Jeff Saad of Las Vegas Sports Services
11/15: Saturday CFB Free Pick: Play Texas. The Longhorns hold a 23-5 advantage against Oklahoma State and have won seven of the eight games played in Stillwater. The Cowboys, who are on their first three-game slide since 2005, have committed at least two turnovers in each of their last six games. Texas has won two of its three Big 12 road contests this season and eight of its last 11 such games overall. The road team is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings and the Longhorns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Oklahoma State.
Play Texas!
11/15: Saturday CFB Free Pick: Play Texas. The Longhorns hold a 23-5 advantage against Oklahoma State and have won seven of the eight games played in Stillwater. The Cowboys, who are on their first three-game slide since 2005, have committed at least two turnovers in each of their last six games. Texas has won two of its three Big 12 road contests this season and eight of its last 11 such games overall. The road team is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings and the Longhorns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Oklahoma State.
Play Texas!
Mr. Vegas
Free Saturday CFB Play from Mr. Vegas: 11/15:
Play Oklahoma/Texas Tech over the total.
It's an uneasy time around the Oklahoma football program these days after the Sooners suffered their third loss in five games with an ugly 48-14 setback to Baylor last weekend. Texas Tech has had trouble stopping teams from scoring, giving up as many as 82 points to TCU three weeks ago and allowing 41.6 per contest. Still, with Davis Webb (2,539 passing yards, 24 touchdowns) under center - he's expected to return after missing a game with an ankle injury - the Red Raiders are a threat to explode offensively at any time. Oklahoma is on a 12-3-1 run over the total and the over is 5-0 in the Sooners last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Texas Tech has a good passing attack but no defense, and the over is 8-1 in the Red Raiders last 9 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Play Oklahoma/Texas Tech over the total.
Free Saturday CFB Play from Mr. Vegas: 11/15:
Play Oklahoma/Texas Tech over the total.
It's an uneasy time around the Oklahoma football program these days after the Sooners suffered their third loss in five games with an ugly 48-14 setback to Baylor last weekend. Texas Tech has had trouble stopping teams from scoring, giving up as many as 82 points to TCU three weeks ago and allowing 41.6 per contest. Still, with Davis Webb (2,539 passing yards, 24 touchdowns) under center - he's expected to return after missing a game with an ankle injury - the Red Raiders are a threat to explode offensively at any time. Oklahoma is on a 12-3-1 run over the total and the over is 5-0 in the Sooners last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Texas Tech has a good passing attack but no defense, and the over is 8-1 in the Red Raiders last 9 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Play Oklahoma/Texas Tech over the total.
Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Saturday 7:35 PM NBA
(505) ATLANTA HAWKS at (506) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (505) ATLANTA HAWKS +7.5
I’m definitely one of the reactionary analysts who have been pressing the panic button on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s honestly beyond my comprehension how there can be any angst over the supposedly slow jump from the gate for LeBron James and the Cavs. I have no clue what these people were expecting. It’s a team that hasn’t played together to any extent, and the first 20 games, and maybe even more than that, really mean next to nothing.
In any event, the Cavaliers are 4-3 and there are some positive signs already being displayed. This is going to be a very good basketball team. That doesn’t mean they’ll win the NBA title this season, but speculating on what’s wrong with the team after just a couple weeks together is beyond ridiculous.
So much for the editorial on the Cavaliers. I’m looking at taking a shot against Cleveland tonight, and this has everything to do with last night’s results. The Cavs had to work their butts off to escape Boston with a hard fought win on Friday evening. The Celtics had a huge third quarter and getting the road win turned out to be quite the challenge for LeBron and his teammates. These guys are professional athletes, so I’m not expecting them to take the court wheezing and gasping for breath tonight. But it does become a tough two games in two night spot thanks to how much energy had to be expended in the final quarter at Boston.
Atlanta also played on Friday evening, but things went much easier for the Hawks. They led wire to wire in a double digit win over Miami. Atlanta has looked good in the early going, better than I thought they might, to be honest. They’ve got a good mix and Mike Budenholzer has the Hawks playing sound fundamental basketball that features tough defense. That’s absolutely not shocking considering how long Budenholzer spent sitting next to Greg Popovich in San Antonio.
I think the Hawks are well positioned to give the Cavaliers a tough game tonight. The visitors are playing good basketball and I’ve little doubt they’re going to be pumped to get the upset tonight, as virtually every Cleveland opponent is circling the Cavs as a big game. While not suggesting by any means that the hosts will be exhausted, there’s a good chance Atlanta will be a little fresher tonight. Based on the results to date, it can be argued that Atlanta has played better ball than the Cavs through the early going. In other words, with the number where it is, I see the Hawks plus the points as a very playable option.
Bonus Play Saturday 7:35 PM NBA
(505) ATLANTA HAWKS at (506) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (505) ATLANTA HAWKS +7.5
I’m definitely one of the reactionary analysts who have been pressing the panic button on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s honestly beyond my comprehension how there can be any angst over the supposedly slow jump from the gate for LeBron James and the Cavs. I have no clue what these people were expecting. It’s a team that hasn’t played together to any extent, and the first 20 games, and maybe even more than that, really mean next to nothing.
In any event, the Cavaliers are 4-3 and there are some positive signs already being displayed. This is going to be a very good basketball team. That doesn’t mean they’ll win the NBA title this season, but speculating on what’s wrong with the team after just a couple weeks together is beyond ridiculous.
So much for the editorial on the Cavaliers. I’m looking at taking a shot against Cleveland tonight, and this has everything to do with last night’s results. The Cavs had to work their butts off to escape Boston with a hard fought win on Friday evening. The Celtics had a huge third quarter and getting the road win turned out to be quite the challenge for LeBron and his teammates. These guys are professional athletes, so I’m not expecting them to take the court wheezing and gasping for breath tonight. But it does become a tough two games in two night spot thanks to how much energy had to be expended in the final quarter at Boston.
Atlanta also played on Friday evening, but things went much easier for the Hawks. They led wire to wire in a double digit win over Miami. Atlanta has looked good in the early going, better than I thought they might, to be honest. They’ve got a good mix and Mike Budenholzer has the Hawks playing sound fundamental basketball that features tough defense. That’s absolutely not shocking considering how long Budenholzer spent sitting next to Greg Popovich in San Antonio.
I think the Hawks are well positioned to give the Cavaliers a tough game tonight. The visitors are playing good basketball and I’ve little doubt they’re going to be pumped to get the upset tonight, as virtually every Cleveland opponent is circling the Cavs as a big game. While not suggesting by any means that the hosts will be exhausted, there’s a good chance Atlanta will be a little fresher tonight. Based on the results to date, it can be argued that Atlanta has played better ball than the Cavs through the early going. In other words, with the number where it is, I see the Hawks plus the points as a very playable option.
Jim Feist
Comp NBA Pick for Saturday, November 15, 2014: 7:05 PM EST
(501) ORLANDO MAGIC VS (502) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take: (501) ORLANDO MAGIC.
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Saturday, November 15, 2014, comes in the NBA as Orlando heads to Washington to play the Wizards. The Magic played at home last night after closing a 1-2 road trip with Wednesday's 97-95 win at New York. Evan Fournier scored a career-high 28 points after finishing with 24 in a 104-100 loss at Toronto the night before. The Magic is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games, 4-0 ATS against a team with a winning record. Fournier has been a big part of that since coming over from Denver in exchange for Arron Afflalo in June. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who averaged 7.4 points in his first two seasons, has scored 18.2 per game to rank just behind Nikola Vucevic's team-leading 18.7. Washington is home and rested, a big favorite, but this team is only 18th in the NBA in scoring. The Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games, 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. They were a big favorite over Detroit the last game and squeezed out a 4-point win with a late comeback. Play Orlando!
Comp NBA Pick for Saturday, November 15, 2014: 7:05 PM EST
(501) ORLANDO MAGIC VS (502) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take: (501) ORLANDO MAGIC.
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Saturday, November 15, 2014, comes in the NBA as Orlando heads to Washington to play the Wizards. The Magic played at home last night after closing a 1-2 road trip with Wednesday's 97-95 win at New York. Evan Fournier scored a career-high 28 points after finishing with 24 in a 104-100 loss at Toronto the night before. The Magic is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games, 4-0 ATS against a team with a winning record. Fournier has been a big part of that since coming over from Denver in exchange for Arron Afflalo in June. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who averaged 7.4 points in his first two seasons, has scored 18.2 per game to rank just behind Nikola Vucevic's team-leading 18.7. Washington is home and rested, a big favorite, but this team is only 18th in the NBA in scoring. The Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games, 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. They were a big favorite over Detroit the last game and squeezed out a 4-point win with a late comeback. Play Orlando!
Jack Jones
South Carolina vs. Florida
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: South Carolina +7
In my opinion, the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-5) are the best team in the country that currently has a losing record on the season. They were blown out by Texas A&M in their opener, but their last four losses have all come by 7 points or less. They lost to Missouri 20-21, Kentucky 38-45, Auburn 35-42, and Tennessee 42-45. This could easily be a 6-3 or 7-2 team right now had they gotten more breaks in the close games.
I’ve seen enough from the Gamecocks to know that they are capable of beating anyone in the country. They beat Georgia 38-35 back on September 13th as a 6.5-point underdog, and the Bulldogs are in position to win the SEC East right now. However, their best effort may have been their 35-42 road loss at Auburn as 18-point underdogs on October 25th. If they can go on the road and give the Tigers a run for their money, they are fully capable of staying within a touchdown of the Gators this week.
South Carolina will come in well-rested and ready to go in this one. It had last week off after last playing Tennessee on November 1st. So, it will have had plenty of time to correct its mistakes, especially on the defensive side of the football. This defense should put forth one of their best efforts of the season given that the Florida offense is suspect, averaging just 385.2 yards per game this season.
The Gamecocks are putting up 35.9 points and 479.6 yards per game and have proven capable of scoring points on anyone. They have scored 28 or more points in all but one game this season. That includes 48 against Georgia, 48 against Vanderbilt, 48 against Kentucky, 35 against Auburn, and 42 against Tennessee. Dylan Thompson is completing 60.9% of his passes for 2,588 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Florida is simply overvalued this week following back-to-back victories over Georgia and Vanderbilt. This team has no business being favored by a touchdown against the Gamecocks, who are arguably the better team despite the worse record. Florida has already lost two home games this season to LSU and Missouri. Its 13-42 loss to Missouri wasn’t the blowout that the final score would indicate, but it is troubling nonetheless.
This is usually a low-scoring, defensive battle when these teams get together, and I look for that to be the case again this week. It’s also why I would lean toward taking the UNDER 57 as well. South Carolina beat Florida 19-14 last year, Florida beat South Carolina 44-11 in 2012, and South Carolina beat Florida 17-12 in 2011 with the home team winning all three. As you can see, two of those games went right down to the wire, while the other was a fluke blowout by the Gators. They were actually outgained by the Gamecocks 191-183 in their 44-11 victory.
Florida is 0-6 ATS in home games in November games over the last three seasons. South Carolina is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 road games versus good rushing defenses that allow 3.25 yards per carry or less. The Gamecocks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. The Gators are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games. Florida is 0-5 ATS in its last five games after allowing less than 20 points in its previous game. Bet South Carolina Saturday.
South Carolina vs. Florida
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: South Carolina +7
In my opinion, the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-5) are the best team in the country that currently has a losing record on the season. They were blown out by Texas A&M in their opener, but their last four losses have all come by 7 points or less. They lost to Missouri 20-21, Kentucky 38-45, Auburn 35-42, and Tennessee 42-45. This could easily be a 6-3 or 7-2 team right now had they gotten more breaks in the close games.
I’ve seen enough from the Gamecocks to know that they are capable of beating anyone in the country. They beat Georgia 38-35 back on September 13th as a 6.5-point underdog, and the Bulldogs are in position to win the SEC East right now. However, their best effort may have been their 35-42 road loss at Auburn as 18-point underdogs on October 25th. If they can go on the road and give the Tigers a run for their money, they are fully capable of staying within a touchdown of the Gators this week.
South Carolina will come in well-rested and ready to go in this one. It had last week off after last playing Tennessee on November 1st. So, it will have had plenty of time to correct its mistakes, especially on the defensive side of the football. This defense should put forth one of their best efforts of the season given that the Florida offense is suspect, averaging just 385.2 yards per game this season.
The Gamecocks are putting up 35.9 points and 479.6 yards per game and have proven capable of scoring points on anyone. They have scored 28 or more points in all but one game this season. That includes 48 against Georgia, 48 against Vanderbilt, 48 against Kentucky, 35 against Auburn, and 42 against Tennessee. Dylan Thompson is completing 60.9% of his passes for 2,588 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Florida is simply overvalued this week following back-to-back victories over Georgia and Vanderbilt. This team has no business being favored by a touchdown against the Gamecocks, who are arguably the better team despite the worse record. Florida has already lost two home games this season to LSU and Missouri. Its 13-42 loss to Missouri wasn’t the blowout that the final score would indicate, but it is troubling nonetheless.
This is usually a low-scoring, defensive battle when these teams get together, and I look for that to be the case again this week. It’s also why I would lean toward taking the UNDER 57 as well. South Carolina beat Florida 19-14 last year, Florida beat South Carolina 44-11 in 2012, and South Carolina beat Florida 17-12 in 2011 with the home team winning all three. As you can see, two of those games went right down to the wire, while the other was a fluke blowout by the Gators. They were actually outgained by the Gamecocks 191-183 in their 44-11 victory.
Florida is 0-6 ATS in home games in November games over the last three seasons. South Carolina is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 road games versus good rushing defenses that allow 3.25 yards per carry or less. The Gamecocks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. The Gators are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games. Florida is 0-5 ATS in its last five games after allowing less than 20 points in its previous game. Bet South Carolina Saturday.
Ben Burns
Michigan State vs. Maryland
Bonus Play Maryland
As you’re likely aware, the Spartans are off a loss against Ohio State. That setback shattered their dreams and the players are bitterly disappointed. Focusing on "lowly" Maryland may not be easy. While its true Maryland is dealing with a number of injuries, unlike their guests, the Terps shouldn’t have any problems focusing on the task at hand. They eked out a win vs. Penn State last time out and have had an extra week to prepare for this one. Needless to say, beating the Spartans would be huge for this program. Remember, the Terps were only getting six points when they hosted Ohio State - the team that just beat MSU. Now, we’re getting double-digits to work with. Given the situation, I feel that's fair. Consider grabbing the points.
Michigan State vs. Maryland
Bonus Play Maryland
As you’re likely aware, the Spartans are off a loss against Ohio State. That setback shattered their dreams and the players are bitterly disappointed. Focusing on "lowly" Maryland may not be easy. While its true Maryland is dealing with a number of injuries, unlike their guests, the Terps shouldn’t have any problems focusing on the task at hand. They eked out a win vs. Penn State last time out and have had an extra week to prepare for this one. Needless to say, beating the Spartans would be huge for this program. Remember, the Terps were only getting six points when they hosted Ohio State - the team that just beat MSU. Now, we’re getting double-digits to work with. Given the situation, I feel that's fair. Consider grabbing the points.
Steve Merril
Michigan State vs. Maryland
Bonus Play Maryland
Michigan State is 7-2 on the season, but the Spartans come in off a tough home loss to Ohio State. That loss knocked them out of the 4-team playoff picture. Michigan State is somewhat of a phony team as they’ve played a very weak schedule. The Spartans’ offense has faced a collection of poor defensive teams that are giving up 29.3 points per game on 5.8 yards per play as a group this season. Michigan State will face a Maryland defense that is allowing just 5.2 yards per play this season.
Maryland comes into this game fresh off their bye, so they will be ready to fire their best shot. The Terrapins have not played a home game since October 18th, so this is an important game to play well in front of their home fans. Maryland has three losses on the season, but two of those losses came to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Their other loss was just a 3-point home loss to West Virginia. Maryland is catching Michigan State at the perfect time, so we’ll take the big points with the home underdog in this game on Saturday night.
Michigan State vs. Maryland
Bonus Play Maryland
Michigan State is 7-2 on the season, but the Spartans come in off a tough home loss to Ohio State. That loss knocked them out of the 4-team playoff picture. Michigan State is somewhat of a phony team as they’ve played a very weak schedule. The Spartans’ offense has faced a collection of poor defensive teams that are giving up 29.3 points per game on 5.8 yards per play as a group this season. Michigan State will face a Maryland defense that is allowing just 5.2 yards per play this season.
Maryland comes into this game fresh off their bye, so they will be ready to fire their best shot. The Terrapins have not played a home game since October 18th, so this is an important game to play well in front of their home fans. Maryland has three losses on the season, but two of those losses came to Ohio State and Wisconsin. Their other loss was just a 3-point home loss to West Virginia. Maryland is catching Michigan State at the perfect time, so we’ll take the big points with the home underdog in this game on Saturday night.
