Like Gumbo on a Cold Day – 2011 New Orleans Bowl Betting Preview

2011 New Orleans Bowl Betting Preview

The 8 and 4 San Diego State Aztecs travel to the Big Easy to take on the 8 and 4 Raign’ Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2011 New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 17.

Louisiana-Lafayette takes on the Aztecs in their own backyard and the advantage of doing so cannot be discounted.  The Ragin’ Cajuns have one of the most faithful fan bases in the South.  If you live in central Louisiana, and you’re a good high school football player, you try to get a scholarship to LSU.  If you can’t get a free ride to LSU, you most likely will end up playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Will Louisiana-Lafayette’s advantages in this game translate to a victory and cover over San Diego State in this College Football Bowl game matchup?

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns vs San Diego State Aztecs

When:  Dec. 17 at 9:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  San Diego State -4.5, Total 58    

Offense

ULLAF’s offense provided decent balance during the regular season with 251 yards through the air and an impressive 130 yards per game on the ground.  The Ragin’ Cajuns averaged 32 points per contest.  Louisiana-Lafayette’s offense put up 34 against Oklahoma State on the road in their first game of the season.  That, in itself, was a decent showing.  The Cajuns also put up 37 against the Arizona Wildcats on the road and 21 against tough Arkansas State.

San Diego State’s offense, as it is in most seasons, was terrific in 2011.  The Aztecs put up 27 against New Mexico Bowl entrant Wyoming and 35 versus Top 10 Boise State.  They also beat Washington State 42 to 24 and Air Force 41 to 27 this season.  SDSU’s offense averaged a very good 423 yards per game, close to 200 of those yards came on the ground, and an excellent 30 points per.    

Defense

Neither teams’defense was all that impressive during the regular season.  The Ragin’ Cajuns allowed close to 400 yards and 30 points per game on average.  ULLAF preferred to outscore teams during the regular season, like when beating UL-Monroe 36 to 35 and giving up 456 yards to the Warhawks, making their D very suspect in this game.  Although it’s not exactly a great indicator of the effectiveness of their defense, the Ragin’
Cajuns did give up a sinister 666 yards to Oklahoma State in their first game of the regular season.  They also gave up 61 points in that contest.

The Aztecs’ D performed decently during the regular season.  San Diego State played in a much tougher conference, the MWC, so it makes sense that they allowed both TCU and Air Force, for instance, to score 27 points against them.  SDSU’s D allowed 25 points and 377 yards per game on average, during the regular season.  Teams were balanced against SDSU with 200 yards per game on average coming through the air and 177 yards per game on average coming from the ground against them.
 

Betting Analysis

70% of football handicappers so far favor the Aztecs in this contest.  San Diego State played in the tougher conference, against tougher teams overall, and displayed the ability to be competitive.  The Aztecs lost only 4 games this season.  But the Ragin’ Cajuns lost only 4 games this season as well.  Louisiana-Lafayette displayed the sort of tenacity that enabled them to run off 6 victories in a row.  ULLAF’s 4 losses all occurred on the road.  The New Orleans Bowl is almost a home game for the Cajuns.

Another reason to consider the Cajuns in this contest is the fact that those 70% going against them aren’t paying attention to any of the trends.  ULLAF is 13 and 3 ATS in their last 16 games as a dog.  They’re 5 and 0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games and 4 and 0 ATS versus a team with a winning record.  San Diego State is 1 and 4 ATS in their last 5 games on turf, 1 and 4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, and 1 and 4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up victory.  San Diego State has to travel further and their fan base isn’t nearly as rabid as the Ragin’ Cajuns.

I’m suspect about betting on the over in this game since neither team knows the other very well.  The defenses might be more effective than they have been in games during the regular season.  I prefer to take the points and go with ULLAF in this contest.  The Cajuns pretty much have home field advantage and the trends give them the edge.  Also, San Diego State has been going through some big changes, entering the Big East next season is one, meaning that they may be footballed out in a way while the Cajuns will be fired up to win in front of their fans.

Ragin’ Cajuns all the way in the New Orleans Bowl, is what I say.

Pick:  Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns +4.5

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Temple Takes On Wyoming in 2011 New Mexico Bowl Saturday

New Mexico Bowl Betting Preview

The Temple Owls take on the Wyoming Cowboy in the game that kicks off the 2011-2012 Bowl Season, the 2011 New Mexico Bowl.

Both the Owls and the Cowboys are 8 and 4 making the New Mexico Bowl one of the most difficult games during this bowl season to handicap…or, does it?  Both teams bring solid rushing games to the field and both have solid victories this season with Temple beating Maryland 38 to 7 and Wyoming beating Air Force 25 to 17, but one of the teams has a huge edge on defense.

Keep reading for my pick to cover the spread in the 2011 New Mexico Bowl!

New Mexico Bowl:  Temple vs Wyoming

When:  Dec. 17 at 2:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  Temple -7, Total 47    

Offense

Both of these teams rush the ball exceptionally well.  Temple is a bulldozer of a squad on the ground.  They average a fantastic 257 yards per game on the sod.  That’s most of the Owls’ 380 yards per game.  Temple averages 30 points per and showed what a quality offensive team they are by pasting Maryland 38 to 7 this season. 

Wyoming averages a respectable 187 on the ground and a decent 213.5 through the air.  Wyoming scores, on average, 27 points per game. The Cowboys are more balanced on offense than Temple, based on stats, but that might not matter because…

Defense

Temple’s D can be flat out nasty.  The Owls allow teams to score only 14 points per game on average against them.  They hold teams, on average, to a measly 315 yards per game.  How good is Temple’s defense?  It held Penn State, pre-Sandusky Scandal, to 14 points, Ball State to 0 and Bowling Green to 10.  Only 3 teams scored 20 points or more against the Owls this season:  Toledo, in a 13 to 36 loss, Ohio, in a 31 to 35 loss, and Miami (OH), in a 24 to 21 victory. 

Wyoming’s defense doesn’t measure up.  The Cowboys allow, on average, 27 points per game and over 430 yards per contest.  Teams rush for 231 yards per game against the Cowboys.  Wyoming’s D gives up 5.1 per rush on average.

Betting Analysis

Wyoming’s offense is very good, but it hasn’t faced a defense like Temple’s yet this season.  The Owls are loaded on the defensive side.  On the offensive side, Temple loves to rush the ball and, unfortunately for Wyoming fans, the Cowboys have trouble stopping the rush.  Temple could easily raise that 5 yard per average that the Cowboys allow to over 6.

The Owls figure to run it down Wyoming’s throat for this entire game while keeping Wyoming’s offense from moving the pigskin.  I just don’t see how the Cowboys cover the spread in this contest.  I see the Owls beating Wyoming by at least 10 points to cover the 7 point spread.  Temple was favored in 8 of their 10 regular season games this season while Wyoming was an underdog in 7 out of their 10 games this season proving that handicappers expected the Owls to make it to a bowl game.  Stats-wise, Temple is an easy pick as the only comparable team that Wyoming faced defensively was Boise State and Temple’s D is probably better than Boise State’s.

The Owls are a classic rush first, pass only if you have to, solid, lock down defensive team.  They should rough up Wyoming’s offense and Temple’s offensive line figures to wear down Wyoming’s front seven. 

I like Temple to cover. I’m staying away from the total since there’s no telling how many points Wyoming will, or won’t, score in this College Football Bowl game.

Pick:  Temple -7

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First Look at Big Bowl Games of 2011-12 Season

First Look at 2011-12 BCS Bowl Games

BetUS college football betting enthusiasts everywhere will be in all of their glory when the start of the 2011 35-game NCAA bowl season gets underway on Dec. 17 with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.

Thanks to this expert ‘first look’ betting preview on the five biggest BCS bowl games of them all, BetUS collegiate gridiron gamblers everywhere will get the information they’ll need in order to bring ‘good tidings’ to their college football betting bankrolls.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by VIZIO
January 2, 2012 at 5:00 PM ET
No. 8 Wisconsin (11-2, 6-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 5 Oregon (11-2, 8-1 Pac-12)
TV: ESN, ESPN3

The Scoop: BetUS college football bettors can almost assuredly expect a high-scoring affair when the Badgers and Ducks hook up in the ‘Grand Daddy of Them All.” Oregon ranks third in the nation in scoring while Wisconsin finished fourth in scoring. Both teams scored at least 27 points in every single game this season. Two of the nation’s top running backs will take to the field when Wisconsin’s Montee Ball and Oregon’s LaMichael James looks to put on a show of epic proportions!

 

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
January 2, 2012 at 8:30 PM ET
No. 4 Stanford (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12) vs. No. 3 Oklahoma State (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
TV: ESPN and ESPN3

The Scoop: College football bettors can expect another high-scoring affair when Stanford battles Oklahoma State in this huge matchup. The Cardinal will look to future consensus No. 1 overall NFL Draft Andrew Luck to lead them to victory while the Cowboys and their explosive offense to try and show the entire country that they, and not Alabama, should be in the national title game (I agree). Stanford averaged a whopping 43.6 points per game this season, but Oklahoma State put up 49.3 per contest thanks to gifted senior quarterback Brandon Weeden, a future NFL draft pick as well.
 

Allstate Sugar Bowl
January 3, 2012 8:30 PM ET
No. 12 Michigan (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 11 Virginia Tech (11-2, 7-1 ACC)
TV: ESPN and ESPN3

The Scoop: The Michigan Wolverines will try to cap off their stellar season in Brady Hoke’s first year in fine fashion behind future NFL draft pick (who can play five positions) Denard Robinson. Gridiron gamblers should k now that Virginia Tech shouldn’t even be in this game after getting  the ACC’s first-ever BCS at-large bid despite getting blown out by Clemson twice this season, including in their conference title game a week ago.

 

Discover Orange Bowl
January 4, 2012 at 8:30 PM ET
No. 22 West Virginia (9-3, 5-2 Big East) vs. No. 14 Clemson (10-3, 6-2 ACC)
The Scoop: BetUS college football bettors will get to see the Clemson Tigers take out their frustration against West Virginia in a contest they shouldn’t even be in after getting the shaft from the idiotic BCS bowl committee. Clemson spanked Virginia Tech twice this season, including their ACC title game, yet, finished the season ranked lower than the Hokies (huh?). 

Clemson will make its first appearance in the Orange Bowl since appearing way back in 1981. The Tigers will take on a West Virginia Mountaineers team that won its final three games of the season.

Allstate BCS National Championship
January. 9, 8:30 PM ET
No. 1 LSU (13-0, 8-0 SEC) vs. No. 2 Alabama  (11-1, 7-1 SEC)
TV: ESPN and ESPN3

The Scoop: The top-ranked LSU Tigers will face the No. 2 Crimson Tide in a contest that a lot of folks (like me) didn’t want to see after the Tigers beat Alabama 9-6 in overtime back on November 5. Just like the last meeting, this BCS Title game features two of the stingiest defenses in the country as Alabama finished first across the board in defense in allowing just 191.2 total yards per games and a jaw-dropping 8.8 points per contest. LSU was also very stout defensively this season in limiting their opponents to just 10.5 points per game, good for second in the nation. Two Heisman Trophy candidates will take the field when LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama running back Trent Richardson lace ‘em up.

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Bet on the Tradition That is the Army – Navy Game

Army v. Navy Week 15 College Football Betting Preview

Every year former Command Sergeant Major Gary L. Williamson calls me, his son, and asks me if I believe that Army has a shot against Navy. Every year, I tell former CSM Williamson the same exact thing, “Well, Pops, of course they have a shot.”

I’m not lying. Every year, Army does have a shot to beat Navy. Then, they kick the ball off and Navy proceeds to trounce the Black Knights. Will this year be any different than years past? Let’s look at this great Week 15 College Football matchup.

Army Black Knights vs Navy Midshipmen

When:  Dec. 10 at 2:30 pm EST

Betting Line:  Navy -7, Total 56.5    

Offense

Both of these teams appear capable of putting up points in this contest. Army averages 25.2 points per game while Navy averages 29.9 per game. Army is a flat out rushing squad. The Black Knights average 350 yards per game on the ground and only 48 through the air. Navy averages close to 320 per game on the ground and 92 through the air.

A closer look reveals something very telling, however. Army hasn’t scored more than 14 points in 3 straight games, all losses, to Air Force, Rutgers and Temple. Navy has fared much better offensively against decent teams. The Midshipmen put up 35 against Houston-dream-killing Southern Miss, 34 against Air Force in a 35 to 34 loss, 35 versus Eastern Carolina, and 24 versus SMU.

Defense

Those terrific young men on the football field for both teams no doubt will be great at defending the United States of America against those who hate us, but they’ve got serious issues trying to defend opposing offenses. Navy allows 30 points per game while Army allows 25. Navy gave up 63 to Southern Miss and 56 to Notre Dame. Army allowed 48 to offensive powerhouse Ball State, 44 to Vanderbilt and 42 to Temple.

Betting Analysis

This game sets up perfectly for a parlay. Both teams should put up a ton of points. Army has scored 14, 12, and 14 points in their last 3 games, and Navy has only given up 20 points total to Army in the last three contests between these two, but Navy’s defense is the worst it’s been in a while and Army’s offense is the best that it’s been in a while.

Even though I like Army to put up points, I like Navy to put up more, say about 14 to 21 more. Navy’s 21 to 24 loss to South Carolina was as impressive as any victory by either team this year. That gives Navy the edge. They should definitely cover in what’s shaping up as a high-scoring affair. 

A couple of trends to think about is the fact that Army is 2 and 7 ATS in the last 9 and that Navy has won 9 straight in this rivalry.

Pick:  Navy -7 to over 56.5

Week 14 NCAAF College Football Must Bets – Oregon, Houston and LSU All In Action

Week 14 College Football Must Bets of the Week

UCLA, with already fired coach Rick Neuheisel at the helm, takes on Oregon in the Pac 12 Championship while the Gerogia Bulldogs battle #1 ranked LSU in the SEC Championship this week.  The undefeated and disrespected Houston Cougars battle Southern Miss as a close to 14 point favorite.

Keep reading for previews and college football free picks for all three Week 14 NCAAF games.

UCLA Bruins at #7 Oregon Ducks

When:  Dec. 2 at 8:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  Oregon -31, Total 65   

Analysis:  USC beat UCLA 50 to 0 last Saturday.  50 to 0…think about it.  Oregon is only favored by 31 in this game.  The Ducks beat UCLA 60 to 13 last season.  Why can’t they beat them 65 to 3 this season?  There’s no reason for them not to as UCLA is allowing teams to score 30.8 points against them on average.  The Ducks are averaging 46 points per game and go into this off of a 49 to 21 pasting they put onto Oregon State in the Civil War.  The Bruins are 5 and 14 ATS in their last 19 conference games, 3 and 7 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these two teams, and 5 and 16 ATS in their last 21 games as a road dog.  Oregon is 27-13-3 ATS in their last 43 games as a fave of 10.5 points or greater and 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 conference games.  I think Oregon rolls on Friday night.

Pick:  Oregon -31

#23 Southern Miss at #6 Houston Cougars

When:  Dec. 3, 12:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  Houston -12.5

Analysis:  Houston QB Case Keenum should win the Heisman Trophy this season.  The man has thrown for 4,726 yards, 43 touchdowns to only 4 picks, and is completing 73.2% of his passes.  Hey, Heisman voters, take notice, please?  But even if I believe that Case should win the Posing Trophy, I’m hesitant to pick the Huston Cougars to cover a close to 13 point spread in this game before studying the trends and facts…okay, trends and facts studied.  Houston is a machine.  They’re 10 and 2 ATS overall this season and hasn’t missed covering a spread since September 29th.  They also haven’t allowed a team to score 17 points or more against them in four straight games.  That includes keeping UAB, a team that beat Southern Miss straight up 34 to 31 on Nov. 17, to 13 points in a 56 to 13 rout.  Houston’s D appears to be getting better as the under is 3 and 1 in the Cougar’s last 4 games while the team has covered the spread in all four games.  They should put a whuppin’ on Southern Miss on Saturday.  
 
Pick:  Houston Cougars

#12 Georgia vs #1 LSU

When:  Dec. 3 at 12:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  LSU -14

Analysis:  Since losing their first two games of the season, Georgia has run off 10 victories in a row.  They’ve gone 8 and 2 ATS in those 10 games.  A quick check of the teams that Georgia has faced reveals that the Bulldogs may have been lucky to get the 10 victories.  Mississippi, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Florida, Auburn and Kentucky weren’t the best of the best in the SEC this season.  Georgia lost straight up to South Carolina, probably the third best team in the SEC after LSU and Alabama.  Based on trends, LSU should rout the Bulldogs in this contest.  The Tigers are 7 and 1 ATS versus a team with a winning record, 6 and 0 ATS in the conference, and 5 and 1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 10.5 points or more.  LSU wants to go undefeated this season, not just win a BCS Championship.  This Saturday, Georgia shouldn’t pose too much of a problem to the Tigers accomplishing that goal.   

Pick:  LSU

Ranked Teams Square Off in Week 14 College Football Action

Week 14 College Football Betting Previews

The anticipation is building in College Football as we enter week 14, the season hurtling towards conclusion on a determined verve and swagger.  It’s crunch time: the real contenders trying to separate from the pretenders. On the menu are many standout clashes for football bettors to consider, some of which are examined below in this preview of this week’s biggest college football bets.

No.10 Oklahoma @ No.3 Oklahoma State (8 PM EST, Saturday, December 3, 2011)
ABC
Boone Pickens Stadium

Football Betting Line :
Oklahoma Sooners +3½  -115  71½ O-110 U-110
Oklahoma State Cowboys -3½  -105 71½ O-110 U-110

Analysis: Despite losing to Iowa State last week, 37­-31 2 OT, the Oklahoma State Cowboys go into this pivotal clash with the Oklahoma Sooners as the -3 ½ faves on the spread with the totals installed at whopping 71 ½.

I suppose the reasoning for this market is simple enough: recent form shows the Cowboys at 8-3 ATS and 10-1 SU. Aside from having home advantage, the Cowboys are an impressive 10-1, 7-1 Big 12 on the season with a passing game that is ranked 2nd overall. Moreover, they are 11-1 SU in the last 12 games,  5-0 SU in the last 5 games at home and the total has gone OVER in 11 of Oklahoma State’s last 13 games at home.

On the flipside, the Sooners (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) are a meagre 6-5 ATS but a healthy 9-2 SU. Recent betting trends reveal a similar contrasting mark: 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games while boasting a 14-2 SU in their last 16 games. Curiously, the Sooners are flush off an encouraging 26-6 victory over Iowa State, the same team that handed the Cowboys their only defeat this season. Something to think about.

Verdict: The defeat to Iowa was the only hiccup on an otherwise flawless season. The Cowboys have had some time to rest, reflect and recoup. Look for the Cowboys to bounce back resoundingly. Picks: Cowboys to cover the spread; the game to go OVER

No.5 Virginia Tech @ No.20 Clemson (8 PM EST, Saturday, December 3, 2011)
ESPN ACC Championship Game
Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte, NC

Football Betting Line:
Virginia Tech Hokies -7  -110 53 O-110 U-110
Clemson Tigers +7  -110 53 O-110 U-110

Analysis: Virginia Tech is firmly installed as the -7 faves on the spread, with a -110 price tag, while the Tigers are a corresponding yet severe +7 underdog on the spread.

Virginia Tech, an eye-catching 11-1, 7-1 ACC, are enjoying a seven-game winning streak, looking to make it 8 in a row on the road when they descend on Bank of America Stadium. And by all indication, Virginia Tech is expected to come through with the win.

The Clemson Tigers, who are a solid 9-3, 6-2 ACC, are not without a shot entirely in this game however. At least where covering the spread is concerned. Recent form reveals V Tech at 4-8 ATS while The Tigers are 7-5 ATS to the good. That being said recent form has been on the decline with three defeats in their last four games. It’s obvious the wear and tear of the season has caught up with them down the stretch and they’re struggling to maintain the impressive form they started the season on, an eight-game winning streak.

Verdict: On paper, Virginia Tech appears to be too strong for the Clemson Tigers and, thus, look for V Tech to win but the Tigers to cover the spread.

No. 13 Michigan State @ No.15 Wisconsin (8 PM EST, Saturday, December 3, 2011)
FOX BIG 10 Championship Game
Indianapolis, IN

Football Betting Line:
Michigan State Spartans +9  -110 55 O-110 U-110
Wisconsin Badgers -9  -110 55 O-110 U-110

Analysis: The market for this game is the most interesting of this bunch, if you ask me. The slightly lower ranked Wisconsin Badgers (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) are tipped at a whopping -9 fave on the spread while the marginally higher ranked Michigan State Spartans (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten) are the +9 underdog.

Fact, very little separates these two sides on recent form. Both sides are 10-2 SU while Michigan State is 8-4 ATS and Wisconsin is 7-5 ATS. Wisconsin is riding a four-game winning streak since bouncing back from back-to-back defeats in late October while Michigan State is enjoying a similar four-game winning streak since recovering from an embarrassing routing by Nebraska over a month ago.

Verdict: All things being considered, this game has the potential to go against the market with the Spartans coming through for football betters in Week 14 college football betting. Take the Spartans to cover the spread and the Over on the game totals.

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Week 13 College Football Free Picks

Week 13 College Football Free Picks

Trio of week 13 NCAAF Free Picks Highlighted By No. 1 LSU in Prime Time Battle

The No. 1 team in the land, the LSU Tigers, will take to the field in an intriguing Week 13 NCAAF matchup that highlights this informative trio of expert NCAA college football picks.

That’s right BetUS collegiate gridiron gamblers, the Tigers will play host to the third-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks in one matchup while the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and fifth-ranked Stanford Cardinal will also take the field in a pair of matchups that will undoubtedly have BCS bowl game complications.

Okay, with all of that said, let’s get down to business.

No. 3 Arkansas vs. No. 1 LSU
Friday, Nov. 25, 2:30 PM ET

NCAAF Odds
LSU -12

Analysis: The Arkansas Razorbacks (10-1-0 SU, 7-4 ATS, 7-4 O/U) have won seven straight games, including its 44-17 rout over Mississippi State as a 13-point home favorite to move to a perfect 3-0 ATS over its L/3 games.

The LSU Tigers (11-0 SU, 8-3 ATS, 5-5-1 O/U) remained undefeated by laying a huge 52-3 smackdown on Mississippi in Week 12 to cash in as a whopping 30.5-point home favorite.

The Razorbacks have won two of the L/3 meetings in this SEC rivalry, including last season’s 31-23 win as a 3.5-point home favorite to move to a commanding 4-0 ATS in the L/4 meetings against the Tigers.

I’m absolutely baffled as to why the Razorbacks are double-digit home underdogs, seeing as how this game is closer to a lock cover for them than anything else.

Arkansas is 16-5 in its L/21 conference games and 16-6 ATS in its L/22 games overall. Sure, LSU is 5-0 ATS in their L/5 conference games and a nearly perfect 4-1 ATS in its L/5 games as a favorite, but I really like the Razorbacks to cover the spread in this contest – likely by pulling off the huge upset to win outright.

If you need more proof that the Razorbacks are the right pick in this contest, then know that Arkansas has gone 4-1 ATS in its last five road games against the Tigers!

Take the ‘free money’ here and back the Arkansas Razorbacks.

NCAAF Pick: Arkansas Razorbacks to cover

Alabama vs. Auburn
Saturday, Nov. 26, 3:30 PM ET

NCAAF Odds
Alabama -21

The second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (10-1-0 SU, 7-3 ATS, 4-6 O/U) and unranked Auburn Tigers (7-4 SU, 4-7 ATS, 5-6 O/U) will both be looking to pick up a big win in this Week 13 SEC matchup, but I’m going to encourage the BetUS college football betting faithful to not even think twice about backing the Crimson Tide in this contest, seeing as they are light years ahead of their opponents on the defensive side of the ball.

Not only that, but Alabama is also a much better offensive team coming into this contest averaging 10.3 points per game more than their opponents.

Alabama is coming off a commanding 45-21 result against tiny Georgia Southern the last time out but failed to cover the spread as an insane 42.5-point home favorite. The Crimson Tide have failed to cover the spread in three straight after cashing in for betting backers in their previous five games.

Auburn cruised in its 35-16 home win against Samford, but like their opponents in this SEC matchup, they also failed to cover the spread against the overmatched opponents. The Tigers fell to 0-2 ATS over its L/2 games after failing to cash in as a 30.5-point home favorite.

Here are the key head-to-head trends surrounding this matchup.

Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

Crimson Tide is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

Use the K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Stupid) method BetUS college football bettors and take all of the guesswork out of this pick. The Crimson Tide have a whopping 30-point scoring differential in this contest and that’s more than enough to make an ATS win stand up in this contest.

NCAAF Pick: Alabama Minus the Points

Notre Dame vs. Stanford
Saturday, Nov. 26, 3:30 PM ET

NCAAF Odds
Stanford -6.5

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS, 4-6-1 O/U) have won four straight games including their narrow 16-14 win over Boston College in Week 12. The Fighting Irish have alternated ATS wins and losses over their last half-dozen games after failing to cash in against the Eagles as a foolish 24-point home favorite.

The Stanford Cardinal (10-1-0 SU, 9-2 ATS, 6-5 O/U) squeaked past Cal 31-28 the last time out, but failed to cash in just as I predicted for collegiate gridiron bettors as a crazy 17.5-point favorite to fall to 0-2 ATS over the last two games.

Here is a look at the key head-to-head trends surrounding this matchup.

Fighting Irish are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Stanford.

Fighting Irish are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Both teams in this matchup allowing just a shade over 20.0 points per game defensively, but the Stanford Cardinal are far more potent offensively than their counterparts this year as they average almost two touchdowns per game more than Notre Dame, making this pick pretty simple in my estimation.

Sue, the fighting Irish has recorded some stellar ATS stats against the Cardinal in recent years, but the fact of the matter is that Andrew Luck and company still have some very narrow BCS title game hopes and they know they need a blowout win in this contest to have any sort of shot, no matter how slim.

Stanford is 6-0 ATS in its last half-dozen games against non-conference opponents and a fantastic 21-5 ATS in its L/26 games following an SU win.

More importantly, Notre Dame’s Tommy Rees certainly isn’t in the same class of quarterbacks as Andrew Luck and his numbers bear that out. While Luck has thrown 31 TD passes and just eight picks, Rees has countered with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Stanford has enough juice to get the job done as a slight home favorite in this Week 13 College Football clash.

NCAAF Pick: Stanford Minus the Points

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Week 11 College Football Free Picks

Week 11 NCAAF Football Free Picks

The weekend looms before us with tons of College football action to bet on but the highlight game is the premier Pac-12 clash between the Oregon Ducks and Stanford Cardinal on Saturday night and so it’s fitting that we start by taking a look at this game as well as a few others in our preview of Week 11 NCAAF Football action.

No.7 Oregon at No.4 Stanford Betting Odds:
Oregon Ducks+3  -105 +140 68 O-110  U-110  33 O-115
Stanford Cardinal -3  -115  -160 68 O-110  U-110  35½ O-120

Analysis: With two highly ranked teams going head-to-head this weekend in a game that will be featured at 8PM EST on Saturday night on ABC, it’s no wonder that many are dubbing this game a can’t miss. Stanford (9-0, 7-0 Pac-12) are firmly installed as the three point favourites –  an understandable move by odds makers, considering the Cardinal have covered 13 straight games against the spread, and an attractive price that will attract strong buyers.  Adding weight to those odds is the hot -160 tag on the money line to extend their unblemished record (Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home).

The Oregon Ducks ((8-1, 6-0 Pac-12) meanwhile are tipped at +3 -105 at BetUS, a price that might tempt the public given that Stanford is only 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Oregon and Stanford is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oregon. Also, Oregon is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Stanford. Moreover, since losing their season opener, the Ducks have reeled off eight consecutive victories.

Football Betting Pick: On paper, the Ducks don’t look like a bad bet. I mean, a top ten ranking speaks for itself. However, a matchup against the Cardinal changes things significantly. Mainly because the Ducks haven’t been tested this season and the Cardinal will be their first big test. Frankly, I am not so sure the Ducks can hold up physically against them; in particular, against the mighty and crafty Stanford running defense. Stanford Cardinal to cover

Tennessee Volunteers at No.8 Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Odds:
Tennessee Volunteers +14  -110 +425 54½ O-110 U-110 20 O-115
Arkansas Razorbacks -14  -110 -550 54½ O-110 U-110 34 O-125

Analysis: The Arkansas Razorbacks (8-1, 4-1 SEC) host the Tennessee Volunteers (8-1, 4-1 SEC) this weekend, an SEC rivalry that will feature on ESPN. But even with a two score spread the Razorbacks have the market cornered in all aspects, suggesting that they might be the best bet after all.

The Razorbacks are the incredible 14-point favourites on the spread at BetUS Sportsbook and the outrageously hot faves at -550 to win. This overall confidence in the Razorbacks is underscored by the fact that the Razorbacks are enjoying a five-game winning streak while the Volunteers have won one of their last five games, a run which includes a 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games. Other key trends that suggest this is Arkansas’s game to win: Tennessee is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road and more specifically, Tennessee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Arkansas. Throw in the fact that there are questions at QB for the Volunteers and it looks like Arkansas’ game to take.

Football Betting Pick: Hands down this is Arkansas’s game to win and the best bets for Arkansas is a) to cover the spread and b) go OVER on the totals.

No.20 Auburn Tigers at No.15 Georgia Bulldogs Betting Odds:
Auburn Tigers +12½  -110 +375 53½ O-110 U-110 20 O-120
Georgia Bulldogs -12½  -110 -475 53½ O-110 U-110 33 O-115

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers (6-3, 4-2 SEC) head to Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-1 SEC) for a clash that will feature on CBS’s Saturday afternoon coverage at 3:30 PM EST. As far as the betting markets are concerned, this game is firmly cornered in the Bulldogs camp: tipped as the twelve-and-a-half-point faves to cover the spread and at -475 on the money line.

It appears that bookies expect the Bulldogs to have an easy day in the office and I suppose given the stats for Georgia, including a 5-0 SU in its last five games and 14-7 SU in its last 21 home games, this market overview becomes quite appropriate and appealing. Adding weight is not only the inconsistent form of the Tigers in their last four games – alternating between wins and losses, although they are after a win against a lesser opponent, Ole Miss – but also key stats that reveal Auburn is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games on the road and 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Georgia.

Football Betting Pick: Georgia is playing some inspired ball this year. Look for the Bulldogs to cover the spread and collect on it being a high-octane affair with the Over on the totals in Week 11 NCAAF action.

Cash in On ‘Trifecta’ of Week 12 NCAAF College Football Picks

Week 12 College Football Betting Picks

BetUS college football betting enthusiasts that are looking to increase the annual NCAAF betting bankroll will have a great opportunity to do just that when Week 12 gets underway this coming weekend.

Let’s get started with the No. 1 team in the land taking the field in a contest that looks about as lopsided as it can get between two Division I schools.

No. 1 LSU vs. Mississippi
NCAAF Odds
LSU -29

The Scoop: Okay BetUS college football bettors, everyone knows the LSU Tigers (10-0 SU, 7-3 ATS) are not going to fall to the lowly Mississippi Rebels (2-8 SU, 3-7 ATS) meaning the only thing football bettors have to worry about is the ATS outcome of this matchup.

Mississippi suffered a surprising 27-7 loss against Louisiana Tech the last time out while failing to cash in as a 1-point home underdog to drop to 0-3 ATS over its last three games and 1-4 ATS over its L/5 games overall.

LSU pounded Western Kentucky in its 42-9 Week 11 win, but failed to cover the spread as a mind-numbing (insane?) 41.5-point home favorite to snap its four-game ATS winning streak.

Analysis: First and foremost college football betting buffs, the Road team in this series is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings, so things look good for the Tigers in that sense.

However, the Underdog has gone an even more impressive 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings while Mississippi has gone 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings overall.

They’re not going to win, and they can be pretty mediocre more often than not, but I like the Mississippi Rebels to at least cover a five score spread in this contest!

NCAAF Pick: Mississippi +29 Points

USC at No. 4 Oregon 8:00 PM ET
NCAAF Odds
Oregon -14.5

The Scoop: The USC Trojans will have to be on top of their collective ‘A’ game when they visit the explosive, fourth-ranked Oregon Ducks (9-1 SU, 6-3-1 ATS) in this Week 12 NCAAF matchup.

Oregon has won nine straight games since dropping their regular season opener against No. 1 LSU, but Southern Cal (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS) has looked very good in dropping at least 40 points on their stunned opponents in each of their last two games.

Southern Cal is coming off an impressive 40-17 win over Washington in which they covered the spread as an 11-point home favorite to improve to 4-1 ATS over their L/5 games.

Oregon looked absolutely phenomenal in its nationally-televised matchup against now ninth-ranked Stanford the last time out, spanking their Pac-10 rivals 53-30 to snap Stanford’s season-long unbeaten SU and ATS winning streaks and crush their BCS title hopes. The Ducks have posted a stellar 3-0-1 ATS mark over its last four games while going 5-1-1 ATS over its L/7 games overall.

Analysis: I like Oregon a lot this season and believe they’ll be at their best again this week but not to the point where they rout the Trojans by enough points to cover the spread in this one.

USC is 8-2 ATS in its L/10 road games and 11-3 ATS in its L/14 games as a road underdog. Oregon is 11-5-2 ATS in their L/18 home games and 6-1-1 ATS in its L/8 games against conference opponents, but something tells me USC is coming to play in this one. There aren’t many quarterbacks in the country better than Oregon’s Darron Thomas, but USC’s gifted Matt Barkley just so happens to be one of them!

I like the Trojans, plus the points, gridiron gamblers.

NCAAF Pick: USC +14.5 Points

 

No. 16 Nebraska at No. 18 Michigan 12:00 PM ET
NCAAF Odds
Michigan Wolverines -3.5

The Scoop: The Michigan Wolverines (8-2 SU, 7-3 ATS) and Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-2 SU, 3-6-1 ATS) will meet up in a huge Week 12 contest that will have BCS bowl implications for both Top 25 teams.

Michigan cruised to victory in its convincing 31-14 win over Big Ten rival Illinois to cash in for collegiate betting backers as a 1-point road underdog and improve to 2-1 ATS over its L/3 games.

Nebraska is coming off an emotional 17-14 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions in Week 11, but played out as a Push against the college football betting line as a 3-point road favorite to move to 2-1-1 ATS over its last four games.

Analysis: I’m going to advise NCAAF gamblers to back the inconsistent – but explosive – Michigan Wolverines in this contest. I genuinely believe the Cornhuskers’ 66th-ranked run defense will have a tough time stopping arguably the best running quarterback in the country in Michigan star Denard Robinson.

The Wolverines have held two of its last three opponents to 14 points or less and their underrated defense will come up big in what looks like a Week 12 College Football thriller waiting to happen. The Wolverines allow just about a touchdown fewer per game defensively than the Cornhuskers that will be just enough to help the Wolverines cash-in.

Nebraska is 3-7-1 ATS in its L/11 games while Michigan has gone 5-1 ATS in its last six home games.

NCAAF Pick: Michigan -3.5 Points

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Week 11 College Football Free Picks

Week 11 NCAAF Football Free Picks

The weekend looms before us with tons of College football action to bet on but the highlight game is the premier Pac-12 clash between the Oregon Ducks and Stanford Cardinal on Saturday night and so it’s fitting that we start by taking a look at this game as well as a few others in our preview of Week 11 NCAAF Football action.

No.7 Oregon at No.4 Stanford Betting Odds:
Oregon Ducks+3  -105 +140 68 O-110  U-110  33 O-115
Stanford Cardinal -3  -115  -160 68 O-110  U-110  35½ O-120

Analysis: With two highly ranked teams going head-to-head this weekend in a game that will be featured at 8PM EST on Saturday night on ABC, it’s no wonder that many are dubbing this game a can’t miss. Stanford (9-0, 7-0 Pac-12) are firmly installed as the three point favourites –  an understandable move by odds makers, considering the Cardinal have covered 13 straight games against the spread, and an attractive price that will attract strong buyers.  Adding weight to those odds is the hot -160 tag on the money line to extend their unblemished record (Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home).

The Oregon Ducks ((8-1, 6-0 Pac-12) meanwhile are tipped at +3 -105 at BetOnline, a price that might tempt the public given that Stanford is only 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Oregon and Stanford is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oregon. Also, Oregon is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Stanford. Moreover, since losing their season opener, the Ducks have reeled off eight consecutive victories.

Football Betting Pick: On paper, the Ducks don’t look like a bad bet. I mean, a top ten ranking speaks for itself. However, a matchup against the Cardinal changes things significantly. Mainly because the Ducks haven’t been tested this season and the Cardinal will be their first big test. Frankly, I am not so sure the Ducks can hold up physically against them; in particular, against the mighty and crafty Stanford running defense. Stanford Cardinal to cover

Tennessee Volunteers at No.8 Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Odds:
Tennessee Volunteers +14  -110 +425 54½ O-110 U-110 20 O-115
Arkansas Razorbacks -14  -110 -550 54½ O-110 U-110 34 O-125

Analysis: The Arkansas Razorbacks (8-1, 4-1 SEC) host the Tennessee Volunteers (8-1, 4-1 SEC) this weekend, an SEC rivalry that will feature on ESPN. But even with a two score spread the Razorbacks have the market cornered in all aspects, suggesting that they might be the best bet after all.

The Razorbacks are the incredible 14-point favourites on the spread at BetOnline Sportsbook and the outrageously hot faves at -550 to win. This overall confidence in the Razorbacks is underscored by the fact that the Razorbacks are enjoying a five-game winning streak while the Volunteers have won one of their last five games, a run which includes a 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games. Other key trends that suggest this is Arkansas’s game to win: Tennessee is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road and more specifically, Tennessee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Arkansas. Throw in the fact that there are questions at QB for the Volunteers and it looks like Arkansas’ game to take.

Football Betting Pick: Hands down this is Arkansas’s game to win and the best bets for Arkansas is a) to cover the spread and b) go OVER on the totals.

No.20 Auburn Tigers at No.15 Georgia Bulldogs Betting Odds:
Auburn Tigers +12½  -110 +375 53½ O-110 U-110 20 O-120
Georgia Bulldogs -12½  -110 -475 53½ O-110 U-110 33 O-115

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers (6-3, 4-2 SEC) head to Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-1 SEC) for a clash that will feature on CBS’s Saturday afternoon coverage at 3:30 PM EST. As far as the betting markets are concerned, this game is firmly cornered in the Bulldogs camp: tipped as the twelve-and-a-half-point faves to cover the spread and at -475 on the money line.

It appears that bookies expect the Bulldogs to have an easy day in the office and I suppose given the stats for Georgia, including a 5-0 SU in its last five games and 14-7 SU in its last 21 home games, this market overview becomes quite appropriate and appealing. Adding weight is not only the inconsistent form of the Tigers in their last four games – alternating between wins and losses, although they are after a win against a lesser opponent, Ole Miss – but also key stats that reveal Auburn is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games on the road and 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Georgia.

Football Betting Pick: Georgia is playing some inspired ball this year. Look for the Bulldogs to cover the spread and collect on it being a high-octane affair with the Over on the totals in Week 11 NCAAF action.

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