Friday 9/18/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

French Ligue 1 TODAY 19:30

Rennes

v

Lille

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		13/10	2	5/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT RENNES	RECENT FORM
HLALHWAWHWAW​ Most recent​	2 - 0 2 - 0 0 - 0 2 - 0	AWHLADHDHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Rennes have scored in every game this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Rennes have been in great form this term and after losing their opener against Bastia they have picked up four wins from four games. Lille have been defensively excellent so far with four clean sheets in five games but clearly lack cutting edge in attack. If Rennes can get a goal the visitors may be unable to return the favour.

RECOMMENDATION: Rennes
2

 

[superbeets]

German Bundesliga TODAY 19:30

Mainz

v

Hoffenheim

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		6/5	12/5	23/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAINZ	RECENT FORM
ALAWHLAWHWAL​ Most recent​	0 - 0 2 - 2 3 - 0 0 - 4	HWALALHLADHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Mainz have scored in eight of their last nine home league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Hoffenheim had a difficult start with matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, but things have hardly improved since with a draw at Darmstadt followed by a deserved 3-1 defeat at home to Werder Bremen. The defence continues to struggle, although they should be good enough to at least score at Mainz.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1

 

[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:30

Getafe

v

Malaga

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS2		8/5	21/10	19/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT GETAFE	RECENT FORM
ALHDALALHLAL​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 3	AWALHLHDALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malaga have won just one of their last 14 La Liga matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Malaga have failed to score this season and might struggle to break down bottom-club Getafe. The hosts are yet to get a point on the board but played with credit against Espanyol and Granada before being outclassed away at Athletic Bilbao. This could present an opportunity for Getafe to pick up that elusive point.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:30

Getafe

v

Malaga

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS2		8/5	21/10	19/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT GETAFE	RECENT FORM
ALHDALALHLAL​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 3	AWALHLHDALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malaga have won just one of their last 14 La Liga matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Malaga have failed to score this season and might struggle to break down bottom-club Getafe. The hosts are yet to get a point on the board but played with credit against Espanyol and Granada before being outclassed away at Athletic Bilbao. This could present an opportunity for Getafe to pick up that elusive point.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Scottish Championship TODAY 19:45

St Mirren

v

Raith

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ALBA		10/11	13/5	14/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ST MIRREN	RECENT FORM
AWADHLHDAWHL​ Most recent​	3 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 1	ALHWHWALALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: St Mirren have not lost at home to Raith since 1998

EXPERT VERDICT: Raith have won just one of their opening four Championship away matches and they could be on the end of another defeat when they visit St Mirren. The hosts won three of the four fixtures between the two sides last season and can claim three points once again.

RECOMMENDATION: St Mirren
1


REFEREE: Euan Anderson STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Football Conference TODAY 19:45

Grimsby

v

Tranmere

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		3/4	27/10	7/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT GRIMSBY	RECENT FORM
HDADHLAWHWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 0 0 - 1 3 - 1 1 - 2	HLALHDADHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Grimsby have scored in nine of their ten league games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Grimsby have been blowing hot and cold this season but they are scoring plenty of goals in the National League and that firepower could help them to maximum points. Tranmere aren’t finding life easy after dropping down from League Two and have failed to win six of their ten matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Grimsby
3


REFEREE: Martin Coy STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League
Cardinals @ Cubs
Lynn is 0-2, 9.72 in his last two starts (under 3-1-1 in last five).

Haren is 1-0, 3.60 in his last three starts (over 6-2 in last eight).

St Louis lost four of last six games with Chicago (over 5-0-1); Cardinals won last four games overall, scoring 23 runs (over 3-1). Cubswon last three games; five of their last seven went over the total.

Marlins @ Nationals
Fernandez is 2-0, 1.23 in his last four starts (over 4-2 in last six).

Scherzer is 1-0, 3.15 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-2 in his last eight.

Washington lost three of last four games with Miami (under 3-1 in last four). Marlins won seven of their last nine games (under 8-4 in last 12). Nationals won four of last five games (over 3-1 in last four).

Phillies @ Braves
Morgan is 0-2, 7.94 in his last two starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine.

Perez is 1-0, 3.46 in his last two starts; his last six starts all went over.

Philly lost three of last four games with Atlanta; over is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Phils lost last three games, allowing 24 runs; five of their last six tilts went over total. Braves lost six of their last seven games.

Reds @ Brewers
Finnegan is making first MLB start; he was 0-3, 6.23 in eight AAA starts after being dealt in Cueto trade- he was 3-0, 2.67 in 16 MLB relief stints, totalling 27 IP for the Royals.

Davies is 1-1, 6.60 in his first three MLB starts (over 3-0).

Reds lost eight of last ten games with the Brewers; four of last five in series went over total. Cincinnati lost three of last four games (over 4-0). Milwaukee lost its last six games, allowing 37 runs (over 6-1 last seven).

Padres @ Rockies
Kennedy is 0-3, 6.56 in his last four starts (over 4-0-1 in last five).

Bettis is 2-1, 3.63 in his last four starts (under 4-0).

San Diego won seven of last ten games with Colorado; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Padres lost five of last seven games (over 5-1 last six). Rockies are 4-5 in last nine games (under 5-2 last seven).

Pirates @ Dodgers
Locke is 1-2, 5.40 in his last three starts; five of his last six went over.

Greinke is 4-0, 1.54 in his last four starts (under 6-1 last seven).

Pirates won eight of last ten games with LA (over 6-2 in last eight); Bucs lost last three games overall; eight of their last ten went over. Dodgers won four of last five games; three of their last four stayed under.

Diamondbacks @ Giants
de la Rosa is 1-3, 8.50 in his last four starts (over 3-1-1 in last five).

Bumgarner is 3-1, 2.25 in his last four starts (over 4-1 in last five).

Arizona lost four of last six games with San Francisco (under 8-2 in last ten). Diamondbacks lost four of last five games overall (over 4-2 last six). Giants won five of last six games (over 6-0).

American League
Royals @ Tigers
Cueto is 0-5, 10.25 in his last five starts; his last six starts all went over.

Verlander is 1-2, 5.0 in his last three starts (under 4-2 last six).

Royals won four of last six games with Detroit (over 4-0 last four); KC is 3-5 in last eight games overall (over 5-2 last seven). Tigers won three of last four games (over is 3-1-1 in last five games).

Red Sox @ Blue Jays
Porcello is 3-1, 3.07 in last four starts (over 2-0 last two).

Stroman allowed three runs in five IP (78 PT) in his first '15 start.

Boston won five of last seven games with Toronto (over 4-1 last five). BoSox won four of last seven games (over 5-2). Blue Jays won five of last seven; three of their last four games stayed under the total.

Orioles @ Rays
Wilson is 1-1, 2.63 in his two MLB starts (over 1-1).

Smyly is 2-0, 1.29 in his last five starts (under 5-2-1).

Rays lost four of last six games with Baltimore; three of last four series games went over the total; Tampa Bay lost ten of last 14 games; under is 4-1 in last five. Orioles won four of last five games; five of their last seven went over the total.

White Sox @ Indians
Sale is 0-2, 7.16 in his last three starts (under 3-1 last four).

Anderson is 2-0, 1.93 in his last three starts (over 5-3 last eight).

White Sox won five of last seven games with Cleveland (6-4 last ten). Chicago is 3-5 in last eight games overall (over 6-2-1 last nine). Indians won five of last eight; over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Mariners @ Rangers
Paxton is 0-2, 8.22 in his last two starts (under 3-1 last four).

Gallardo is 1-1, 5.52 in his last three starts (under 7-1 last eight).

Seattle-Texas split last ten games; under is 6-1-1 in last eight series games. Mariners are 5-3 in last eight games (under 5-2-1). Texas is in first place now; they'rve won their last five games (over 4-0-1) overall. .

Angels @ Twins
Heaney is 1-1, 3.13 in his last four starts (over 3-1-1 last five).

Pelfrey is 0-2, 8.31 in his last three starts (under 3-0-1 last four).

Angels won ten of last 11 games with Minnesota; over is 7-1-2 in last 10 series games; Halos lost three of last five overall- under is 5-2-1 in their last eight. Twins lost four of last six games; under is 4-3-2 in their last nine.

A's @ Astros
Doubront is 2-1, 8.27 in his last three starts (over 5-0 last five).

Fiers is 2-1, 2.67 in his last four starts.

Oakland won five of last six games with Houston (under 3-1 last four). A's are 3-5 in last eight games overall (over 4-1 last five). Houston is out of first place, losing eight of last ten games, with last three going over. Astros are home now (48-24 home).

Interleague
Bronx @ Mets
Tanaka is 3-0, 2.54 in his last four starts.

Matz is 3-0, 1.88 in four MLB starts (over 2-2).

Bronx won four of last five games with the Mets (over 4-2-1 last seven). Bronx won three of last four games overall (under 3-1). Mets lost last two games after winning eight in row (over 8-2 last ten).

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
StL-Chi-- Lynn 15-12; Haren 14-15/4-4
Mia-Wsh-- Fernandez 6-2; Scherzer 15-14
Phil-Atl-- Morgan 7-7; Perez 6-11 (1-9 last 10)
Cin-Mil-- Finnegan 0-0; Davies 2-1
SD-Col-- Kennedy 11-16 (0-4 last 4); Bettis 11-6
Pitt-LA-- Locke 15-13; Greinke 21-8 (12-2 last 14)
Az-SF-- de la Rosa 16-13; Bumgarner 19-10 (10-2 last 12)

KC-Det-- Cueto 13-15/2-7 (0-5 last 5); Verlander 4-12
Bos-Tor-- Porcello 12-12; Stroman 1-0
Balt-TB-- Wilson 3-5; Smyly 5-4
Chi-Clev-- Sale 15-13 (0-4 last 4); Anderson 7-5
Sea-Tex-- Paxton 4-7; Gallardo 17-13
LA-Minn-- Heaney 9-6; Pelfrey 14-13
A's-Hst-- Doubront 4-1; Fiers 14-16/3-6

NY-NY-- Tanaka 15-7; Matz 3-1

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
StL-Chi-- Lynn 9-27; Haren 5-29
Mia-Wsh-- Fernandez 1-8; Scherzer 6-29
Phil-Atl-- Morgan 2-14; Perez 6-17
Cin-Mil-- Finnegan 0-0; Davies 0-3
SD-Col-- Kennedy 10-27; Bettis 3-17
Pitt-LA-- Locke 8-28; Greinke 7-29
Az-SF-- de la Rosa 9-29; Bumgarner 7-29

KC-Det-- Cueto 8-22 (3 of last 3); Verlander 3-16
Bos-Tor-- Porcello 5-24; Stroman 0-1
Balt-TB-- Wilson 5-8; Smyly 1-9
Chi-Clev-- Sale 8-28; Anderson 4-12
Sea-Tex-- Paxton 4-11; Gallardo 9-30
LA-Minn-- Heaney 2-15; Pelfrey 4-27
A's-Hst-- Doubront 3-5; Fiers 4-30

NY-NY-- Tanaka 6-22; Matz 2-4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFB TRENDS

Friday, September 18

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FLORIDA ST (2 - 0) at BOSTON COLLEGE (2 - 0) - 9/18/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON COLLEGE is 2-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA ST over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA ST is 2-0 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW MEXICO (1 - 1) at ARIZONA ST (1 - 1) - 9/18/2015, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA ST is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA ST is 1-0 straight up against NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

FLORIDA STATE at BOSTON COLLEGE

Jimbo is 6-3 as visiting favorite since 2013, the one spread role that did not damage Noles too much in 2014. But Jimbo still just 4-13 last 17 on board. And BC has covered last two vs. FSU. Addazio 5-2 as dog last season.

BC, based on team and series trends.

NEW MEXICO at ARIZONA STATE

Lobos 8-3 as road dog since 2013, but were crushed at home by ASU LY. Todd Graham on 6-11 spread run since late 2014, 3-5 last 8 laying DD.

Slight to New Mexico, based on recent trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

New Mexico at Arizona State (Friday - Pac-12 Network, 10:00 p.m. ET)

It has been a very trying season for Arizona State already, as they have disappointed early on. They had their doors blown off in a neutral-site game against Texas A&M, and they barely squeaked by FCS Cal Poly last week, tied 21-21 into the fourth quarter. These teams faced each other last season at UNM, with the Sun Devils leaving with a 58-23 win. But this is a different ASU team that isn't hitting on all cylinders - yet. New Mexico is 4-1 ATS in their past five road games, but just 8-18 ATS in the past 26 non-conference tilts. That includes a home loss last weekend to Tulsa. ASU is 0-4 ATS in their past four, and 2-7 ATS in the past nine non-conference games. Arizona State has the offensive firepower to cover a 28-point number against the Lobos, they just haven't shown it yet.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

No. 9 Florida State (minus 7 1/2) at Boston College

This ain't Howard ... FLORIDA STATE 31-21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Fisher pleased with Golson in No. 9 Florida State's offense

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State's Everett Golson is where coach Jimbo Fisher thought the quarterback would be at this point in the season.

Sure, two games is a small sample size, but the coach is pleased with Golson's progress as the ninth-ranked Seminoles are set to begin Atlantic Coast Conference play on Friday night at Boston College.

''I think he feels good about it. I think he understands things,'' Fisher said Monday during his weekly press conference. ''We just got to continue to get all the little details of things and the nuances of it.''

In wins over Texas State and South Florida, Golson has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 465 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers are similar to what he did in his first two starts at Notre Dame last year (64.9 completion percentage, 521 yards and five touchdowns). Golson is also doing a nice job of spreading the ball around, especially in the opener when he completed passes to nine players.

One of the bigger questions about Golson was whether he could respond to adversity. He provided some clues to that last Saturday against USF. After going 1 for 9 for 6 yards in the first half, Golson went 13 for 17 for 157 yards and a touchdown in the second half as the Seminoles pulled away for a 34-14 victory.

Even in a bad first half, where Golson was hampered by a couple drops by receivers, he still did the little things. Dalvin Cook's 74-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the byproduct of Golson checking out of the original play, which was a screen pass.

Florida State was a strong second-half team last season. That trend is continuing this year as they have scored on all 11 with nine being directed by Golson.

''I think it's both his maturity, being able to relax at halftime, go back to his fundamentals, make good reads, and make quick passes,'' Fisher said. ''From the first half to second Everett looked like two different people.''

Golson has faced Boston College once, but that was in 2012 when he was a redshirt freshman at Notre Dame. The Eagles, who have allowed only three points in wins over Maine and Howard, The Seminoles have won the last five meetings against Boston College, but needed a Roberto Aguayo field goal with three seconds left last season to hold off the Eagles 20-17.

Boston College coach Steve Addazio, who has seen his share of Florida State quarterbacks over the years when he was on Urban Meyer's staff at Florida, sees no drop-off at the position after Jameis Winston left for the NFL and was drafted first by Tampa Bay.

Said Addazio of Golson: ''He's a talented guy. They lost a great quarterback and they're replacing him with a guy who's also a talented quarterback.''

The biggest thing Fisher and the offense is looking for this week is being able to recognize things quicker along with maybe a quicker start in the passing game.

With the game on Friday, Florida State will leave on Wednesday night. Fisher sees leaving two days prior to the game as a benefit not only physically but academically.

''We found out, by going that way, our rest and bodies, and it's actually helped us in school as far as our assignments with tutors and bringing all the academic folks with us,'' the coach said.

While Golson has found some success in his Florida State debut, Winston struggled in his NFL opener with Tampa Bay. Winston had two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Buccaneer's 42-14 loss to Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans.

Fisher isn't overly concerned.

''He had some good moments and tough moments,'' Fisher added. ''He threw a couple of touchdowns, I believe, and a couple of mistakes. They got to keep getting better, and he will.''

Fisher also hopes Golson continues to get better.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Friday, Sept. 18

(961) PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS (962) LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Take: UNDER THE TOTAL.

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, September 18, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Dodgers from Dodger Stadium in LA. This is a big park and a light hitting Pittsburgh offense is in town, 15th in runs scored, 23rd in slugging. The Under is 3-1-1 when the Pirates face the National League West. Starter Jeff Locke has allowed 4 runs his last 2 starts (11+ innings) and the last four years he has a 2.40 ERA against the Dodgers. The under is 3-1-1 in Lockes last 5 starts during game 1 of a series. The LA Dodgers are 10-3 under the total against a team with a winning record. Ace Zack Greinke (17-3, 1.61 ERA) had a shutout working through eight innings on Sunday, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out eight batters in a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks. LA is 16-5 under the total when Greinke starts, including 8-2 under the total at home. Play the Pirates/Dodgers Under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play FRI Texas w/ Gallardo -160

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play

(185) SAN JOSE STATE @ (186) OREGON STATE

Take: SAN JOSE STATE +7

There’s an interesting storyline set to unfold as San Jose State challenges Oregon State on Saturday. This involves Seth Collins, the new starting QB for the Beavers.

Collins was almost signed, sealed and delivered to San Jose State. He was set to enroll early, but through a somewhat convoluted set of occurrences, ended up changing his mind and decommitted in January and eventually landed instead in Corvallis.

San Jose State head coach Ron Caragher insists there are no hard feelings, but I’m not so sure I’m buying that. My guess is that the coach would love to get the best of a player who spurned his team, and I’ll bet there are going to plenty of San Jose players who feel exactly the same way.

As for the matchup, it could well be a step down in class for the Spartans after what they faced last week at Air Force. First off, they won’t have to deal with that option attack that gave them big problems last Saturday. The two-QB system will be in place again Saturday for SJSU, although Caragher is hoping that either Joe Gray or Kenny Potter is good enough to become a true #1 at some point soon.

The Spartans could be without LB Christian Tago for this game. The leader of the Spartans defense got kayoed on a helmet to helmet hit last week and his status is currently questionable. Tago is a dynamic performer and it’s worth noting that SJSU was down just one point in the fourth quarter when Tago went down. San Jose seemed to fall apart after that and Air Force ran off the last 20 points.

In any event, I tagged the final score of last week’s San Jose game as misleading. While the offense wasn’t sharp for the Spartans, this was anyone’s game through three quarters and I feel as though I’m getting a little value here off the blowout final score.

Oregon State was manhandled in the trenches last week at Michigan. The Beavers got out of the gate quickly and led 7-0, but were obliterated the rest of the way. San Jose is obviously not Michigan, but I believe there’s a legit chance for the Spartans to rev up their west coast offense here. The Beavers were my lowest rated PAC-12 team heading into the season, and I haven’t seen anything to alter that opinion thus far. Oregon State is very young, they’ve got a true freshman QB and new schemes on both offense and defense. Gary Anderson should do a good job here eventually, but I think this has a chance to be a lost season for the Beavers.

I’ve got these two teams with similar power ratings, but given the conditions I’m inclined to believe this is a game the road team can win, and I believe this line is higher than it ought to be. Getting a full TD with San Jose State is good enough for me and this game has already been sent out as a play. I’m on San Jose plus the points and also sprinkled a little money line into the mix as well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wide open WNBA playoffs set to begin

NEW YORK (AP) Washington coach Mike Thibault was shaking his head. The veteran coach couldn't remember a more wide-open playoff chase in the WNBA then the one that will begin Thursday night.

''It really is something,'' he said. ''Of the eight teams remaining, you really could say that most of them have a legitimate chance to win the title and it wouldn't be shocking.''

Thibault's team will begin its postseason Friday in New York. The Liberty earned the No. 1 overall seed while winning a franchise record 23 games. Still they struggled with the Mystics, dropping three of the four meetings in the regular season.

''It's just a different mentality when you reach the playoffs,'' New York center Tina Charles said. ''A lot more is at stake and you forget about what happened in the regular season.''

Chicago earned the two seed in the East and will play Indiana. The Sky reached the WNBA Finals last year as a No. 4 seed before losing to Phoenix. Led by league MVP Elena Delle Donne, the Sky are hungry to make the next step and bring home a title to Chicago.

''It's crazy how wide open it is,'' Delle Donne said. ''It's amazing how talented each and every team is. I've never seen something like this before.''

The last time there wasn't a clear-cut favorite to win the title was probably in 2008 when San Antonio had the best record, but Bill Laimbeer's Detroit Shock came away with the title.

Now, Laimbeer's team is the one with the best mark.

''The nice thing we know now is that if we win all our home games we'll win the championship,'' the Liberty coach said.

Here are a few storylines of the WNBA postseason:

RECORD TURNAROUND: The Los Angeles Sparks lost their first seven games and were sitting at 2-12 before finally getting going. No team with that bad a record to start the season had ever made the playoffs before according to STATS. The biggest reason for the change was that Los Angeles got healthy. After sitting out the first half of the season Candace Parker returned to play in the final 16 games for the Sparks. She averaged 19.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

THE CHAMPS ARE HERE: The Phoenix Mercury finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference and are hoping to win back-to-back titles. Even missing Brittney Griner for the first seven games because of a suspension for her domestic violence arrest and Diana Taurasi for the season while she was resting couldn't slow down the Mercury. DeWanna Bonner stepped up her play this season and Phoenix will try and become the league's first repeat champions since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001 and 2002.

TRAINER'S ROOM: Minnesota was the odds-on favorite to win the title coming into this season. The Lynx had the best record in the West, but have been bitten by the injury bug lately. Stars Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus missed the final few weeks of the regular season because of a variety of injuries. Augustus hasn't played since Aug. 19 with a foot injury while Whalen didn't play in September because of discomfort in her Achilles tendon and bursitis in her right heel.

BACK AGAIN: Indiana returns to the postseason for a record 11th straight season. The end is drawing near for Tamika Catchings, who announced she will retire after the 2016 season. The Fever roster is mostly intact from their previous runs with the exception of coach Stephanie White, who took over after Lin Dunn retired. The Fever would love nothing more than to give Catchings another chance at a title.

FINALLY ARRIVED: The Shock will get their first chance to play in the postseason since moving to Tulsa in 2010. It will provide an opportunity for the fans to get a taste of the playoffs. Although it's bittersweet as the franchise will be moving to the Dallas area next season. Tulsa righted itself after a 10-game losing skid following the season-ending knee injury to Skylar Diggins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 13
By David Schwab

The back-end of three home-and-home series dominated the CFL schedule in Week 12 with two of the three teams gaining their revenge by earning a split. Hamilton was the only team to pull-off the sweep with its 35-27 victory against Toronto as a five-point road favorite last Friday night.

In the first of two Saturday games, Winnipeg turned the tables on Saskatchewan with a 22-7 victory as a slight 1 ½-point home underdog. Later in the day, Edmonton pulled-off a huge 27-16 win over Calgary as a one-point favorite at home to keep the West Division title race tight. Week 12 in the CFL closed things out on Sunday with Ottawa stunning British Columbia 31-18 as a four-point road underdog.

Friday, Sept. 18

British Columbia Lions (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (8-3 SU, 3-8 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -11 ½
Total: 48

Game Overview

The Lions’ loss this past Sunday was their third in the last four games both straight-up and against the spread. The total has now stayed UNDER in their last three outings. BC has fallen to sixth in the CFL in scoring with an average of 22.2 points a game. John Beck was the starting quarterback in that loss and while he did complete 20-of-29 passes for 209 yards, he was picked-off twice and sacked three times.

Calgary is still leading the West by one game despite last week’s loss. That loss snapped a SU five-game winning streak but the Stampeders have gone 3-3 ATS in its last six games. The total has stayed UNDER in its last three outings. Bo Levi Mitchell put the ball up 41 times against Edmonton for 244 yards and a score, but he was also intercepted two times on the day.

Betting Trends

Calgary has covered ATS in 17 of its last 25 games against the Lions and the total has gone OVER in the last six meetings. This will be the first meeting this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Florida State at Boston College

Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (+9, 46.5)

Florida State sophomore running back Dalvin Cook looks to continue shredding defenses while taking pressure off quarterback Everett Golson as the No. 6 Seminoles visit Boston College on Friday in the ACC opener for both teams. Cook rushed for 422 yards and five touchdowns in his first two games - including 266 yards and three scores on 30 carries in Florida State's 34-14 victory over USF last week - and is well on his way to surpassing his freshman totals of 1,008 and eight.

Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said he wasn't planning to have Cook run 30 times but told reporters "if he’s hot like that and he can finish, we’re going to continue to give it to him.” Florida State tries for its sixth straight victory over the Eagles but must figure out a way to start quicker on offense - a point of emphasis in Monday's practice - as it's scored 28 of its 93 points in the first half. Golson, who transferred after graduating from Notre Dame, is 33-of-51 for 465 yards without an interception, and his five touchdowns all have come in the second half. Boston College outscored FCS members Maine and Howard 100-3 and has allowed only 102 yards of total offense in its first two games as it tries to upset a ranked opponent at home in its third game for the second straight season after defeating No. 10 USC 37-31.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Books opened FSU as 8-point road faves, but that is currently FSU --9. The total is down to 46.5 after opening 51.

INJURY REPORT: Florida State - OL Cole Minshew (Out, ankle), DE Chris Casher (Out, knee), DE Lorenzo Featherston (Out indefinitely, knee). Boston College - LB Tim Joy (Questionable, knee).

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with wind blowing from the south at around six miles per our.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Boston College comes into this game with a 2-0 SU record, but the Eagles have played a pair of weak FCS teams. They beat Maine and Howard by a combined score of 100-3, but the Eagles are now taking a monumental step-up in class versus Florida State. Boston College is expected to have a down season, and their first two big wins will not be indicative of how their season will turn out going forward." Steve Merril.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened FSU as 9-point faves in this matchup and it has bounced -9 and -8 through the week finally settling in our current number of FSU -8.5 with good two-way action with BC getting 48 percent of that action to cover the spread." Michael Stewart.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U): While the offense has scored on all 11 second-half possessions this season, the defense has held its first two opponents to fewer than 300 yards - an achievement accomplished only three times in 2014. Sophomore defensive back and All-America candidate Jalen Ramsey already has broken up four passes this season - most among ACC players - and allowed only one completion while being targeted 12 times. Sophomore linebacker Ro'Derrick Hoskins recorded seven tackles against USF, and his 10 this season give him a share of the team lead with sophomore linebacker Jacob Pugh.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U): The Eagles tried to simulate the Seminoles' speed by pitting their top units against each other at Monday's practice. "There can’t be a bunch of mistakes, a bunch of penalties. You can’t get shocked by the speed of the game,” coach Steve Addazio said at his weekly press conference. Boston College didn't get the feel of a big-time game in its 76-0 victory Howard last week in a contest shortened to 10-minute quarters in the second half by mutual agreement.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston College.
* Seminoles are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last seven conference games.
* Over is 6-1 in Seminoles' last seven road games.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-three percent are backing Florida State.

 

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At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

It was a goofy day on Thursday, complete with a couple of bonehead rides and upset winners that made little or no sense. It leads to a two-day Pick 6 carryover for Friday of $78,377.

We saw my personal whipping boy Jose Ortiz ride a bit too confident in the opener, have to settle for second aboard the 3-5 chalk Northern Screamer, and then was on the beaten favorite in the second race as well. He still managed to win three races on the card.

In the third race Malibu Charlie with Joel Rosario was much the best but had to settle for second after the jockey got caught down inside behind foes in the stretch with nowhere to go. He finally got clear but it was too late and he came up a length short.

Trainer Michelle Nevin came into the day with a 0 for 6 record after winning just one race from 35 starters at Saratoga. The former Rick Dutrow assistant came up with a pair of winners on yesterday’s card, and after seeing David Jacobson win with a couple of longshots on Wednesday, both barns should be watched closely as they seem back on track.

Coming up on Saturday, we will look at the stakes action from Parx including the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and the $1 million Cotillion (G1).

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 OClm $62,500N2X (12:55 ET)
5 Lady Luciano 5-2
1 Jules N Rome 9-5
4 Literata 7-2
2 In Spite of Mama 4-1

Analysis: Lady Luciano chased the early pace and tired to finish ninth last out at this level going 5 1/2 on the turf. She is now 0 for 6 on turf and should appreciate the return to the main track. She passed her first state bred condition in the mud going two turns on the inner track so the one turn mile should be well within her scope. She has speed in a short field and that is dangerous at this meeting the way some of these jockeys have been riding.

Jules N Rome beat $50,000 claimers last out in the slop in a race washed off the grass. She is back with state breds here and if we knock out her last two turn starts she has won three in a row on the main track. She did not face a real tough group last out beating just four foes but only has to take on four here as well.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 5 / 1,4
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 7 Alw $50,000s (4:13 ET)
7 Union River 9-2
6 Mid Ocean 7-2
9 Tapitsphere 3-1
4 African Fighter 8-1

Analysis: Union River made a good late rally to get up late and graduate for a $50,000 tag going seven furlongs at the Spain his first go off nearly a four-month layoff. The colt caught a racing strip that was playing to inside speed that day. The colt looks capable of handling the extra furlong for the Tony D. barn that is 32% winners moving runners from sprint to route.

Mid Ocean was a good-looking maiden winner two back at Delaware Park in his sixth career start and then the connections saw fit to put him in a bad spot in the Travers (G1) where he was badly outrun. This is a better spot and his figs two and three back are a good fit in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 4,6,7,9
TRI: 6,7 / 4,6,7,9 / 4,6,7,9,10

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R3: #1 Candour 8-1
R4: #7 Mr. Charles 10-1
R6: #1 My Man Al 12-1
R7: #4 African Fighter 8-1
R9: #3 Sheyn Vi Di Levone 8-1

Good luck today!