Friday 9/4/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[3frogs]

Advice on?

Baylor -35.5 or SMU +35.5
Washington+11.5 or Boise -11.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

FedEx Cup heads to Mass.

Tournament: Deutsche Bank Championship
Date: Sept. 4 - Sept. 7
Venue: TPC Boston
Location: Norton, Massachusetts

The PGA Tour heads to Norton, Massachusetts on Friday for the second playoff event of the season, the Deutsche Bank Championship. This tournament has been on the tour since 2003 and was added to the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2007. The winner on this 7,242-yard, par-71 course will receive 2,000 points.

It was Chris Kirk who came away victorious in 2014, shooting a -15 and winning by two strokes. The winner of this tournament has shot a -15 or better in each of the past nine years. The -14 shot by Olin Browne in 2005 was the lowest score shot by a winner in the history of this tournament.

Henrik Stenson and Rory McIlroy were the winners in the two installments prior to Kirk’s breakthrough respectively and this event will actually be McIlroy’s first playoff appearance of the year. Vijay Singh is the only player to have won this tournament twice (2004, 2008) and he will not be competing on Friday.

With only a few weekends of golf remaining in the season, let’s take a look at who can come away victorious this weekend:

Golfers to Watch:

Jason Day (5/1) - While it’s not going to give you a favorable payout, it’s just too tough to advise anybody not to put a unit or two on Day this weekend. He’s on a mission to prove that he deserves to be the Player of the Year and has come away with a victory in three of the past four tournaments he has played in (Barclays, PGA Championship, RBC Canadian Open). Day has shot a 70 or over in just one of the past 16 rounds he’s played and has nine top 10 finishes on the year. Day is one of the most consistent golfers there is and his 314.3 yard average in driving distance (3rd on Tour) combined with his .74 strokes gained on the green (2nd on Tour) suggest that he’ll only continue to hover around the top of the leaderboard on Sundays (or in this case Monday).

Justin Rose (17/1) - Rose shot an opening round 77 at The Barclays last weekend and that ultimately took him out of contention. He actually ended up performing very well from Friday to Sunday, though (shooting a -12 in the final three rounds), and the law of averages suggests that he won’t shoot his way out of the tournament once again this weekend. Rose played well at the Deutsche Bank Championship in his most recent time appearing at the event, finishing t-16th in 2013 with a score of -7 for the tournament. He is one of the better all-around players in the world, as evidenced by his 1.6 total strokes gained (5th on Tour), and is a very good pick to take home the trophy on Monday.

Tony Finau (75/1) - Finau has been living at the top of the leaderboard recently, but he needs to put together an entire four rounds of elite play in order to finally break through and come away with a victory. He has six top-20s in the past 10 tournaments he has played in and has been on top of the leaderboard a few times, but has been unable to finish thus far. Regardless, Finau’s ability to hit off the tee (309.4 yard driving distance, 8th on Tour) keeps him in tournaments and he is due for a victory soon. Placing a unit or so on him is worth it with his odds.

Jason Bohn (140/1) - Bohn has played some incredible golf over the past few weeks, racking up two top-10s in his past three tournaments. While he has never come away with a victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship, Bohn was the runner up when Olin Browne won here in 2005. He is a very well rounded player, boasting an impressive 69.54% greens in regulation (22nd on Tour) and 71.99% driving accuracy (3rd on Tour). Bohn has four top-10s in his past 10 tournaments and is a very good pick to finally come away with a victory this weekend.

Charley Hoffman (170/1) - Hoffman has not played very well as of late, but he has still come away with two top-10s in the past 10 events he’s played in. One thing that Hoffman has going for him is that he is really big with the driver, averaging 299.9 yards off the tee (t-28th on Tour). If he can get it going just a bit with the putter then he’ll do some serious damage this weekend. He was victorious at the Deutsche Bank Championship in 2010 and anybody that is playing for their second championship at a certain event should be taken seriously.

Odds to win Deutsche Bank Championship

Jason Day 5/1
Jordan Spieth 7/1
Rory McIlroy 7/1
Henrik Stenson 14/1
Dustin Johnson 14/1
Justin Rose 17/1
Bubba Watson 20/1
Rickie Fowler 35/1
Zach Johnson 35/1
Brooks Koepka 40/1
Hideki Matsuyama 40/1
Jim Furyk 40/1
Louis Oosthuizen 40/1
Phil Mickelson 50/1
Matt Kuchar 55/1
Robert Streb 55/1
Brandt Snedeker 60/1
Paul Casey 60/1
Webb Simpson 70/1
Danny Lee 75/1
Justin Thomas 75/1
Tony Finau 75/1
Luke Donald 80/1
Russell Henley 80/1
Patrick Reed 90/1
Ryan Palmer 90/1
Bill Haas 110/1
Billy Horschel 110/1
Jason Dufner 110/1
Kevin Kisner 110/1
Chris Kirk 120/1
Keegan Bradley 120/1
David Lingmerth 130/1
Jimmy Walker 130/1
Jason Bohn 140/1
Sangmoon Bae 140/1
Ben Martin 150/1
Daniel Summerhays 150/1
Kevin Na 160/1
Matt Jones 160/1
Brendon Todd 170/1
Charley Hoffman 170/1
J.B. Holmes 170/1
Marc Leishman 170/1
Ryan Moore 170/1
Steven Bowditch 170/1
Ian Poulter 180/1
Pat Perez 190/1
Camilo Villegas 210/1
Brendan Steele 220/1
Carlos Ortiz 220/1
Hunter Mahan 220/1
John Senden 220/1
Will Wilcox 220/1
Carl Pettersson 230/1
Harris English 230/1
Nick Watney 230/1
Sean O'Hair 230/1
Zac Blair 230/1
Brendon de Jonge 250/1
Cameron Tringale 250/1
David Hearn 250/1
Gary Woodland 250/1
George McNeill 250/1
Jason Gore 250/1
Kevin Chappell 250/1
Rory Sabbatini 250/1
Russell Knox 250/1
Bryce Molder 300/1
Jason Kokrak 300/1
Johnson Wagner 300/1
Morgan Hoffmann 300/1
Scott Piercy 300/1
Spencer Levin 300/1
Kevin Streelman 350/1
Shawn Stefani 350/1
William McGirt 350/1
Brian Harman 450/1
Charles Howell III 450/1
Hudson Swafford 450/1
Mark Wilson 450/1
Alex Cejka 500/1
Boo Weekley 500/1
Chad Campbell 500/1
Chesson Hadley 500/1
Colt Knost 500/1
Daniel Berger 500/1
Davis Love III 500/1
Fabian Gomez 500/1
J.J. Henry 500/1
James Hahn 500/1
Jerry Kelly 500/1
Jim Herman 500/1
Kyle Reifers 500/1
Martin Laird 500/1
Matt Every 500/1
Scott Brown 500/1
Scott Pinckney 500/1
Troy Merritt 500/1

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships TODAY 17:00

Georgia

v

Scotland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		7/2	9/4	Evs	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN GEORGIA	RECENT FORM
AWHLHWHLNLAL​ Most recent​	2 - 0	HWHLHWHWHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Georgia have lost four of their last five home matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Scotland are yet to win away from home in Group D but there is no shame in a 2-1 defeat in Germany and draws in Poland and Ireland. And they have a great chance of taking a crucial three points in Georgia, whose only victory has come against Gibraltar.

RECOMMENDATION: Scotland
3

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships TODAY 19:45

Faroe Islands

v

N Ireland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		5	11/4	7/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN FAROE ISLANDS	RECENT FORM
HLALHLAWALHW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 5	AWALALHWNDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Two of the five meetings between these sides have ended in 1-1 draws

EXPERT VERDICT: Northern Ireland are on course to qualify for the finals and should avoid a slip-up in the Faroes. They have beaten Finland, Greece and Hungary, as well holding Romania to a 0-0 draw and, despite the Faroes beating Greece home and away, Northern Ireland can get a victory.

RECOMMENDATION: Northern Ireland
2

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships TODAY 19:45

Gibraltar

v

Ireland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		—	—	—	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN GIBRALTAR	RECENT FORM
ALHLALALALHL​ Most recent​	Unknown	ADALNWHDHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Gibraltar have scored just one goal in six qualifiers

EXPERT VERDICT: Ireland can’t afford any slip-ups if they are to qualify for the finals, but they shouldn’t have any hair-raising moments in Gibraltar after winning the reverse fixure 7-0 in Dublin last October. Their hosts have lost all six Group D games and have conceded a whopping 34 goals in the process.

RECOMMENDATION: Ireland to win 4-0
1

 

[superbeets]

League One Sa 5Sep 12:05

Southend

v

Peterborough

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

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHEND	RECENT FORM
ADHLHLADHLAD​ Most recent​	1 - 0 0 - 1 2 - 0 3 - 0	HWHLALHLHDAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Peterborough have scored in six of their eight matches this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Southend are taking time to find their feet in League One, failing to win or even score at home. Peterborough remain winless on their travels but have scored against Sheffield United, Burton and Gillingham in recent weeks. They should finally pick up a road win here.

RECOMMENDATION: Peterborough
1

 

[superbeets]

Football Conference Sa 5Sep 12:30

Welling

v

Tranmere

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		4	14/5	13/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WELLING	RECENT FORM
ALALHDALHLAL​ Most recent​	Unknown	AWADHWHLALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Welling lost only eight of 23 home league games last term

EXPERT VERDICT: Tranmere are finding the drop into National League testing and may have to settle for a draw at lowly Welling. Rovers have won only once on the road in three attempts and, while Welling are also struggling they’ve only lost once at home and could be tough to crack.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Craig Hicks STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships Sa 5Sep 17:00

San Marino

v

England

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ITV		100	40	1/100	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN SAN MARINO	RECENT FORM
ALHLHDALALAL​ Most recent​	0 - 8 1 - 7	HWAWHWADADAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Six of San Marino’s last ten internationals have featured under 3.5 goals

EXPERT VERDICT: San Marino lost 5-0 at Wembley in October so it may prove wise to take a conservative approach in the correct-score market in a game where England are virtually unbackable in the match odds. San Marino picked up a rare point in their last home game – a goalless draw with Estonia in November and were only 4-0 losers at home to Switzerland.

RECOMMENDATION: England to win 4-0
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Tech Trends - Week 1
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, Sept. 4

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

BAYLOR at SMU

Morris debut at SMU. Baylor routed SMU in 2012 & ‘14 by combined 104-24 score, covering each. But Briles only 3-7-1 as visiting chalk since 2011 (2-1-1 LY). Bears are 14-5-1 laying DDs since 2013, however, and have covered last 7 laying 30 or more. Ponies were just 1-5 as home dog in surrendering 2014 campaign, also 1-5 vs. spread as host (1-3 as home dog).

Baylor, based on team and series trends.


CHARLOTTE at GEORGIA STATE

Charlotte spread debut! GSU only favored once before and is 0-1 in role, also 1-5 vs. line at home LY. Expansion teams!

Slight to Charlotte, based on GSU negatives.


MICHIGAN STATE at WESTERN MICHIGAN

Dantonio great road chalk in recent years, 12-2 in role since 2010. Spartans also 8-3 last 11 vs. non-Big Ten foes. MSU 8-1 as DD chalk in 2014 but just 2-6 in role previous two years. Broncos were 4-1 vs. line at Waldo in bounce-back year of 2014 when covering 11 of 13. WMU 2-4 vs. line last six vs. Big Ten but did cover at East Lansing in 2013.

Slight to WMU, based on recent trends.


KENT STATE at ILLINOIS

Cubit debut for Illinois. In Kent State's last three at Big Ten sites, Flashes lost and failed to cover all and shut out each time (combined score 124-0). But none of those at Illinois. Kent 5-3 as DD dog under Paul Haynes since 2013, 6-3 in role since 2012. Illini 4-8 vs. line as chalk since 2012, 1-3 as DD chalk since 2013, and 1-4 vs. spread against non-Big Ten LY.

Slight to Kent State, based on team trends.


WASHINGTON at BOISE STATE

Petersen returns to Boise. Note Petersen just 5-14 vs. line his last 19 games on blue carpet before taking UW job. Though Huskies were 4-2 vs. spread as visitor LY. Broncos have covered last four as host vs. non-MW foes.

Slight to Boise, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Friday's game

Coach Petersen returns to Boise (92-12 as HC there) with Washington team whose QB quit (injuries) this spring and with OL that lost four of its starters (and 149 starts) from LY. Huskies hammered Boise 38-6 in last meeting in '13 opener, after Broncos beat U-Dub 28-26 in Las Vegas Bowl eight months earlier. Boise also has new QB but has all 5 starters back (96 starts) on OL- they're 9-16 as home favorites since 2011.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League
Diamondbacks @ Cubs
Godley is 3-0, 1.50 in his three starts (over 3-0); Arizona scored 22 runs in the three games.

Lester is 0-2, 6.75 in his last three starts (under 6-3-1 in last ten).

Arizona won seven of last eight games with the Cubs; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. D'backs lost seven of last ten games; three of their last four went under the total. Chicago lost six of last eight (under 4-2 in last six).

Braves @ Nationals
Teheran is 1-1, 6.11 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Roark is making first start since June 28; he is 1-1, 5.72 in his last three starts, with his last five starts going over.

Braves were outscored 82-20 in losing their last nine games (over 8-3-1 last 12); they're 2-9 in last 11 games with Washington-- five of last seven in series stayed under. Nationals are 8-4 in last 12 games (over 4-1 last five).

Mets @ Marlins
deGrom is 4-1, 2.51 in his last nine starts; his last four road starts went over.

Koehler is 0-7, 7.03 in his last seven starts (under 3-1 last four).

Mets won three of last four games with Miami; over is 5-2 in last seven series games. NY won seven of last ten games (over 8-2); they've got a 6-game lead in NL East with 29 games left. Marlins won last three gams; three of their last four home games stayed under.

Brewers @ Reds
Garza is 0-2, 9.30 in his last four starts (over 3-1-1 in his last five).

Sampson is 0-1, 12.27 in his last three starts (over 3-1 in last four).

Milwaukee won six of last seven games with Cincinnati; three of last four in series stayed under. Brewers won four of last five games (over 7-2-1 in last ten). Reds lost six of their last nine games- they lost last six times they scored less than seven runs.

Pirates @ Cardinals
Happ is 3-0, 0.51 in his last three starts; his last five stayed under.

Martinez is 1-2, 5.71 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1 in last three).

Pittsburgh won six of last nine games with St Louis (over 4-1-1 last six); Bucs lost last four games (over 3-0 in last three) overall. Cardinals won eight of last ten games (over 4-1-1 in last six)

Giants @ Rockies
Heston is 0-3, 5.79 in his last four starts; four of his last five road starts went over the total.

de la Rosa is 1-2, 2.52 in his last four starts (under 3-1).

Giants are 5-4 in last eight games with Colorado; seven of last eight series games went over total. Rockies are 6-4 in last ten games; five of last seven went under. Giants are 4-11 in last 15 games overall; under is 3-2-1 in their last six road games.

Dodgers @ Padres
Bolsinger is making first start since July 29; he is 1-0, 2.45 in his last four, with four of his last six going over total.

Shields is 2-1, 2.89 in his last three starts; his last six all went over.

Dodgers won seven of last nine games; under is 8-3-1 in their last dozen. LA is 7-4 in last 11 games with San Diego (under 5-3 in last eight). Padres lost five of last eight games (over 4-0-1 in last five).

American League
Indians @ Tigers
Kluber is 0-1, 4.58 in his last three starts (over 5-2 in last seven).

Lobstein is making first start since May 23; he is 0-3, 7.36 in his last three starts- his last five starts stayed under.

Indians lost six of last eight games with Detroit; over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Cleveland won six of last eight games; last three stayed under. Tigers lost nine of last 11 games, allowing 56 runs in last five (over 5-0).

Rays @ Bronx
Odorizzi is 0-1, 4.33 in his last six starts (over 4-1 in last five).

Severino is 2-2, 2.48 in his five starts (under 3-2).

Tampa Bay won four of last six games with Bronx; under is 7-2-1 in last 10 in series. Rays won three of last four games (over 8-2 in last ten). NY won five of last six; over is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Orioles @ Blue Jays
Jimenez is 0-2, 7.59 in his last four starts (over 3-1).

Hutchison is 3-0, 1.74 in his last three starts; six of his last nine went over.

Orioles lost eight of last ten games; last three went over. Blue Jays won eight of last ten games (under is 5-2 in last seven). Baltimore won three of last four games with Toronto.

White Sox @ Royals
Danks is 0-4, 5.17 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in last four on road).

Medlen is 2-0, 4.76 in his two starts (over 2-0); Royals scored 14 runs in those two games.

White Sox lost their last five games with Kansas City; under is 6-3-1 in last 10 series games. Chicago lost four of last six games; four of its last five got over the total. Royals won five of last seven games (over 4-1 last five).

Twins @ Astros
Pelfrey is 0-1, 5.27 in his last three starts.

McHugh is 2-2, 2.05 in his last five starts (under 4-1).

Minnesota won three of last four games with Houston (under 3-1); Twins are 7-3 in last ten games (over 6-3 in last nine). Astros lost three of their last four games; all four went over the total.

Rangers @ Angels
Perez is 1-1, 4.63 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Richards is 2-3, 5.84 in his last seven starts (over 6-1).

Rangers lost seven of last ten games with Angels; six of last seven in series went over total. Texas won six of last seven games (over 2-0-1 in last three). Halos lost four of last six games (over 4-0-1 in last five).

Mariners @ A's
Olmos allowed three runs in five IP (95 PT) in his first MLB start.

Brooks is 1-0, 1.26 in his two home starts (over 3-2 overall in his starts).

Seattle won seven of last ten games with Oakland; last three series games got over total. Mariners won six of last nine games (over 8-2 in last ten). A's lost five of last eight games; over is 8-1-1 in their last ten.

Interleague
Phillies @ Red Sox
Morgan is 2-0, 4.86 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Kelly is 5-0, 1.97 in his last five starts (over 5-1-1 in his last seven).

Philly lost six of last nine games with Boston; three of last four series games went over. Phils lost seven of last ten games (over 7-2-1). Red Sox lost three of last four games (over 6-4 in last ten)

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Az-Chi-- Godley 3-0; Lester 14-12
Atl-Wsh-- Teheran 15-12; Roark 3-3
NY-Mia-- deGrom 17-8 (8-1 last 9); Koehler 10-15 (0-7 last 7)
Mil-Cin-- Garza 8-16 (1-6 last 7); Sampson 3-2
Pitt-StL-- Happ 4-1; Martinez 19-5
SF-Col-- Heston 14-11 (0-4 last 4); de la Rosa 12-11
LA-SD-- Bolsinger 9-7; Shields 13-15

Cle-Det-- Kluber 10-18; Lobstein 3-5
TB-NY-- Odorizzi 10-12; Severino 2-3
Balt-Tor-- Jimenez 13-13; Hutchison 18-7 (7-0 last 7)
Chi-KC-- Danks 11-14; Medlen 2-0
Min-Hst-- Pelfrey 13-12; McHugh 16-10
Tex-LAA-- Perez 5-3; Richards 14-11
Sea-A's-- Olmos 0-1; Brooks 2-2

Phil-Bos-- Morgan 7-5; Kelly 11-11 (6-0 last 6)

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Az-Chi-- Godley 0-3; Lester 7-27
Atl-Wsh-- Teheran 9-27; Roark 2-6
NY-Mia-- deGrom 7-25; Koehler 5-25
Mil-Cin-- Garza 8-24; Sampson 3-5
Pitt-StL-- Happ 1-5; Martinez 5-24
SF-Col-- Heston 4-25; de la Rosa 8-23
LA-SD-- Bolsinger 4-16; Shields 7-28

Cle-Det-- Kluber 11-28; Lobstein 5-8
TB-NY-- Odorizzi 5-22; Severino 2-5
Balt-Tor-- Jimenez 7-26; Hutchison 11-25
Chi-KC-- Danks 8-25; Medlen 1-2
Min-Hst-- Pelfrey 3-25; McHugh 8-26
Tex-LAA-- Perez 1-8; Richards 5-25
Sea-A's-- Olmos 1-1; Brooks 2-4

Phil-Bos-- Morgan 1-12; Kelly 9-22

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards

**Michigan State at Western Michigan**

-- Michigan State finished 2014 with an 11-2 straight-up record and a 9-4 against-the-spread mark. Since 2011, Mark Dantonio's team has hooked up its gambling supporters at a 34-20 ATS clip. The Spartans capped last year with a 42-41 comeback win over Baylor at the Cotton Bowl. They won outright as 2.5-point underdogs after rallying from a 41-21 deficit.

-- Michigan State returns seven starters on offense and six on defense. The latter unit lost a key starter to a season-ending injury a few weeks ago when Ed Davis went down. He had 58 tackles and seven sacks last season.

-- Dantonio lost workhorse running back Jeremy Langford and his top two wide receivers, but the offense still has its leader in QB Connor Cook. The senior signal caller threw for 3,214 yards with a 24/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2014. Cook has a 47/15 TD-INT ratio for his career. Langford is gone after rushing for 1,522 yards and 22 TDs. Also, Cook's favorite target Tony Lippett has departed following a season in which he hauled in 65 receptions for 1,198 yards and 11 TDs.

-- Michigan State owns an incredible 17-4-1 spread record in 22 games as a road favorite on Dantonio's watch.

-- Western Michigan improved from 1-11 in P.J. Fleck's first season ('13) to go 8-5 SU and 10-3 ATS last year. The Broncos bring back nine starters on offense and seven on defense. They saw their six-game winning streak snapped in the regular-season finale, a 31-21 home loss to No. Illinois, and then dropped a 38-24 decision to Air Force as two-point 'chalk' at the Idaho Potato Bowl.

-- Western Michigan returns nearly all of its skill players, including true sophomore RB Jarvion Franklin, who came out of nowhere to rush for 1,551 yards and 24 TDs while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also had 14 catches for 163 yards and one TD. Franklin garnered MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, was on the first-team All-MAC squad and was also the MAC Freshman of the Year.

-- As a third-year sophomore in 2014, Zach Terrell completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,443 yards with a 26/10 TD-INT ratio. Terrell has two of the MAC's top wideouts in juniors Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis had 78 receptions for 1,408 yards and 15 TDs last year, while Braverman finished the season with 86 catches for 997 yards and six TDs.

-- Western Michigan played a pair of Power Five opponents last year, losing 43-34 at Purdue as an 8.5-point underdog in the season opener. The Broncos also lost at Virginia Tech, but they took the cash in a 35-17 loss as 21-point 'dogs.

-- Western Michigan opened the season at Michigan State two seasons ago, losing 26-13 in East Lansing. However, Fleck's team covered the number as a 28-point underdog.

-- As of Tuesday, most books had Michigan State listed as an 18-point favorite with a total of 58. The Broncos were +650 on the money line (risk $100 to win $650).

-- Kickoff on Friday night is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU.

**Baylor at Southern Methodist**

-- Baylor smashed SMU by a 45-7 count as a 34.5-point home favorite in last season's opener. The Bears defense limited the Mustangs to just 67 yards of total offense. Baylor has won 11 in a row over SMU and has taken the cash in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

--Art Briles' squad returns nine starters on offense and nine starters on defense. Baylor finished last year with an 11-2 SU record and a 7-5-1 ATS ledger. The Bears 41-27 at West Va. and then lost to Michigan State in heartbreaking fashion in the postseason.

-- With Bryce Petty gone to the NFL, junior QB Seth Russell is poised to take over under center. The fourth-year junior had eight TD passes compared to only one interception last season. Russell will have weapons galore around him, including one of the nation's best set of wide receivers. Corey Coleman had 64 receptions for 1,119 yards and 11 TDs in 2014, while K.D. Cannon hauled in 58 catches for 1,030 yards and eight TDs. RB Shock Linwood also returns following a season in which he ran for 1,252 yards and 15 scores.

-- Baylor has posted a 5-7-1 spread record in 13 games as a road 'chalk' during Briles's tenure.

-- The Baylor defense will be led by senior DE Shawn Oakman, who had 51 tackles, 11 sacks and nine QB hurries in 2014. This unit allowed 25.5 points per game last year.

-- As of Tuesday, most spots had Baylor favored by 36 with a total of 74.5 points.

-- SMU was outscored by a combined score of 159-6 in three games against Power Five schools (at Baylor, vs. Texas A&M and vs. TCU) in 2014. The Mustangs saw June Jones resign after a 43-6 loss at North Texas in Week 2. They would lose their first 11 games before winning 27-20 at UConn as 14-point underdogs in the regular-season finale.

-- SMU went out and hired highly-regarded Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris as its next head coach. Morris, who spent 16 years as a high school coach in Texas before getting the Clemson gig, inherits a team which finished 1-11 SU and 4-8 ATS last season. The Mustangs bring back nine starters on offense and seven on defense.

-- Morris will give junior Matt Davis the starting nod at QB. Davis started the last five games last year, finishing the campaign with 855 passing yards and a 3/5 TD-INT ratio. Davis rushed for a team-best 613 yards and four TDs while averaging 5.7 YPC.

-- From 2009-2013, SMU compiled an 8-2 spread record in 10 games as a home underdog. However, the Mustangs limped to a 1-5 ATS mark in six such spots last season.

-- ESPN will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Washington at Boise State**

-- Chris Petersen enjoyed a dynastic eight-year tenure at Boise State from 2006-2013, turning down a plethora of big-name jobs while compiling a 92-13 record with seven double-digit win seasons and five years with 12 wins or more. However, when the University of Washington came calling, Petersen finally decided to make the move to a Power Five school. Now he returns to the smurf turf to take on his former team Friday night at 10:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

-- As of Tuesday, most books had Boise State installed as an 11.5-point home favorite with a total of 57. The Huskies were available on the money line for a +350 payout (risk $100 to win $350).

-- Boise State went 12-2 straight up and 8-6 against the spread in 2014. The Broncos bring back nine starters on offense and eight on defense. They have named true sophomore Ryan Finley as the starting quarterback. Finley served as the departed Grant Hedrick's back-up last year, completing 12-of-27 throws for 161 yards and two TDs with one interception.

-- BSU has to replace workhorse RB Jay Ajayi, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins after rushing for 1,823 yards and 28 TDs last season.

-- Since 2006, the first year of Petersen's tenure, Boise State has won 55 of 57 home games with the two losses coming by three combined points. This is the first time since 2009 -- when the Broncos smashed Oregon and LeGarrette Blount to begin Chip Kelly's reign -- that they've played a season opener at home.

-- The BSU defense is led by LBs Tanner Vallejo and Kamalei Correa. Vallejo had a team-high 100 tackles in 2014, while Correa had 59 tackles and 12 sacks.

-- Washington finished a disappointing 8-6 SU in Petersen's first season, going 7-7 versus the number. The Huskies lost a 30-22 decision to Oklahoma State six-point 'chalk' at the Cactus Bowl. They return five starters on offense and four on defense.

-- Petersen told the media Monday that he's decided on a new starting QB but won't reveal the news before Friday's kick. The three candidates are junior Jeff Lindquist, redshirt freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels and true freshman Jake Browning. Lindquist started one game last season, finishing the year with only 10 completions in 30 attempts for 162 yards and one TD without an interception. Cyler Miles was the starter last year and had a 17/4 TD-INT ratio and four rushing scores in 2014. However, a lingering hip injury forced Miles into retirement over the summer.

-- Petersen had this say about the homefield advantage BSU will enjoy: “It’s a great place to play. Unbelievable home-field advantage. The size of the stadium has nothing to do with it. Those are very passionate fans and a really good place to play a college football game. Noise is a factor. Tough place to play.”

-- Washington returns its top four pass catchers and top two leading rushers, including Dwayne Washington, who had 697 rushing yards and nine TDs with a 5.3 YPC average. Senior WR Jaydon Mickens had 60 catches for 617 yards and four TDs last year.

-- BSU posted a 4-3 spread record as a home favorite last season, while UW went 2-1 ATS as a road underdog.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Washington at Boise State

Washington Huskies at Boise State Broncos (-12, 55.5)

Washington coach Chris Petersen makes his highly anticipated return to the Blue Turf when the Huskies visit No. 24 Boise State in Friday's season-opening contest. Petersen went 92-12 in eight seasons as the Broncos' coach before departing for Washington and squares off against second-year Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, his offensive coordinator with the Broncos from 2006-10.

Boise State is 92-4 at home since the start of the 2000 season and Petersen is well aware of the atmosphere inside the 36,387-seat stadium. "It's a great place to play, unbelievable home-field advantage," Petersen told reporters. "The size of the stadium has nothing to do with it. Those are very passionate fans and a really good place to play a college football game." The Broncos went 12-2 in the first season of the post-Petersen era and are viewed as having the best shot of teams outside the Power Five conferences to reach a major bowl game. The Huskies went 8-6 in Petersen's first season and are rebuilding on defense after losing several key players.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Boise State -12.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Broncos as 10.5-point faves but that has been moved to -12. The total opened at 57 but has come down to 55.5.

INJURY REPORT: N/A

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with a 24 percent chance of thunderstorms.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Broncos are bringing back 17 starters from a 2014 squad that won 12 games, and they are the favorite to repeat as Mountain West Champions. They have a tough schedule though, opening the season at home against Washington, and playing BYU at Provo in Week 2." Jesse Schule.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Certainly a great Friday night matchup with Chris Peterson heading back to his old stomping grounds -- the handicapper has to decide who has the edge in that matchup. We haven't had many pros interested in this game but the public is always eager to back Boise as we have around 75 percent of our spread handle on the home squad. The early action came in on the under but it's moving back up to the original number, and there will be plenty of bettors backing the over on the Smurf Turf as kickoff approaches." Odds consultant .

ABOUT WASHINGTON (2014: 8-6 SU, 7-7 ATS, 4-10 O/U): Petersen has declined to reveal his starting quarterback with the candidates being junior Jeff Lindquist (10-for-30, 162 yards last season), true freshman Jake Browning and redshirt freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels. Senior receiver Jaydon Mickens ranks sixth in school history with 145 receptions - one behind fifth-place Austin Seferian-Jenkins - and sophomore Lavon Coleman (565 yards in 2014) will be the main ball carrier. Four Huskies defenders were selected among the first 44 selections of the 2015 NFL Draft and players like senior linebacker Travis Feeney (191 career tackles) and sophomore safety Budda Baker (started every game as a true freshman) will be counted on to lead the unit.

ABOUT BOISE STATE (2014: 12-2 SU, 8-6 ATS, 10-4 O/U): Sophomore quarterback Ryan Finley makes his first career start after going 12-for-27 as a backup last season. The bigger concern is replacing all-everything running back Jay Ajayi (school records of 1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2014) and the trio of sophomore Jeremy McNichols, senior Kelsey Young and junior Devan Demas will all see action in the opener. The defense is loaded with standouts in junior defensive end Kamalei Correa (12 sacks last season), junior middle linebacker Tanner Vallejo (team-best 100 tackles), senior cornerback Donte Deayon (13 career interceptions, six in 2014) and senior safety Darian Thompson (14 career picks, seven in 2014).

TRENDS:

* Huskies are 1-4 ATS in their last five Friday games.
* Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Under is 9-2 in Huskies last 11 games in September.
* Over is 8-1 in Broncos last nine games overall.

CONSENSUS: This game is split down the middle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free College Football Picks: Michigan State at Western Michigan Odds
by Alan Matthews

It's one of the biggest games in school history at Western Michigan on Friday night as Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo will host a rare sellout -- it probably will be the biggest crowd in school history; the stadium attendance record is 36,361 set in 2000 -- when No. 5 Michigan State comes down the road to visit the Mid-American Conference Broncos. Obviously, ranked Power 5 conference teams don't visit MAC schools very often. The game kicks at 7 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPNU.

I don't expect Western to pull an upset, but if you read my Week 1 Opening Report story , I mentioned that Michigan State could be caught looking past WMU, even though it looks to be one of the best teams in the MAC, and toward next week's Top-10 showdown with Oregon in East Lansing.

Michigan State is 12-2 all-time in this series, winning the most recent game 26-13 at Spartan Stadium in 2013. This WMU team is way better than that one, while the Spartans were Big Ten and Rose Bowl champions that year. WMU's two wins against Michigan State came in 1917 and 1919.

This is the first time WMU will host the Spartans. Kudos to perhaps the most creative athletic director in the NCAA, Michigan State's Mark Hollis. He has come up with some incredibly unique ideas (hockey game outdoors in a football stadium -- a first when it happened, basketball game on an aircraft carrier, etc.). And he also a introduced the "Celebrate the State" series in 2009, which sees the Spartans hosting Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan three times in East Lansing and playing one game at each Michigan MAC school. It's a way to boost the economy in those smaller MAC cities. Normally those MAC schools prefer to play at Power 5 schools because they cash a big check. WMU got $500,000 for the trip to East Lansing two years ago but nothing for this one.

Michigan State at Western Michigan Betting Story Lines

The Spartans return 13 starters from last year's team that finished 11-2, losing only to the two teams that played in the National Championship Game, Oregon and Ohio State. Sparty staged a huge rally to beat No. 5 Baylor 42-41 in the Cotton Bowl. That made MSU the only school to win a BCS bowl game in 2013 and then a New Year's Six bowl last year. The Spartans' 24 wins over the past two seasons are tied with Oregon for third-most in the nation.

MSU brings back likely 2016 first-round pick and Heisman candidate QB Connor Cook to lead the offense. There was some news out of East Lansing this week in that Cook said he was disappointed not to be elected a team captain, and that is pretty unusual for a senior QB who has been so successful. The Spartans selected fifth-year seniors Shilique Calhoun (defensive end), Darien Harris (linebacker) and Jack Allen (center) as their captains last week. Calhoun and Allen are All-American candidates, so no problem there. And it's rather fitting that MSU made those guys captains because it's such a meat-and-potatoes team if you get my drift.

The Michigan State offensive line might be the nation's best. But leading rusher Jeremy Langford and top receiver Tony Lippett are gone. So is All-American cornerback Trae Waynes, a 2015 first-round pick.

The best running back and receiver in this game will be on WMU's side. Jarvion Franklin rushed 306 times for 1,551 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2014. He became the first player in conference history to win MAC Freshmen of the Year and MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Junior receiver Corey Davis caught 78 passes for 1,408 yards and 15 scores last year. The yards and touchdowns both rank second in FBS among all returning players in 2015.

And QB Zach Terrell, a junior, completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,443 yards, 26 scores and 10 picks in 2014. There are nine starters back on what should be the MAC's top offense. Seven return on defense. Third-team All-MAC wide receiver Darius Phillips will make his debut at cornerback against MSU.

Western Michigan scored 15 touchdowns of 40 yards or more in 2014. Michigan State allowed 22 plays of 40 yards or more, worst in the Big Ten. Western finished 8-5 last year, losing to Air Force in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Broncos played two Power 5 teams in 2014, both on the road. They lost 43-34 at Purdue and 35-17 at Virginia Tech.

Michigan State at Western Michigan Betting Odds and Trends

Michigan State is a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 57. MSU is -850 on the moneyline. WMU was 10-3 against the spread in 2014 and 8-5 "over/under." MSU was 9-4 ATS and 10-3 O/U. Michigan State is 9-1 SU in its past 10 vs. the MAC but 6-4 ATS. Western is 0-10 SU in its past 10 vs. the Big Ten but 3-7 ATS.

Free College Football Picks: Michigan State at Western Michigan Betting Predictions

The Spartans players all are saying the right things, that they are focused on WMU and not Oregon. I don't buy it. The team is too well-coached to suffer the huge upset, but I can see the Broncos hanging close until being worn down in the fourth by the much bigger Spartans. I'm taking the points and going over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Fever (18-12) at Lynx (20-10)

Date: September 04, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Lynx picked up a key victory in their pursuit of another first-place finish in the Western Conference. They might not have two starters for the rest of the regular season, however.

Lindsay Whalen will likely join Seimone Augustus on the sidelines beginning with Friday night's home game against the Indiana Fever.

Minnesota (20-10) is 2 1/2 games ahead of Phoenix and three up in the loss column after a 71-61 victory over the Mercury on Sunday. Maya Moore scored 28 points in the opener of a season-high four-game homestand to help the Lynx overcome Whalen's absence in the second half.

Whalen was forced to leave in the second quarter because of nagging bursitis in her right heel and a sore Achilles tendon. Coach Cheryl Reeve said Tuesday that she was "hopeful" that the point guard and Augustus, out since Aug. 19 because of a left foot injury, could return for the playoffs.

The Lynx clinched home-court advantage for the opening round with Sunday's victory and are seeking their fourth No. 1 seed in the conference playoffs in five years.

"We're not going to feel sorry that Lindsay or Seimone won't be out there with them. The mindset is just like it was against Phoenix. They're out so we have to step up," Reeve said. "They're all good enough to do so as we saw during that Phoenix game.

"The mindset is we're going to win four games. We're working to get ready for the game on Friday and win our home game."

Renee Montgomery, acquired from Seattle on July 20, and Anna Cruz will likely have greater roles for the short term. Montgomery had 15 points Sunday, her most since scoring 19 in her season debut June 6.

"When you get minutes, you want to try and make the most of them and that was my mindset the whole time," Montgomery told the team's official website. "I feel like this is the time where I need to step up, my team needs me."

Whalen had a team-best 17 points in the first matchup with Indiana, a 78-69 road victory June 6 in the second game of the season for both teams. The Fever (18-12) played without Tamika Catchings due to a knee injury.

Catchings got a little rest Tuesday with Indiana blowing out Connecticut 81-51 to clinch a league-record 11th consecutive playoff berth. She scored a team-high 13 points in 21 minutes after topping 20 in the final two games of the Fever's three-game losing streak.

"We're not done yet," Catchings said. "We've got four more games so we have to really ride that wave and propel ourselves into the playoffs."

Minnesota has won the last five matchups in the series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

WNBA | INDIANA at MINNESOTA
Play On - Home favorites (MINNESOTA) after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games, well rested team - playing 3 or less games in 10 days
88-45 since 1997. ( 66.2% | 38.5 units )
5-2 this year. ( 71.4% | 2.8 units )

WNBA | INDIANA at MINNESOTA
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (INDIANA) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team after 15 or more games
152-97 since 1997. ( 61.0% | 0.0 units )
9-10 this year. ( 47.4% | 0.0 units )

WNBA | CONNECTICUT at SAN ANTONIO
Play On - Any team vs. the 1rst half line (CONNECTICUT) an average team (+/- 3 PPG diff.) against a terrible team (<=-7 PPG diff.) after 15+ games, after allowing 75 points or more
41-15 since 1997. ( 73.2% | 24.5 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Post: 7:15 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 85 - Purse:$8500 - NON WINNERS $5,500


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 DONTFUSSWITHRUSS 3/1


# 2 RUSSELL MANIA 7/2


# 5 LONGWELL 5/2


If you want a nice play today, feast your eyes on DONTFUSSWITHRUSS. Could quite possibly defeat this group of animals given the 83 speed rating recorded in his last race. De Long will be looking to score in here, has been tearing it up lately. Win stat this last month is a sparkling 21. Don't let a race horse with such a strong winning clip like this be passed over. RUSSELL MANIA - His 86 avg has this gelding among the most respectable TrackMaster SRs in this event. This race horse has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 88 avg class rating. Should play well in this one. LONGWELL - Have to back a interesting entrant coming out of the Hoosier Park 5 position. The win stat is great, way above normal. Shetler has a very nice ROI when his charges go down in class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Post: 9:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 93 - Purse:$25000 - NON-WINNERS OF $18,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 GOLD ROCKS 2/1


# 4 HILARIOUS HALO 15/1


# 3 MC RUSTY 6/1


GOLD ROCKS sure does look ready to score. This contest could very well be controlled by this horse. Just one look at the avgerage speed rating will confirm that. Has a sharp shot in this contest, if he can race to his back class. Sears will be looking to end up in the winner's circle in this contest, has been tough as nails recently. Win figure the last 30 days is a sparkling 24. HILARIOUS HALO - This horse achieved a really good TrackMaster speed fig in last race. Looks to be racing sharply to come right back. The 4 post sports a much higher than average win figure at Yonkers Raceway. MC RUSTY - Amazing win figure combined with recent very good performances. We think he can handle this group. Has been running well lately and his style of running should result in a formidable performance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Columbus

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $4900 Class Rating: 76

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2015. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS., OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500. RACES FOR $2,500 OR LESSNOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SUPER TORNADO 7/2


# 2 GOOD THING GOING 3/1


# 4 MELO MASON 6/1


SUPER TORNADO looks very good to best this field. This gelding has posted some nice finish positions in his last several starts. Posted a reliable speed figure in the latest race. Can run another good one in this affair. As of late Martinez has been on fire which may give the edge to this gelding. GOOD THING GOING - Shows evidence of the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 65 speed figure which is one of the best in this group. Will probably come out solid - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the lead recently. MELO MASON - Spencer has a strong winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. Looks decent to be up on the lead at the first call.