10-26-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Norm Hitzges:

DOUBLE PLAYS:

• North Texas -11 1/2 So. Miss
• Washington -28 California
• Nebraska -11 Minnesota
• Bowling Green +4 Toledo

SINGLE PLAYS:

• UCF -23 1/2 Uconn
• Kansas St. -11 1/2 W. Virginia
• Ball St. -9 Akron
• Ohio -25 Miami Ohio
• Northern Illinois -31 E. Michigan
• Houston +7 Rutgers
• Colorado +13 Arizona
• Florida Atlantic +24 Auburn
• Florida St. -32 N. C. St.
• Iowa -4 Northwestern
• So. Florida +20 1/2 Louisville
• Ohio St. -17 Penn St.
• Alabama -28 Tennessee
• SMU -11 Temple
• Rice -17 UTEP
• Baylor -35 Kansas

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nover

3* over Fresno St/San Diego St

Free play Ohio St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

King Creole

GOM over Ohio St/Penn St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Syndicate

Top Plays
Oregon
Texas
San Jose State
Stanford
Over Air Force
Nevada

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Syndicate

Top Plays
Rutgers
Boston College
Wake Forest
Oklahoma
Over Iowa
Over Notre Dame
Over Mississippi
Over Kansas
Penn State

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joe Gavazzi

Saturday plays ON THE WSA APP (All rated 10*'s, 33-12/21-5 run on those). Note that these 10*'s are different from his PPP late phones.

Gavazzi Saturday App 10*'s
Ball State
Houston
Ohio State
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Miami
Florida Atlantic
Boston College
Kansas State

[Can'tPickAWinner]

EAGLE EYE SPORTS---Randy Rose
Navy+5
SMU-14
Tennessee+28
----------------------------
EAGLE EYE SPORTS---Mike Clark
Alabama-28
Michigan St-10
South Carolina+2.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Spartan GOY Missouri

[Can'tPickAWinner]

From This Week's PLATINUM SHEET
STATFOX FORECASTER

UCLA (147) AT OREGON (148)
Latest Line: Oregon -23.0; Total: 71.0

Oregon extended its SU winning streak to nine last week, though they failed to cover for the first time during that streak (beating Washington State 62-38 as a 40-point favorite). The Ducks have scored 55 points or more in each of their four home games this season. UCLA was a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS before last week's loss at Stanford, 24-10. The high-powered Bruins managed just 266 yards of offense in that game. They have a quality road win, 41-21, against Nebraska earlier this season.
FORECASTER: Oregon 42, UCLA 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Afternoon action

Louisville Cardinals at South Florida Bulls (+20, 46.5)

Cardinals QB Teddy Bridgewater has completed 68 percent of his passes during his career – 72 percent this season with 20 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. His top three targets – DeVante Parker, Damian Copeland and Eli Rogers – all have at least 26 receptions and 391 yards while combining for 14 touchdowns.

The Bulls average 258.5 total yards, which ranks 121st out of 123 FBS teams, while their defense has played well much of the season. Linebacker DeDe Lattimore boasts 56 tackles to lead South Florida, which is 22nd in the nation in passing yards against (200) and 33rd in total defense (360.5).

LINE: The Cardinals opened as 20.5 road faves and are now -20. THe total opened at 46.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with clear skies.
TRENDS:

* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Cardinals are 0-5 ATS in their last five games in October.
* Bulls are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games following a bye week.

Oklahoma State Cowboys at Iowa State Cyclones (+12.5, 56)

Cowboys QB J.W. Walsh was pulled in favor of Clint Chelf during the 24-10 win over Texas Christian and coach Mike Gundy admitted he won't reveal his starting quarterback until game time. "We won't publicly name one," Gundy said. "We'll let those guys practice and then we'll see how it goes this week."

Iowa State QB Sam B. Richardson has thrown for 1,255 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Linebacker Jeremiah George made a career-high 18 tackles against Baylor and ranks fifth nationally with 11.5 per game while three Iowa State players are ranked in the top seven nationally in solo tackles - Jacques Washington (third, 7.0) and George and Sam E. Richardson (tied for seventh, 6.5).

LINE: The Cowboys opened as 14-point road faves and are now -12.5. The total is currently 56.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s and wind will blow toward the S endzone at 14 mph.
TRENDS:

* Favorite is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Cowboys are 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games.

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Minnesota Golden Gophers (+10.5, 52)

Two open dates over the last four weeks allowed No. 21 Nebraska to get its feet wet in Big Ten Conference play. The inactivity may also have bought the Cornhuskers enough time to get quarterback Taylor Martinez back from injury as they head to Minnesota on Saturday to face the Golden Gophers. Martinez, who has been dealing with turf toe since Nebraska lost to UCLA on Sept. 14, has sat out the last three games as Tommy Armstrong Jr. and Ron Kellogg III have directed the team to three straight victories.

While the Cornhuskers boast the country’s 10th-ranked rushing attack (284.8 yards per game), the Golden Gophers are 28th in rushing offense (210.1) with four players (David Cobb, Mitch Leidner, Philip Nelson and Rodrick Williams) tallying at least one 100-yard game this year – the first time Minnesota has achieved that feat since 1967. However, Tracy Claeys revealed that Leidner – the team’s starting quarterback the past two games – is battling an illness. As a result, it is unclear if Leidner or Nelson, who came on in relief last week, will draw the start against Nebraska.

LINE: The Huskers opened as 10.5-point road faves. The total opened at 52.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-40s and wind will blow across the field at 14 mph.
TRENDS:

* Cornhuskers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Golden Gophers are 1-4 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Under is 10-4 in Golden Gophers last 14 home games.

Connecticut Huskies at Central Florida Knights (-23, 52.5)

Connecticut has been unable to find any kind of rhythm offensively. After head coach Paul Pasqualoni was fired on Sept. 30, interim coach T.J. Weist plugged in freshman quarterback Tim Boyle. In two games, he's led the Huskies to just 26 points - including a 41-16 loss to Cincinnati last week.

The Knights, ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since 2010, are led by efficient quarterback Blake Bortles. His 64.9 percent completion rate and 11-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio are large reasons why Central Florida ranks 46th in the nation in passing offense.

LINE: The Knights opened as 22.5-point home faves and are now -23. The total opened at 52.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with wind blowing toward the S endzone at 7 mph.
TRENDS:

* Huskies are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Knights are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 11-5 in Knights last 16 home games.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Miami Hurricanes (-24.5, 54)

The Demon Deacons seek a third straight win after knocking off North Carolina State and Maryland in consecutive weeks following a 2-3 start. Against the Hurricanes, Wake Forest hopes to improve its presence on the road, where it has disappointed this season.

hings definitely are looking up from all angles for the Hurricanes, who have not been ranked this high since November 13, 2005. Quarterback Stephen Morris has Miami poised for the big play at all times, ranking fifth in the nation with an average of 16.52 yards per completion. Duke Johnson averages a conference-best 7.1 yards per carry, and his 109.2 yards per game trail only Boston College's Andre Williams among ACC rushers.

LINE: Miami opened as a 21-point fave and is now -24.5. The total is currently 54.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with wind blowing across the field at 13 mph.
TRENDS:

* Demon Deacons are 2-14 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Hurricanes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games.
* Under is 19-7 in Demon Deacons last 26 games overall.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Texas A&M Aggies (-17.5, 69)

The Commodores have yet to announce whether quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, who left Vanderbilt's upset of Georgia in the second quarter with a leg injury, or redshirt freshman Patton Robinette will get the start.

Johnny Manziel is second nationally in total offense (396.4 yards per game) and the Aggies are ranked fifth in the country in passing yards (377.1), third in total offense (588.7) and fourth in scoring (46.9 points). The Texas A&M defense is on the other end of the national rankings, allowing 494.4 yards (ranked 118th out of 123 FBS teams), 226.6 rushing yards (112th) and 33.9 points (104th).

LINE: The Aggies opened -18 and are now -17.5. The total opened 68.5 and is up to 69.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 20 percent chance of rain.
TRENDS:

* Commodores are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Over is 6-1 in Aggies last seven games overall.
* Aggies are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games in October.

Eastern Michigan Eagles at Northern Illinois Huskies (-31, 66.5)

Eastern Michigan takes the field for its second game since wide receiver Demarius Reed was found shot to death in an off-campus apartment Oct. 18. The Eagles honored Reed by wearing his No. 2 on their helmets in last week’s 56-28 loss to Ohio.

he Huskies rank fourth nationally in rushing, with Jordan Lynch and Cameron Stingily leading the way for an offense averaging 304.7 yards on the ground. Northern Illinois has scored 30 or more points in six of seven games, and its season low in points is 27.

LINE: The Huskies opened -30 and are now -31. The total is currently 66.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-40s with wind blowing across the field at 14 mph.
TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.
* Road team is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

Clemson Tigers at Maryland Terrapins (+14.5, 60)

Clemson is coming off a humiliating loss against Florida State, but Maryland knows exactly what that feels like. The 10th-ranked Tigers aim to bounce back from their lopsided top-five showdown on Saturday when they visit the Terrapins in ACC action. All eyes will be on Tajh Boyd and Clemson, which was demolished by the Seminoles, 51-14, last weekend in a game that could have potentially propelled the Tigers to the forefront of the national title picture.

The Terps lost two receivers, Stefon Diggs and Deon Long, to broken legs against Wake Forest. That was the last thing Maryland needed, as its passing game - and its offense in general - is struggling, managing a total of 37 points over the last three games.

LINE: The Tigers opened -13 and are now -14.5. The total opened at 60.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with wind blowing across the field at 12 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Terrapins are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games following a S.U. loss.

North Carolina State Wolfpack at Florida State Seminoles (-32, 58)

The Wolfpack had an extra week to prepare a stout defensive unit that has been holding opponents to 21.2 points per game, and knowing they have beaten Florida State twice in the past three meetings gives them confidence.

No. 3 Florida State is second in the initial BCS rankings and coming off a dominant victory at Clemson, but the Seminoles know they have a lot of work left to do if they want to play for the national championship. The Seminoles, tops in the nation with only four turnovers, boast the No. 3 scoring offense in the FBS (53.2 points per game) and have scored at least 41 in every game.

LINE: The Seminoles opened as 28.5-point home faves and are now -32. The total opened at 58.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with sunny skies.
TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Wolfpack are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
* Over is 6-0 in Seminoles last six games overall.

Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Tech Hokies (-13.5, 47.5)

Duke arrives in Blacksburg with plenty of momentum, winners of three straight including last week's comeback victory at Virginia that featured 35 unanswered points to overcome a 22-0 deficit. Quarterback Anthony Boone moved to 5-0 as a starter with the win over the Cavaliers but fellow signal caller Brandon Connette had a major hand in the decision as well. The junior became the first quarterback in school history with two game-winning, fourth quarter touchdown passes.

Riding a six-game win streak and fresh off a bye week, Virginia Tech looks to stay unbeaten in conference play. The 19th-ranked Hokies appear to be in good position for a run at the ACC championship game, atop the Coastal Division alongside unbeaten Miami, with a November 9th showdown against the Hurricanes drawing ever closer. Against the Blue Devils, Virginia Tech may get a lift with the season debut of cornerback Antone Exum, who missed the first seven games following offseason knee surgery.

LINE: Tech opened as a 13.5-point home fave. The total opened at 47.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with clear skies.
TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Under is 7-1-1 in Hokies last nine games overall.
* Blue Devils are 14-4-1 ATS in their last 19 games in October.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Oklahoma Sooners (-7, 59)

Texas Tech worked its way to the top of the Big 12 under first-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury on the back of a strong passing attack. The ninth-ranked Red Raiders get their biggest test yet when they visit No. 12 Oklahoma on Saturday. Texas Tech is averaging 416.4 passing yards but has yet to face a defense like the Sooners, who are surrendering the fewest yards in the Big 12.

The Sooners roll the opposite way, leaning on the running game for an average of 227.9 yards while quarterback Blake Bell provides a dual threat under center. Oklahoma has allowed only two teams to go over 200 yards passing, led by Tulsa’s 226-yard effort on Sept. 14.

LINE: The Sooners opened -8 and are now -7. The total is currently 59.
WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for a 49 percent chance of thunderstorms.
TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Sooners are 0-4 ATS in their last four conference games.
* Over is 9-2 in Red Raiders last 11 games overall.

Tennessee Volunteers at Alabama Crimson Tide (-28, 51.5)

Tennessee is re-energized under first-year coach Butch Jones and filled with confidence after upsetting South Carolina 23-21 last Saturday. The Volunteers have forced 17 turnovers (12 interceptions, five fumbles) with junior linebacker A.J. Johnson (55 tackles), sophomore strong safety Brian Randolph (46 tackles, three interceptions) and senior defensive end Marlon Walls (4.5 sacks) all enjoying solid campaigns.

Top-ranked Alabama is rolling toward its third consecutive BCS title game appearance and the host Crimson Tide attempt to win their 12th consecutive game and avoid the upset bid of improving Tennessee on Saturday. Alabama sits atop the first BCS standings and is looking for its seventh consecutive victory over the Volunteers.

LINE: The Tide opened as 28-point home faves. The total opened at 51.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with sunny skies.
TRENDS:

* Road team is 14-3-1 ATS in their last 18 meetings.
* Volunteers are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
* Under is 7-2-1 in Crimson Tide last 10 home games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Evening action

UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks (-23.5, 71.5)

Bruins' sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley (13 touchdowns, six interceptions) had his poorest effort of the season against Stanford, passing for a season-low 192 yards and being intercepted twice. The Bruins were unable to run effectively without leading rusher Jordon James (463 yards), who remains questionable with an ankle injury.

Ducks QB Marcus Mariota has gone 265 attempts without throwing an interception to set a Pac-12 record and senior Josh Huff (627 receiving yards) and sophomore Bralon Addison (543) share the team lead with 32 receptions. Sophomore Byron Marshall (team-best 746 rushing yards) has stepped up in the absence of De'Anthony Thomas and recorded four consecutive 100-yard outings.

LINE: The Ducks opened as 21.5-point faves and are now -23.5. The total opened at 70 and is up to 71.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with clear skies.
TRENDS:

* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Oregon.
* Road team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
* Ducks are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks (+34.5, 66)

Fifth-ranked Baylor could easily look past what is expected to be another blowout victory when it travels to Kansas on Saturday, but quarterback Bryce Petty has other ideas. "It's just about a one game at a time kind of mentality,'' Petty said. "To us it doesn't matter where we play or who we play or when we play. It's always about Baylor."

The Jayhawks decided to burn the redshirt of freshman quarterback Montell Cozart during last week's 34-19 loss to Oklahoma as the 6-2, 180-pound star recruit rushed for eight yards on three carries in two series of action. Cozart will likely see more time against Baylor as Weis - who won three Super Bowls as New England Patriots offensive coordinator - tries to resurrect a unit that is averaging a Big 12-worst 18.3 points and ranked 112th among the 123 FBS teams in the nation.

LINE: The Jayhawks opened as 35.5-point home dogs and are now +34.5. The total opened at 66.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with wind blowing toward the S endzone at 6 mph.
TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last five home games.
* Bears are 17-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Missouri Tigers (-2.5, 53.5)

The Gamecocks began the season ranked seventh but have underperformed and are in danger of falling out of the Top 25 if they can't right the ship this week. Backup quarterback Dylan Thompson will get the start in place of Connor Shaw (knee), meaning they're likely to lean on running back Mike Davis, who has recorded six 100-yard rushing games.

The Tigers' first season in the SEC was derailed by injuries, but Missouri didn't miss a beat with redshirt freshman Maty Mauk under center in last week's 36-17 win over Florida. Mauk stepped in for injured senior James Franklin and passed for 295 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors.

LINE: Missouri opened -3 and is now -2.5. The total opened at 52 and is now 53.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with clear skies.
TRENDS:

* Gamecocks are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Over is 8-1 in Gamecocks last nine conference games.
* Tigers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Furman Paladins at LSU Tigers (-45.5)

The Paladins notched a 27-10 victory over Appalachian State last week thanks to a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown by Gary Wilkins – one of five turnovers forced by the Furman defense. Reese Hannon was efficient for the Paladins, completing 13-of-19 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, while Hank McCloud contributed 89 yards on 13 rushing attempts.

The Tigers have one of the nation’s top wideout duos, with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry combining for 95 catches, 1,600 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns through eight games. The Tigers’ air attack has somewhat overshadowed sophomore running back Jeremy Hill, who has rushed for at least 100 yards in four of his last six games, although his 4.0 yards per carry against Ole Miss was his worst mark of the season.

LINE: The Tigers opened as 45.5-point home faves.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s.
TRENDS:

* Paladins are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Paladins are 4-0 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Tigers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games following a ATS loss.

Florida Atlantic Owls at Auburn Tigers (-23.5, 51)

Owls coach Carl Pelini was worried about his team keeping fresh during the bye week, so he made sure to have a full-speed scrimmage at a practice. “The most important thing we get out of these days is full-speed work,” Pelini told the Palm Beach Post. “You don't want to go two weeks between playing full speed.”

After last week's win over Texas A&M put Auburn in control of its own destiny in the SEC West, many see the Tigers as potential national-championship contenders. But Auburn coach Gus Malzahn has his team focused on what's ahead, as in this week's game, rather than the big picture. “The only thing we talked about is this week and Florida Atlantic,” Malzahn said at his weekly news conference. “We're not talking about anything else or thinking about anything else. We're going to keep the same approach.”

LINE: The Tigers opened as 25.5-point faves and are now -23.5. The total opened at 51.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with clear skies.
TRENDS:

* Owls are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 road games.
* Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Tigers last six home games.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio State Buckeyes (-14.5, 56.5)

Freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg has taken the reins of the offense and has the Nittany Lions ranked 26th in the nation in passing (283.7 yards per game), and he'll need to be sharp against an Ohio State defense that doesn't give up much on the ground. It helps that Hackenberg has the Big Ten's top receiver in Allen Robinson, who has 43 receptions for 705 yards and five TDs.

The Buckeyes have been prone to slow starts in their three conference games but have outscored opponents 58-27 in the second half over that span. Ohio State ranks 18th in the nation in total offense (494.6 yards per game) led by quarterback Braxton Miller (831 passing yards, 8 TDs; 335 rushing yards) and has been especially strong on the ground with Carlos Hyde (443 yards, 5 TDs) and Jordan Hall (438 yards, 8 TDs) leading the way.

LINE: The Buckeyes opened as 14-point home faves and are now -14.5. The total opened at 56.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s and wind will blow across the field at 7 mph.
TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Ohio State.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in Buckeyes last five games overall.

Fresno State Bulldogs at San Diego State Aztecs (+7.5, 62)

Bulldgos Davante Adams continues his meteoric rise as one of the nation's top wide receivers. He tied a school record with four touchdown receptions last week and remains the nation’s active career leader in receptions (8.5) and receiving yards per game (106.8). He’ll be up against a San Diego State secondary that allows an average of 280.2 passing yards a game, 15th most in the nation.

The Aztecs have been wildly inconsistent in the fourth quarter over the last month. They blew a nine-point lead with less than three minutes remaining in a loss to Oregon State on Sept. 21, outscored New Mexico State 15-0 in the final quarter of a 10-point win the following week, blew a 21-point lead against Nevada before winning in overtime and then stormed back from a 14-point deficit in their most recent game, a 27-20 victory at Air Force.

LINE: The Bulldogs opened as 8.5-point road faves and are now -7.5. The total opened at 61.5 and is up to 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with wind blowing toward the E endzone at 4 mph.
TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Aztecs are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Over is 6-1 in Bulldogs last seven games following a bye week.

Stanford Cardinal at Oregon State Beavers (+3.5, 56.5)

The Cardinal have excelled under the steady guidance of quarterback Kevin Hogan (62.9 completion rate, 13 touchdowns, five interceptions), who is 11-1 as a starter. Hogan's top target is wide receiver Ty Montgomery (36 catches, 15.7 yards per reception, five TDs) and the junior is also a major threat on special teams as he has returned two kickoffs for scores.

The Beavers, who have played only one home game since Sept. 7, are tied with Missouri for the most interceptions with 14 while cornerback Steven Nelson shares the national lead with five. QB Sean Mannion, who leads the nation in touchdown passes (29) and yards (2,992), faces a defense which is tied for 22nd in the nation with 19 sacks.

LINE: The Beavers opened as 5.5-point home dogs and are now +3.5. The total opened at 55 and is up to 56.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s.
TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Oregon State.
* Cardinal are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Beavers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

English Breakfast: Premier League betting cheat sheet

Six matches on the board Saturday as Premier League action continues. Fulham hammered four goals past Crystal Palace last time out, so perhaps the Cottagers have found some form. They'll be tested by the best defensive unit in the league, however, as they travel to St. Mary's Stadium to face Southampton.

Crystal Palace v Arsenal (+850, +400, -300)

Why bet Crystal Palace: If not for the horrific start by Sunderland, Palace would be dead last in the league with just three points. The Eagles have lost five-straight matches, including an embarrassing performance at home versus Fulham Monday. Nothing has gone right for Ian Holloway and his men in their return to top-flight football.

Key players out/doubtful: Patrick McCarthy, Jack Hunt, Glenn Murray, Jonathan Williams

Why bet Arsenal: The Gunners will be bitter and angry at the loss to Borussia Dortmund in Champions League midweek. It was only the second time Arsenal has lost all season and a thumping of Palace at Selhurst Park will cure any residual effects from the disappointing loss.

Key players out/doubtful: Abou Diaby, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott

2012-13 fixture result: N/A

Key betting note: Palace have given up at least two goals in their last five Premier League matches.

Liverpool v West Brom (-250, +375, +700)

Why bet Liverpool: The strike partnership of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez has been exceptional since the latter's return from suspension. Sturridge is now the leading goalscorer in the league with seven goals on the season, which is more than half of Liverpool's 13 total goals.

Key players out/doubtful: Iago Aspas, José Enrique, Sebastián Coates

Why bet West Brom: I feel as if saying things like 'West Brom is undefeated in five straight including a victory at Man United and a draw with Arsenal' is the type of nonesense that just doesn't fly. But it's true. The Baggies sit 12th and are playing very good football at the moment. Especially on the road, where they have yet to lose with one victory and three draws.

Key players out/doubtful: Zoltán Gera, Ben Foster, George Thorne, Scott Sinclair

2012-13 fixture result: Liverpool 0, West Brom 2

Key betting note: The Baggies have won and kept a clean sheet in the past three Premier League matches versus Liverpool.

Aston Villa v Everton (+240, +225, +125)

Why bet Aston Villa: First and foremost is Christian Benteke, who should return after coming on as a sub against Tottenham last weekend. The Villains have already beaten Arsenal and Man City and are not intimidated by any club. Midfielder Fabian Delph has really come into his own in the holding role and has adapted nicely as the bridge in a young spine along with Benteke and Austrian playmaker Andrea Weimann.

Key players out/doubtful: Jores Okore, Charles N'Zogbia, Gary Gardner

Why bet Everton: After a tough loss at Man City, the Toffees got back in the winning column with a 2-1 victory over Hull. The club hasn't missed a beat after the transfer of star player Marouane Fellaini as James McCarthy and Gareth Barry have played well in the holding-mid role. Romelu Lukaku has been as good as it gets leading the line and has four goals in four appearances.

Key players out/doubtful: Darron Gibson, Antolin Alcaraz, Apostolos Velios

2012-13 fixture result: Aston Villa 1, Everton 3

Key betting note: Everton has one victory in their last 12 EPL away matches.

Manchester United v Stoke (-300, +400, +1000)

Why bet United: The Red Devils had three points cruelly snatched from their grasp by Southampton last weekend. They rebounded accordingly, however, and dispatched Real Sociedad in Champions League action midweek. Not much has gone right for the club this season, except for the revelation of Adnan Januzaj, the 18-year-old Belgian who followed up his two-goal coming out party with a full 90' performance against Southampton.

Key players out/doubtful: Darren Fletcher

Why bet Stoke: The Potters got out to an excellent start, but that has subsided as they have lost three of their last five matches. Goals have been hard to come by as the side has mustered just one goal in the last five matches and zero in the last three. On the flip side, they are stingy defenders and do a good job at keeping opponents at bay, allowing just seven goals this season.

Key players out/doubtful: N/A

2012-13 fixture result: Manchester United 4, Stoke 2

Key betting note: Man United has won each of the last five EPL meetings with Stoke at Old Trafford.

Norwich v Cardiff (+110, +240, +250)

Why bet Norwich: Amazingly, the Canaries find themseleves in the relegation zone. They've lost back-to-back games (albeit against Chelsea and Arsenal) and are desperate for points. This side is better than 18th and a home match versus a promoted club will be viewed as a must win.

Key players out/doubtful: Elliott Bennett

Why bet Cardiff: Things aren't looking good at the Welsh club. Days after appointing a 23-year-old Kazakhstani painter as head of recruitment, Cardiff was thumped 4-1 by Chelsea for the side's second-straight loss. Owner Vincent Tan's bizzare decision has surely unsettled the club and manager Malky Mackay, who had the ousted Iain Moody in his staff since 2011.

Key players out/doubtful: Andreas Cornelius

2012-13 fixture result: N/A

Key betting note: Cardiff has played over the 2.5 goal total in their last three matches.

Southampton v Fulham (-175, +300, +500)

Why bet Southampton: The Saints have been a great story thus far and sit sixth in the table. They are the best side in the league defensively, having allowed just three goals in their first eight matches. There is still work to be done in the final third of the pitch, but that will come as Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Pablo Osvaldo become more accustomed to one another.

Key players out/doubtful: N/A

Why bet Fulham: The Cottagers put on an incredibly impressive display against Crystal Palace last time out, scoring highlight-reel goals in a 4-1 hammering of the lowly Eagles. Fulham needed to bag some goals after getting off to a dry start and that's exactly when they did. They've now won back-to-back matches and will look for their run of form to continue.

Key players out/doubtful: Matthew Briggs, Aaron Hughes

2012-13 fixture result: Southampton 2, Fulham 2

Key betting note: Fulham is unbeaten in its last seven matches versus Southampton in all competitions.

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Northcoast Early Bird Central Florida (This is a comp, not a star rated play but it has an outstanding long term record)

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Stephen Nover

Northwestern double-dime bet

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Nick Parsons 10* Very Early blood bath

Nebraska