday. The five-day turnaround for Boudreau is the quickest between coaching two clubs in NHL history. The former Jack Adams Award winner takes the helm after Randy Carlyle was fired shortly after Anaheim's 4-1 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. Assistant coaches Dave Farrish and Mike Foligno were also let go after the victory, which snapped a seven-game losing skid for the Ducks. “At this time, we simply felt a new voice was needed,” Anaheim general manager Bob Murray said. “Bruce is a proven winner with a great track record, and we are optimistic we can turn this season around under his leadership." The Ducks will face a stern test in the Flyers, who have posted an impressive 7-3-1 mark away from the City of Brotherly Love. They better get used to life on the road, considering that they play 10 of their next 13 contests outside of Philadelphia.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TCN, FSPT

ABOUT THE FLYERS (13-7-3): Veteran right wing Jaromir Jagr and rookie center Brayden Schenn are expected to make their respective returns to the ice on Friday. Jagr, 39, has missed four of the last five games with a groin injury while Schenn, 20, has been sidelined for 14 contests with a broken foot after blocking a shot from Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (7-13-4): While Anaheim has admittedly struggled, reigning Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry seems to have found his stride. Perry collected a goal and two assists against the Canadiens and is currently riding both a four-game goal streak and seven-game point streak. Ryan Getzlaf has also secured points in seven straight contests. The Ducks have defeated the Flyers in each of their last three meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. With Philadelphia defensemen Chris Pronger (knee, virus) and Andreas Lilja (ankle) injured, fellow blue-liner Braydon Coburn logged over 28 minutes in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers.

2. Flyers LW Scott Hartnell is struggling offensively. He was denied by Henrik Lundqvist on a breakaway during Saturday's loss and has been held off the scoresheet in three of the last four contests.

PREDICTION: Flyers 4, Ducks 2.

[Mr. IWS]

ICE PICKS

Friday's Best NHL Bets

Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres (-105, 5.5)

The thing about the Detroit Red Wings is that no matter how bleak things look, you know it’s only a matter of time until they turn it around.

Remember back at the end of October when the Wings were skidding through a six-game losing streak? Of course you don’t.

That’s because the club has won 10 of its last 12 as they get set to open up a three game road swing that begins in Buffalo. The Wings are just 5-5 on the road this year, but you can’t discount how they can just dominant teams with puck control.

The Lightning came into Joe Louis Arena looking to win one for GM Steve Yzerman in his old barn and the Wings weren’t having any of it. They ran away with a 4-2 win that looks a lot closer on the scoreboard than it actually was.

Word has it that Buffalo netminder Ryan Miller is nearing a return to the crease but the Sabres would be wise to keep him on the bench for this one.

PICK: Detroit


Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks (+110, 5.5)

It looked as though Bobby Ryan was on his way out of town Wednesday evening. Then the Ducks pulled another bombshell by firing Randy Carlyle and replacing him with former Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau.

It’s hard to see what Boudreau brings to the table that Carlyle didn’t, but it sounds as though the coaching move bought Ryan a little more time in Anaheim, which is probably a good thing.

The 24-year-old winger responded to the trade rumors by picking up an assist in a 4-1 win over Montreal.

"It's nice to see our group buy in the way we want to and do the things that we talked about the last few days,” captain Ryan Getzlaf told reporters. “We've been talking 'til we're blue in the face for the last month. We had a couple of good, hard days' work of practice the last few days, and I think it carried over on the ice tonight."

Even with the coaching move, the Ducks are going to have their hands full with the Flyers. We see this being a physical affair with plenty of power play opportunities.

PICK: Over 5.5

[Mr. IWS]

Pac-12 Championship Game: What Bettors Need To Know

UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks (-31.5, 66)

THE STORY: A Rose Bowl berth is on the line when Oregon hosts UCLA in Friday’s inaugural Pac-12 Championship.

The No. 7 Ducks beat out Stanford for the North crown while UCLA squeaked in as the South’s representative. The division title didn’t prevent Rick Neuheisel from losing his job as UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero announced his firing two days after Saturday’s horrific 50-0 loss to USC.

The Trojans also spoiled Oregon’s season, beating the Ducks 38-35 on Nov. 19 to knock Oregon out of the national championship picture. The winner meets the Big Ten champ (either Wisconsin or Michigan State) in the Rose Bowl.

TV: Fox, 8 p.m. ET

LINE: Oregon opened at -30.5 and has been bet up to 31.5-point favorite, with a couple -32 showing up briefly. The total has come up from 65.5 to 66 points.

AROUND OREGON (10-2, 8-1 Pac-12 North, 6-4 ATS): The Ducks have scored 551 points - second-most in school history behind last season’s 611.

First-team All-Pac-12 running back LaMichael James leads the nation in rushing at 142.7 yards per game and ranks fourth in conference history with 4,704 yards. He needs 107 yards to pass USC’s Marcus Allen.

Junior quarterback Darron Thomas has 27 touchdown passes against just five interceptions. Thomas has 60 career TD passes, two behind the school record held by Danny O’Neil (1991-94).

Oregon has three first-team all-conference defensive players in junior defensive end Dion Jordan (team-high 12 tackles for loss), senior linebacker Josh Kaddu (tied with Jordan for the sack leadership with 6.5) and senior safety Eddie Pleasant (team-best three interceptions).

ABOUT UCLA (6-6, 5-4 Pac-12 South, 4-8 ATS): Neuheisel is 21-28 in four seasons entering his final game. He will not coach UCLA in a bowl game if it qualifies.

Senior receiver Nelson Rosario has 1,008 receiving yards and ranks fifth in school history with 2,209 yards. Junior middle linebacker Patrick Larimore has a team-best 75 tackles.

The Bruins didn’t have a single offensive or defensive player named to the all-conference first or second team. Derrick Coleman was a second-teamer as a special teams standout.

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Bruins are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
* Bruins are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as underdogs.
* Ducks are 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 conference games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. UCLA leads the series 39-25 but the Ducks have won nine of the last 11 meetings, including 60-13 in 2010.

2. Oregon running back De’Anthony Thomas was Pac-12 co-Offensive Freshman of the Year with 1,908 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns.

3. UCLA last won a conference title in 1998 when it went 10-2, 8-0 under Bob Toledo.

PREDICTION: Oregon 58, UCLA 6 – This will get ugly early and the Ducks can pick and choose the winning margin.

[Mr. IWS]

BANG THE BOOK

Friday's Best NCAA CFB Bets

UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks (-31.5, 66)

The first ever Pac-12 Championship Game takes place on Friday night at Autzen Stadium, where the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins will battle it out for a spot in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

To say that the Bruins have absolutely zero confidence going into this game is a bit of an understatement. They are quite fortunate to be representing the Pac-12 South, and the only reason that they are here is because the USC Trojans aren’t eligible to do so. Last week, UCLA was smashed 50-0 in a game that truthfully was never even that close at the LA Coliseum, and the end result saw the team finish up the regular season at 6-6. The truth of the matter is that the Bruins would probably rather not be in this because, because a loss, a very likely scenario, would leave them at 6-7 and technically ineligible for a bowl game (unless the NCAA grants them a bid regardless of their sub-.500 record due to the fact that they are the Pac-12 South representatives in the league’s title game). That being said, it was very predictable that Head Coach Rick Neuheisel was going to get fired, as he really hasn’t fulfilled any of his promises since he has been hired as the coach of the team. Neuheisel stays on for this one, but regardless of whether the Bruins pull off the epic upset or not, it will be his last game on the sidelines in blue and gold.

Oregon’s BCS National Championship dreams went up in flames right on this very field when the Trojans beat it by a field goal two weeks ago. The truth of the matter is that the game probably didn’t ultimately mean all that much to the Ducks, as they are still playing for the right to go to the Rose Bowl one way or the other, and they probably would not have ultimately challenged for the national title anyway. They flew up and down the field against the Oregon State Beavers last week in a romp in the Civil War, and there aren’t many out there that think they have any shot of losing this game. This very well could be the final home game for RB LaMichael James, who could be heading to the NFL after this season is over with. James has rushed for 1,427 yards and leads the team with 15 touchdowns in spite of the fact that he missed two games injured. With a great game against the Bruins, he might have made one final case to be the winner of the Heisman Trophy this year.

UCLA Bruins @ Oregon Ducks Trends: The Bruins only won one game on the road all season long, and that came in Corvallis against the aforementioned Beavers. They haven’t won a game in this series since 2007, and last year in this stadium, they were plastered 60-13. Oregon is 6-2-2 ATS in its last 10 conference games, and it is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 against the Bruins.

PICK: Oregon


Northern Illinois Huskies at Ohio Bobcats (+3, 70.5)

The Mid-American Conference has garnered a lot of attention on ESPN during the workweek this year. High scoring games have been the norm in this league, and defense has been optional. Ohio won the MAC East and Northern Illinois won the MAC West. Both teams enter with a 9-3 record. The two division champions will square off at Ford Field in the MAC Championship Game this Friday night.

Ohio comes into this game as winners of five straight games. The Bobcats offense has benefited greatly from the great play of quarterback Tyler Tettleton. Tettleton has thrown 26 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this year. The Bobcats have three players who have over 100 carries this year. Tettleton averages 4.2 yards per carry, and he is a much better runner than most give him credit for being. Donte Hardin and Ryan Boykin split time in the Ohio backfield. One of the reasons this offense has been so successful this year is the fact that they stay so balanced. Ohio has the ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground.

The Bobcats has been pretty good in 2011. The front seven generally does a nice job limiting opponents on the ground. The secondary has been picked apart by some quarterbacks this year, but they do a nice job of picking off passes at the right time. Travis Carrie leads the team with four interceptions. Can this front seven hold up against the strong running game of Northern Illinois?

The Huskies of Northern Illinois are no stranger to the MAC Championship game. Northern Illinois went into last year’s conference title game as an 18.5 point favorite, but the team was upended by Miami (Ohio). Chandler Harnish leads another talented team into Detroit, and you can bet this team will be looking for redemption from last year’s loss. Harnish is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Harnish averages an amazing 7.9 yards per carry, and he has 11 rushing touchdowns. He also has thrown for 23 touchdowns and 2,692 yards. Jasmin Hopkins teams up with Harnish to form a very nice running duo in the backfield. The true strength of this offense is its running game, but they can beat you passing it as well.

The Northern Illinois defense has dropped off a bit from last year. Three linebackers who were expected to be key contributors have missed significant time this year, and that has definitely hurt this unit. The Huskies are giving up 32 points per game this year. They have allowed 38 points or more on five different occasions this year.

The Huskies should be very motivated to prove last year’s loss was a fluke. Northern Illinois has the best player on the field in Harnish. I like the Huskies to win and cover here.

PICK: Northern Illinois/Ohio OVER 70.5

[Mr. IWS]

Friday’s Betting Tips: Ducks Keep Cashing In Over Bets

WHO'S HOT

NCAAF: The over is 4-1 in Oregon’s last five overall and 20-5-1 in the Ducks’ last 26 home games.

NCAAF: Ohio is 8-3 against the spread in its last 11 as an underdog.

NCAAB: Syracuse has covered in five of its last six.

NCAAB: Louisville is 8-3 against the spread in its last 11 home games.

NHL: Detroit has won six straight games.

NHL: Minnesota has won seven of its last nine overall.

WHO'S NOT

NCAAF: UCLA has covered just five of its last 20 games overall.

NCAAF: Northern Illinois is 5-13 against the spread against teams with a winning record.

NCAAB: Vanderbilt is 2-7-1 against the spread in its last 11 overall.

NCAAB: The under is just 6-21 in Florida’s last 27.

NHL: Anaheim is 1-10 in its last 11 as an underdog.

NHL: Colorado is 7-21 in its last 28 home games.

KEY STAT

42.9 – The Florida Gators are hitting 42.9 percent of their trey attempts this season and have connected on at least 10 3-pointers in each of their games this season. They think the key to beating Syracuse’s zone on Friday is outside shooting. "I wish every team would play 2-3 zone," guard Mike Rosario told reporters. "I love to play against 2-3 zones so you can shoot threes."

INJURY THAT SHOULDN'T BE OVERLOOKED

Erik Murphy, Florida Gators – Starting power forward Erik Murphy was expected to be out indefinitely with a torn meniscus in his right knee but that diagnosis has been changed to a simple bone bruise. That’s great news for the Gators, although they are still expected to sit him for Friday’s matchup with Syracuse. Oddsmakers listed the Gators as early 6-point underdogs.

GAME OF THE DAY

UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks (-31, 66)

NOTABLE QUOTABLE

"We lost games and sometimes it felt like, 'When is this ever going to end? That was the hardest part of my four years here. But this is a gift from the football gods. We have a chance to do what we came here to do, win a championship." – UCLA receiver Nelson Rosario ahead of Friday’s matchup with Oregon in the inaugural Pac-12 Conference championship. Oddsmakers have the Bruins listed as heavy 31-point underdogs.

TIPS AND NOTES

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and defensive end Chris Long were held out of practice on Thursday. Bradford aggravated a sprained left ankle in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He missed a pair of games earlier this season with the same injury. Bradford practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. His status for this weekend's game against San Francisco will be decided Friday. Long said he sat out as a precautionary measure. He has 25 tackles and a team-high 10 sacks. Bradford, the No. 1 pick in 2010, has passed for 1,971 yards and six touchdowns this season.

Friday’s MAC Championship game between Northern Illinois and Ohio features two teams that are very similar in a lot of respects. They’re both 9-3 straight up, have dual-threat quarterbacks, and 4-3 defenses. Northern Illinois ranks second in the MAC in total offense while Ohio ranks third. Of course, the major difference is defense, with Ohio allowing just 22 points per game compared to 32 for Northern Illinois, but that isn’t phasing Huskies bettors. As of Thursday evening, more than 70 percent of Covers.com Consensus bettors were backing the Huskies as 3-point favorites.

Philadelphia Flyers veteran right wing Jaromir Jagr and rookie center Brayden Schenn are expected to make their respective returns to the ice for Friday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. After returning to the NHL following a three-year absence, Jagr has collected six goals, 11 assists and 10 penalty minutes in 18 games this season. The fifth overall pick of the 2009 draft, Schenn has been sidelined for 14 games with a broken foot after blocking a shot from Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban. This will also be Bruce Boudreau’s first game behind Anaheim’s bench.

Texas A&M has fired coach Mike Sherman after four seasons, athletic director Bill Byrne announced Thursday. No interim coach has been appointed for the Aggies (6-6), who are eligible to go to a bowl. Sherman, who was hired in 2007, went 25-25 during his tenure. The Aggies' only winning season under Sherman came last year when the team finished 9-4 and lost in the Cotton Bowl.

[Mr. IWS]

DCI CFB

Friday, December 2, 2011
Mid-American Conference Championship
at Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Northern Illinois 40, Ohio 29
Pacific-12 Conference Championship
at Ford Field, Detroit, MI
OREGON 47, Ucla 19

[Mr. IWS]

DCI NHL

Season: 110-93 (.542)

Detroit vs. BUFFALO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
New Jersey vs. MINNESOTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
CHICAGO 4, N.Y. Islanders 2
St. Louis 3, COLORADO 2
EDMONTON 3, Columbus 2
Philadelphia vs. ANAHEIM: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

[Mr. IWS]

DCI CBB

Season
Straight Up: 766-234 (.766)
ATS: 273-315 (.464)
ATS Vary Units: 1075-1407 (.433)
Over/Under: 304-276 (.524)
Over/Under Vary Units: 452-404 (.528)

LMU Centennial Classic
Round Robin at Westchester, CA
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT 74, Columbia 64

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Fairfield 63, NIAGARA 58
Iona 86, CANISIUS 74
RIDER 75, Manhattan 68

Non-Conference
GEORGIA 60, Cincinnati 58
LONGWOOD 79, South Carolina State 76
LOUISVILLE 77, Vanderbilt 62
MISSOURI 90, Northwestern State 68
NORTHWESTERN 87, Mississippi Valley State 57
OKLAHOMA 79, Sacramento State 56
SETON HALL 71, Auburn 59
SYRACUSE 75, Florida 72
Washington 80, NEVADA 72

[Mr. IWS]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with South Florida (+1.5) Thursday.

Friday it’s Oregon. The deficit is 2944 sirignanos.

[Mr. IWS]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

761- 561 57 % Free Play Run over 3 YEARS

Free play 6-1 run, Fri Manhattan + 5