Saturday 10/3/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[eride]

Dr. Bob?

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 12:45

C Palace

v

West Brom

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		10/11	13/5	7/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT C PALACE	RECENT FORM
HD*AWHLALHWAW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 3 - 1 1 - 1 1 - 1	HD*AWHDAWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Brom have scored just two away goals this season

EXPERT VERDICT: West Brom have ground out two gritty away victories at Aston Villa and Stoke this season but they may struggle to do the same against Crystal Palace. The Eagles have suffered two home defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City but the Baggies don’t possess anywhere near as strong an attack.

RECOMMENDATION: Crystal Palace
2


REFEREE: Jonathan Moss STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 17:30

Chelsea

v

Southampton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		4/5	27/10	4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
ALHWHWAWADAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 1 2 - 2 2 - 1	ALHWADHLAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Chelsea have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 domestic matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Chelsea got out of jail in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle but they may slide to defeat against improving Southampton at Stamford Bridge. Saints thumped MK Dons 6-0 in the Capital One Cup third round and looked a confident side when beating Swansea 3-1 at home with Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle in excellent form

RECOMMENDATION: Southampton
1


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Man City

v

Newcastle

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		1/4	6	12	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN CITY	RECENT FORM
AWHLHLAWALAW​ Most recent​	5 - 0 0 - 2 4 - 0 4 - 0	HWHLALHLHLHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man City have not lost in their last 17 league matches against Newcastle

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester City will be desperate to bounce back after a home defeat to West Ham was followed by last Saturday’s 4-1 mauling by Spurs. And they could hardly have wished for easier visitors than Newcastle, who are still winless this season and have not scored an away goal.

RECOMMENDATION: Man City to win 3-0
1


REFEREE: Kevin Friend STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Bournemouth

v

Watford

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		11/10	5/2	11/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BOURNEMOUTH	RECENT FORM
AWHDALHWAD*AL​ Most recent​	2 - 0 1 - 1 0 - 1 1 - 2	HDALALHWAWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bournemouth have won only one of their last four games

EXPERT VERDICT: Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last three encounters with Watford but may struggle to continue that run without injured top scorer Callum Wilson. He had netted five goals in seven Premier League matches and, without him, Cherries look ripe for the picking.

RECOMMENDATION: Watford
2


REFEREE: Michael Oliver STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Sunderland

v

West Ham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		11/5	12/5	7/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SUNDERLAND	RECENT FORM
HWADHLALHLAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 1 - 2 3 - 0 1 - 0	HLAWHWAWAD*HD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Ham have won all their away games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: It’s been a miserable start to the season for the Black Cats and that run may continue when they host a confident West Ham. The Hammers have impressed in beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City on the road and they can record another victory against rock-bottom Sunderland.

RECOMMENDATION: West Ham
3


REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Norwich

v

Leicester

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		5/4	13/5	23/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NORWICH	RECENT FORM
AWALHWADHWAD​ Most recent​	1 - 2 4 - 3 0 - 0 3 - 1	AWADHWADHD*HL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Both teams have scored in every Leicester game this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Leicester’s in-form forward line should create plenty of chances against a suspect Norwich defence. However, the Canaries also carry a potent attacking threat, having scored five in their last two league matches and this could be a battle that sees plenty of goalmouth action at Carrow Road.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3


REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg STADIUM:

 

[Bettingbruiser]

What's difference between daily member picks and the long MADDUX list posted earlier?

 

[EStraightKillah]

What's difference between daily member picks and the long MADDUX list posted earlier?

nothing.. same shit.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Soccer: EPL Best Bets - Week 8
By Chris David

Week 7 Recap

Bettors looking expecting shootouts last weekend were very happy as Saturday’s eight-game card saw 35 goals put on the board. The ‘over’ went 7-0-1 in those games, the largest outcome coming in Arsenal’s 5-2 win at Leicester City.

The Gunners cashed as road favorites (-130), one of five ‘chalk’ plays to connect for the betting public. The lone underdog on Saturday to earn a result was Tottenham (3/1), who beat Manchester City 4-1 at White Hart Lane.

Crystal Palace (+185) defeated Watford 1-0 on Sunday and Everton closed out Week 7 on Monday with a comeback win against West Bromwich Albion, 3-2.

Adding a pair of 2-2 draws, favorites went 6-2 this past weekend while visitors and homes teams posted a 4-4 stalemate. The ‘over’ was 8-1-1.

Through seven weeks of EPL action, favorites are 31-19 with 20 draws and the ‘over’ is 35-33-2.

Champions-Europa Action

After watching Arsenal and Chelsea lose on Tuesday in Champions League group play, the Manchester clubs posted identical 2-1 score lines on Wednesday, saving the Premier League a little face. The Gunners are in the worst position right now, staring at a 0-2 record with two group games remaining against frontrunner Bayern Munich.

Liverpool and Tottenham both looked sluggish in Europa action on Thursday but still managed to earned draws. The Spurs sit on top of their group while the Reds (0-2-0) have put themselves in a tight position after two games.

Top 4

All eyes will be on The Emirates Stadium this Sunday as Manchester United and Arsenal square off in a late afternoon battle.

Manchester City vs. Newcastle United (Saturday, NBCSN, 10:00 a.m.)

Manchester City (-450) is listed as the largest favorite in Week 8 against New Castle (+1200) and deservingly so. City has gone unbeaten in last 17 matches (15-2-0) against New Castle, which includes a run of five straight clean sheets. The last three games between the pair at Etihad Stadium have watched Manchester outscore United 13-0 at home.

The current form of City hasn’t been spectacular lately but they did win in the Champions League on Tuesday after dropping three consecutive decisions. New Castle had a great shot to knock off Chelsea last week but they ended in a 2-2 draw at home.

New Castle’s offense has been held scoreless in three league games on the road, resulting in a 0-1-2 record. City has gone 2-1 at home this season and only averaging two goals per game during this span.

Oddsmakers opened the total at 3 ½ (Under -130) for this match, assuming the public is expecting the big bounce back from the home squad.

City will be short-handed again, not having Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri in the lineup.

Chelsea vs. Southampton (Saturday, NBC, 12:30 p.m.)

Even though Southampton (+375) enters this game as a sizable underdog, some bettors might take a shot in this spot considering Chelsea (-130) has been anything but consistent this season in all competitions.

The Blues lost at FC Porto (2-1) on Tuesday and that loss was preceded with a 2-2 draw at New Castle last Saturday. Striker Diego Costa remains out and manager Jose Mourinho continues to tinker with his lineup while playing mind games with key players.

Southampton is near the top of the league in attempts on target and those shots are starting to connect on the net. The club has scored half of its 10 goals in the last two games, which includes a 3-1 win over Swansea City last week.

Chelsea hasn’t last at home to Southampton since 2002 but it did play to a pair of 1-1 draws last season. Southampton has earned ties in all three of its road games this season and the oddsmakers are leaning draw (+260) on Saturday rather than the visitor.

Both Southampton (5-2) and Chelsea (6-1) have been great ‘over’ bets this season, yet it seems like bookmakers are baiting players with a 2 ½ total for this week’s game.

Manchester United at Arsenal (NBCSN, 11:00 a.m.)

If you’re handicapping current form, most would agree that Manchester United (+270) presents a lot of value this Sunday as they meet Arsenal (+100) at home. The Reds have won four straight in all competitions and the offense has been very consistent during this span, netting 11 goals. Meanwhile, Arsenal is 2-2 in its last four games and the defense has surrendered nine goals.

A win for United would keep them in first place of the Premier League and put them six points ahead of Arsenal. The pressure on manager Arsene Wenger is growing, especially after Arsenal fell to 0-2 in Champions League group play earlier this week, losing 3-2 at home to Greek side Olympiakos.

Since losing its home opener to West Ham United (2-0) on Aug. 9, Arsenal has gone 1-1-0 in its next two games at home and the defense has posted a pair of shutouts. This will be the first of three straight road games for United, who have gone 2-0-1 as visitors in EPL play this season.

United defeated Arsenal 2-1 at this venue last season and has earned eight points (2-2-0) in its last four EPL matches at the Emirates.

The draw is returning just over 5/2 odds and the total is listed at 2 ½ shaded to the ‘under’ (-125). Man United is tied with Tottenham for the lowest amount of goals (5) conceded thus far.

Arsenal has been plagued by injury this season and will be without Laurent Koscielny for Sunday’s game due to a tweaked hamstring.

Fearless Predictions

Stoke City earned us a generous return and we almost drilled Norwich but cashed the hedge on the draw result. The parlay never had a chance and despite seeing eight ‘over’ winners last week, we managed to only push on the Man U total. We put a little dent ($125) in the bankroll but still red ($1,090) on the season. For this weekend, my main focus will be on Sunday’s games.

Straight – Under 2 ½ Tottenham-Swansea City (-115) – 2 Units

Straight – Under 2 ½ Manchester United-Arsenal (+100) – 2 Units

Straight – West Ham-Sunderland Draw (+240) – 1 Unit

Straight – Over 2 ½ Stoke City-Aston Villas (+120) – 2 Units

Parlay
Chelsea (-130), Leicester City (+220), Under West Ham-Sunderland 2 ½ (-105) – 1 Unit

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

TECH TRENDS

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

NORTH CAROLINA at GEORGIA TECH
After nine straight covers, GT now two Ls in a row. Prior to LY's loss at Chapel Hill, Paul Johnson was 4-0-1 previous five vs. UNC. Fedora 3-8 as dog away from Chapel Hill since taking over Heels in 2012.
GT, based on team and series trends.

ARMY at PENN STAT
James Franklin 4-2 laying DD since LY. Army has covered two straight as visitor after dropping 15 straight vs. line in role.
Penn State, based on team trends.

BOWLING GREEN at BUFFALO
Falcs just 2-6 as chalk since LY.
Slight to Buffalo, based on team trends.

TOLEDO at BALL STATE
Lembo has covered last three years in series. Cards, however, only 1-6 vs. line at Muncie since LY. Rockets just 2-5 as visiting chalk for Matt Campbell since 2012.
Slight to Ball State, based on series trends.

WYOMING at APP STATE
Wyo 1-6 last seven vs. line, though Bohl 4-3 as road dog since LY. App 5-1 last five vs. spread.
App State, based on team trends.

OHIO at AKRON
Solich 4-0 vs. line TY, Bobcats also 3-0-1 as visiting chalk since 2013. Solich has won and covered last two and six of last seven vs. Zips and has not lost SU in series since 2007. Even after win at ULL, Bowden on 2-9-1 spread skid since early LY.
Ohio, based on team and series trends.

MIAMI, OH at KENT STATE
One of Miami's two SU wins LY vs. Kent. Flashes 1-1 in rare chalk role since LY but 5-2-1 vs. spread as Dix Stadium since 2014. RedHawks 7-4-1 as dog for Chuck Martin since LY.
Slight to Miami-O, based on team trends.

KANSAS at IOWA STATE
Revenge for ISU after 34-14 loss LY at KU. Rhodes 4-4 as Ames chalk since 2012. ISU 1-6-1 vs. spread last 8 on board. Jayhawks just 6-16-1 vs. spread away since 2011.
Slight to ISU, based on team trends.

PURDUE at MICHIGAN STATE
Hazell has covered last two years vs. Dantonio. Spartans 0-4 vs. line TY, and 8-15 as East Lansing chalk since 2012 (0-6 in 2012). Dantonio 8-1 laying DD LY (L was vs. Boilermakers) though 0-3 in role TY. Purdue 4-1 vs. line last five on Big Ten road.
Purdue, based on team and recent series trends.

FIU at UMASS (at McGuirk Stadium)
FIU 2-0 in rare chalk role for Ron Turner since 2013. Golden Panthers also 6-2 vs. spread last eight on road. But Minutemen 5-1 vs. line last six as host.
Slight to FIU, based on team trends.

MINNESOTA at NORTHWESTERN
Gophers 5-1 vs. line last six in series. Jerry Kill 6-2 last 8 as road dog. Fitzgerald 4-0 SU TY (3-1 vs. line) but just 2-9 last eleven as Evanston chalk.
Minnesota, based on team trends.

LOUISVILLE at NC STATE
Pack on 7-0 SU and spread surge since late 2014, now 9-1 last nine on board. Also 5-2 last seven vs. line at Raleigh and 6-1 last seven as chalk. Petrino, however, has covered last six as visitor.
NCS, based on team trends.

WEST VIRGINIA at OKLAHOMA
WVU 4-1 last five as dog, 5-2 last seven as DD dog. Stoops 8-8 last sixteen as DD chalk.
Slight to WVU, based on team trends.

IOWA at WISCONSIN
Ferentz 4-2 vs. line last six in series, though teams missed each other in 2011-12. Hawkeyes 6-2 vs. spread last eight as Big Ten road dog.
Iowa, based on team and series trends.

PITT at VIRGINIA TECH
Home team has won and covered last three in series. Pitt three straight covers as visitor since late LY. Beamer just 20-36-1 last 57 on board, 7-15 last 22 as Blacksburg chalk.
Slight to Pitt, based on team trends.

MISSISSIPPI STATE at TEXAS A&M
Dan Mullen has covered last two years in series. Bulldogs have covered last five as road dog and last eight as dog overall. Ags only 4-8 last 12 as Kyle Field chalk.
MSU, based on team trends.

UCF at TULANE
UCF no covers last five since late 2014, 2-12 last 14 as chalk. Wave no covers last five as home dog.
Slight to Tulane, based on UCF chalk woes.

WKU at RICE
Bailiff on 29-15-1 spread run. Owls also 12-3 last 15 vs. line at home. Tops 2-6-1 vs. spread last nine away from home.
Rice, based on team trends.

KANSAS STATE at OKLAHOMA STATE
Bill Snyder has won SU last three and covered last four vs. Gundy. OSU just 2-6 last eight vs. points at Stillwater. Snyder 17-7 last 24 as dog.
Bill Snyder, based on team and series trends.

HOUSTON at TULSA
Cougs 10-0-1 vs. line last eleven as visitor, covers last four as road chalk. Tulsa improved for Montgomery with two covers in a row but still just 10-17 vs. line since 2013.
Houston, based on team trends.

ARIZONA STATE at UCLA
Mora just 2-6-1 last nine as Rose Bowl chalk, though Bruins were 24-12 previous 36 in role at Pasadena. ASU just 2-6 last eight as dog away from Tempe.
UCLA, based on team trends.

ARIZONA at STANFORD
Rich-Rod just 2-4 as road dog since 2013 and 6-7 vs. spread on Pac-12 trail since 2012. Tree 5-2 last seven as Farm chalk and 5-1 vs. line last six on board since late 2014.
Stanford, based on team trends.

TEXAS at TCU
Charlie Strong 1-4 vs. line last five since late 2014. Horns 0-3 as dog away from Austin under Charlie. Road team is 3-0 SU and vs. line since series resumed in 2012, with two of those wins belonging to TCU. Frogs 8-1 vs. line last nine at Fort Worth.
TCU, based on team trends.

AIR FORCE at NAVY
AFA 3-2 SU last five in series and currently owns Commander-in-Chief Trophy. Mids 4-1-1 vs. line last six as series host. Mids also on 7-2 spread run last nine since LY and have not lost two in a row SU to Falcs since 2001-02. AFA was 3-7 last ten as visiting dog entering 2015 but got recent cover at Mich State and has covered 8 of last 9 since late 2014.
Slight to Navy, based on recent trends.

ALABAMA at GEORGIA
Bama has not been dog since 2009 SEC title game vs. Florida. Bama just 4-9 last 12 vs. spread away from Tuscaloosa and just 5-4 SU last nine away from Bryant-Denny
Georgia, based on team trends.

OLE MISS at FLORIDA
Hugh Freeze on 37-17-1 spread run since 2011 at Ark State & Ole Miss, but only 2-4 last six as visiting chalk. McElwain on 24-9 spread run last 33 at CSU & Florida. If Gators dog note 9-3-1 mark last 13 in role.
Slight to Florida, if dog, based on recent team trends.

BOSTON COLLEGE at DUKE
Duke 13-4 last 17 as Durham chalk even after NU loss. Cutcliffe 22-8-1 vs. line since 2013.
Duke, based on team trends.

NEBRASKA at ILLINOIS
Huskers won and covered big the last two years vs. Illini. Nebraska 8-1 vs. spread last nine away from Lincoln, though Mike Riley just 5-10 last 15 as chalk with OSU & Nebraska. Illini 6-3 as home dog since 2013.
Slight to Nebraska, based on recent series trends.

OHIO STATE at INDIANA
Bucks 7-2 vs. line last nine away from Columbus. Though Indiana has covered last four years in series! Urban only 11-13 last 24 as chalk. Hoosiers 4-1 vs. spread last five at Bloomington, 3-1 last four as DD dog.
Slight to Indiana, based on series trends.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS at CENTRAL MICHIGAN
NIU 19-4 vs. line last 22 as visitor! Though only 2-2 SU and vs. line last four vs. Chips after loss LY. Chips only 2-8 as Mt. Pleasant dog since 2011.
NIU, based on team trends.

TEXAS TECH vs. BAYLOR (at Jerry Jones AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
Art Briles 5-2 vs. line against Tech since 2008, though no cover LY. Bears 2-5 vs. spread last 7 since late LY. Kingsbury 8-3 last 11 as dog.
Slight to TT, based on recent trends.

HAWAII at BOISE STATE
Boise only 4-6 last ten laying DD, and 10-11 vs. points last 21 on blue carpet.
Slight to Hawaii, based on team trends.

OREGON at COLORADO
Ducks have won and covered last four by massive margins vs. Buffs. UO 16-3 vs. spread last 19 as visitor since late 2010. MacIntyre, however, is 9-1 vs. spread last nine at Boulder!
Slight to UO, based on series trends.

WASHINGTON STATE at CAL
Cal has won and covered three of last four in series and is 2-0 vs. line at Berkeley TY. Though Bears just 5-8 last 12 as chalk since 2012 (3-5 for Dykes). Leach 8-2 last ten as road dog.
Slight to WSU, based on team trends.

SAN JOSE STATE at AUBURN
Malzahn no covers last nine on board, now 2-13 last 15 vs. spread! Malzahn 2-5 laying DD since LY and no covers last five vs. non-SEC. Spartans no covers last 8 as road dog!
Slight to SJSU, based on team trends.

IDAHO at ARKANSAS STATE
Vandals 6-0 as road dog LY but 0-1 in role TY. Ark State 6-1 as home chalk since 2014 and 16-9 last 25 vs. spread at Jonesboro.
Slight to Ark State, based on team trends.

ULL at LA TECH
Skip on 13-5 spread run since '14 and destroyed ULL 48-20 at Cajun Field LY. ULL 4-5 last nine as road dog.
La Tech, based on team trends.

VANDERBILT at MTSU
Dores 9-7 vs. line for Mason and 4-1 vs. line last five on road. Dores 13-2-1 vs. spread last sixteen vs. non-SEC (4-1-1 for Mason). MTSU however has covered first four in 2015. Slight to Vandy, based on team trends.

SOUTH CAROLINA at MISSOURI
Spurrier 6-4 vs. spread last ten away from Williams-Brice. He's 8-4 last 12 as dog even after Georgia loss. Pinkel no covers first four TY and Tigers just 2-5 last seven as home chalk.
SC, based on team trends.

EASTERN MICHIGAN at LSU
EMU 1-4-1 vs. line getting 20 or more since LY. LSU Miles 3-0 last three laying 30 or more.
Slight to LSU, based on recent trends.

OLD DOMINION at MARSHALL
ODU 0-4 vs. line TY and 2-10 last 12 on board. Herd 10-4-1 as home chalk since 2013.
Marshall, based on recent OSU woes.

ARKANSAS at TENNESSEE
Butch Jones just 3-7 as Knoxville chalk since 2013, 3-9 vs. spread at home same span.
Slight to Arkansas, based on team trends.

EAST CAROLINA at SMU
ECU just 1-7 as road chalk since 2013 and 7-14 vs. spread away from Greenville since 2012.
SMU, based on team trends.

NORTH TEXAS at SOUTHERN MISS
UNT no covers last eight as road dog! USM 4-0 vs. line TY.
USM, based on recent trends.

SOUTH ALABAMA at TROY
USA 3-0 vs. line as visiting chalk LY!
Slight to USA, based on team trends.[/B]

GEORGIA SOUTHERN at UL-MONROE
ULM just 5-11-1 vs. line last 17 at Malone Stadium since late 2011.
GSU, based on team trends.

FLORIDA STATE at WAKE FOREST
Wake has been destroyed last three years vs. Noles, total score 154-6! Jimbo 5-13 last 18 on board but is 2-1 vs. line TY.
Slight to FSU, based on recent series trends.

MICHIGAN at MARYLAND
Edsall only 3-7 as home dog since arriving in 2011 and 6-8 overall as dog since 2013.
Michigan, based on team trends.

COLORADO STATE at UTAH STATE
CSU 9-4 vs. spread last 13 as visitor, 23-10 vs. line last 33. Utags 2-5 last seven as Logan chalk.
CSU, based on team trends.

UTSA at UTEP
Visitor has romped in series last two years, but Coker on 4-10 spread skid. Miners were 5-1-1 vs. spread at Sun Bowl LY and Kugler 6-1-2 as chalk since 2013.
UTEP, based on recent team trends.

NOTRE DAME at CLEMSON
Irish 3-6 vs. spread last nine as true visitor (lots of neutral games in there the past few years). But Brian Kelly 6-2 last eight as dog. Dabo 4-7 last 11 on board since mid 2014.
ND, based on team trends.

NEW MEXICO STATE at NEW MEXICO
Bob Davie 3-0 SU, 2-0-1 vs. line vs. NMSU. Lobos on 8-3 spread run since mid 2014. Davie 6-3 as home chalk since 2012, Ags no covers last six as road dog.
New Mexico, based on team and series trends.

UNLV at NEVADA
Pack is 9-1 SU last ten Fremont Cannon battles, though Rebs have covered 3 of last 5 in series. Pack 3-9 vs. line last 12 as Reno chalk. UNLV now 10-4 vs. line last 14 as visitor.
Slight to UNLV, based on recent trends.

FRESNO STATE at SAN DIEGO STATE
Fresno 3-0-1 vs. line last four vs. Aztecs. SDSU no covers last five since late 2014.
Slight to Fresno, based on team and series trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Alabama in unfamiliar role as underdog

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama finds itself cast in the unfamiliar role of underdog with something to prove.

The 13th-ranked Crimson Tide, for so long accustomed to favored status every fall Saturday, heads to No. 8 Georgia Saturday trying to pull off what odds makers say would be a minor upset.

''I think we take pride in our reputation that we've built around here the last few years and just the standard that we hold ourselves to every time we go out there and play,'' cornerback Cyrus Jones said on Monday. ''The fact that we're underdogs, I think it just gives us that more motivation to go out there and just kind of reclaim our reputation and how we want to be viewed by the rest of the league and the rest of the country.''

The Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) were installed as modest 2.5-point favorites to open the week. The higher ranked home team being picked to win is only notable because Alabama (3-1, 0-1) hasn't been an underdog since the 2009 SEC championship game against Florida. It's been 72 games and three national titles before it's now happened again.

The Tide does have much to prove after a 43-37 loss to No. 3 Mississippi two weeks ago that prompted a players-only meeting.

Alabama had five turnovers in that game and mustered 303 total yards in a 34-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe after that come-together session.

The focus, linebacker Reggie Ragland said, was on ''players just being together and quit worrying about the outside.''

''We can't worry about what other people say because people are going to talk regardless,'' Ragland said. ''We don't care about when people talk about us because we have to play football regardless. It's still a long season and we'll see at the end of the season.''

Questions remain about a young receiving corps hindered by Robert Foster's shoulder injury, and the secondary that was victimized on a couple of big plays against Ole Miss. Quarterback Jake Coker, meanwhile, has thrown four interceptions in the last three games.

Now, they'll face Nick Chubb and a Georgia team that has outscored it first four opponents by an average of 32 points a game.

Center Ryan Kelly said Tide players pay no attention to whether they're favored or underdogs. The meeting was designed to bring the team together amid the criticism for a program that is.18-6 against Top 10 opponents since 2008.

''When you're on top of the world, everybody's praising your name, but then you lose one game and it kind of goes down the hill,'' Kelly said. ''At the end of the day, it's all the guys in that room. We're the guys that have to go out there every day and practice, bleed together, sweat together. Nobody else is doing that besides us.

''At the end of the day, it doesn't matter about anybody else's opinion about what we do. It's about that room, who's on the field. We come together when things go bad and move on from there.''

For coach Nick Saban, it's how you respond to a loss that matters. So far, he likes what he sees.

''I have a lot of faith in this team,'' he said.

Offensively, Alabama could get a boost with the return of freshman tailback Bo Scarbrough from a four-game NCAA suspension for an unspecified issue. The former five-star prospect has also been medically cleared from a knee injury sustained during the offseason.

''We'll work hard to try to create a role for him,'' Saban said. ''It may take some time to get him back in the groove of things but that's certainly the plan.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NC State carries 4-0 start into ACC play


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina State had no troubles romping through an opening stretch of overmatched opponents. Things are about to get tougher for the Wolfpack with the start of Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Heading into Saturday's home game against Louisville, North Carolina State is 4-0 for the second straight season. Along the way, Wolfpack players have put up big numbers and the team ranks among the national leaders both in offensive and defensive statistics.

But it's a stretch that hasn't revealed a lot about whether this team can make good on its goal of contending in the league's Atlantic Division, either.

''I think it's natural when you're in a conference game for the hair to stand up on your neck maybe a little bit more,'' Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said Monday. ''We don't approach it that way as coaches and we try to train our players to not care who's on the other side, to really care about yourself and your performance.''

North Carolina State has won seven straight dating to last season and is one of 17 teams at 4-0 in the Bowl Subdivision ranks, according to STATS. It's also the only ACC team at 4-0 in the ACC, though Clemson, Florida State and Miami are also unbeaten.

The Wolfpack rank ninth nationally in scoring offense (46.3 points) and 16th in rushing offense (259 yards), while the defense ranks No. 8 in scoring (12 points) and No. 3 in total defense (205.8 yards).

Individually, Matt Dayes ranks 17th nationally in total rushing yards with four straight 100-yard games and is tied for the national lead with nine rushing scores to lead a ground game that got stronger when Shadrach Thornton returned from a two-game suspension.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett leads the nation by completing nearly 78 percent of his passes.

But that production came against two teams picked to finish sixth or lower in the Sun Belt Conference (Troy and South Alabama), another team picked to finish next to last in its Conference USA division (Old Dominion) and Eastern Kentucky of the Championship Subdivision. North Carolina State won those games by an average of more than 34 points.

''You never know how all that plays out: whether you play the early hard schedule and feel like you're more prepared or you play the schedule like they had and you get more guys experience and grow in confidence as you go,'' Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said. ''I guess we're about to find out.''

North Carolina State at least has some experience in this position. The Wolfpack started 4-0 last year against another soft nonconference schedule, then lost a shootout to Jameis Winston and No. 1 Florida State to start a four-game skid that nearly derailed the season.

But the Wolfpack regrouped late and won a bowl game to cap a five-win improvement from Doeren's first season, and N.C. State's seven-game winning streak is the longest active run among ACC teams.

''Every game is a test,'' Brissett said. ''We've passed every test so far.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Clemson hopes to change its history vs. ND


CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) An undefeated start, a sold-out stadium and much of the college football world locked on Clemson: That combination has not worked out in recent years for the 12th-ranked Tigers.

Too often the past few seasons, Clemson (3-0) has seen its chances for bigger things halted in marquee games. It happened in 2011 when the 8-0 Tigers were routed by Georgia Tech, 31-17. Then again, two years later when 6-0 Clemson was run out of Death Valley by Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and Florida State, 51-14.

Clemson's latest opportunity to mark itself a playoff contender comes Saturday night against No. 6 Notre Dame (4-0).

''I've been around since probably my (high school) freshman year,'' Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson said. ''From what I've been seeing, we've never kind of had that respect or gotten over that hump. I really don't care about the polls. We're going to do what we've got to do.''

It figures to be another mega-watt week on Clemson's campus.

ESPN College GameDay will broadcast from the school for the first time since the Florida State defeat in 2013. Tickets are nearly impossible to get yet requests continue to pour in. Co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said he has received so many inquiries he's ceded those duties to his wife - who's eight-and-half months pregnant and due to have the couple's second child in early October.

''She got a little bit of pub, so I guess I can throw a little responsibility on her plate,'' Elliott said, laughing.

Elliott said the coaches will not talk much about the Florida State defeat, in part because 17 of the Tigers' 22 starters for Saturday's game were on the sidelines for that loss.

''We're just focusing on the opportunity that we have and making sure that we have our guys prepared to execute at a high level,'' Elliott said. ''And letting them understand that regardless of the atmosphere, it's about Clemson and how we play.''

Clemson was the preseason picked to win the Atlantic Coast Conference title with Watson the favorite for player of the year. While Tigers are 3-0 for the fourth time in five years, the showing so far has left many questions with unsatisfying or incomplete answers.

Clemson's defense is ranked ninth nationally in allowing 260 yards a game - same as a year ago when it led the country - but has not yet been truly tested in wins over FCS opponent Wofford, Appalachian State and Louisville.

The Tigers' 1,000-yard receiver Mike Williams broke a bone in his neck in the season's first quarter and hasn't played since, robbing Watson of his primary deep threat. The result is many of Watson's completions have been short tosses as opponents take away the long ball.

And given the chance to shine on national TV in a Thursday night game at Louisville, Heisman Trophy contender Watson played a solid yet unspectacular game in the Tigers 20-17 victory when many fans were waiting for the sophomore to put up eye-popping numbers.

Elliott thinks the drama will bring out Watson's best. ''He came to Clemson to compete against the biggest programs on the biggest stage,'' he said. ''I'm pretty sure he'll be excited and ready.''

Notre Dame comes into Clemson off a 62-27 win over Massachusetts. The contest, though, was another game where new quarterback DeShone Kizer and running back, C.J. Prosise, could grow in the offense and prove the team would not slow down with injuries to starters in quarterback Malik Zaire and tailback Tarean Folston.

Their play, coach Brian Kelly said, helps the rest of the offense readjust instead of focusing on injured starters.

''As long as the entire team knows that each player is valued for who they are, there's initial disappointment, but you don't lose morale,'' Kelly said.

Clemson safety Jayron Kearse said Notre Dame's receivers, particularly Will Fuller, have been a bit mouthy this week, trash-Tweeting on social media. The Tigers, Kearse said, are ready to shut down the Irish.

''They obviously don't know what we do down here in Death Valley,'' Kearse said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Fournette made Heisman 'chalk'


LSU running back Leonard Fournette continues to turn heads on the gridiron this season.

The sophomore has looked unstoppable in his first three games, rushing for 159, 228 and 244 yards.

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag have made him the top betting choice at 1/1 odds (Bet $100 to win $100) to win this year’s Heisman Trophy.

After two weeks of action this season, Fournette was a 15/1 betting choice.

If the bruising runner puts up another monster game this weekend versus Eastern Michigan, his odds will likely be adjusted again before he gets into SEC play.

Odds to win 2015 Heisman Trophy - per Sportsbook.ag

Leonard Fournette (LSU) 1/1
Nick Chubb (Georgia) 9/1
Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio St) 10/1
Seth Russell (Baylor) 10/1
Trevone Boykin (TCU) 10/1
Cody Kessler (USC) 18/1
Derrick Henry (Alabama) 18/1
Cardale Jones (Ohio St) 20/1
Deshaun Watson (Clemson) 20/1
Josh Rosen (UCLA) 28/1
Kyle Allen (Texas A&M) 28/1
Connor Cook (Michigan St) 30/1
Paul Perkins (UCLA) 30/1
Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma) 35/1
Dalvin Cook (Florida St) 35/1
C.J. Prosise (Notre Dame) 40/1
Jared Goff (California) 40/1
Chad Kelly (Ole Miss) 50/1
Dak Prescott (Mississippi St) 50/1
Jordan Howard (Indiana) 50/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Florida State's Fisher: Offensive struggles not just Golson


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Most everyone around the Florida State program knew there would be growing pains with the offense. The learning curve, however, has been steeper than imagined.

Coach Jimbo Fisher hopes being off last week has helped

Fisher said he was encouraged what he saw from Everett Golson and the offense. Whether the offense will be more consistent is one of the major questions going into Saturday's game at Wake Forest.

The struggles on offense after losing seven starters, including overall No. 1 NFL draft pick quarterback Jameis Winston, is also a why there are questions nationally about Florida State (3-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference). Despite not playing last Saturday, the Seminoles dropped a spot in the Top 25.

Fisher said during the week off he saw signs of progress by Golson.

After throwing for 302 yards and four touchdowns in the opener against Texas State, Golson has thrown for 282 yards and two touchdowns the past two against South Florida and Boston College. Fisher though wasn't about to put most of the blame on the shoulders of the graduate transfer.

''We've got to make good throws. But we've also got to run a route better, got to catch better,'' Fisher said on Monday. ''There's a block or two we've missed when he's had an opportunity to make a big play or two.''

The offensive line has struggled with pass protection the past two games. The sacks allowed number would be higher if it wasn't for Golson's elusiveness. With the passing game inconsistent, Dalvin Cook leads the ACC in rushing with 476 yards and is averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

Golson's status as the starter does not appear to be in jeopardy but Fisher said he was encouraged by the progress of Sean Maguire as the backup. When Golson was named the starter on Aug. 31, Fisher did say that he thought Maguire would be called upon at some point during the season.

The one thing Golson has made improvements on is taking care of the football, which led to him being benched at Notre Dame late last season. The Seminoles don't have a turnover in their first three games.

Despite winning the past three meetings against Wake by a combined score of 154-6, Fisher believes the Demon Deacons (2-2) will be a challenge defensively due to the number of different blitzes they bring. They are 11th in the nation in pass defense, allowing only 145 yards per game.

The only significant injury for the Seminoles is to backup running back Mario Pender, who remains hospitalized due to a collapsed lung suffered during practice last week, and has been ruled out. Fisher said that Pender could be released on Monday or Tuesday.

Jacques Patrick and Johnathan Vickers will get carries with Pender out. Pender, a junior, has struggled with injuries. He missed the 2012 season due to a groin injury and missed five games last year due to a concussion and ankle injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

No. 21 Mississippi State regains momentum after big road win


STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State's season is back on the upswing after a crucial road win against Auburn.

Now the 21st-ranked Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) are back in the national rankings and have a little momentum heading into another tough road game against No. 14 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday.

''I'm sure everyone wants to win the SEC West undefeated, but that doesn't happen very often,'' Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said. ''But if you get two losses early in the season, that's really hard to come back from.''

Mississippi State doesn't have to worry about that after a hard-fought 17-9 win over the Tigers last Saturday. Dak Prescott threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns to help the Bulldogs build a 14-0 lead and then the defense held Auburn to just three field goals.

Now Mississippi State is trying to sort through a strange offensive start to the season.

Mullen has earned the reputation of a coach who likes to run the ball during his seven-year tenure, but the Bulldogs have the fewest running attempts in the league through four games. They had just 56 yards rushing against Auburn.

Yet Mullen scoffed at the idea that Mississippi State needed more balance.

''You know one thing that hasn't been brought up in our offensive meetings? Balance,'' Mullen said. ''The thing that's brought up is how do we get first downs, how do we move the ball and how do we get into the end zone? I'm good with whatever's working.''

It's safe to say Mississippi State will need to score more than 17 points to beat Texas A&M.

The Aggies are third in the league with 41.5 points per game and have averaged 40 points over their last three games against the Bulldogs.

Prescott appears well-suited to lead the Bulldogs if the game turns into a touchdown bonanza. The senior has thrown for 1,069 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

He's thrown 191 passes without an interception dating back to last year's loss to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. The streak is currently the longest in the nation and the sixth longest in SEC history.

Prescott's passing numbers are up from last season, but his running stats are trending down with 121 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The current pace would give him less than half of his 986 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns from last season.

Brandon Holloway, who stands just 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, is the team's leading rusher with 134 yards.

Prescott believes the Bulldogs can turn back into a running team if needed.

''We're built for whatever,'' Prescott said. ''We've just got to score more points than the other team. Doesn't matter if it's 50 points or 20.''

Mullen said the switch to more passing is simply a product of what opposing defenses are giving the Bulldogs. He said teams are still trying to stop Mississippi State's running game so the coaching staff is using its veteran quarterback to make plays.

In the end, he says run-pass mix doesn't matter. The results on the scoreboard do.

''What we want is to score one more point than they score,'' Mullen said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wolverines hit Top 25 behind stingy D

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Michigan is back in the Top 25 largely because of a defense that is steadily improving under coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Wolverines beat then-No. 22 BYU 31-0 on Saturday, holding the Cougars to 105 total yards. No. 22 Michigan now ranks second in the nation in average yards allowed at just 204 per game heading into Saturday's game at Maryland to open Big Ten play.

''We saw (BYU's) tendencies and what they like to do, and the way (defensive coordinator D.J.) Durkin orchestrated a game plan, it kind of took away what they like to do,'' said freshman safety Jabrill Peppers.

Michigan has been taking away its opponents strengths ever since its season-opening loss to Utah on Sept. 3.

Against Oregon State, the Wolverines limited Seth Collins, a capable runner at the quarterback position. Collins gained just 28 rush yards against Michigan. On Saturday, big-armed quarterback Tanner Mangum threw for just 55 yards for the Cougars.

Michigan's pass defense, which ranks fifth in the nation in allowing 121.8 pass yards per game, has stiffened greatly from past seasons.

In 2014, Michigan gave up 193.7 yards per game through the air, somewhat better than the 231.3 the previous season. Players say that change is at least partially due to a more aggressive approach from defensive backs coaches Mike Zordich and Greg Jackson.

''They always want us to stamp our impression on how we play,'' said senior safety Jarrod Wilson. ''They just want us to play aggressive, physical, and they don't mind aggressive penalties. So pass interference calls, we obviously don't want them, but if you were playing aggressive and playing hard, you can always accept those.''

The Wolverines' secondary has been crucial to the defense's success, wiping out big gains with their physical style.

Through four games, Michigan has broken up 13 passes and intercepted three more, all while giving up just two passing touchdowns this season.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines rush defense has held up as expected. Michigan's defensive line has been a strong suit in recent seasons, and that has continued with Greg Mattison taking over as defensive line coach. Led by junior Chris Wormley and senior Mario Ojemudia, the Wolverines have 32 tackles for loss, which puts them on track to surpass last season's total of 82.

Most important, Michigan has given up just 38 points this season, 24 of which came at Utah in the first game of the season.

Some of the defense's workload has been alleviated thanks to longer, sustained drives by the Michigan offense. Even when the Wolverines' drives don't result in points, they usually have been able to pin opponents deep in their own territory.

''A lot of rest on the sidelines as compared to years in the past,'' Wilson said. ''It just feels good when you go out there and the opposing offense has a long field to drive. It's pretty tough.''

And with a signature win over a ranked opponent now in its pocket, Michigan and its defense are in a position to keep on rolling.

''We definitely played way better than anybody expected (against BYU), but right now, we're just trying to keep the momentum going,'' Peppers said. ''Keep getting better week to week.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Georgia Tech looking to fix offense after 2 straight losses


ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Tech has a bigger concern than just preparing for North Carolina.

''This week we've got to fix ourselves,'' coach Paul Johnson said Monday. ''... North Carolina will have a good team, but I'm more worried about fixing our problems.''

Poor special teams play hurt in last week's 34-20 loss at Duke. Poor production from the running game was a bigger surprise. The Yellow Jackets were held to their lowest rushing total in two years.

Injuries have complicated Georgia Tech's search for new running backs after losing Synjyn Days, Zach Laskey and Charles Perkins from last year's Orange Bowl team. The Yellow Jackets also lost top receivers DeAndre Smelter and Darren Waller.

The Yellow Jackets (2-2, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will take a two-game losing streak into Saturday's home game against North Carolina (3-1, 0-0), which has won three straight.

With no proven skill players around him, quarterback Justin Thomas has pressed to create big plays instead of playing within the spread-option offense.

''He tries to push and when you do that, you have to play within the system,'' Johnson said. ''There's nothing wrong with the system. We've done it for 35 years. It works.''

Duke's tough run defense held the Yellow Jackets to 173 yards rushing, about 200 yards below their average. It was their low mark since running for 151 yards in a loss to Mississippi in the 2013 Music City Bowl.

Georgia Tech was expected to lean on Thomas and four returning starters on the offensive line while new starters emerged at running back and wide receiver. Johnson said the experienced linemen have played no better than the freshmen running backs.

''I'm really hard on those guys because they are the guys who have played and it's ridiculous for them to be screwing it up,'' Johnson said.

''They shouldn't be the problem. They should be the solution.''

The visit from the Tar Heels could come at the perfect time for Georgia Tech's offense. The teams have played a series of high-scoring games the last five years, combining to average almost 75 points in that stretch.

The Tar Heels have alternated quarterbacks this season. On Monday, Marquise Williams again was listed as the starter. Mitch Trubisky, who passed for 312 yards and four touchdowns in a relief role in last week's 41-14 win over Delaware, remains Williams's backup.

''I don't want to start some type of controversy because there's not'' one, coach Larry Fedora said.

Williams, a senior, did not play in the second half last week.

Fedora said he switched quarterbacks because he ''was looking for a spark offensively'' and that as Trubisky ''got rolling, he got hot.''

Even though Thomas has pressed to move Georgia Tech's offense, Johnson emphasized there is no quarterback controversy in Atlanta.

''I don't want to even suggest remotely that's the problem, that he's pressing,'' Johnson said. ''He can play better. We can coach better. But he's not the issue. He's the guy who gives you a chance. He keeps things alive.''

Johnson said freshman running back Mikell Lands-Davis will make his debut. ''I said that last week,'' Johnson said. ''I thought he'd play, but he's definitely going to play this week.''

NOTES:

Johnson said RB Qua Searcy (ankle) will miss ''eight weeks or so, so he's done'' and WR Michael Summers (shoulder) will be out ''a while.'' DE Rod Rook-Chungong (shoulder) is expected to play this week. ... LB Beau Hankins, who had three tackles in two games, has given up football following a second concussion. Johnson said the fourth-year player is on track to graduate in May.