Friday 11/25/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

German Bundesliga TODAY 19:30

Freiburg

v

RB Leipzig

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT3		3	13/5	10/11	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT FREIBURG	RECENT FORM
A LH WH D*A WH LA L​ Most recent​	2 - 1	H WA WH WA WH WA W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Freiburg have not drawn in their last 13 league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Freiburg don’t do draws and Leipzig only do victories so the away team and shock Bundesliga leaders can extend their winning streak to seven matches. Both team have scored in seven of Leipzig's 11 games so far and the pacesetters may well need at least a couple of goals to go six points clear at the summit.

RECOMMENDATION: Leipzig
3

Championship TODAY 19:45

Barnsley

v

Nottm Forest

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		6/4	12/5	2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BARNSLEY	RECENT FORM
H LH LA WH DA DH D​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 4 1 - 1 3 - 1	H WA LH LA LH DA W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Forest have kept one clean sheet in 17 league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Nottingham Forest have kept just one clean sheet this season and another may be beyond them when they visit Barnsley The Tykes are one of the division’s highest scorers and are capable of carving open a flaky Forest defence But there are question marks over Barnsley at the back so goals look likely.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3


REFEREE: Oliver Langford STADIUM:

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:45

Eibar

v

Real Betis

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		Evs	23/10	3	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EIBAR	RECENT FORM
A DH LA DH WA LH W​ Most recent​	1 - 1	A LH LA WH LA LH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Twelve of the 22 goals conceded by Betis were in two games v Barcelona and Real Madrid

EXPERT VERDICT: Real Betis haven’t kept an away clean sheet since March but only the very top teams tend to roll them over. Eibar, who have scored either one goal or two in each of their last ten home games, aren’t spectacular enough to batter Betis but probably are good enough to beat them.

RECOMMENDATION: Eibar
2

Spanish La Liga Sa 26Nov 12:00

Malaga

v

Deportivo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS3		Evs	11/5	3	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MALAGA	RECENT FORM
H WA DH WA LH WA D​ Most recent​	2 - 0 1 - 1 4 - 1 3 - 1	H WA LA LH DA DH L​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malaga have lost only one of their last nine home league games - yet with just one clean sheet

EXPERT VERDICT: Deportivo have thrown away eight points from winning positions in their last four matches, the worst incident being last week’s 3-2 home loss to Seville after leading 2-0. With just two away goals scored in six road matches, Depor are hard to fancy at Malaga, who are still buzzing after boring Barca into submission last time out.

RECOMMENDATION: Malaga
2

Premier League Sa 26Nov 12:30

Burnley

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Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		8	5	1/3	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BURNLEY	RECENT FORM
H LA LH WA DH WA L​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 6 2 - 4 0 - 1	A LA WH WH DA WA D​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man City have won four of their five Premier League away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester City are understandably rated short-priced favourites to win at Turf Moor and they should beat Burnley with something to spare. Eight times City have recorded Premier League victories this season and on seven of those occasions Pep Guardiola’s side were also leading at the break.

RECOMMENDATION: Man City-Man City double result
2


REFEREE: Andre Marriner STADIUM:

Premier League Sa 26Nov 15:00

Leicester

v

Middlesbro

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		10/11	13/5	7/2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LEICESTER	RECENT FORM
H WA DA DH LA LH W​ Most recent​	2 - 0 1 - 0 2 - 2 0 - 0	A DH LA DH WA DH L​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Boro are unbeaten in their last three away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Leicester have won only three of 12 league games but all of those victories have come at the King Power Stadium, where the Foxes have conceded only four goals. Middlesbrough have drawn four of six matches on the road, recording stalemates at Arsenal and Manchester City and can grab another point.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Lee Mason STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Pacioretty steals it late for Habs
By The Sports Xchange

MONTREAL -- Max Pacioretty struck early in the third period to lift the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night at the Bell Centre.
Andrew Shaw also scored for Montreal. Elias Lindholm connected for the Hurricanes, whose five-game winning streak was snapped.
Carey Price stopped 30 shots while counterpart Cam Ward made 20 saves for Carolina (8-7-4).
The win was the 390th of Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien's career, moving him into a tie with Fred Shero for 36th all-time in the NHL.

Senators 3, Bruins 1
OTTAWA -- Ottawa's patience paid off again in a win against Boston at Canadian Tire Centre.
The Senators rallied with three-straight goals by Mark Stone, Chris Wideman and Kyle Turris to take control of the game and hand the Bruins their third loss in their past four games. Senators goaltender Craig Anderson made 19 saves.
David Pastrnak scored for the Bruins and Tuukka Rask made 23 saves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

In the Crease - Week 7
By Joe Williams

Streaky Teams
Wins and Losses Streak Over/Under Streak
Anaheim 4-1 past 5 home Buffalo Under 11-2-2 past 15
Carolina 4-0 past 4 overall Florida Over 5-2-2 past 9
Columbus 6-0-1 past 7 home San Jose Under 12-1-3 past 16
N.Y. Islanders 0-4-1 past 5 road Tampa Bay Under 6-1-1 past 8
St. Louis 0-4 past 4 road, 1-5-1 past 7 road Vancouver Over 6-1-1 past 8

No Jacket Required
The Columbus Blue Jackets lost back-to-back games in regulation to kick off the 2016-17 regular season, but they haven't done so since. They're 6-0-1 over their past seven games at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, and they're 8-1-2 over their past 11 games overall. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been on point so far this season, posting a 10-4-1 record with a 2.19 Goals-Against Average (GAA) and .931 save percentage. The Jackets also have seven players with at least 10 points through 17 games, including LW Nick Foligno averaging more than one point per game, and RW Cam Atkinson and C Alexander Wennberg contributing exactly one point per contest. Bettors do not care who is scoring or saving the shots, but what's uncanny about Columbus is that a cast of relative unknowns is banding together and playing better than more heralded squads.

Sweet and Sour Notes
The St. Louis Blues have been making sweet music at home, while hitting sour notes on the road. St. Louis has won three straight in regulation at home, while posting a 6-0-1 mark over their past seven dating back to Oct. 29. On the road it has been a different story, as they have dropped four in a row while scoring just seven total goals and allowing 22. As it stands, the Blues will play in Boston Tuesday and in Washington Wednesday before returning home Saturday against Minnesota.

Looking Ahead

Friday, Nov. 18
The Rangers and Flyers battle on Friday afternoon in the City of Brotherly Love for the first time this season. There isn't much love lost in this series. Last season these teams met three times in Philadelphia, with each game ending in a 3-2 shootout. The Rangers won two of those games, and they're 4-0-1 in their past five regular season trips to Philly. ... The Oilers invade the desert Friday night, battling the Coyotes for the first time this season. Last season the Oilers were 0-2-1 in three trips to Glendale, and the Coyotes outscored them 12-6 in those games. Overall Arizona took two points in four of the five meetings. It has been six trips to Arizona since Edmonton came away with two points, a 3-2 shootout win April 4, 2014. It has been 12 trips to Arizona, dating back to Jan. 25, 2011, that the Oilers skated away with two points in regulation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday’s games

Rangers won last three games with Philly; two of the three went to SO. New York won three of last five visits here. Under is 5-2-3 in last ten series games. Rangers lost three of their last four games, but they’ve won five of last six road games. Four of last five NY games went over total. Flyers lost six of last nine games; they’re 2-3 in last five at home. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Penguins won six of their last eight games with Minnesota; Pitt won three of its last four visits to the Twin Cities. Three of last four series games went over the total. Penguins are 3-4 in their last seven games, 3-3 on last six on road; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Minnesota is 4-6 in its last ten games, 2-3 in its last five at home; under is 5-0-1 in their last six games.

Islanders are 4-6 in their last ten games with San Jose; teams split last four series games played here. Over is 4-2 in last six series games. Islanders lost five of their last six games, are 1-6 on road; under is 3-1-2 in their last six games. Sharks won their last two games 4-0/2-1; they’re 6-2 at home, 5-3 in last eight overall. Under is 4-0-2 in their last six games overall.

Chicago won four of last five games with Anaheim; five of last seven series games went into OT. Blackhawks won three of last four visits to Orange County. Over is 4-1-2 in last seven series games. Chicago lost 5-0/2-1 in last two games; they’re 4-3 in last seven road games. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Ducks lost two of last three games, all of which were 3-2 games; last five Anaheim games pushed the total.

Washington won four of last five games with Buffalo; over is 3-1-1 in those games. Sabres lost 6-1/5-2 in last two visits here. Buffalo lost seven of last nine games; under is 6-2-2 in their last ten games- they lost last three road games. Caps won three of last four games overall; they’re 5-2 in last seven home games. Over is 4-2-1 in last seven Washington home games.

Nashville is 5-3 in its last eight games with Winnipeg; over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Jets lost three of last five visits to Nashville. Winnipeg lost its last four games, outscored 15-5; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games- they lost last five road games. Predators won six of last eight games overall; they’ve won five in row at home. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Red Wings won five of last seven games with New Jersey; over is 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Detroit won three of last five visits to the Garden State. Red Wings lost four of last five games, are 2-3 in last five n road. Under is 5-1-2 in their last eight games. Devils lost three of last four games, but they’re 7-1 at home. Over is 2-0-1 in their last three home games.

Lightning won six of last seven games with Columbus; under is 7-2 in last nine series games. Blue Jackets lost four of last five visits to Tampa Bay, Columbus lost 3-2ot/2-0 in last two games; they’re 4-3 on road, with under 4-1-2 in those games. Lightning won five of last six games. under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Tampa Bay won three of its last four home games.

Flames won three of last four games with Boston; three of those four games went over total. Calgary lost four of its last five visits to Boston. Flames won four of last six games, winning three of last four on road; under is 4-1-2 in their last seven games. Bruins lost in Ottawa last night; they’re 1-3 in last four games, 1-2 if they played night before. Under is 4-1-1 in Boston’s last six games.

Dallas Stars won nine of last ten games with Vancouver; over is 6-2 in last eight series games. Canucks were outscored 23-10 in losing last five visits here. Vancouver is 4-3 in its last seven games, 2-4 in its last six on road; over is 6-1-2 in their last nine games. Dallas lost four of last six games- they’re 5-5 at home; three of their last four home games stayed under total.

Arizona won nine of last ten games with Edmonton; Oilers lost last five visits here by combined score of 21-11. Three of last four series games went over total. Edmonton won its last three games by combined score of 16-5; Oilers are 4-3 in last seven road games. Three of their last four games went over. Coyotes lost five of their last six games, losing three of last four home games. Under is 3-0-3 in their last six games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

One month exactly until Christmas on Friday and here's a holiday treat for you on Black Friday: every single NBA team will play after the league went dark on Thanksgiving. That's a very rare phenomenon in the Association when all 30 clubs are in action. You also almost never see it in the NHL, either. All 32 teams in the NFL generally only all play on the same day in Week 17. It's nothing new in Major League Baseball as every team is in action every Tuesday, Wednesday and all weekend for the most part. So enjoy the NBA extravaganza with those turkey leftovers on Friday!

Spurs at Celtics (+3.5, 203)

A rare 1 p.m. weekday start. San Antonio won a seventh straight game Wednesday, 119-114 in Charlotte. Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 23 points and seven rebounds as the Spurs improved to 8-0 on the road. Boston won a third in a row Wednesday, 111-92 in Brooklyn. Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points, and Avery Bradley had 22. The C's are now 5-1 with Al Horford in the lineup. The Spurs swept the Celtics last season and have won nine straight overall in the series and the past five in Beantown.

Key trends: The Spurs are 4-1 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in 21 of Boston's 26 after a win.

Early lean: Celtics and under.

Wizards at Magic (pick'em, 203)

Washington beat visiting Phoenix 106-101 on Monday, so a nice break between games. Bradley Beal had a career-high 42 points. John Wall struggled from the field but had a season-high 15 assists. Orlando lost 92-87 to Phoenix on Wednesday. Evan Fournier led the Magic with 25 points and Nikola Vucevic added 21 points, but none of the other starters hit double figures. Orlando was swept by Washington last year but beat the visiting Wizards 88-86 on Nov. 5.

Key trends: The home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 6-2 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Magic and under.

Mavericks at Cavaliers (-14.5, 202.5)

Dallas dropped its seventh straight Wednesday, 124-104 vs. the Clippers. Dirk Nowitzki scored 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes in his return for Dallas after missing eight games with a strained left Achilles tendon. The losing streak is the Mavs' longest since Nowitzki's rookie season. Center Andrew Bogut left with a sore calf, so monitor him here. Cleveland beat visiting Portland 137-125 on Wednesday. Kevin Love scored an NBA first-quarter record 34 points and finished with 40, his most as a Cavalier. LeBron James had his 44th career triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Cleveland won both meetings with Dallas last year by a combined four points.

Key trends: The Mavs are 7-1 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 7-3 in the past 10.

Early lean: Mavs (garbage-time cover) and over.

Hornets at Knicks (-1.5, 206.5)

First of an NBA TV doubleheader. Charlotte lost a third straight Wednesday, 119-114 at home to San Antonio. Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Jeremy Lamb was active after missing the last 10 games with a hamstring injury but didn't play much. Center Cody Zeller missed his third straight game with a shoulder injury but is getting close. New York beat Portland 107-103 at the Garden on Tuesday. Derrick Rose made the go-ahead basket with 3:15 remaining and hit the jumper that clinched it with 6.8 seconds left. Kristaps Porzingis had 31 points and nine rebounds. The Knicks have won their past five at home. Charlotte won three of four vs. New York last season.

Key trends: The road team is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 6-0-1 in the previous seven at the Knicks.

Early lean: Hornets and over.

Bulls at 76ers (+7, 205)

This concludes a six-game road trip for the Bulls, who are 3-2 on it after losing 110-107 in Denver on Tuesday. Chicago hasn't won there since 2006. Jimmy Butler had 35 points and eight rebounds and Dwyane Wade 22 points after sitting out Sunday to rest. Doug McDermott (concussion protocol) missed his fifth straight game. The Sixers' rare two-game winning streak ended in a 104-99 double OT home loss to Memphis on Wednesday. Ersan Ilyasova had 22 points and 12 rebounds for Philadelphia, which was looking for its first three-game winning streak in nearly three years. The Sixers wouldn't let Joel Embiid play the second OT because he reached his minutes limit. And he reportedly will sit out Friday. Chicago has won 10 in a row vs. Philadelphia and the past five on the road.

Key trends: The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their past six on the road. The over is 7-0 in the past seven meetings.

Early lean: Bulls and over.

Clippers at Pistons (+7, 198.5)

Los Angeles won a fourth in a row Wednesday in Dallas, 124-104. It was such a rout that Austin Rivers had 22 points. The Clippers had a 30-6 run in the second and third quarters to blow it open. No starter played in the fourth. Detroit ended a four-game slide with a 107-84 home win over Miami on Wednesday. Andre Drummond had 18 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and four steals. Guard Reggie Bullock left the game in the second quarter with a left-leg injury and did not return. The Pistons lost in Los Angeles 114-82 on Nov. 7 and have dropped 11 straight games to the Clippers and six straight at home.

Key trends: The home team is 4-0-1 ATS in the past five. The over is 6-1 in the previous seven in Detroit.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

Hawks at Jazz (-3, 195)

Atlanta put an end to a three-game losing streak with a 96-85 victory at Indiana on Wednesday. Dwight Howard had his best game as a Hawk with 23 points and 20 rebounds. The Hawks outrebounded Indiana 56-37. Utah's four-game skid ended in a 108-83 home win over Denver on Wednesday. George Hill scored 22 points in his return from an eight-game absence. That team's offense is way different with Hill in there. Rudy Gobert posted his eighth double-double of the season with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Atlanta and Utah split last year, each winning on the road.

Key trends: The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 9-3 in the previous 12 in Utah.

Early lean: Jazz and under.

Raptors at Bucks (+3.5, 212)

Toronto won in Houston 115-102 on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan had 24 points and Jonas Valanciunas 15 points and 16 rebounds. Milwaukee's three-game losing streak ended Monday in a 93-89 home win over Orlando. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and three blocks -- a line previously matched only by Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. Toronto has won the past four meetings overall and five straight in Milwaukee.

Key trends: The road team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 5-1 in those.

Early lean: Raptors and under.

Heat at Grizzlies (-6, 189.5)

Miami dropped a second in a row Wednesday, 107-84 in Detroit. Hassan Whiteside had just six points and eight rebounds as he was dominated by Andre Drummond. Whiteside had set a franchise record with 10-plus rebounds in each of the season's first 13 games. Dion Waiters was the only Miami starter to reach double figures, scoring 11. Memphis won its sixth straight game Wednesday, 104-99 in double OT in Philly. Marc Gasol scored 27 points, Mike Conley had 25 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. The Grizz trailed by as many as 11 in the second half. Miami and Memphis split last year, each winning at home.

Key trends: The Grizz have covered the past five at home in the series. The under has hit in six of the past eight there.

Early lean: Grizzlies and under.

Nets at Pacers (-8.5, 215)

Brooklyn dropped a fifth consecutive on Wednesday, 111-92 at home to Boston. Sean Kilpatrick scored 23 points for the Nets, while Trevor Booker had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Chris McCullough became the fourth player in history to appear in an NBA game and a D-League game in the same day. Indiana lost 96-85 at home to Atlanta on Wednesday despite getting back Paul George and Myles Turner from a one-game injury absence. Thaddeus Young led the Pacers with 24 points and had seven rebounds. Indiana lost at Brooklyn 103-94 on Oct. 28, but the Pacers have taken the past two at home in the series.

Key trends: The Nets are 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 4-0 in Brooklyn's past five on the road.

Early lean: Pacers and over.

Thunder at Nuggets (TBA)

OKC lost a third straight Wednesday, 116-101 in Sacramento to drop to .500. The Thunder opened the season with a 6-1 record. Russell Westbrook nearly had his sixth triple-double of the season, getting 31 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Denver lost 108-83 in Utah on Wednesday in the second of a back-to-back. Rookie Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 23 points off the bench. He's really coming on of late. Danilo Gallinari missed his first game of the season with right knee soreness. Oklahoma City has won the past six vs. Denver and last three in the Mile High City.

Key trends: The Thunder are 6-2-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is 4-0 in the previous four in Denver.

Early lean: TBA for Gallinari. Wait on him.

Timberwolves at Suns (pick'em, 213.5)

Minnesota lost a third in a row Wednesday, 117-96 at New Orleans. Karl-Anthony Towns lost his battle with Anthony Davis in a big way as KAT had nine points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins was a ghastly 2-for-19 from the field. Phoenix pulled off a minor 92-87 upset in Orlando on Wednesday. Alex Len had 17 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two blocked shots. Eric Bledsoe had 16 points as all five starters finished in double figures. T.J. Warren missed his second straight game with a head injury and won't play here. Tyson Chandler is still missing from the team after the death of his mother. The Suns and Timberwolves split the series 2-2 last season with the home team winning each.

Key trends: The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Wolves and under.

Pelicans at Trail Blazers (-4, 219)

New Orleans won a fourth in a row Wednesday, 117-96 as Anthony Davis was terrific with 45 points and 10 rebounds. He's the best player in the NBA right now. The Pelicans still haven't lost since Jrue Holiday's season debut. Portland completed a five-game trip with a 137-125 loss at the Knicks on Wednesday. Damian Lillard scored 40 points for the Blazers. Al-Farouq Aminu (left calf strain) missed his ninth straight game and he won't play here. New Orleans defeated Portland, 113-101, on Nov. 18 behind a game-high 38 points from Davis.

Key trends: The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six. The under is 5-0 in the previous five in Portland.

Early lean: Blazers and over.

Warriors at Lakers (+12.5, 234)

Second NBA TV game. Teams played in Oakland on Wednesday and Golden State won its ninth straight, 149-106. The Warriors had a team-record 47 assists (on 53 baskets). It was the most assists in an NBA game since 1991. The Warriors are totally clicking offensively right now and look unbeatable. The 149 points and 43-point margin of victory were also team records. Rookie Brandon Ingram was the lone bright spot for L.A. with a career-high 16. The Lakers also learned they will be without D'Angelo Russell for at least two weeks after a knee procedure. Julius Randle missed the game with a hip injury. This is already Golden State's final visit to the Lakers. The Warriors lost there 117-97 on Nov. 4. They haven't been beaten since.

Key trends: The home team is 4-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-1 in the past six meetings.

Early lean: Wow, that total! I just can't go over. Take the points, though.

Rockets at Kings (pick'em, 217.5)

Houston's three-game winning streak was stopped in a 115-102 home loss to Toronto on Wednesday. James Harden had 29 points and 15 assists for the Rockets but also 12 turnovers. It was the first time Houston has lost since point guard Patrick Beverley returned after missing the first 11 games after arthroscopic knee surgery. Sacramento has won back-to-back games after taking out the visiting Thunder 116-101 on Wednesday. DeMarcus Cousins had 36 points and 13 rebounds. Houston has won eight of the past nine meetings but lost its last trip to Sacramento.

Key trends: The Rockets are 7-2 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is 4-1 in the Kings' past five.

Early lean: Kings and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday’s games

San Antonio won its last seven games; they’re 4-2 as road favorites. Spurs’ last four games went over the total. Celtics won last three games, all on the road; they’re 4-2 at home, 0-1 as home underdogs. Last nine Boston games stayed under the total. Spurs won their last nine games with Boston (6-2-1 vs spread); three of last four series games stayed under. San Antonio won its last five visits to Beantown (4-0-1 vs spread).

Wizards lost six of last nine games; they’re 0-5 on the road, 0-2 as road favorites. Four of last five Washington games went over total. Orlando is 4-4 at home, 3-6 in last nine games overall; under is 9-2 in last 11 Magic games. Washington won nine of last ten games with Orlando, covering last four; under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Wizards won five of last six visits to Orlando.

Charlotte lost its last three games, by 5-15-5 points; they’re 4-2 on road, 2-2 as road favorites. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games. New York won/covered its last five home games; they’re 5-1 as home favorites. Over is 3-1 in their last four home games. Knicks lost six of last seven games with Charlotte; under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Hornets lost three of last five visits to Manhattan. Underdogs covered six of last eight series games.

Dallas lost its last seven games (1-6 vs spread); four of their last five road games stayed under the total. Mavericks are 3-6 as road underdogs. Cleveland won five of its last six games; they’re 3-5-1 as home favorites. Four of Cavs’ last six games stayed under the total. Cavaliers won last three games with Dallas by 1-3-33 points; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Mavericks won three of last four visits to Lake Erie.

Clippers are 14-2, winning last four games; they’re 7-0 on road, 3-2 as road favorites. Six of their last eight games went over the total. Detroit lost four of its last five games, is 0-1 as a home underdog; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Clippers won their last ten games with Detroit (3-0-1 vs spread in last four); over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. LA won its last four visits to Motor City (2-1-1 vs spread).

Chicago won five of its last seven games (6-1 vs spread); they’re 5-5 on road, 1-1 as road favorites. Under is 7-3 in Bulls’ road games. Philly won four of its last five home games; they’re 7-3 as home favorites. Over is 9-4 in their last 13 games. 76ers lost their last ten games with Chicago, covering one of last four; Bulls won last five visits here (2-3 vs spread). Last seven series games went over total.

Atlanta lost three of last four games, is 4-3 on road, 1-2 as road underdogs. Hawks’ last six games stayed under total. Utah lost four of last five games; they’re 1-3 as home favorites. Under is 5-1 in Jazz home games. Hawks won nine of last ten games with Utah; Jazz are 3-2 vs spread in last five. Three of last four series games stayed under. Hawks won last five visits here (4-1 vs spread).

Toronto lost four of its last six games; they’re 0-2 as a road favorite- over is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Milwaukee lost five of its last seven games; they’re 2-1 as home underdogs. Three of Bucks’ last four games stayed under the total. Bucks lost nine of last ten games with Toronto; five of last six series games stayed under total. Raptors won last four visits here, by 3-4-21-18 points.

Memphis won its last six games (five on road); they’re 5-2 at home, 1-1 as home favorites. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Heat lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 3-2 as road underdogs. Under is 7-3 in last ten Miami games. Grizzlies won four of last five games with Miami (4-0-1 vs spread in last five); over is 3-1-1 in last five series games, Heat lost last four visits here (0-4 vs spread).

Brooklyn lost its last five games (0-4-1 vs spread); they’re 1-6 on road, 3-3-1 as an underdog on road. Five of Nets’ last six games went over total. Indiana lost three of last four games, is 6-4 at home, 3-3 as home favorite; six of their last seven games stayed under the total. Home team won five of last six Brooklyn-Indiana games; Nets lost four of last five visits here (3-2 vs spread). Over is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Minnesota is 4-10, and there are rumors a trade is coming; they’re 1-6 on road, 0-3 as a road favorite. Three of Wolves’ last four games stayed under. Phoenix lost five of last seven games, is 2-3 at home, 2-1 as a home dog. Three of Suns’ last four games stayed under. Home side won last seven Minnesota-Phoenix games; Timberwolves lost last four visits here (0-3 vs spread in last three). Four of last five series games stayed under the total.

Oklahoma City lost three in row, seven of last nine games; they lost last four road games, are 2-4 on road (1-5 vs spread), with last win Nov 2. Over is 6-3 in Thunder’s last nine games. Denver won three of last four home games, is 4-3 vs spread at home. Over is 5-2 in Nugget home games. Thunder won their last six games with Denver (6-2-1 vs spread in last nine); six of last seven series games went over total. OKC won last three visits here, by 10-6-22 points.

New Orleans won its last four games, but is 2-5 on road, 3-3-1 vs spread. Under is 6-1 in Pelican road games. Trailblazers lost five of last six games, are 4-3 at home, 2-3 as home favorites. Over is 3-1-1 in Portland’s last five games. Portland won eight of last ten games with New Orleans (under 7-2 in last nine); Pelicans lost last five visits to Portland (0-4 vs spread in last four).

Houston won three of last four games, is 5-4 on road, 1-1 as road favorite; under is 5-2-1 in Rockets’ last eight games. Sacramento won its last two games, covered its last four; they’re 4-4 at home, but 7-1 vs spread (4-0 as home underdogs). Over is 4-1 in their last five games. Kings lost eight of last nine games with Houston (2-7 vs spread); Rockets won three of last four visits here. Over is 4-2 in last six series games.

Golden State won its last nine games; they beat Lakers by 43 in Oakland Wednesday; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Warriors are 5-4 as road favorites. Lakers lost three of last four games; they’re 5-3 at home, 3-1 as home underdogs- over is 5-2 in their last seven games.* Golden State is 8-3 in last 11 series games, but lost two of last three. Five of last six series games stayed under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Friday’s games

USC is 4-0 with an impressive road win at Texas A&M; Trojans are #326 in experience, but are over-performing so far. USC starts three sophs, two juniors; their eFG% defense is #28 in country- they’re shooting just 30.8% on arc. SMU split pair of neutral court games in NYC, losing by 22 to Michigan after beating Pitt; Mustangs are rebounding 45% of own misses while starting two sophs, two seniors. Pac-12 home favorites are 13-10 vs spread; AAC underdogs are 8-9.


AdvoCare, Orlando

Iowa State snuck by Indiana State 73-71 yesterday; despite shooting 34% from floor, 15-29 on line; they used three guys 33:00+, another three 22+- thats was Cyclones’ first top 200 game of the year. Miami beat Stanford 67-53 yesterday in its first top 100 game of the year. Hurricanes are forcing turnovers 24.8% of time, starting two sophs, two seniors. ACC favorites are 12-7 vs spread away from home; Big X underdogs are 3-2.

Gonzaga is 4-0 but beat three stiffs and a crippled San Diego State team at home; Bulldogs played two guys more than 29:00 in its walkover vs Quinnipiac yesterday (82-62). Zags jump way up in class here, playing Gators in Orlando. Florida starts two juniors, two seniors and has Charleston transfer Barry (Rick’s son) coming off bench- they already have three top 100 wins. SEC teams are 12-8 vs spread on neutral floors. WCC teams are 3-7.


NIT, Brooklyn

Illinois got steamrolled by West Virginia’s press (24 turnovers) in a 89-57 disaster against the Mountaineers yesterday; Illini had no one play over 28:00. Illini is 0-2 vs top 200 teams, with an OT loss at home to Winthrop. Florida State led by 10 at half but lost 89-86 to a wounded Temple squad yesterday, a bad loss for a top 25 teams. Seminoles start a freshman and two sophs. ACC favorites are 12-7 vs spread away from home; Big 14 underdogs are 8-6.


Battle for Atlantis

Michigan State is very young and Izzo apologized for their brutal schedule yesterday; Spartans are 3-3, are #324 in experience, are turning ball over 22% of time and missing lot of defensive assignments. Wichita State lost by 10 to Louisville yesterday; shot 31.6% from floor. Shockers lead the country in bench minutes, which can’t hurt when you’re playing for third day in row. Big 14 teams are 11-7 vs spread on a neutral floor; MVC teams are 5-5.

Baylor beat VCU/Michigan State last two days and looked good doing it; Bears already have four top 40 wins; they used four kids 31:00+ yesterday, in a decisive win. Baylor allowed an average of 60.6 pts/game in its 5-0 start. Louisville beat Wichita State by 10 as a 2-point dog yesterday; Cardinals struggled on Wednesday with Old Dominion but they’re playing great defense, with #4 eFG% defense in country. Baylor starts four juniors and a senior; curious to see how they hold up playing third day in a row.

LSU was awful Wednesday but beat Old Dominion yesterday, shooting 65.6% inside arc but turning ball over 21 times (-10). Tigers played four kids 30:00+ yesterday, two 34+- they’re playing #44 pace with #331 experienced team. VCU was down big early to St John’s but won by six; Rams play lot of kids so playing three days in row shouldn’t be bad for them. Favorites are 14-4 vs spread in A-14 teams’ games on neutral floors. SEC teams are 12-8 on neutral floors.


Wooden Legacy, Fullerton

Texas A&M smashed an overmatched Northridge squad by 22 yesterday; Aggies are are 3-1 but lost at home to USC, only team they’ve played ranked over #197. A&M is starting three sophs which explains USC loss. Virginia Tech played its best player 40:00 and two others 31:00 in a 20-point win over New Mexico. Hokies have #11 eFG% in country, but yesterday was their first top 200 win. ACC teams are 12-9 vs spread on neutral floors; Big X teams are 9-7.

UCLA is an offensive dynamo, scoring 104.4 pts/game in its 5-0 start; 88 points is least they’ve scored, but Nebraska will be first top 100 team they’ve played. Bruins’ eFG% is 64.7% (#2 in country); they’re playing #10 pace while making 46% on arc, but they are thin and played only two subs before they cleared bench last nite. Nebraska played four guys 30:00+, another three 23+ in 80-78 win over Dayton yesterday. Huskers start four sophomores. A-14 favorites are 6-2 vs spread on a neutral floor; SEC underdogs are 8-7.

Nevada/Buffalo didn’t play yesterday. Nevada used four guys 37:00 in tough 82-78 win over Oakland Wednesday; Wolf Pack played only six guys more than 3:00- they made 11-20 on arc and might not have been better team. Nevada is 4-1 with only loss at a very good St Mary’s team. Buffalo’s last two wins are vs D-II and D-III teams; they lost by 33 to Xavier, beat Niagara by 10- hard to tell much about them. Bulls are #294 in experience. Mountain West favorites are 11-7 vs spread; MAC underdogs are 8-9.

Weber State lost at Stanford/Pepperdine, got its first D-I win over Cal-Davis last night; they used three guys 30:00+ but also played eight guys 17+. Wildcats start three sophs, two seniors, young team. Iona likes to run; they got first win of year last night, beating a lousy Drake team. Gaels lost at Florida State/Nevada; they could have rematch with Wolf Pack in tourney final Saturday night. Iona starts two transfers; they’re still adjusting to each other. Big Sky teams are 17-19 vs spread; MAAC teams are 11-17.

Memphis scored 91.3 pts/game in its 4-0 start, but what a collection of stiffs they’ve played; Tigers are playing #41 pace with #256 experienced team- they’re protecting ball well but shooting only 54% on line. Providence lost by 5 at Ohio State and beat three stiffs; Friars are playing a slower tempo (#218) as they replace star G Dunn. Providence has #59 eFG% defense, always a good sign. AAC teams are 10-10 vs spread away from home; Big East teams are 12-10.

Washington scored 96.7 pts/game in its three wins but lost 98-90 at home to Yale, whose best player didn’t play. Huskies are #339 in experience; they can recruit, but then guys leave for pros too soon- they’ve got #9 eFG% so far. Western Kentucky lost by 21 at disciplined Belmont and beat three stiffs; they’ve made 41.8% on arc, are fouling less than any team in country. Hilltoppers start four seniors and a junior, #13 experience team. Pac-12 teams are 4-10 vs spread on neutral floors this month; C-USA underdogs are 10-8 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Football Predictions: Week 13 Opening Line Report and Picks
by Alan Matthews

Can't believe how fast the 2016 college football season has flown by as this is the final full weekend of the year, and that means some of the sport's best rivalries are being played. Yet the biggest story around the nation today is that of Charlie Strong.

Somehow, Texas managed to lose at pitiful Kansas on Saturday night in overtime, the Jayhawks' first win in the series since 1938 and their first win over an FBS opponent since 2014. Strong was on very shaky ground as it was, but I think we all knew that loss had to be the final straw for the Texas administration. On Sunday, multiple reports said that Strong was being fired, yet the school would only put out a statement saying he would be evaluated after the regular season. Thus Strong will coach this week's home game vs. TCU, which the Horns need to get bowl eligible at 6-6 (some teams might get an invite at 5-7 if there aren't enough eligible teams).

At Strong's rather uncomfortable weekly press conference Monday, he said that he speaks with school president Gregory L. Fenves after every game and it’s his understanding “that we will be evaluated after the TCU game.” Strong also said he hasn't been told he's fired. I don't understand why the school is leaving him out to dry here. According to a report from the Austin-American Statesman, Texas players are threatening to boycott the team's game against TCU because Strong is being fired. When asked that Monday, Strong said it won't happen.

It's the right move for Texas as Strong just was never a fit there. I'm sure some of the sportsbooks will release a prop on the next Texas coach this week -- unless it's such a foregone conclusion that it's going to be Houston's Tom Herman. Sounds like it's his job to lose and that Herman will take it. I'm sure Texas will at least call Nick Saban again, but he's not leaving Alabama. If Herman opts to take the LSU or possibly the Oregon job instead, that's really going to make UT look bad. A rumored second choice is Clemson's Dabo Swinney, but I don't believe he's leaving that job until Alabama opens as that's Swinney's alma mater.

I actually think Texas is good value on Friday at -2 against the Horned Frogs as Strong's players will want to win for him.

Here are a few Week 12 opening lines that caught my eye. Rankings from the last College Football Top 25 (will change Tuesday). These are all games before Saturday as I will address Saturday games on my Friday update story.

No. 16 LSU at No. 25 Texas A&M (+5), Thursday: It's the only NCAA action on Thanksgiving. It could be that both these coaches are gone from their respective programs -- and both schools would certainly want to speak with Herman. Any shot interim LSU coach Ed Orgeron had of keeping the job full-time evaporated in Saturday's 16-10 home upset loss to Florida, which ended with the Tigers stopped on fourth down at the UF 1-yard-line. That loss also likely cost LSU a trip to the Sugar Bowl, although it would have had to win here as well. Will LSU have star running back Leonard Fournette? He wasn't going to play vs. Florida with an ankle injury but got into a skirmish pre-game with some Gators and then did play, although he wasn't effective. Texas A&M has a shot at a major bowl if it can win this game. However, I do believe Kevin Sumlin is in trouble with a loss as the Aggies enter having dropped three of five in yet another late-season fade. It's the final home game for Aggies superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who probably is the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft. He had 4.5 sacks in Saturday's 23-10 win over UTSA. Keep in mind that Aggies QB Trevor Knight is out for the season. The Pick: Texas A&M.

Toledo at No. 21 Western Michigan (-9), Friday: I thought the Broncos were set up for a major trap game Saturday vs. Buffalo as 35-point favorites, but they won 38-0. Corey Davis had 13 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the Mid-American Conference record for career receptions. Davis also holds the MAC records for career yards receiving and touchdown catches. Davis also moved closer to the FBS career receiving record. His 4,987 yards ranks second behind Trevor Insley's 5,005. This will be Davis' final home game and probably as well for head coach P.J. Fleck, who is going to be in demand at some Power 5 programs this offseason. The Broncos are still the only other unbeaten team in the country, and the winner of this one plays in the MAC Championship Game against either Ohio or Miami of Ohio. It will be Ohio if it beats visiting Akron on Tuesday. There is no opening line on that yet because the Zips' starting QB is in question. Miami also plays Tuesday and is -8 vs. Ball State. The RedHawks are trying to become the first team in college football history to start 0-6 and finish 6-0. The Pick: WMU.

No. 6 Washington at No. 22 Washington State (+5.5), Friday: This game lost a bit of luster with Wazzu losing to Colorado on Saturday and probably falls out of the new College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday. But the Apple Cup victor still plays in the Pac-12 title game against either Colorado (if it beats Utah) or USC (if Colorado loses). The Huskies should move up to No. 5 in the new CFP Top 25 with Louisville's loss last week. I guarantee you Washington would like another shot at the Trojans, who dominated UW in Seattle two weeks ago. Washington has won the past three in series. It was 45-10 last year, but Cougars star QB Luke Falk was out injured. if Washington loses here, the Pac-12 will miss the playoff -- and it opens the door potentially for Oklahoma if it wins out. Or perhaps two Big Ten teams. The Pick: Washington.

No. 18 Nebraska at Iowa (-3), Friday: The Huskers will play in the Big Ten title game if they win this game and Wisconsin loses on Saturday at home to Minnesota, which I rather doubt. If the Huskers lose here, Wisconsin is in no matter what. Who will NU start at quarterback? Tommy Armstrong Jr. missed Saturday's win over Maryland with a hamstring injury. Coach Mike Riley said backup Ryker Fyfe broke a bone in his non-throwing wrist against the Terps. Zack Darlington, who moved to receiver in the spring, could be pressed into emergency duty for the Huskers. If Nebraska wins at Iowa, Riley is eligible for at least a $250,000 performance bonus per his contract. Must be nice. The Pick: Iowa.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 5-6 1-6 4-6-1 4-7
Clemson 10-1 7-1 5-6 5-6
Duke 4-7 1-6 7-4 3-8
Florida State 8-3 5-3 6-4 5-5
Georgia Tech 7-4 4-4 5-4-1 5-4-1
Louisville 9-2 7-1 5-5-1 7-4
Miami (Fla.) 7-4 4-3 7-4 5-6
North Carolina 8-3 5-2 7-4 4-7
North Carolina State 5-6 2-5 7-4 4-6-1
Pittsburgh 7-4 4-3 5-6 10-1
Syracuse 4-7 2-5 4-7 2-9
Virginia 2-9 1-6 4-6-1 3-7-1
Virginia Tech 8-3 5-2 5-6 6-5
Wake Forest 6-5 3-4 7-4 5-6


North Carolina State at North Carolina (Fri. - ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Wolfpack and Tar Heels do battle at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill Friday afternoon. It's an important game, too, as Carolina is looking to secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game, but they need a little help. N.C. State would not only like to derail those hopes, but they're also in need of a win if they want to become bowl eligible. The Wolfpack are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 against teams with a winning record, and 1-4 ATS in their past five road games against a team with a winning home record. UNC has covered four of the past five overall and they're 5-2 ATS in their past seven in the month of November. The underdog has cashed in 13 of the past 18 meetings in this series. If you're interested in totals, the under is 4-0 in the past four overall and 4-0 in the past four ACC games. The under is 6-1 in the past seven for UNC, 4-0 in their past four against teams with a losing record and 5-1 in their past six league games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big 12 Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Baylor 6-4 3-4 2-8 3-7
Iowa State 3-8 2-6 7-4 7-4
Kansas 2-9 1-7 5-6 4-7
Kansas State 6-4 4-3 4-6 5-5
Oklahoma 9-2 8-0 5-6 6-5
Oklahoma State 9-2 7-1 7-4 7-4
Texas 5-6 3-5 6-5 4-7
Texas Christian 5-5 3-4 2-8 5-5
Texas Tech 4-7 2-6 7-4 6-5
West Virginia 8-2 5-2 4-6 4-6


Texas Christian at Texas (Fri. - FOX Sports 1, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Someone is going to become bowl eligible with a win, and someone is going to be super disappointed with a loss. TCU has struggled against the number lately, covering just once in their past six games while going 1-6 ATS in their past seven conference battles. TCU is also 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. For Texas, they're coming off an embarrassing loss at Kansas last week which might have been the final straw for the administration at Texas as far as the Charlie Strong era is concerned. A loss at home and no bowl game would likely cinch the end. Texas has been a disaster on the road, but they're 4-1 SU/ATS in five games in Austin this season. Total bettors might like the 'under' in this one. The 'under' is 4-1 in TCU's past five overall, 4-1 in their past five road games and 5-2 in their past seven against teams with a losing overall record. The 'under' has hit in six straight for Texas, 24 of their past 33 confernce tilts and the 'under' is 35-17-3 in their past 53 at home.

Baylor at Texas Tech (Fri. - ESPN, 6:00 p.m.)
Baylor lost their starting QB Seth Russell to a gruesome injury Nov. 5 against TCU, the second game in a four-game losing streak. After starting out 6-0 SU, the Bears have droped four in a row and they haven't covered in any of the outings, either. Overall Baylor is just 2-8 ATS. Texas Tech is in the midst of a three-game skid, and they have dropped six of the past seven to fall out of contention for a bowl game. However, the Red Raiders are 3-2 ATS and 6-3 ATS in the past nine. The Red Raiders are 3-3 SU/4-2 ATS in six games at home. The Bears are 1-6 ATS in their past seven against teams with a losing record, while Texas Tech is 8-3 ATS in their past 11 conference games. The favorite has hit in five of the past six in this series, while the 'over' has connected in all six of these outings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pac-12 Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 PAC-12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Arizona 2-9 0-8 1-10 6-5
Arizona State 5-6 2-6 6-5 6-5
California 4-7 2-6 4-7 8-3
Colorado 9-2 7-1 10-1 5-6
Oregon 4-7 2-6 2-8-1 7-4
Oregon State 3-8 2-6 8-3 5-6
Southern California 8-3 7-2 7-4 2-9
Stanford 8-3 6-3 7-4 4-7
UCLA 4-7 2-6 4-7 4-6-1
Utah 8-3 5-4 6-5 6-5
Washington 10-1 7-1 5-6 8-3
Washington State 8-3 7-1 6-5 7-4

Washington at Washington State (Fri. - FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET)
It's time for the Apple Cup, and the Pac-12 North Division title remains on the line despite Washington State's slip-up at Colorado. In fact, with a Cougars win, and a Colorado win in their game, those two sides could potentially meet in a rematch in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Huskies have struggled against the number lately, going 1-4 ATS in their past five games overall and 1-4 ATS in their past five conference games. Washington State failed to cover last week, but they're 9-2 ATS in their past 11 home games, 9-2 ATS in their past 11 against a team with a winning record while going 15-6 ATS in their past 21 games overall. The Huskies have dominated the Apple Cup recently, at least against the number, as Washington is 6-2 ATS in their past eight trips to the Palouse and 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The favorite is also 5-2 ATS in the past seven in this series.

Arizona State at Arizona (Fri. - ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET)
Arizona State becomes bowl eligible with a victory in Friday's game in Tucson, and they're a field goal favorite as of Wednesday morning. AZ State has struggled against the number against good teams, but they're 7-3 ATS in their past 10 games against teams with a losing record. However, they're 1-4 ATS in their past five road outings. The Wildcats have shown well on Fridays, going 8-2 ATS in their past 10 appearances. However, they're just 7-19 ATS in the past 26 overall and 1-5 ATS in the past six at home. The Wildcats have failed to cover their past seven conference battles and 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a losing record. Arizona State is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 trips down Interstate 10. The 'over' has hit in each of the past four in this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Pac-12 Action

College Football Betting Preview – Apple Cup
Washington Huskies at Washington State Cougars

Odds: Washington (-6.5)

The Apple Cup rivalry game between Washington and Washington State is a heated battle on a yearly basis, but this year's meeting has even more significance given that both sides come into this contest ranked in the Top 25.

Furthermore, the winner of this game will win the Pac-12 North division and get a date in the Pac-12 Title game next week. Throw in the fact that the 5th ranked Washington side is also playing for their opportunity to get into the College Football Playoff (they'll need help along the way), and the stakes haven't been this high in the Apple Cup for decades.

So does Washington State have an upset in them or will Washington make the necessary statement to sway the playoff committee to further their case towards a playoff berth.

Neither of these programs have even sniffed the Pac-12 Championship game since its inception in 2011 and it will be a huge accomplishment for whomever comes out on top. The Huskies obviously have bigger goals in getting to the playoffs, but this will be one of their toughest road tests to date this season and it will be interesting to see if they thrive or fold under the pressure.

QB Jake Browning has been solid all year in leading Washington to a 10-1 SU mark so far, but four INT's in his last two outings is cause for concern, especially when he and the Huskies are likely going to need 30+ points to come out on top.

Washington State can score with the best of them when they are rolling, and the seniors on Washington State would love to finish their collegiate careers with one win over their in-state rival. Washington has won the last three Apple Cups – all by double digits – and with this being the strongest Huskies team during that span, Washington State will have to be at their best to get that W.

However, this is also Washington State's best team over the past four years as well and eliminating their hated rival from the Conference Championship game and the playoffs in one big swoop would be a tremendous accomplishment. Cougars QB Luke Falk is the architect behind mastermind HC Mike Leach's air raid offense, and the points they've put up at home this year have been huge.

In six home games, Washington State has scored 42, 56, 51, 27, 69, and 56 points, good for an average of 50.1 points per game. Washington's defense is as stingy as they come in the Pac-12, but facing a tough Colorado unit last week in 38-24 road loss was a good tune up for the Cougars.

Washington State isn't likely to threaten their home average of 50 points here, but it's not out of the realm of possibilities either, especially when you consider that four of the five times Washington has allowed 20 or more points this season came away from home.

Washington hasn't been great to bettors either lately as they are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall, and on a 1-5 ATS run after winning by 20+ points. As good as they are, the last thing the Huskies want is this game to turn into a shootout and you know that's what the Cougars will be looking for here.

On the flip side, Washington State is 6-0 ATS when coming off a SU loss, and have gone 9-2 ATS in their last 11 at home. This is by far the most meaningful game the program has had during the Mike Leach era and with it being on their own field, the Cougars will not want it to go to waste.

Quite frankly, this is a contest that could very well come down to who has the ball last and if that's the case, grabbing the points with the home dog is the way to go here. Washington State has much less pressure on them with the CFB playoffs out of reach and being on their own field, I expect them to be free and loose from start to finish.

Asking Washington to come on the road in the most hostile of environments they see in conference play and win by a touchdown is too much to ask given all the ramifications they've got on the result of this contest and I'm sure the Huskies would gladly take a three or four-point victory here and move on from there.

Best Bet: Take Washington State +6.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAF Game of the Day: Washington at Washington State

(No. 5) Washington at (No. 23) Washington State (6, 64)

It has been a long time since the Apple Cup packed such importance and No. 5 Washington and No. 23 Washington State square off in a duel for the Pac-12 North Division crown when they meet on Friday in Pullman. The last time the two rivals were both ranked when they met was in 2001 - a 26-14 win for the Huskies - and visiting Washington's national championship hopes hang in the balance as well as attempting to secure a spot in the Pac-12 title game.

The Huskies are thriving in Chris Petersen's third season at the helm and the coach expects his team to handle the ferocious atmosphere on game day. "I just think they've really been invested this whole year, every game, and I think that's what you've kind of seen, but it'll be exciting," Petersen said during a press conference. "They get the rivalry. They get that we're playing a heck of a team in a really hostile situation." The Cougars had an eight-game winning streak halted with a 38-24 road loss to Colorado on Saturday and are itching for the opportunity to rebound with a huge victory. "This is a feeling we haven't had in a while, and we don't want it again," senior defensive back Parker Henry said. "We've got no choice but to flush it."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE HISTORY: The Huskies opened as 5.5-point road favorites, that spread was bet up early in the week to 6.5, the line faded down to 6 and has held firm. The total hit the board at 66 and has yet to move.

INJURY REPORT:

WASHINGTON - WR Brayden Lenius (questionable, undisclosed)

WASHINGTON STATE - LB Isaac Dotson (questionable, undisclosed)

WEATHER REPORT: The playing conditions at Martin Stadium are expected to be rainy. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40’s with winds coming out of the Southeast at 9 mph.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Despite a strong season by both teams, going a combined 18-4 SU, these squads are just 11-11 ATS overall. These two teams are a combined 15-7 to the Over this season as both offenses have been strong. The Huskies are averaging 50.5 points and 571 total yards per game (8.3 yppl) on the road, while the Cougars are averaging 50.2 points and 550 total yards per game (6.6 yppl) at home this season." - Steve Merril.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (10-1 SU, 5-6 ATS, 8-3 O/U): Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning fueled the Huskies' rise with his superb play that includes a school-record 37 touchdown passes to go with 2,870 yards and only seven interceptions. Two junior big-play wideouts have certainly aided his production as both John Ross (64 receptions for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns) and Dante Pettis (46 for 701, 12 scores) are enjoying solid campaigns, as is sophomore running back Myles Gaskin (1,130 yards, nine touchdowns). The defense has lost key players in linebackers Azeem Victor (67 tackles) and Joe Mathis (five sacks) with season-ending injuries while junior inside linebacker Keishawn Bierria leads the nation with five fumble recoveries.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (8-3 SU, 6-5 ATS, 7-4 O/U): Junior quarterback Luke Falk is enjoying his own splendid season with 35 touchdowns passes (three off the school record he set last season) and he ranks third nationally with 3,935 passing yards. Senior receiver Gabe Marks (74 catches, 12 touchdowns) became the 13th player in FBS history to top 300 career receptions - he stands at 301 - and his 36 career touchdown catches are five shy of the Pac-12 record held by USC's Dwayne Jarrett (2004-06). Senior free safety Shalom Luani has a team-best four interceptions and junior middle linebacker Peyton Pelluer has a team-leading 80 tackles for a defense allowing 25.5 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
* Cougars are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
* Cougars are 9-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 8-2 in Huskies last 10 conference games.
* Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 59 percent are taking the road favorite while 70 percent favor the over in this battle of top 25 teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Texas playing with extra motivation Friday night against TCU
By ROB HANSEN

On Friday night the Texas Longhorns will take on the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in a seemingly innocuous matchup between two teams hovering around the .500 mark for the season.

Other than the two teams playing out the string in the regular season, and perhaps qualifying for a low-level bowl game, this game holds extra meaning for the Longhorns and their millions of fans across the country. This game is all about Texas head coach Charlie Strong.

When Coach Strong was brought in from Louisville he was supposed to be the guy to turn this program around and guide them to another National Championship. Instead, he's led them to a 16-20 record over three seasons and will, most assuredly, be fired once this season comes to an end.

The Longhorns (who opened the season at 100/1 to win the National Championship) are going to play this game against TCU for Coach Strong. Not to save his job, but give him a little sense of pride on his way out the door. We see this situation often and teams will generally step up for their coach - the man who recruited them and helped mould them from high school kids into men.

With this motivation on their side, Texas opened as 2-5-point favorites and the public has bet them up to -3.

If all of this wasn't motivation enough, Hollywood big-shot (and Texas Longhorns super-fan) Matthew McConaughey will be there and will, most likely, give the team one of his famous pep talks before the game. McConaughey was asked about this game outside of a convenience store earlier this week and this video is a must watch. He didn't want to talk to the camera in the middle of the night, but once Texas football was mentioned he couldn't resist.

"We're gonna go out and whoop TCU's ass Friday."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-2) at Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Nebraska goes into its final game of the regular season on Friday at Iowa with several questions to be answered.

The big one on every Nebraska fan's mind is who will be healthy enough to start at quarterback.

Senior Tommy Armstrong Jr. missed last Saturday's 28-7 win over Maryland with a hamstring injury. Backup Ryker Fyfe took Armstrong's place, but come to find out he broke a bone in his left wrist and had surgery on Sunday to repair it.

Armstrong said Tuesday after practice that he will be able to play. Coach Mike Riley said Fyfe might be available. If neither can go, Nebraska is left with No. 3 quarterback Zack Darlington.

"We have a good feeling that Tommy's going to be able to do something," Riley said. "We have a good feeling that Ryker is going to be able to do something."

Riley would feel even better if any of the quarterbacks could help the 16th-ranked Cornhuskers (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) come away with a victory at Iowa (7-4, 5-3) in Kinnick Stadium (3:30 p.m., ABC). That would give Nebraska 10 wins -- a significant turnaround from a 5-7 record in Riley's first season in 2015.

Nebraska is also playing for a chance at a Big Ten West Division co-championship and an outside shot at the conference championship game next week in Indianapolis. To get there, the Cornhuskers need to take care of business against Iowa and hope for a Minnesota upset of Wisconsin, leaving them alone atop the standings.

If Nebraska and Wisconsin win this weekend, they tie for the division title. But the Badgers get to advance based on their 23-17 overtime win over the Cornhuskers on Oct. 29.

"I think it would be awesome to get the 10th win. It's not that common," Riley said. "There's not going to be that many people in the picture of double digit wins during the season.

"There's lots of reasons to win this game. It's Iowa, it's a rival game, it's a chance to win the division to get to the Big Ten championship game. It's 10 wins. It's a better bowl game. There's a bunch of reasons."

Nebraska's record against Iowa since it joined the Big Ten in 2011 is 3-2. The road team has won the last four games, including the Cornhuskers' epic rally to beat Iowa 37-34 in overtime two years ago in Kinnick Stadium.

"It seems like a really great natural rivalry that will just do nothing but grow and become bigger and bigger," Riley said. "I mean, just the proximity, kind of the like-mindedness, I just think it's a perfect fit that way."

Last year, the Hawkeyes won 28-20 in Lincoln to cap a perfect 12-0 regular season. Iowa is nowhere near that level this year, but they still could tie for the Big Ten West title with a win and a Wisconsin loss, which would create a four-team logjam at the top.

"At the end of the day, it's what happens at game time," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of the rivalry game. "Doesn't matter if you've been playing for the last hundred years or haven't played. It's about what happens at game time and how that thing goes."

Iowa seems to have found its identity the past two weeks by relying on an airtight defense and a run-heavy offense. The Hawkeyes claimed their first Big Ten shutout since 2009 with a 28-0 victory at Illinois last Saturday.

Iowa followed a similar formula the week before against Michigan in the stunning 14-13 upset that handed the Wolverines their first and only loss of the season. A pride-bruising, humiliating 41-14 loss to Penn State three weeks ago seemed to jolt the Hawkeyes into suddenly playing their best football of the year at the tail end of the schedule.

"We've got our work cut out, and we'll see what we can do this week," Ferentz said. "It's going to be a big challenge for us."

Nebraska can expect to see play of Iowa's two running backs. Senior LeShun Daniels Jr. and junior Akrum Wadley are taking turns leading the Hawkeyes in rushing.

Two weeks ago, Wadley carried Iowa against Michigan with 112 yards rushing. Last week against Illinois, Daniels ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

Both backs are closing in on 1,000 yards for the season. Wadley has 861 yards and Daniels is right behind with 855. With Friday's game and a bowl game remaining, both could get there.

"We've got two guys that we have confidence in," Ferentz said. "The best thing is they complement each other. They're different, yet they can kind of play off each other a little bit, and there is certainly room for both."

Iowa is surviving on nothing more than simple, straight-ahead, power football. In November when the temperatures turn colder and the snow sometimes flies, ground and pound can often be a winning strategy in Big Ten country.

Good defense also wins games this time of year in the cold north country. Iowa's defense has played lights out the past two weeks. After giving up 599 yards in the debacle at Penn State, Iowa has regrouped and allowed only 399 the past two weeks.

"(We) just came together and told ourselves that can't happen anymore," Iowa linebacker Bo Bower said of the defensive effort against Penn State. "Some teams can go down the drain. Some teams can pick themselves up."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Boise State Broncos (10-1) at Air Force Falcons (8-3)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Boise State faces a must-win situation in order to keep its Mountain West title hopes alive.

One of the pesky problems is that Air Force is the opponent.

The No. 20 Broncos have experienced issues with the Falcons while losing each of the past two seasons. They badly need a victory this time around when they play on the Air Force Academy grounds on Friday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network).

Boise State (10-1, 6-1) is tied for first place in the Mountain Division with Wyoming and that also rates as an issue. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos earlier this season and control their own destiny.

Even if Boise State defeats the Falcons, Wyoming will claim the title if it upends New Mexico on Saturday.

And if the Broncos don't reach the Mountain West title game, they are no longer in the running for a possible Cotton Bowl berth.

"This is a big game for us, there's no doubt about it," Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said during a press conference. "It's the last game of the year and it's against a team we haven't beat the last two seasons.

"And make no bones about it ... we want to win this game."

Air Force (8-3, 4-3) enters on a four-game winning streak and is brimming with confidence when it comes to facing the Broncos.

Two seasons ago, the Falcons forced seven Boise State turnovers while producing a 28-14 victory. Standout strong safety Weston Steelhammer intercepted three passes to tie the school single-game record.

Last season, Air Force rolled up 607 yards -- including a stunning 279 passing for the run-oriented team -- while posting a 37-30 victory in Boise.

Who knows what will happen in this meeting but the Falcons are averaging 38 points during their four-game winning streak -- and had to overcome double-digit deficits in three of the games.

"Our strongest muscle is the one that's inside of our chest cavity," coach Troy Calhoun said, "and that's what we rely upon is the heart and soul and character of our guys."

Nobody personifies the Air Force mentality more than Steelhammer, who had two interceptions in Saturday's 41-38 victory over San Jose State.

Steelhammer decided to attend Air Force when his only college scholarship offers were from McNeese State and Central Arkansas. He has gone on to stamp himself as one of the top defensive players in school history.

Steelhammer has six interceptions this season and 17 in his career, the latter tying Tom Rotello (1983-86) for the school mark.

"Many of them have been pretty splendid grabs, too," Calhoun said. "You look over the course of his career, I bet eight or nine of those have been where he really had to leave his feet to get. That's hard to do."

Steelhammer has a team-leading 71 tackles for a unit that ranks 19th in rushing defense at 121.1 yards per game.

Boise State junior running back Jeremy McNichols will test the Falcons as he ranks third nationally with 1,575 yards while leading the country with 26 total touchdowns (22 rushing, four receiving).

McNichols rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns in last Friday's 42-25 win over UNLV and he ranks seventh in school history with 3,071 career rushing yards.

He was passed over as a Doak Walker Award finalist on Monday, and that didn't sit well with Harsin.

"He's one of the best backs in the country," Harsin said. "He's the most productive player. He's put up touchdowns more than anybody else.

"I don't know what else from an offensive standpoint a guy can do to not have his name thrown in there with all those other backs."

McNichols is carrying the Boise State offense as the attack has become more dependent on him and less on sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien.

Rypien passed for just 109 yards against UNLV but has thrown for 3,025 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season.

The Broncos' defense will be down two starting linebackers. Senior strong-side linebacker Tanner Vallejo will undergo season-ending wrist surgery and junior middle linebacker Joe Martarano is surely done for the campaign after breaking his left fibula against UNLV.

Senior middle linebacker Darren Lee will be counted on after stepping up with a career-best 11 tackles against UNLV. Lee has 56 tackles on the season -- including 6 1/2 for losses.

Air Force averages 323.5 rushing yards per game with its triple-option offense and sophomore quarterback Arion Worthman will make his fourth consecutive start in place of injured senior Nate Romine (ankle).

Worthman threw the winning 22-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Jalen Robinette (team-leading 30 catches for 790 yards) with 32 seconds left against San Jose State and rushed for 215 yards and two scores.

The rushing yardage was the fifth-best for a quarterback in Falcons' history.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Washington Huskies (10-1) at Washington State Cougars (8-3)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

It will be an Apple Cup like few others.

No. 6 Washington will play at No. 23 Washington State on Friday, with the Pac-12 North title on the line for both teams. The game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET in Pullman, Wash., will mark just the sixth time since the AP poll debuted in 1936 that both teams are ranked.

For the Huskies (10-1 overall, 7-1), there is more than just a berth in the conference title game on the line. They could have a spot in the College Football Playoff with two more victories.

"I just want them to prepare like they have and go over and compete like they have, which I know they will," Washington coach Chris Petersen said of his team.

"We know it's like, 'All this hard work kind of comes down to this.' But it's really hard for me to say, like, 'OK, now we're really all-in on this.' I just think they've really been invested this whole year, every game.

"But it'll be exciting. They get the rivalry. They get that we're playing a heck of a team in a really hostile situation."

Washington bounced back from its only loss, to USC, with a 44-18 win over Arizona State on Saturday. Washington State (8-3, 7-1) had its eight-game winning streak snapped with a 38-24 loss at Pac-12 South-leading Colorado.

There hasn't been so much on the line for both teams since 1981. Washington won that Apple Cup 23-10 to deny Washington State the Pac-10 title, which the Huskies won when USC beat UCLA on the same day.

Both Petersen and Cougars coach Mike Leach put their players off limits to the media this week.

"There's a lot of distractions. I don't want them distracted," Leach said. "I want them focused in on just playing."

As for that stuff on the field, Washington will try to draw inspiration from last season's 45-10 win over Washington State, although that comes with a caveat. The Cougars didn't have quarterback Luke Falk.

"That always frustrated me (that Falk didn't play), because all the Cougar fans, they're like, 'Oh, if we had Luke Falk ...,'" Huskies defensive tackle Elijah Qualls told the Seattle Times. "Come on, man. I'm not going to lie: The dude is good. But 35 points? I don't know about that."

It will be a battle of two brilliant quarterbacks.

Falk has 3,935 passing yards this season, fourth-most in Washington State single-season history. Falk, directing Leach's prolific Air Raid system, tops the nation in completions per game (34.6) and completion percentage (71.4).

Leach said Monday he expects Falk to return for his senior season.

Washington quarterback Jake Browning leads the Pac-12 with 37 touchdown passes -- one more than Falk -- and is fourth nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 180.7.

"He does a really job from the neck up," Leach said of Browning. "Him and Luke are very similar that way, I think."

Both quarterbacks have elite receivers. Washington State's Gabe Marks is the Pac-12 career leader with 301 receptions, including 74 this season, with 12 going for touchdowns. Ross has all kinds of speed, with 64 catches for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Ross has a sidekick in Dante Pettis, who has four 100-yard receiving games this season. Marks lost his main sidekick two games ago when receiver River Cracraft suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Washington's offense is more traditionally balanced, as the Huskies have gone over 200 yards on the ground seven times this season, led by running back Myles Gaskin.

Washington State is 114th nationally in rushing at 132.5 yards per game, but the Cougars can run the ball more effectively than most Leach teams behind the trio of Jamal Morrow, James Williams and Gerard Wicks. They have combined for 1,515 yards.

Washington has lost two of its top defenders to season-ending injuries -- linebackers Joe Mathis and Azeem Victor -- but still managed to limit USC and Arizona State to 128 rushing yards on 63 carries in the past two weeks.

The Huskies are often able to generate a pass rush without blitzing, which would give them ample numbers in the back end to defend against Washington State's spread attack. Cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Kevin King, and safety Budda Baker, are postseason award candidates in one of the nation's best secondaries.

Washington State is no slouch defensively. The Cougars, led up front by defensive end Hercules Mata'afa, are first in the Pac-12 against the run, allowing 129.7 yards per game. WSU also got back senior nose tackle Robert Barber last week. He had missed three games following legal entanglements.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Toledo Rockets (9-2) at Western Michigan Broncos (11-0)

Date: November 25, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

Since his arrival at Western Michigan in December 2012, coach P.J. Fleck urged everyone associated with his program to "Row the Boat" - and the philosophy has brought the No. 14 Broncos into uncharted waters.

Western Michigan hosts Toledo on Friday (5 p.m. ET, ESPNU) in what amounts to the Mid-American Conference West Division title game. The winner advances to the MAC championship Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit.

The stakes are much higher for the Broncos (11-0, 7-0), though, who are also in the driver's seat to play in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2 and reap the rewards of the $6 million payday that comes with being the highest-ranked Group of Five conference team in the country. Western Michigan is one of two undefeated teams in the nation (No. 1 Alabama) and 11-0 for the first time in school history.

But the 35-year-old Fleck continues to keep his team focused on the next task at hand, which is to defeat Toledo (9-2, 6-1).

"I had 'Row the Boat' a long time ago, but I never brought it out,' Fleck told Mlive.com in 2013. "It's very simple when you break it down. There are three parts to rowing the boat. There is the oar, which is the energy behind rowing the boat. There is boat, which is the actual sacrifice, either our team or the administration or the boosters or the audience or whoever is willing to sacrifice for this program. There is also the compass. Every single person that comes in contact with our football program, fans or not, they are all going for one common goal and that is success.

"When you literally talk about rowing the boat, you're facing the opposite direction the bow of the boat is actually going. You're not able to see the future. We've set sail and we've set our direction from point A to point B, whether it's right now to win a MAC Championship, or be the first person in your family to get a college education or to beat cancer.

"We're making it global and community-based. Everyone can relate to this. The boat is set in a direction and we're rowing. We can't see the future but we can see our past. Our past is the program. It's the people. That's what we're looking at and we're learning as we go. We don't know if there's a waterfall ahead of us, rocks, smooth seas or sunsets. We have no idea. We just have to keep rowing."

The Broncos' magical run continued with a 38-0 victory over Buffalo on Saturday, extending a school-record 13-game winning streak that began with a 35-30 victory over Toledo to end the 2015 regular season.

Since Western Michigan's previous game was 11 days earlier (a 37-21 victory at Kent State on Nov. 8) and with a short week further abbreviated by Thanksgiving, Fleck and his coaching staff had the luxury of using a couple days to start preparing for the Rockets.

"When you start (preparations) and are ahead of time, you only do that as a coaching staff," Fleck told Mlive.com. "That really never gets to our players. We've never brought up anything about Toledo in weeks past.'

The Broncos boast the MAC's top scoring offense (43.8 points per game) and defense (17.7) with the Rockets second in both categories at 39.2 and 22.5. The teams own the top two total offenses in the conference with Toledo also possessing the top passing offense (338.2 yards) and Western Michigan averaging a MAC-best 247.1 yards on the ground.

Western Michigan's plus-15 turnover margin is tied for the best nationally with No. 6 Washington and Old Dominion, and it all starts with quarterback Zach Terrell. The senior completes 71.3 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns and one interception.

Terrell passed for a career-high 445 yards and four touchdowns against Buffalo, drawing incredibly high praise from Fleck: "Zach Terrell is the finest football player and finest man I've ever met in my entire life.'

Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis is on the verge of becoming the career FBS receiving yards leader after recording 173 on 13 catches with two touchdowns Saturday. Davis, who already has the most receptions (310) and receiving TDs (49) in MAC history, is 19 yards shy of breaking the FBS record of 5,005 yards set by Nevada's Trevor Insley in 1999.

Davis's 16 touchdowns share the national lead with Louisiana Tech's Carlos Henderson.

Western Michigan also features junior running back Jarvion Franklin, who boasts a MAC-best 1,228 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Rockets, who reached nine victories for the third consecutive season with a 37-19 win over Ball State on Nov. 16, have a few weapons of their own.

Quarterback Logan Woodside leads the country with 40 touchdowns against only seven interceptions while completing 70.1 percent of his passes. His 3,653 yards rank fourth nationally.

Woodside's targets include wide receivers Cody Thompson (20.1 yards per team-best 56 catches, 10 touchdowns) and Jon'Vea Johnson (19.8, 38, 10). Tight end Michael Roberts has a team-best 12 TDs.

Toledo is far from one-dimensional as running back Kareem Hunt's 1,155 yards and seven scores attest.

Woodside must be on the lookout for Broncos defensive end Keion Adams (5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries) while Terrell hopes to avoid defensive tackle Treyvon Hester (five sacks, seven hurries) and defensive end John Stepec (4.5, 13).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCCAF Tech Trends - Week 13
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, November 25

BUFFALO at BOWLING GREEN ...Bulls 3-8 vs. line TY, 3-13 last 16 on board for Leipold. BG only 1-4 vs. line at Doyt-Perry Stadium TY but Falcs closing fast with SU wins last two and covers 4 of last 6.

BG, based on recent trends.


TOLEDO at WESTERN MICHIGAN ...Both similar spread records TY (Toledo 6-3-1, WMU 7-3). Rockets 6-0 last six as dog (2-0 TY) and 12-1 vs. line last 13 away from Glass Bowl. Broncos no covers last two at home TY and only 4-7 vs. line last 11 at Waldo. WMU has covered last 2 meetings after UT covered previous two.

Toledo, based on team trends.


NORTHERN ILLINOIS at KENT STATE ... NIU 5-1-1 vs. line last seven TY as Huskies close fast.

NIU, based on recent trends.


ARKANSAS at MISSOURI ...Mizzou 1-6 vs. line last seven TY. Tigers 6-16 last 22 vs. spread since LY. Bielema 10-3 vs. spread last 13 as visitor (not counting neutral games past few years).

Arkansas, based on team trends.


NEBRASKA at IOWA ...Even after Michigan upset, Iowa only 2-7 vs. spread last 9 at Nile Kinnick Stadium. Riley on 10-4-1 spread run last 15 since late LY. Note the underdog side has covered last four meetings.

Nebraska, based on recent trends.


CINCINNATI at TULSA ...1-8 vs. line last 9 TY after Memphis loss and 3-12 last 15 on board since late 2015. Tulsa on 450-1 spread uptick and 4-1 vs. line at home TY.

Tulsa, based on team trends.


TCU at TEXAS ...Patterson has run up score on Texas last two years, combined score 98-17. Though Frogs only 2-8 vs. line TY.

Slight to TCU, based on recent series trends.


BOISE STATE at AIR FORCE ...Force has upset Boise last two years and covered last three in series. Falcs 9-4 as dog since 2014. Overvalued Broncs 3-7-1 vs. line TY, though 6-1-1 vs. spread last eight away from blue carpet.

Air Force, based on series trends.


LA TECH at SOUTHERN MISS ...Big revenge for Skip after USM dropped 58-24 bomb LY. But Golden Eagles now just 1-9 vs. spread last ten TY, and scorching Skip six straight wins and covers.

La Tech, based on recent trends.


NC STATE at NORTH CAROLINA ...Road team has won and covered last three meetings. But Fedora 9-5 vs. line last 14 at Chapel Hill, 11-6 last 17 as chalk.

Slight to NC, based on team trends.


HOUSTON at MEMPHIS ...Cougs had failed to cover six straight prior to ‘Ville upset. Before dropping last two on road, Cougs were 12-0-1 vs. line previous 13 away from home. UH has won close games last two years vs. Tigers and has won last three vs. Memphis since 2013. Memphis has covered 2 of last 3 TY after Cincy romp but still 2-6 vs. spread last 8 on board.

UH, based on extended trends.


WASHINGTON at WASHINGTON STATE ...Apple Cup! Cougs haven’t won Apple Cup since 2012 and Huskies have won and covered big last two years vs. Leach. But Cougs 9-2 last eleven as dog and Leach 15-6 last 21 vs. spread since early LY. Huskies only 1-4 vs. line last 5 TY.

WSU, based on team trends.


TEXAS TECH vs. BAYLOR (Friday, November 25 at Arlington, TX)... Grobe only 2-8 vs. line TY, and Baylor 4-13 last 17 on board. Six straight “overs” in series, with last five scorelines all hitting 94 or more!

Texas Tech, based on recent trends.


ARIZONA STATE at ARIZONA ...Territorial Cup! This was once a visitor-dominated series, though home sides have won and covered last three meetings. Arizona not covering much at all lately, 1-12 last 13 on board! Though Sun Devils 1-4 vs. line away TY.

ASU, based on recent Arizona woes.