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Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Afternoon action
Ohio State Buckeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (+32, 67)
Riding the longest winning streak in the nation, the Buckeyes are ranked No. 3 in the BCS standings and almost certainly cannot catch Alabama or Florida State unless one of those squads lose. Still, Ohio State is having a championship-caliber season that continued its last time out on Nov. 2 with a 56-0 thrashing of Purdue – a game that featured four passing touchdowns by Braxton Miller and three total TDs by his backup, Kenny Guiton.
The Illini might have a chance to snap their Big Ten losing streak next week at Purdue, but it seems unlikely that they will defeat the Buckeyes for the first time since 2007. If Illinois has any shot, it will need a repeat performance from Nathan Scheelhaase, who set career highs with 38 completions and 450 yards last week in a 52-35 defeat to Indiana. Illinois has allowed 34.7 points per game this season.
LINE: Illinois is a 32-point underdog, down from an opening of +33. The total is set at 67, up from 66.5.
WEATHER: There is a 47 percent chance of rain and wind blowing N across the length of the field at 15 mph.
TRENDS:
* Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS vs. teams with winning records.
* Fighting Illini are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU loss.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Illinois.
Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma Sooners (-24, 50)
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said he would evaluate everything about his offense - ranked 113th out of 123 FBS teams in yardage - after the season. Freshman quarterback Grant Rohach will make his second straight start but Rhoads wouldn't say if quarterback Sam Richardson (thumb) would be used in running plays like in last week's 21-17 loss to Texas Christian.
Brennan Clay (557 yards, three touchdowns) and Damien Williams (425 yards, five scores) lead the ground game and Oklahoma is 60-1 under head coach Bob Stoops when rushing for more than 200 yards. Freshman linebacker Dominique Alexander has two double-digit tackling performances - including 11 tackles and a sack for a safety against Baylor - in four games since replacing injured Corey Nelson.
LINE: Oklahoma is a 24-point fave, a slight dip from its 24.5-point open. The total is set at 50.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with a 24 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.
TRENDS:
* Cyclones are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. teams with winning records.
* Sooners are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring fewer than 20 points in their previous outing.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
Central Florida Knights at Temple Owls (+16.5, 56.5)
UCF's Blake Bortles, ranked 10th in passing efficiency (164.1) among FBS quarterbacks, followed up a career-high four touchdown performance over Connecticut with his second-lowest yardage total of the season (210) against Houston, throwing a pick and failing to find the end zone. Wide receiver Breshad Perriman is expected to play against Temple after passing baseline testing following a concussion against the Cougars.
P.J. Walker has helped the Owls revive their offense since taking over as their starting quarterback. Temple, which averaged 15.8 points through its first five games, has seen that figure nearly double to 30.5 in Walker's four starts, with the freshman amassing 1,094 yards on 80-of-128 passing and 11 touchdowns. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich leads all AAC tacklers with 113 on the season.
LINE: Central Florida has held steady as a 16.5-point fave with the total up from 55 to 56.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:
* Knights are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games on grass.
* Owls are 4-0 ATS in their last four conference games.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Temple's last six home games.
Indiana Hoosiers at Wisconsin Badgers (-24, 69.5)
The Hoosiers have the second best offense in the Big Ten behind Ohio State averaging 43.1 points and 527,1 yards per contest. Running backs Tevin Coleman (215), the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, and Stephen Houston (150) both rushed for over 100 yards for the second straight week. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld leads the Big Ten in passing touchdowns with 19.
The Badgers still have their sights set on a possible BCS bowl invite if they can win their final three games (Indiana, at Minnesota, Penn State) and get to 10 wins. Don't bet against them. Since 2006, the Badgers are 24-4 after Nov. 1 (excluding bowl games) and first-year head coach Gary Andersen has won 15 of his last 16 conference games dating back to his Utah State coaching days.
LINE: Wisconsin opened -20.5 but the line has since been bet up to -24. The total is down from 70 to 69.5.
WEATHER: There is an 86 percent chance of showers with wind blowing out of the southeast at 14 mph.
TRENDS:
* Hoosiers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight conference games.
* Badgers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
* Over is 11-1 in the last 12 meetings.
Michigan State Spartans at Nebraska Cornhuskers (+5.5, 42)
The Spartans are one of only two teams (Louisville) in the FBS to rank in the top five nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass defense. Michigan State’s defense is allowing 3.47 yards per play and has yielded only 10 rushes of more than 10 yards – both of which are the lowest marks in the country.
The Cornhuskers held Michigan to minus-21 yards rushing and recorded a season-high seven sacks – including three by defensive end Randy Gregory – to boost their conference-leading total to 30. Gregory, who has notched seven of his Big Ten-best 7.5 sacks during league play, was named co-Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Wolverines.
LINE: Michigan State opened -6.5 but has since been bet down to -5.5. The total is 42.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:
* Spartans are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
* Cornhuskers are 18-4-2 ATS in their last 24 home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Michigan State is 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
Miami Hurricanes at Duke Blue Devils (+3.5, 61)
The Hurricanes rushed for only 28 yards against Virginia Tech in their first game without standout running back Duke Johnson -- lost for the season with a broken right ankle. That must improve to give a struggling defense more of a break and allow the balance needed for quarterback Stephen Morris, who has 14 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.
The Blue Devils need better play at quarterback from Anthony Boone and Brandon Connette, who have combined for 15 interceptions – seven the last two weeks by Boone. Whoever is under center will be looking for wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who is second in the ACC in catches per game (7.44) and is 97 shy of his second straight 1,000-yard campaign.
LINE: Miami has been installed as a 3.5-point fave with the total dipping a half-point to 61.
WEATHER: There will be cloudy skies with temperatures in the low-60s.
TRENDS:
* Hurricanes are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games.
* Blue Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last four conference games.
* Over is 11-3-1 in Duke's last 15 conference games.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Longhorns (+3, 62.5)
The Cowboys are set up nicely with an injury-depleted Texas squad on the road and home games against Baylor and rival Oklahoma finishing out the regular season. Head coach Mike Gundy’s squad handily beat Kansas last week, 42-6, as quarterback Clint Chelf passed for season highs of 265 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
The Longhorns were left for dead after falling to 1-2 in September but picked themselves back up while rallying behind embattled coach Mack Brown. Texas was already playing through injuries to quarterback David Ash and linebacker Jordan Hicks, but the two latest setbacks could hamper what had been a strong running game while making one of the team’s weaknesses — run defense — an even greater concern.
LINE: OSU has remained a 3-point fave with the total dropping from 63.5 to 62.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with cloudy skies.
TRENDS:
* Cowboys are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games after allowing more than 200 rushing yards in their previous contest.
* Longhorns are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Under is 7-1 in Texas' last eight November games.
Syracuse Orange at Florida State Seminoles (-37.5, 55.5)
The Orange need one more win to become bowl eligible, but with zero wins over the Seminoles since 1966 and this year's edition looking better than ever, they will likely need to defeat Pittsburgh or Boston College later this month to reach the postseason. Syracuse got two rushing touchdowns and 118 yards from Jerome Smith in last week’s 20-3 triumph against Maryland, while its defense limited the Terrapins to 2.3 yards per carry and forced four turnovers.
The Seminoles clinched the ACC’s Atlantic Division title and a berth in the conference championship game with last week’s win over Wake Forest, a game in which the Seminoles forced seven turnovers, including two returned for scores in a span of 19 seconds. Winston appears destined to be a Heisman Trophy finalist, as the redshirt freshman has racked up 2,661 passing yards with 26 touchdowns on the season.
LINE: FSU opened at -38.5, but the line has been bet down by a point. The total is set at 55.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with wind blowing across the width of the field at 6 mph.
TRENDS:
* Orange are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games.
* Seminoles are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games on grass.
* Over is 8-2-1 in Florida's last 11 home games.
Georgia Bulldogs at Auburn Tigers (-3.5, 64)
Injuries derailed the Bulldogs' high hopes entering the season, but they're inching closer to full strength. Most notably, star running back Todd Gurley (104.2 rushing yards per game) is back in the mix after missing three games with an ankle injury. Georgia's defense has been maligned but actually ranks 20th in the nation against the run (126 yards per game), presenting a favorable matchup against Auburn.
The Tigers' ascent has been spurred by the nation's No. 3 rushing attack at 320 yards per game, and it's not just one player leading it. Tre Mason ranks second in the league with 1,038 rushing yards to go with 16 rushing touchdowns, and quarterback Nick Marshall (734 yards, seven TDs) and running backs Cameron Artis-Payne (568 yards, five TDs) and Corey Grant (504 yards, four TDs) can also do damage on the ground.
LINE: Auburn has held steady as a 3.5-point fave, while the total has risen from 62.5 to 64.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy skies are in the forecast with temperatures in the low-70s.
TRENDS:
* Bulldogs are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven games.
* Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Over is 7-1 in Georgia's last eight games vs. teams with winning records. -
Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Evening action
Utah Utes at Oregon Ducks (-26, 64.5)
The Utes have excelled at pressuring the quarterback as they lead the nation in sacks per game (3.67) and their 33 total sacks are second to Missouri’s 34. Defensive end/linebacker Trevor Reilly leads the squad in tackles (78), tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (seven), and linebacker Jacoby Hale (6.5 sacks) has also been a force.
The Ducks likely had their national championship aspirations extinguished with the 26-20 loss to Stanford as they were stunningly blanked for three quarters before attempting to rally. The season-low output drops Oregon’s scoring average to 51.7 per game – third nationally – and the Ducks now need Stanford to stumble to have any chance of being the North’s representative in the Pac-12 title game.
LINE: Oregon opened as a 25-point fave, but the line has been bet up to -26. The total is currently 64.5.
WEATHER: Rain is in the forecast with temperatures in the low-40s.
TRENDS:
* Utes are 2-7 ATS in their last nine conference games.
* Ducks are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games.
* Over is 13-3-1 in Oregon's last 17 home games vs. teams with losing road records.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears (-27.5, 85)
Texas Tech, which has lost three straight after a 7-0 start, is averaging 37.8 points and 530.5 yards per game. The Red Raiders are coming off a 49-26 loss to Kansas State, and head coach Kliff Kingsbury isn't sure who will be his starting quarterback against the Bears. Baker Mayfield and Davis Webb, both freshmen, each have started five games.
There's no debate on who will start at quarterback for the Bears. Bryce Petty leads the nation in passing efficiency (210.6) and yards per completion (19.68) and has started popping up on some Heisman Trophy lists. But the Bears also can run the ball, as they're averaging 255 yards on the ground, and will be going up against a Texas Tech defense that surrendered 291 yards rushing in last week's loss to Kansas State.
LINE: Baylor is installed as a 27.5-point fave with the total set at a whopping 85.
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:
* Red Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last four neutral-site games.
* Bears are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after scoring 40 or more points in their previous contest.
* Over is 14-2 in Baylor's last 16 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
Florida Gators at South Carolina Gamecocks (-12, 41.5)
A season that began with high expectations has fallen victim to the injury bug as the Gators have lost seven starters to season-ending injuries, including quarterback Jeff Driskel, running back Matt Jones and defensive tackle Dominique Easley. If Murphy can’t go because of the shoulder sprain, the job will belong to freshman Skyler Mornhinweg, who has yet to throw a collegiate pass.
The Gamecocks enter Saturday very much alive in the race for a berth in the SEC Championship game. South Carolina needs a win Saturday and for Georgia and Missouri to each just lose once to punch its ticket to Atlanta. The Gamecocks will look to lean on running back Mike Davis, who leads the SEC in rushing yards per game with 117.6.
LINE: South Carolina opened as a 13.5-point fave but is now -12. The total has held at 41.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with cloudy skies.
TRENDS:
* Gators are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a bye week.
* Gamecocks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 home games.
* The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Houston Cougars at Louisville Cardinals (-15.5, 57.5)
The winner of this matchup and once-beaten Cincinnati likely will be the only teams with a chance to overtake Central Florida, which is unbeaten in conference play. The Cougars are a decided underdog on the road, despite losing at Central Florida by just five points last week. Freshman quarterback John O'Korn didn't play exceptionally well against the Knights, so as he goes, so does Houston.
Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has played well in every game this season, and that's not likely to change against a Cougar defense ranked 30th in points allowed. Strong knows what his quarterback can do, but he believes there are similarities between what Central Florida and Houston do on offense. The Cougars lead the nation with a plus-21 turnover margin, while the Cardinals are second at plus-14.
LINE: Louisville is a 15.5-point favorite - down from an opening of -17 - while the total is holding at 57.5.
WEATHER: There is a 19 percent chance of showers in the forecast with temperatures in the high-50s.
TRENDS:
* Cougars are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
* Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last seven vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 14-6 in Louisville's last 20 home games.
Alabama Crimson Tide at Mississippi State Bulldogs (+23.5, 52)
AJ McCarron has not been intercepted in his last 123 passing attempts; he owns the school record at 291 and is in the midst of his third streak of at least 100 consecutive passes without a turnover. Over the past seven contests, the Crimson Tide offense has outgained the opposition by 1,609 yards -- an average of 229.9 yards per game.
Safety Nickoe Whitley posted his 14th career interception against the Aggies, tying him for the most among active FBS players and leaving him two shy of matching the school record (Walt Harris, Johnthan Banks). Jameon Lewis, who has a team-high 39 catches, is the only player in the country with at least four receiving, three rushing and three passing touchdowns.
LINE: Alabama has seen the line dip from 24.5 to 23.5, with the total set at 52.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with wind blowing across the width of the field at 10 mph.
TRENDS:
* Crimson Tide are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last five games on grass.
* Under is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings.
Stanford Cardinal at USC Trojans (+4, 46)
The Cardinal is ranked No. 4 in the BCS standings, but they’ll need help to land a spot in the national championship game. They certainly appeared worthy in their win over previously unbeaten Oregon, with the offensive line dominating the line of scrimmage and Tyler Gaffney rushing for 157 yards on 45 carries. Coach David Shaw indicated the offense will be more diversified against the Trojans.
Tailback Silas Redd is questionable after suffering a knee injury last week, so the Trojans will likely lean on Javorius Allen against Stanford, which leads the Pac-12 in run defense. Quarterback Cody Kessler has improved since Orgeron took over on Sept. 29, and he’s completed 82 percent of his passes over the last two games. The Trojans rank tied for third nationally in red zone defense.
LINE: Stanford opened at -3 but has seen the line bet up by a point. The total is set at 46.
WEATHER: Skies will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low-60s.
TRENDS:
* Cardinal are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. teams with winning home records.
* Trojans are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU win.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings at USC.
Oregon State Beavers at Arizona State Sun Devils (-14, 63.5)
Brandin Cooks has 91 receptions to tie the school mark shared by James Rodgers (2009) and Markus Wheaton (2012), and is nine away from becoming the fifth player in Pac-12 history to reach 100. Cooks has 1,344 yards and 14 touchdown receptions as a top-notch target for quarterback Sean Mannion, who leads the nation with 3,540 yards and is tied for second with 31 touchdowns.
Running back Marion Grice hasn’t scored a touchdown in back-to-back games after finding the end zone 18 times over the first seven games. Grice (12 rushing scores, six receiving) has teamed with multi-purpose quarterback Taylor Kelly (24 passing touchdowns, seven rushing) to fuel an offense averaging 43.7 points per game.
LINE: ASU has held steady as a 14-point fave, while the total has dropped one point to 63.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s under partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:
* Beavers are 21-9-1 ATS in their last 31 road games.
* Sun Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 17-5 in Arizona State's last 22 games following a SU win.Comment
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College football betting weather report: Saturday's forecasts
Find out how weather will impact your college football bets for Saturday's matchups:
Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma Sooners (-24, 48.5)
There is a 24 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 22 mph.
Indiana Hoosiers at Wisconsin Badgers (-26, 69)
There is an 87 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 14 mph.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (+32, 65.5)
There is a 47 percent chance of showers in the forecast. Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 16 mph.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Kansas Jayhawks (+6.5, 48)
There is a 29 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 23 mph.
Central Michigan Chippewas at Western Michigan Broncos (+2.5, 51)
There is a 44 percent chance of rain in the forecast. Wind will blow across the field at 17 mph.
Washington State Cougars at Arizona Wildcats (-11, 66)
Wind will blow across the field at 16 mph.
Connecticut Huskies at SMU Mustangs (-14.5, 56)
Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 20 mph.
Idaho State Bengals at BYU Cougars
Temperatures will be in the low-40s with a chance of snow.
TCU Horned Frogs at Kansas State Wildcats (-11, 46)
Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 20 mph.
Michigan State Spartans at Nebraska Cornhuskers (+5.5, 41)
Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 15 mph.
Michigan Wolverines at Northwestern Wildacats (-2.5, 50)
There is a 63 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 17 mph.
Utah Utes at Oregon Ducks (-27.5, 64.5)
There is a 95 percent chance of rain in the forecast.
Memphis Tigers at South Florida Bulls (+1.5, 40.5)
There is a 56 percent chance of rain with wind blowing across the field at 8 mph.
Colorado State Rams at New Mexico Lobos (+6.5, 65.5)
Wind will blow across the field at 19 mph.
FIU Golden Panthers at UTEP Miners (-6, 47)
Wind will blow across the field at 22 mph.
Wyoming Cowboys at Boise State Broncos (-24, 68.5)
There is a 28 percent chance of rain in the forecast.Comment
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Where the action is: Bettors all over Wisconsin
The odds for Week 12 of the college football season have been on the move since hitting the boards last weekend. We talk to Aron Black of Bet365 about the biggest adjustments to this Saturday’s spreads.
Indiana Hoosiers at Wisconsin Badgers - Open: -20, Move: -27
This week's biggest mover is easily this Big Ten matchup between the Hoosiers and Badgers. At 8-0-1 against the spread, the Badgers are college football's best bet and are 5-0 ATS at Camp Randall Stadium this season, a stat hasn't been lost on bettors.
"Indiana has a good offense, but the big line move is due to the expected absence of RB Tevin Coleman, and obviously the fact that they give up big pts per game," says Black. "Wisconsin needs big margins of victory, so they will definitely be trying to go all out to win by as many as possible. Action has been all over the Badgers."
Florida Gators at South Carolina Gamecocks - Open: -13.5, Move: -12.5
Normally, the Florida Gators are ever-present in SEC and BCS discussions. Not this year. The Gators have been injury riddled virtually all season and the team has struggled, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The defense, however, has been quite formidable.
"The Gamecocks need to win this week to maintain a charge at the SEC title," says Black. "A two-TD fave line wouldn’t have been the forecast coming into the season for this game, but with Florida's injuries, and effectively the only real motivation now is to play spoiler and try not become the first Gator team with a losing record in 34 years. Action has been split on this one, but the Gamecocks see more ATS at a 2-to-1 clip."
Alabama Crimson Tide at Mississippi State Bulldogs - Open: -24.5, Move: -23
Clearly, the No. 1 team in the nation is rolling as Alabama is coming off a big victory over LSU. They have a massive game versus Auburn upcoming, but first, must not look past Mississippi State.
"The Bulldogs have been owned by 'Bama in their last five meetings, and this week shouldn’t be any different," predicts Black. "However, it's often tough for teams to stay playing at a high level when the have come off a big win. The line move is more down to MSU QB Dak Prescott being upgraded, and considered sharp money seems to respect the way they finished against the Aggies last week. But overall, the action is all about 'Bama by a 5-to-1 clip ATS."Comment
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Georgia bettors bleeding money, no thanks to defense
Georgia (6-3 SU, 1-7-1 ATS) hasn't beaten the spread since its 41-30 victory at South Carolina on Sept. 7, going 0-6-1 ATS.
In that stretch, the Bulldogs have twice given up 31 points and twice given up 41 points, while only really holding down FCS victim Appalachian State last week in a 45-6 rout -- barely failing to cover as a 39.5-point chalk. The Bulldogs are at Auburn (9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS) on Saturday where they will be an underdog for the first time this season.Comment
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Stanford paying off for bettors on the road
Stanford (8-1 SU, 5-4 ATS) has been a road warrior against the spread the past few seasons, going 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 on the highway. A trip to Southern Cal (7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS) is on tap Saturday night where Stanford is laying four points.
Look no further than the Cardinal defense to understand why. In its last 11 road games, spanning this season and 2012, Stanford has allowed an average of just 14.6 ppg on the road.Comment
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Michigan State at Nebraska: What bettors need to know
Michigan State Spartans at Nebraska Cornhuskers (+5.5, 42)
With its dominant defense, No. 16 Michigan State has climbed atop the Big Ten Legends Division in convincing fashion. In order to remain there, the Spartans must address the one riddle they have been unable to solve on Saturday when they travel to Lincoln to face Nebraska. Michigan State has held its last three opponents to a combined nine points, but is 0-7 all-time against the Cornhuskers – including losses in each of the two-plus seasons Nebraska has been a member of the Big Ten.
The Spartans – who lead the country in total defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense – have cruised through conference play thus far, winning each game by at least 14 points. Michigan State savored a well-timed bye week following its home victory over Michigan on Nov. 2. Nebraska also enters this contest with a win over the Wolverines and can pull into a first-place tie atop the division if it can continue its mastery of the Spartans.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN2.
LINE: The Spartans opened as 6.5-point faves and are now -5.5. The total has remained 42.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with winds blowing across the field at 12 mph.
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (8-1, 5-0 Big Ten): The Spartans are one of only two teams (Louisville) in the FBS to rank in the top five nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass defense. Michigan State’s defense is allowing 3.47 yards per play and has yielded only 10 rushes of more than 10 yards – both of which are the lowest marks in the country. The stellar defensive effort has contributed to the Spartans’ conference-best time of possession (34:32 per game), which also ranks second in FBS.
ABOUT NEBRASKA (7-2, 4-1): The Cornhuskers held Michigan to minus-21 yards rushing and recorded a season-high seven sacks – including three by defensive end Randy Gregory – to boost their conference-leading total to 30. Gregory, who has notched seven of his Big Ten-best 7.5 sacks during league play, was named co-Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Wolverines. Coach Bo Pelini expressed doubt earlier this week when he was asked about injured quarterback Taylor Martinez (foot) returning to the field this season.
TRENDS:
* Spartans are 0-5 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Spartans are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
* Under is 4-1 in Cornhuskers last five games overall.
* Cornhuskers are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 home games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Michigan State has held four of its opponents without a touchdown, including each of the last three.
2. Nebraska is 9-1 in Big Ten home games since joining the conference in 2011 and has won four of its last five home games against ranked opponents.
3. The Spartans’ 28-24 loss to the Cornhuskers last season marked the first time they had scored more than 14 in seven all-time meetings.Comment
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Oklahoma State at Texas: What bettors need to know
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Longhorns (+3, 62.5)
Oklahoma State has a clear path the to Big 12 title and a spot in a BCS bowl game — it just needs to win three straight against three ranked teams. That all starts on Saturday, when the 10th-ranked Cowboys visit No. 24 Texas. The Longhorns bounced back from a pair of ugly losses early and are ripping through the Big 12 with six straight victories, putting themselves in position to take the conference by winning out as well.
Texas is sitting in first place in the Big 12, joining Baylor as the only teams remaining undefeated in conference play. Oklahoma State sits a game back, with the Bears looming on the schedule next week. The Longhorns barely survived with a 47-40 overtime victory at West Virginia last week but suffered a pair of crushing injuries in the win when running back Johnathan Gray (Achilles tendon) and defensive tackle Chris Watley (knee) were lost for the rest of the season.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX.
LINE: Cowboys opened -3 while the total opened 63.5 and is down one point.
WEATHER: Wind will blow toward the N endzone at 13 mph. There is an 11 percent chance of rain.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (8-1, 5-1 Big 12): The Cowboys are set up nicely with an injury-depleted Texas squad on the road and home games against Baylor and rival Oklahoma finishing out the regular season. “You’re at that point in the season where you need to win one to get to stay in the race,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. “If we wouldn’t have played well and beat Kansas then that would have been a big game. You have to continue to move forward. This will be a new challenge for us.” Gundy’s squad handily beat Kansas last week, 42-6, as quarterback Clint Chelf passed for season highs of 265 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
ABOUT TEXAS (7-2, 6-0): The Longhorns were left for dead after falling to 1-2 in September but picked themselves back up while rallying behind embattled coach Mack Brown. Texas was already playing through injuries to quarterback David Ash and linebacker Jordan Hicks, but the two latest setbacks could hamper what had been a strong running game while making one of the team’s weaknesses — run defense — an even greater concern. Texas ranks fourth in the Big 12 with an average of 197.3 rushing yards but sits eighth at stopping the run, surrendering 185.1 yards.
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Under is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings in Texas.
* Cowboys are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 8-3 in Longhorns last 11 conference games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Texas is enjoying its longest winning streak since taking 17 straight from 2008-09.
2. The road team has taken each of the last four in the series, including a 38-26 victory for Oklahoma State in Texas on Oct. 15, 2011 — the Cowboys’ last trip.
3. Longhorns QB Case McCoy has thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four) over the last three games.Comment
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UFC 167 betting: Takedowns won't come easy for GSP
By MMAODDSBREAKER
UFC 167: Georges St-Pierre (-260) VS. Johny Hendricks (+220)
I’m not surprised that the betting line has remained steady as St-Pierre has been nothing but a money train during his UFC tenure and many bettors are scared of betting against him. Personally, though, I think is the fight where St-Pierre finally loses his belt, and I’m taking Hendricks at +220 for the upset. Here’s why.
Although St-Pierre has been nothing short of dominant during his streak of eight consecutive welterweight title defenses, the few weaknesses he has shown play into Hendricks’ strengths. Namely, his chin.
Although St-Pierre has exceptional striking defense and is one of the hardest fighters to hit, the few times he has been hit hard, by Matt Serra and Carlos Condit, don’t inspire any confidence in me that he can survive one of Hendricks’ patented left hands. Hendricks has the most powerful one-punch knockout power in the entire welterweight division, and if he can connect flush on St-Pierre’s chin early in the fight, that will probably be enough to win him the title as I can’t see St-Pierre surviving a punch to the chin if Hendricks hits him on the button.
Yes, St-Pierre did show in the Condit bout that his recovery skills have improved over the years, as instead of getting TKOed by Serra he was able to withstand Condit’s third round head kick and end up winning a decision on the scorecards. But that kick was to St-Pierre’s temple, not his chin. If Hendricks hits St-Pierre’s chin, like Serra did at UFC 69, I just can’t see him being able to regain his composure like he did at UFC 154 against Condit.
Now, obviously, this is assuming that Hendricks can hit him. And there’s no absolute guarantee he will, as I expect St-Pierre to shoot in for a takedown from the opening bell and try to get Hendricks to the mat.
Yes, St-Pierre has an excellent jab and excellent standup in general, but standing for any length of time with a knockout artist like Hendricks seems like a terrible idea, particularly early on in the fight when Hendricks is at his best. If GSP can’t get the takedown in round one, he’s going to be at a huge risk of getting taken out be Hendricks. And considering Hendricks’ impeccable wrestling background, there is absolutely no reason to think the takedowns are going to come easy for St-Pierre, especially early on in the fight.
Yes, I do expect St-Pierre to get takedowns on Hendricks once “Bigg Rigg” starts to gas in the third round. But the thing is, I don’t see the fight ever getting to the point. Instead, I think Hendricks lands early on in the fight, and I don’t think this match makes it past round two. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Hendricks knocks out St-Pierre in round one to become the new UFC welterweight champion.
I hate betting against a winner like St-Pierre, but at +220, I feel the odds on Hendricks are just too good to pass up. I’m not saying he’s a lock or anything, but after years of making money off of GSP, now it’s time to make some money off of betting against him.
Reminds me of Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman — and we all know what happened there.Comment
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Northcoast comp line
Early Bird - Ohio St -33
Power Play - 4* Mississippi St +24.5
Underdog POW - Nevada +7.5
Economy Club - Virginia Tech -14.5
Big Dog- Kansas +7.5 & +210
Big 12 POW - Kansas St. -10.5Comment
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Sports Reporter
BEST BET
CENTRAL MICHIGAN over *WESTERN MICHIGAN by 17
*RUTGERS over CINCINNATI by 11
SOUTHERN CAL over STANFORD by 10
COLORADO STATE over *NEW MEXICO by 18
RECOMMENDED
TEXAS over OKLAHOMA STATE by 7
BAYLOR over TEXAS TECH by 35
ARIZONA over WASHINGTON STATE by 3Comment
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SabertStxVii 2013 CFB Picks – Week 12
Week 12 Plays
2* Units, SC -13.5 vs Florida (write-up soon)
2* Units, Marshall -13 vs Tulsa
1.5* Units, Boston College -7 (-120) vs NC State
2* Units, Virginia Tech -16 vs Maryland
1* Unit, Kansas State -10.5 vs TCU
1* Unit, South Florida +1.5 vs Memphis
waiting for lines:
Georgia (looking for 4′s). Will take 3.5 if need be.
Washington (looking for 3′s). Will take 2.5 if need be.Comment
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Allen Eastman
NCAAF - Week 12
CLEMSON -10.5 - WON
BSU -22.5
VANDERBILT -12.5
ARK ST -7.5
AUBURN -3.5
MARSHALL -13 - LOSSComment
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Pezgordo 2013 College Football Picks – YTD: 31-23 (+6.28 units)
Pezgordo 2013 CFB Picks – Week # 12
363/364 Oregon State – ASU OVER 63.5 (1 unit)Comment
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