Thanks for the good wishes, guys. Hope you enjoy a profitable season this year.
Don't really know what to say about the above game that hasn't already been said. Since there has been so much time leading up to this game, it's been analyzed to death.
When I first saw the matchup I immediately felt to go with VT. When I saw the line I definitely wanted to go with VT. USC is coming off a championship season and is looking to be one of the most powerful teams this year. The Hokies, meanwhile, are publicly perceived to be on the decline.
We all know that the line is all about public perception. It has nothing to do with the relative strengths of the teams, although many games do come remarkable near the line. To beat the line, however, we must be aware of when public perception is off.
This is one of those games where public perception is way off. Virginia Tech is a program, not a one-year wonder, with one of the best coaching staffs in America. They reload every year like most of the consistently winning programs. They are virtually at home, well rested, while USC is going to come in with jet-lag, after a pre-season filled with distractions and injuries. They are not exactly coming in as a well-oiled machine. The Hokies have real talent, they are well coached, and they come to play.
I was on Auburn
last season when I was certain the Tigers would welcome these left coast guys to the SEC. The public is well aware of what happened, how Auburn was dominated and embarrassed. The public were burned last year, and they want to make certain they aren't burned again this year. This time they'll be ready.
This game, however, is quite different from last year. Last year Auburn was the team coming in with all the hype. Knowing what you know now, would you have taken Auburn -3 in that game? Nope, you would think it was a ridiculous notion. USC turned out to be playing on a whole different level than Auburn. However, the hype had gone to Auburn, and public perception was way off.
This season USC is the team with all the hype. They are 17 (I got them at 18) point favorites because of public perception. I think realistically USC might win by 3 to 10 points, and there's a possibility of a major upset. Virginia Tech is the object of the anti-hype. They are mentioned, for example, as an afterthought regarding the new teams joining the ACC. All that hype goes to Miami -- who I predict will lose to Florida St on the 4th. Excellent game to watch; intense rivalry.
Anyway, how ready do you think VT is to play this game, to let out a little steam, to remind people of who they really are? USC, on the other hand, can't get up for this game. Everyone already knows who they are. They have nothing to prove.
Both offenses will be stifled by both defenses. This will be a low-scoring game, which I why I have a 7* on the under -- especially under the 54 that I originally got. (I originally posted these plays in my pre-season thread, at the time that I took them.)
I think this particular teaser is one of the best I have ever given you. If USC beats VT by more than 25 points, and if the total is over 61, I will be absolutely amazed. I still think the teaser has value, even with the current lines.
OK, that's it for this game. I'm already looking to the 4th.
Best of luck to each of you.
Don't really know what to say about the above game that hasn't already been said. Since there has been so much time leading up to this game, it's been analyzed to death.
When I first saw the matchup I immediately felt to go with VT. When I saw the line I definitely wanted to go with VT. USC is coming off a championship season and is looking to be one of the most powerful teams this year. The Hokies, meanwhile, are publicly perceived to be on the decline.
We all know that the line is all about public perception. It has nothing to do with the relative strengths of the teams, although many games do come remarkable near the line. To beat the line, however, we must be aware of when public perception is off.
This is one of those games where public perception is way off. Virginia Tech is a program, not a one-year wonder, with one of the best coaching staffs in America. They reload every year like most of the consistently winning programs. They are virtually at home, well rested, while USC is going to come in with jet-lag, after a pre-season filled with distractions and injuries. They are not exactly coming in as a well-oiled machine. The Hokies have real talent, they are well coached, and they come to play.
I was on Auburn
This game, however, is quite different from last year. Last year Auburn was the team coming in with all the hype. Knowing what you know now, would you have taken Auburn -3 in that game? Nope, you would think it was a ridiculous notion. USC turned out to be playing on a whole different level than Auburn. However, the hype had gone to Auburn, and public perception was way off.
This season USC is the team with all the hype. They are 17 (I got them at 18) point favorites because of public perception. I think realistically USC might win by 3 to 10 points, and there's a possibility of a major upset. Virginia Tech is the object of the anti-hype. They are mentioned, for example, as an afterthought regarding the new teams joining the ACC. All that hype goes to Miami -- who I predict will lose to Florida St on the 4th. Excellent game to watch; intense rivalry.
Anyway, how ready do you think VT is to play this game, to let out a little steam, to remind people of who they really are? USC, on the other hand, can't get up for this game. Everyone already knows who they are. They have nothing to prove.
Both offenses will be stifled by both defenses. This will be a low-scoring game, which I why I have a 7* on the under -- especially under the 54 that I originally got. (I originally posted these plays in my pre-season thread, at the time that I took them.)
I think this particular teaser is one of the best I have ever given you. If USC beats VT by more than 25 points, and if the total is over 61, I will be absolutely amazed. I still think the teaser has value, even with the current lines.
OK, that's it for this game. I'm already looking to the 4th.
Best of luck to each of you.
Reb,
Lots of good points. The t.v. is still hyping this USC offense as "incredible", despite the final ruling on Williams yesterday. They are deep at WR, but banged up. ESPN reported an injury and possible suspension to two of the top 3 WR's for tomorrow's game.
Haven't gone too deep into this one. It is almost a home game for VT playing in D.C. at FedEx field. The Hokies have shown they have a quality QB that has experience in the program and has played in big games.
VT has lost some key players from last year and it will be difficult for them to keep up with the Trojans. Many have predicted the special teams of the Hokies to be off this season... imagine that with Beamer?
USC has better players at the skilled positions, but you are right in the fact that this is the first game of the season and there will be some wrinkles to work out. Typically that can slow up the offense's and allow a good D to keep them in check.
I hope you are correct on the under as I will play that. I think VT will need to control the clock and hold onto the ball on O to keep this one close. No doubt USC is gonna score some poits, just hope it's not a "total shoot-out".
G/L to you this season. glad it has finally arrived.
BTF
Lots of good points. The t.v. is still hyping this USC offense as "incredible", despite the final ruling on Williams yesterday. They are deep at WR, but banged up. ESPN reported an injury and possible suspension to two of the top 3 WR's for tomorrow's game.
Haven't gone too deep into this one. It is almost a home game for VT playing in D.C. at FedEx field. The Hokies have shown they have a quality QB that has experience in the program and has played in big games.
VT has lost some key players from last year and it will be difficult for them to keep up with the Trojans. Many have predicted the special teams of the Hokies to be off this season... imagine that with Beamer?
USC has better players at the skilled positions, but you are right in the fact that this is the first game of the season and there will be some wrinkles to work out. Typically that can slow up the offense's and allow a good D to keep them in check.
I hope you are correct on the under as I will play that. I think VT will need to control the clock and hold onto the ball on O to keep this one close. No doubt USC is gonna score some poits, just hope it's not a "total shoot-out".
G/L to you this season. glad it has finally arrived.
BTF
'Everyone and their mom is on the points,'
That is an illusion. Wagerline reports that 56% to 59% of players are on USC, depending on which line is used.
Carib reports that 53% are on USC while 47% are on VT.
Yet the books are begging for USC money by making people think exactly what you're thinking. Why? Think some more.
That is an illusion. Wagerline reports that 56% to 59% of players are on USC, depending on which line is used.
Carib reports that 53% are on USC while 47% are on VT.
Yet the books are begging for USC money by making people think exactly what you're thinking. Why? Think some more.
Reb,
I have hate to do it, but I have to go against you tonight. I am on USC tonight. I'm not touching the total, but I think you have a winner there.
I just think USC is still (as you mentioned above) in a League of their OWN.
Unfortunately one of us has to be wrong.
Good luck to you, my friend.
I'm sure there will be plenty of games this season that we are both on. Escpecially your 10***.
THANK GOD IT"S FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!!!!!
I have hate to do it, but I have to go against you tonight. I am on USC tonight. I'm not touching the total, but I think you have a winner there.
I just think USC is still (as you mentioned above) in a League of their OWN.
Unfortunately one of us has to be wrong.
Good luck to you, my friend.
I'm sure there will be plenty of games this season that we are both on. Escpecially your 10***.
THANK GOD IT"S FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!!!!!
What a joke. I hate to be on the officials in week 1, however..
I feel bad for VT.
Up 10-7 and a "bomb" down to the USC 10 yard line, poised to score and perhaps break USC's back late in the third... alas, some donkey from the SEC (official), thought he saw something and calls pass interference to literally change the outcome of the game.
What a joke!
I think we learned last night that USC is good, but perhaps not as "great" as everyone is making them out to be. WR's are average at best (with the exception of Bush, who is excellent). Leinert looked Ok, and the D looked very avearage against a so-so VT offense.
Don't get me wrong, I know it's week one and it was practically a home game for VT, but...
Don't give USC the national title yet. If they didn't have the softest schedule in all of college football (in perhaps the worst conference in NCAA D1), I would say they had NO chance, especially if they played in the SEC, Big XII, ACC, or even the MAC.
Damn good first game though... as the total was never in doubt!!
BTF!
Up 10-7 and a "bomb" down to the USC 10 yard line, poised to score and perhaps break USC's back late in the third... alas, some donkey from the SEC (official), thought he saw something and calls pass interference to literally change the outcome of the game.
What a joke!
I think we learned last night that USC is good, but perhaps not as "great" as everyone is making them out to be. WR's are average at best (with the exception of Bush, who is excellent). Leinert looked Ok, and the D looked very avearage against a so-so VT offense.
Don't get me wrong, I know it's week one and it was practically a home game for VT, but...
Don't give USC the national title yet. If they didn't have the softest schedule in all of college football (in perhaps the worst conference in NCAA D1), I would say they had NO chance, especially if they played in the SEC, Big XII, ACC, or even the MAC.
Damn good first game though... as the total was never in doubt!!
BTF!
Great point BigTwelve. I really wasn't too impressed with USC last night. Their Defense especially, looked very porous. I thought they would be up for this game. I think the offseason distractions effected them more then some of us thought. They will rebound and be ready for their next game, but they are clearly not the National Champs, not playing like they did last night. There is way too much room of improvement.
Great way to start off the season Reb. Keep up the good work.
Now let's get ready for next week.
Great way to start off the season Reb. Keep up the good work.
Now let's get ready for next week.
Nice job NYReb. I only had a portion of a regular bet on this game just to have someone to root for. When I tried to place a teaser on VTech and the under at Skybook it wasn't allowed. I got a message saying that because they were both on the same game it wasn't allowed.... what a bunch of BS. I bet these types all last year at Skybook and now they aren't allowed!! Where did you place your wager at if you don't mind me asking?
