Volume 24, Issue 11 ~ November 13 - November 17
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My name is JIM HURLEY. I am founder and president of the most unusual organization in sports wagering. My NETWORK is a nationwide task force of scouts, handicappers, numbers crunchers, draftniks and former pro players who study and analyze every team and every game to develop BETTER information, make SMARTER picks and win MORE money!!! In simple words, we pick more winners and we make more money for our customers.Over the years, hundreds of my players have used our winning selections to bootstrap themselves from small money bettors to high rollers. Thousands more have just made themselves nice profits year after year. Some have made fortunes! Want the best shot at the most money? I know dozens of ways to get you there, no matter what your wagering patterns or budget. So, let's get started NOW!
SPECIAL INTERNET NEWSLETTER
NFL ’08: AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!
Okay, so who’s gonna finish fast in this year’s National Football League regular season … and who’s gonna wilt under the late-year spotlight?
Good questions both – and we’ll take a few shots at answering ‘em right here in this e-mail edition of the NETWORK BULLETIN:
The NFL ’08 season is beyond the halfway point now with every team facing seven remaining regular-season games but some clubs may just now be getting their “sea legs” while others figure to run out of steam sooner rather than later.
Let’s look at a batch of NFL teams and tell you whether the arrow is pointing “Up” or “Down” the rest of the way:
BUFFALO – Include us in the group of folks that believe this Bills bunch is a minor fraud. Quarterback Trent Edwards cannot be trusted in clutch-time moments and his stats are truly pedestrian (just seven touchdowns on the year following last weekend’s 20-10 loss at New England!).If you’re looking to make any go-against plays when it comes to specific NFL teams, then make sure to go-against the Bills in their down-the-stretch tilts – especially when Dick Jauron’s club is the betting favorite:
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Down
DENVER – Is it possible that a single game can save a team’s season? If you’re the Broncos, you hope the answer is “yes” as last Thursday’s electric 34-30 come-from-behind triumph at Cleveland not only was a must-win for Mike Shanahan’s club but it probably lit the fuse on a big second-half from a spread standpoint. Keep in mind that the Broncos are just 2-6-1 ATS (against the spread) this year and so that’s liable to “even out” over time plus QB Jay Cutler is feeling better and getting more and more confident with his cast of wide receivers. Go ahead and bank on the Broncos covering a bunch of down-the-stretch games.
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Up
SAN FRANCISCO – Can things really go from bad to worse for this once-proud franchise? To quote a recent Vice Presidential loser, “You betcha”! The Niners are skidding badly towards the finish line with a five-game spread losing streak entering their Monday Night Football game in Arizona the other night and we can only see more rock-bottom stuff ahead as this antiquated offense is a real mess and there figures to be major sparks flying between emotional (or is it unstable?) head coach Mike Singletary and egocentric offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Down
TAMPA BAY – Is it at all possible that a Super Bowl team will be playing in its own backyard? The Bucs sure hope so as SB XLIII is set for Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1st and this club is beginning to show real magic signs with the Week 9 come-from-way-behind win at Kansas City a special moment for Jon Gruden’s crew and here’s a vote that says the Bucs will cover a bunch of down-the-stretch games (remember that Tampa Bay enjoyed a five-game spread winning streak earlier this year).
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Up
COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT:
RANKING THE TOP 10 COACHING JOBS (SO FAR!)
It’s crunch time in the world of College Football but before it gets too late we wanted to do our own little Top 10 – with apologies to late-night TV funnyman David Letterman.
Here’s how we see the Top 10 Coaching Jobs (so far) in this current campaign: Drum roll, please!
#10 – Tim Brewster, Minnesota: If you would have asked us just two weeks ago then this second-year mentor would be at or near the top of this list but back-to-back Golden Gopher losses against Northwestern and Michigan has put a smudge on this ’08 season. Still, he gets into the Top 10 list by a chin hair.
#9 – Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech: Maybe this run-run offense is a turn-back-the-clock deal for you progressive College Football thinkers but give this former Navy boss loads of credit for getting the Techsters to be “relevant” right from the start of this ’08 season and note the snazzy 6-2 ATS mark as well.
#8 – David Cutcliffe, Duke: Like Minny’s Brewster, this Blue Devils boss would have landed higher on this NETWORK BULLETIN list had the vote been take a couple of weeks back but still it’s hard to ignore how this ACC club has played this year. Only once has Duke really been blown out – not bad for a squad that last season lost four games by 20-plus points.
#7 – Jim Harbaugh, Stanford: The enthusiasm this former NFL quarterback brings to the table has been catching on in northern California and thus Harbaugh makes this list with a footnote that his Pac-10 team has covered five of its last seven games (and it should have been six-of-seven save for a tough loss at Notre Dame).
#6 – Turner Gill, Buffalo: Maybe the next great young coach as Gill’s been a major difference-maker with this Mid-American Conference team (the Bulls are 6-3 ATS so far this year) and here’s yet another club that does not beat itself. Hats off, Mr. Gill!
#5 – Mack Brown, Texas: If you need to be reminded, the UT Longhorns started off the season ranked #11 in the Associated Press poll and so a tip of the cap to this coach who just might wind up back in the national title tilt when all the dust settles this year.
#4 – Brian Kelly, Cincinnati: Maybe the NETWORK BULLETIN’S favorite coach but we’ll rank the UC Bearcats boss-man as the bronze medal winner here for this unofficial competition. Kelly not only has kept his club afloat with all the quarterback injuries but the ‘Cats have snagged back-to-back upsets against South Florida and West Virginia and now you know why he’s on that proverbial “short list” at both Clemson and Tennessee.
#3 – Butch Davis, North Carolina: Here’s a special program-builder who is quickly reaping his just rewards as the ’08 UNC Tar Heels are headed to a (dare we say) January bowl game and keep in mind this is only Year #2 in town for the former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns boss-man … not bad!
#2 – Nick Saban, Alabama: Okay, so now you know why the football-crazed Crimson Tide fans went ga-ga for this guy two winters ago when he darted out of the NFL and into their waiting arms. Saban gets his defense to play hard (and smart) and his club is better utilizing the skills of frosh WR Julio Jones the deeper we go in this ’08 season. An A+ job no matter how this all turns out in Tuscaloosa.
#1 – Mike Leach, Texas Tech: Surprise, surprise! The T-Tech Red Raiders head coach and his offensive schemes have turned College Football ’08 on its head and we’re glad that he did as this Big 12 team is ultra-fun to watch and what you would say about the possibility that this program could have a National Championship, a Heisman Trophy winner (QB Graham Harrell) and the Coach of the Year too … wow!
NCAA PICKS & PREVIEWS
Jim Hurley's NCAA PICKS & PREVIEWS are based on information obtained several days in advance of game-day, and may not reflect any changes that could affect these selections. Jim reserves the right to change or modify these selections as circumstances warrant.
NFL/COLLEGE THURSDAY TV TRIPLE
Jets at Patriots (8:15pm ET, NFL Network)
Virginia Tech at Miami (7:30pm ET, ESPN) Wyoming at UNLV (9pm ET, CBSC)
Another Thursday night of football is ahead and as the second half of the season is in sight, the games get bigger and the chances of them being decided by something then other then who's better on paper increases along with the pressure! The NFL Network doesn't get a Brett Favre-Tom Brady showdown when the Jets go to New England tied for first in the AFC East. The winner gets a leg up in the AFC Playoff race, while the loser joins the crowded pack of Wild Card contenders. Both teams look to be hitting their stride and with a Hall of Fame quarterback on one side and a brilliant coach on the other, the game promises to offer a myriad of betting angles.
ESPN has a key ACC tilt between Virginia Tech and Miami. No one in this conference seems to want to take the bull by the horns, but the Hokies can do that if they win in Coral Gables. A victory tonight would give them a stranglehold on their division. But the 'Canes are in the hunt too, and Randy Shannon wants to show he belongs as a big-time coach.
Wyoming battles UNLV. Can the Cowboys build off their big upset of reeling Tennessee, or was that just a product of Philip Fulmer's firing? The Hurley Network is working overtime to find out.
Get all this action plus the best Basketball plays of the night by joining my B*A*S*H Program, which features the very best Football & Basketball moves right through the Super Bowl - All Just $175.
If you just want tonight's games they're available for $50 - Click Here
PREFERRED PICK
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
WAKE FOREST at N.C. STATE: How’s this for not-so-ancient history? The WF Demon Deacons have notched pointspread wins in five consecutive showdowns with the N.C. State Wolfpack and now HC Grobe’s gang ready/willing/able to deliver again as stingy defense (forced four Virginia turnovers in last Saturday’s 28-17 home win/cover) does the trick while QB Skinner (14-of-20 passing last weekend) and RB Pendergrass (110 yards rushing and one score) get road folks plenty of points. It’s Wake Forest 28, N.C. State 14.
November College Golden Game Goes Saturday
For weeks now information has been filtered directly to me from Network stringers, scouts and handicappers from every conference. Now, I have powerful information in hand on a college game so explosive that it signals a major move on the part of the Wise Guys in Vegas on some "Hot" College Action...so strong that I am making this play my November Golden Game.
This game is a story of success. Just look at the last seven year's results for the November Golden Game: 6-1
2007 Texas Tech (+8) Oklahoma 34-27 Won!
2006 Virginia (PK) Wake Forest 27-6 Won!
2005 Buffalo (+7) Kent State 10-7 Won!
2004 Florida (+7) Florida State 20-13 Won!
2003 Missouri (+14½) Kansas State 14-24 Won!
2002 TCU (-8½) East Carolina 28-31 Lost
2001 Auburn (+8) Georgia 24-17 Won!
In fact, the amount of effort, study and handicapping, as well as scene reports, point out this game as possibly the strongest College play that I have released in the last eight years.
Our selection will beat the spread with ease...Just $50, or FREE when you join my B*A*S*H Program (Big Action Second Half).
Since my B*A*S*H started on Nov 1st, the Top Plays are 4-1, and a perfect 3-0 in College, wiining with Arkansas (+7) over Tulsa 30-23, Cincinnati (+7) over West Virginia 26-23, and Houston (-16) crushing Tulane 42-14! Get on board today and start your winning streak this weekend. If you want just the Golden Game of November, Click Here.
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MISSISSIPPI STATE at ALABAMA: Good spot to gobble up all those points here as visiting M-State Bulldogs – who beat ‘Bama 17-12 last year as four-point home dogs, you might recall! – now makes things highly uncomfortable for the Crimson Tide here. One week after Alabama snagged that wild 27-21 overtime win/cover in Baton Rouge you can look for HC Saban and Co. to have a bit of an emotional downer here. Yes, we know they’re #1 in the land but you can’t get sky-high every week and don’t forget that QB Wilson (one-yard sneak in OT to win it last Saturday in Death Valley) really only drove his team to 10 points in that tilt. Closer than “they” think here, folks. It’s Alabama 26, Mississippi State 14.
TEXAS at KANSAS: It’s no secret that the Kansas kids play no “D” – the Jayhawks have allowed 45, 63 and 45 points in three of their last four outings – and here pass-happy Texas QB McCoy (300 yards passing and five scoring strikes in last weekend’s 45-21 win against Baylor) will slice-and-dice the “Fighting Manginos” and don’t be shocked if the hungry ‘Horns hang half-a-hundred on the home folks … hey, you heard it here first! P.S., yes, we’ll be getting involved with the “over” in this Big 12 bash. Texas 50, Kansas 33.
GEORGIA at AUBURN: Hard to believe that the Auburn Tigers have not covered a game since August! HC Tuberville’s team has been major money-torcher in ’08 with 1-8 ATS (against the spread) record and now must tangle with high-octane Georgia Dawgs bunch that put 45 points on ‘em one year ago (see 45-20 Georgia win/cover as two-point home favs). Note that last Saturday it was Georgia QB Stafford (376 yards passing with two aerial TDs) and RB Moreno (123 yards rushing and three scores) that did major damage in scary 42-38 non-cover win at Kentucky but keep in mind that HC Richt almost always wins in other SEC backyards (but do remember that this is Georgia’s fourth consecutive non-home game in as many weekends). Georgia 28, Auburn 20.
MARQUEE MATCHUP
SOUTH CAROLINA at FLORIDA: Now that the Florida Gators have put themselves into that distinct category – they “control their own destiny” – the Gainesville gang may really be tough to top and HC Meyer’s crew is piling up the points like never before. How ‘bout 42, 49, 63 and 51 points in the last four games alone for the here-and-now “mighty Gators”! The man who once-upon-a-time gave Florida that nickname -- the one-and-only Mr. Spurrier – now coaches here from the opposite sideline and you can bank on the fact he has some tricks up his sleeve here for this high-profile SEC tilt from “The Swamp”. Still, can SC keep it tight here against QB Tebow (three scoring strikes and a pair of rushing TDs in last weekend’s 42-14 win/cover at 24-point pup Vanderbilt) and mates? This game may be a part of my B*A*S*H Program where all the top games are yours through the Super Bowl for just $175.
UPSET SPECIAL
BOSTON COLLEGE at FLORIDA STATE: This ACC clash comes straight from the department of “fair play” as last year the FSU Seminoles copped exciting 27-17 road upset at seven-point favored BC Eagles but now tables are turned here with visitors playing another air-tight game on defense (fresh off last Saturday’s 17-0 prime-time home win/cover against rival Notre Dame when DB Anderson swiped a pair of passes and ran one back 76 yards for a score). No question that State slinger Ponder only put up pedestrian numbers last week in 41-27 triumph over Clemson (see 16-of-27 passing for 153 yards and one score) and here BC front seven on “D” gets in his face early/often and makes him pay with some costly turnovers. All hail the little Birdies! Boston College 23, Florida State 17.
BEST BET
OHIO STATE at ILLINOIS: It’s all about payback here, folks, as last year’s O-State Buckeyes lost final regular-season home game to the Illini 28-21 and so now HC Tressel’s guys are foaming at the mouthpieces and ready to deliver a KO blow … and they will get their way here! Both QB Pryor (three touchdown passes in last weekend’s 45-10 win/cover at 12 ½-point underdog Northwestern) and RB Wells (140 yards rushing in that blowout tilt) will pile up the stats here while Illinois continues to swoon with last weekend’s 23-17 loss versus Western Michigan “featuring” a pair of QB Williams picks and two key sacks as well. Go Buckeyes! Ohio State 29, Illinois 11.
WATCH & WIN MY TOP SATURDAY PLAYS!
Notre Dame at Navy (CBS) Ohio State at Illinois (ESPN)
Texas at Kansas (FSN) Minnesota at Wisconsin (ABC)
Mississippi St. at Alabama (ESPN) Boston College at Florida State (ABC)
ALL THIS WINNING FOR ONLY $25 CLICK HERE
JIM HURLEY'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 10
ALABAMA
TEXAS TECH
FLORIDA
USC
TEXAS
OKLAHOMA
BOISE STATE
UTAH
PENN STATE
BALL STATE
JIM HURLEY'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 10
NORTH CAROLINA
UCLA
CONNECTICUT
MICHIGAN STATE
LOUISVILLEW
DUKE
GONZAGA
TEXAS
PITTSBURGH
TENNESSEE
NFL PICKS & PREVIEWS
Jim Hurley's NFL PICKS & PREVIEWS are based on information obtained several days in advance of game-day, and may not reflect any changes that could affect these selections. Jim reserves the right to change or modify these selections as circumstances warrant.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
NY JETS at NEW ENGLAND: Don’t think Jets boss Mangini could have planned it much better last week when his crew clobbered hapless/hopeless St. Looie Rams 47-3 as many key starters able to take off early/mid third quarter but now let’s see if QB Favre (14-of-19 passing for 167 yards in that laugher) and mates have enough oomph to get this win in Foxboro. Keep in mind that this is major revenge for the J-E-T-S who lost 19-10 at home in Week 2 tilt this year. Make sure you’re all aboard for the Side & Totals winner of this key AFC East clash - part of a big Thursday Night of Football and Basketball action. Click Here For Thursday's TV Triple.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
BALTIMORE at NY GIANTS: Both the Ravens and Jints in tough emotional spot here as HC Harbaugh’s club playing third straight road game following back-to-back wins in Cleveland and in Houston (born-again RB McGahee’s 112 rushing yards a big help in the latter game) while NYG’s coming off that grueling 36-31 win at Philadelphia last Sunday night as RB Jacobs (22 carries for 126 yards) was major battering ram. Sorry, but can’t go against defending champs here as defense gets in kid QB Flacco’s face plenty. It’s NY Giants 23, Baltimore 15.
UPSET SPECIAL
CHICAGO at GREEN BAY: More than willing to grab hold of the handful of points offered here with Bears bunch that catches G-Bay off back-to-back emotional downers (road losses at Tennessee in OT and then last Sunday afternoon in Minnesota). The road folks will unnerve QB Rodgers (only 142 yards passing with no TDs last week in that 28-27 loss to the Vikes) here and don’t be surprised if Chitowners score at least one non-offensive touchdown here. It’s Chicago 26, Green Bay 23.
MINNESOTA at TAMPA BAY: Now that Minny Vikings starting to get into a real groove (four SU wins in the past five games) it may be tough to make anti-purple play here as RB Peterson (192 yards rushing including game-winning 29-yard scoring run late) getting just enough help from QB Frerotte who last week threw a “pick six” but still survived and tossed two key TDs. On the flip side, the T-Bay Bucs last week earned much-needed bye as HC Gruden’s guys have played five games this year decided by four points or less and won’t be shocked here if this game’s your proverbial “white knuckler”. No doubt that come-from-way-behind 30-27 non-cover OT win at Kansas City two weeks ago gave Bucs a real lift as QB Garcia aired a pair of clutch touchdown passes (and a key two-point play to boot). Real close. Tampa Bay 18, Minnesota 17.
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SUNDAY NITE
DALLAS at WASHINGTON: Both clubs fresh off a bye week and you better believe there was more than just a little tinkering with Cowboys attack that not only needs Romo’s return here but a swift kick in the pants too! Meanwhile, Washington’s recent pre-bye 23-6 loss to Pittsburgh was painful stuff for HC Zorn’s guys as they settled for a pair of early-game FGs and never did re-assert selves and now here are the ‘Boys looking for revenge (see 26-24 ‘Skins win in Week 4 action in Irving). We’ll have the winner of the NFC East battle as part of our B*A*S*H Program which features the Biggst Plays for the rest of the Football season, plus basketball at one low price!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
CLEVELAND at BUFFALO:
Brady Quinn is now Cleveland's QB, but even after last week's fine debut, is wasn't enough to keep the Browns from coughing up their second late two-touchdown lead in as many weeks. The Bills were not long ago on top of the AFC East, and looked like they had turned the corner towards making the playoffs. But after three consecutive division losses, they're in the basement and fighting for their playoff lives. Which team will get their act together and grab a much needed victory Monday night? I've got the key to winning this tonight...(Click Here) or call toll-free at 1-800-323-4453 after 1pm ET
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My name is JIM HURLEY. I am founder and president of the most unusual organization in sports wagering. My NETWORK is a nationwide task force of scouts, handicappers, numbers crunchers, draftniks and former pro players who study and analyze every team and every game to develop BETTER information, make SMARTER picks and win MORE money!!! In simple words, we pick more winners and we make more money for our customers.Over the years, hundreds of my players have used our winning selections to bootstrap themselves from small money bettors to high rollers. Thousands more have just made themselves nice profits year after year. Some have made fortunes! Want the best shot at the most money? I know dozens of ways to get you there, no matter what your wagering patterns or budget. So, let's get started NOW!
SPECIAL INTERNET NEWSLETTER
NFL ’08: AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!
Okay, so who’s gonna finish fast in this year’s National Football League regular season … and who’s gonna wilt under the late-year spotlight?
Good questions both – and we’ll take a few shots at answering ‘em right here in this e-mail edition of the NETWORK BULLETIN:
The NFL ’08 season is beyond the halfway point now with every team facing seven remaining regular-season games but some clubs may just now be getting their “sea legs” while others figure to run out of steam sooner rather than later.
Let’s look at a batch of NFL teams and tell you whether the arrow is pointing “Up” or “Down” the rest of the way:
BUFFALO – Include us in the group of folks that believe this Bills bunch is a minor fraud. Quarterback Trent Edwards cannot be trusted in clutch-time moments and his stats are truly pedestrian (just seven touchdowns on the year following last weekend’s 20-10 loss at New England!).If you’re looking to make any go-against plays when it comes to specific NFL teams, then make sure to go-against the Bills in their down-the-stretch tilts – especially when Dick Jauron’s club is the betting favorite:
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Down
DENVER – Is it possible that a single game can save a team’s season? If you’re the Broncos, you hope the answer is “yes” as last Thursday’s electric 34-30 come-from-behind triumph at Cleveland not only was a must-win for Mike Shanahan’s club but it probably lit the fuse on a big second-half from a spread standpoint. Keep in mind that the Broncos are just 2-6-1 ATS (against the spread) this year and so that’s liable to “even out” over time plus QB Jay Cutler is feeling better and getting more and more confident with his cast of wide receivers. Go ahead and bank on the Broncos covering a bunch of down-the-stretch games.
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Up
SAN FRANCISCO – Can things really go from bad to worse for this once-proud franchise? To quote a recent Vice Presidential loser, “You betcha”! The Niners are skidding badly towards the finish line with a five-game spread losing streak entering their Monday Night Football game in Arizona the other night and we can only see more rock-bottom stuff ahead as this antiquated offense is a real mess and there figures to be major sparks flying between emotional (or is it unstable?) head coach Mike Singletary and egocentric offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Down
TAMPA BAY – Is it at all possible that a Super Bowl team will be playing in its own backyard? The Bucs sure hope so as SB XLIII is set for Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1st and this club is beginning to show real magic signs with the Week 9 come-from-way-behind win at Kansas City a special moment for Jon Gruden’s crew and here’s a vote that says the Bucs will cover a bunch of down-the-stretch games (remember that Tampa Bay enjoyed a five-game spread winning streak earlier this year).
Down-the-Stretch Verdict … Arrow Pointing Up
COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT:
RANKING THE TOP 10 COACHING JOBS (SO FAR!)
It’s crunch time in the world of College Football but before it gets too late we wanted to do our own little Top 10 – with apologies to late-night TV funnyman David Letterman.
Here’s how we see the Top 10 Coaching Jobs (so far) in this current campaign: Drum roll, please!
#10 – Tim Brewster, Minnesota: If you would have asked us just two weeks ago then this second-year mentor would be at or near the top of this list but back-to-back Golden Gopher losses against Northwestern and Michigan has put a smudge on this ’08 season. Still, he gets into the Top 10 list by a chin hair.
#9 – Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech: Maybe this run-run offense is a turn-back-the-clock deal for you progressive College Football thinkers but give this former Navy boss loads of credit for getting the Techsters to be “relevant” right from the start of this ’08 season and note the snazzy 6-2 ATS mark as well.
#8 – David Cutcliffe, Duke: Like Minny’s Brewster, this Blue Devils boss would have landed higher on this NETWORK BULLETIN list had the vote been take a couple of weeks back but still it’s hard to ignore how this ACC club has played this year. Only once has Duke really been blown out – not bad for a squad that last season lost four games by 20-plus points.
#7 – Jim Harbaugh, Stanford: The enthusiasm this former NFL quarterback brings to the table has been catching on in northern California and thus Harbaugh makes this list with a footnote that his Pac-10 team has covered five of its last seven games (and it should have been six-of-seven save for a tough loss at Notre Dame).
#6 – Turner Gill, Buffalo: Maybe the next great young coach as Gill’s been a major difference-maker with this Mid-American Conference team (the Bulls are 6-3 ATS so far this year) and here’s yet another club that does not beat itself. Hats off, Mr. Gill!
#5 – Mack Brown, Texas: If you need to be reminded, the UT Longhorns started off the season ranked #11 in the Associated Press poll and so a tip of the cap to this coach who just might wind up back in the national title tilt when all the dust settles this year.
#4 – Brian Kelly, Cincinnati: Maybe the NETWORK BULLETIN’S favorite coach but we’ll rank the UC Bearcats boss-man as the bronze medal winner here for this unofficial competition. Kelly not only has kept his club afloat with all the quarterback injuries but the ‘Cats have snagged back-to-back upsets against South Florida and West Virginia and now you know why he’s on that proverbial “short list” at both Clemson and Tennessee.
#3 – Butch Davis, North Carolina: Here’s a special program-builder who is quickly reaping his just rewards as the ’08 UNC Tar Heels are headed to a (dare we say) January bowl game and keep in mind this is only Year #2 in town for the former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns boss-man … not bad!
#2 – Nick Saban, Alabama: Okay, so now you know why the football-crazed Crimson Tide fans went ga-ga for this guy two winters ago when he darted out of the NFL and into their waiting arms. Saban gets his defense to play hard (and smart) and his club is better utilizing the skills of frosh WR Julio Jones the deeper we go in this ’08 season. An A+ job no matter how this all turns out in Tuscaloosa.
#1 – Mike Leach, Texas Tech: Surprise, surprise! The T-Tech Red Raiders head coach and his offensive schemes have turned College Football ’08 on its head and we’re glad that he did as this Big 12 team is ultra-fun to watch and what you would say about the possibility that this program could have a National Championship, a Heisman Trophy winner (QB Graham Harrell) and the Coach of the Year too … wow!
NCAA PICKS & PREVIEWS
Jim Hurley's NCAA PICKS & PREVIEWS are based on information obtained several days in advance of game-day, and may not reflect any changes that could affect these selections. Jim reserves the right to change or modify these selections as circumstances warrant.
NFL/COLLEGE THURSDAY TV TRIPLE
Jets at Patriots (8:15pm ET, NFL Network)
Virginia Tech at Miami (7:30pm ET, ESPN) Wyoming at UNLV (9pm ET, CBSC)
Another Thursday night of football is ahead and as the second half of the season is in sight, the games get bigger and the chances of them being decided by something then other then who's better on paper increases along with the pressure! The NFL Network doesn't get a Brett Favre-Tom Brady showdown when the Jets go to New England tied for first in the AFC East. The winner gets a leg up in the AFC Playoff race, while the loser joins the crowded pack of Wild Card contenders. Both teams look to be hitting their stride and with a Hall of Fame quarterback on one side and a brilliant coach on the other, the game promises to offer a myriad of betting angles.
ESPN has a key ACC tilt between Virginia Tech and Miami. No one in this conference seems to want to take the bull by the horns, but the Hokies can do that if they win in Coral Gables. A victory tonight would give them a stranglehold on their division. But the 'Canes are in the hunt too, and Randy Shannon wants to show he belongs as a big-time coach.
Wyoming battles UNLV. Can the Cowboys build off their big upset of reeling Tennessee, or was that just a product of Philip Fulmer's firing? The Hurley Network is working overtime to find out.
Get all this action plus the best Basketball plays of the night by joining my B*A*S*H Program, which features the very best Football & Basketball moves right through the Super Bowl - All Just $175.
If you just want tonight's games they're available for $50 - Click Here
PREFERRED PICK
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
WAKE FOREST at N.C. STATE: How’s this for not-so-ancient history? The WF Demon Deacons have notched pointspread wins in five consecutive showdowns with the N.C. State Wolfpack and now HC Grobe’s gang ready/willing/able to deliver again as stingy defense (forced four Virginia turnovers in last Saturday’s 28-17 home win/cover) does the trick while QB Skinner (14-of-20 passing last weekend) and RB Pendergrass (110 yards rushing and one score) get road folks plenty of points. It’s Wake Forest 28, N.C. State 14.
November College Golden Game Goes Saturday
For weeks now information has been filtered directly to me from Network stringers, scouts and handicappers from every conference. Now, I have powerful information in hand on a college game so explosive that it signals a major move on the part of the Wise Guys in Vegas on some "Hot" College Action...so strong that I am making this play my November Golden Game.
This game is a story of success. Just look at the last seven year's results for the November Golden Game: 6-1
2007 Texas Tech (+8) Oklahoma 34-27 Won!
2006 Virginia (PK) Wake Forest 27-6 Won!
2005 Buffalo (+7) Kent State 10-7 Won!
2004 Florida (+7) Florida State 20-13 Won!
2003 Missouri (+14½) Kansas State 14-24 Won!
2002 TCU (-8½) East Carolina 28-31 Lost
2001 Auburn (+8) Georgia 24-17 Won!
In fact, the amount of effort, study and handicapping, as well as scene reports, point out this game as possibly the strongest College play that I have released in the last eight years.
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Since my B*A*S*H started on Nov 1st, the Top Plays are 4-1, and a perfect 3-0 in College, wiining with Arkansas (+7) over Tulsa 30-23, Cincinnati (+7) over West Virginia 26-23, and Houston (-16) crushing Tulane 42-14! Get on board today and start your winning streak this weekend. If you want just the Golden Game of November, Click Here.
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MISSISSIPPI STATE at ALABAMA: Good spot to gobble up all those points here as visiting M-State Bulldogs – who beat ‘Bama 17-12 last year as four-point home dogs, you might recall! – now makes things highly uncomfortable for the Crimson Tide here. One week after Alabama snagged that wild 27-21 overtime win/cover in Baton Rouge you can look for HC Saban and Co. to have a bit of an emotional downer here. Yes, we know they’re #1 in the land but you can’t get sky-high every week and don’t forget that QB Wilson (one-yard sneak in OT to win it last Saturday in Death Valley) really only drove his team to 10 points in that tilt. Closer than “they” think here, folks. It’s Alabama 26, Mississippi State 14.
TEXAS at KANSAS: It’s no secret that the Kansas kids play no “D” – the Jayhawks have allowed 45, 63 and 45 points in three of their last four outings – and here pass-happy Texas QB McCoy (300 yards passing and five scoring strikes in last weekend’s 45-21 win against Baylor) will slice-and-dice the “Fighting Manginos” and don’t be shocked if the hungry ‘Horns hang half-a-hundred on the home folks … hey, you heard it here first! P.S., yes, we’ll be getting involved with the “over” in this Big 12 bash. Texas 50, Kansas 33.
GEORGIA at AUBURN: Hard to believe that the Auburn Tigers have not covered a game since August! HC Tuberville’s team has been major money-torcher in ’08 with 1-8 ATS (against the spread) record and now must tangle with high-octane Georgia Dawgs bunch that put 45 points on ‘em one year ago (see 45-20 Georgia win/cover as two-point home favs). Note that last Saturday it was Georgia QB Stafford (376 yards passing with two aerial TDs) and RB Moreno (123 yards rushing and three scores) that did major damage in scary 42-38 non-cover win at Kentucky but keep in mind that HC Richt almost always wins in other SEC backyards (but do remember that this is Georgia’s fourth consecutive non-home game in as many weekends). Georgia 28, Auburn 20.
MARQUEE MATCHUP
SOUTH CAROLINA at FLORIDA: Now that the Florida Gators have put themselves into that distinct category – they “control their own destiny” – the Gainesville gang may really be tough to top and HC Meyer’s crew is piling up the points like never before. How ‘bout 42, 49, 63 and 51 points in the last four games alone for the here-and-now “mighty Gators”! The man who once-upon-a-time gave Florida that nickname -- the one-and-only Mr. Spurrier – now coaches here from the opposite sideline and you can bank on the fact he has some tricks up his sleeve here for this high-profile SEC tilt from “The Swamp”. Still, can SC keep it tight here against QB Tebow (three scoring strikes and a pair of rushing TDs in last weekend’s 42-14 win/cover at 24-point pup Vanderbilt) and mates? This game may be a part of my B*A*S*H Program where all the top games are yours through the Super Bowl for just $175.
UPSET SPECIAL
BOSTON COLLEGE at FLORIDA STATE: This ACC clash comes straight from the department of “fair play” as last year the FSU Seminoles copped exciting 27-17 road upset at seven-point favored BC Eagles but now tables are turned here with visitors playing another air-tight game on defense (fresh off last Saturday’s 17-0 prime-time home win/cover against rival Notre Dame when DB Anderson swiped a pair of passes and ran one back 76 yards for a score). No question that State slinger Ponder only put up pedestrian numbers last week in 41-27 triumph over Clemson (see 16-of-27 passing for 153 yards and one score) and here BC front seven on “D” gets in his face early/often and makes him pay with some costly turnovers. All hail the little Birdies! Boston College 23, Florida State 17.
BEST BET
OHIO STATE at ILLINOIS: It’s all about payback here, folks, as last year’s O-State Buckeyes lost final regular-season home game to the Illini 28-21 and so now HC Tressel’s guys are foaming at the mouthpieces and ready to deliver a KO blow … and they will get their way here! Both QB Pryor (three touchdown passes in last weekend’s 45-10 win/cover at 12 ½-point underdog Northwestern) and RB Wells (140 yards rushing in that blowout tilt) will pile up the stats here while Illinois continues to swoon with last weekend’s 23-17 loss versus Western Michigan “featuring” a pair of QB Williams picks and two key sacks as well. Go Buckeyes! Ohio State 29, Illinois 11.
WATCH & WIN MY TOP SATURDAY PLAYS!
Notre Dame at Navy (CBS) Ohio State at Illinois (ESPN)
Texas at Kansas (FSN) Minnesota at Wisconsin (ABC)
Mississippi St. at Alabama (ESPN) Boston College at Florida State (ABC)
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JIM HURLEY'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 10
ALABAMA
TEXAS TECH
FLORIDA
USC
TEXAS
OKLAHOMA
BOISE STATE
UTAH
PENN STATE
BALL STATE
JIM HURLEY'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 10
NORTH CAROLINA
UCLA
CONNECTICUT
MICHIGAN STATE
LOUISVILLEW
DUKE
GONZAGA
TEXAS
PITTSBURGH
TENNESSEE
NFL PICKS & PREVIEWS
Jim Hurley's NFL PICKS & PREVIEWS are based on information obtained several days in advance of game-day, and may not reflect any changes that could affect these selections. Jim reserves the right to change or modify these selections as circumstances warrant.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
NY JETS at NEW ENGLAND: Don’t think Jets boss Mangini could have planned it much better last week when his crew clobbered hapless/hopeless St. Looie Rams 47-3 as many key starters able to take off early/mid third quarter but now let’s see if QB Favre (14-of-19 passing for 167 yards in that laugher) and mates have enough oomph to get this win in Foxboro. Keep in mind that this is major revenge for the J-E-T-S who lost 19-10 at home in Week 2 tilt this year. Make sure you’re all aboard for the Side & Totals winner of this key AFC East clash - part of a big Thursday Night of Football and Basketball action. Click Here For Thursday's TV Triple.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
BALTIMORE at NY GIANTS: Both the Ravens and Jints in tough emotional spot here as HC Harbaugh’s club playing third straight road game following back-to-back wins in Cleveland and in Houston (born-again RB McGahee’s 112 rushing yards a big help in the latter game) while NYG’s coming off that grueling 36-31 win at Philadelphia last Sunday night as RB Jacobs (22 carries for 126 yards) was major battering ram. Sorry, but can’t go against defending champs here as defense gets in kid QB Flacco’s face plenty. It’s NY Giants 23, Baltimore 15.
UPSET SPECIAL
CHICAGO at GREEN BAY: More than willing to grab hold of the handful of points offered here with Bears bunch that catches G-Bay off back-to-back emotional downers (road losses at Tennessee in OT and then last Sunday afternoon in Minnesota). The road folks will unnerve QB Rodgers (only 142 yards passing with no TDs last week in that 28-27 loss to the Vikes) here and don’t be surprised if Chitowners score at least one non-offensive touchdown here. It’s Chicago 26, Green Bay 23.
MINNESOTA at TAMPA BAY: Now that Minny Vikings starting to get into a real groove (four SU wins in the past five games) it may be tough to make anti-purple play here as RB Peterson (192 yards rushing including game-winning 29-yard scoring run late) getting just enough help from QB Frerotte who last week threw a “pick six” but still survived and tossed two key TDs. On the flip side, the T-Bay Bucs last week earned much-needed bye as HC Gruden’s guys have played five games this year decided by four points or less and won’t be shocked here if this game’s your proverbial “white knuckler”. No doubt that come-from-way-behind 30-27 non-cover OT win at Kansas City two weeks ago gave Bucs a real lift as QB Garcia aired a pair of clutch touchdown passes (and a key two-point play to boot). Real close. Tampa Bay 18, Minnesota 17.
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SUNDAY NITE
DALLAS at WASHINGTON: Both clubs fresh off a bye week and you better believe there was more than just a little tinkering with Cowboys attack that not only needs Romo’s return here but a swift kick in the pants too! Meanwhile, Washington’s recent pre-bye 23-6 loss to Pittsburgh was painful stuff for HC Zorn’s guys as they settled for a pair of early-game FGs and never did re-assert selves and now here are the ‘Boys looking for revenge (see 26-24 ‘Skins win in Week 4 action in Irving). We’ll have the winner of the NFC East battle as part of our B*A*S*H Program which features the Biggst Plays for the rest of the Football season, plus basketball at one low price!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
CLEVELAND at BUFFALO:
Brady Quinn is now Cleveland's QB, but even after last week's fine debut, is wasn't enough to keep the Browns from coughing up their second late two-touchdown lead in as many weeks. The Bills were not long ago on top of the AFC East, and looked like they had turned the corner towards making the playoffs. But after three consecutive division losses, they're in the basement and fighting for their playoff lives. Which team will get their act together and grab a much needed victory Monday night? I've got the key to winning this tonight...(Click Here) or call toll-free at 1-800-323-4453 after 1pm ET
