Bob Valentino
Saturday's 30 Dime NFL Winner ... 30 DIME: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
NOTE: I do not envision this number going above 7, but in the off chance it does, you MUST buy the half-point with New Orleans and lay no more than -7! And if it drops to 6 1/2, buy the half point down to -6 (to guard against a 6-point New Orleans win overtime)
Saturday's 30 Dime NFL Winner ... 30 DIME: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
NOTE: I do not envision this number going above 7, but in the off chance it does, you MUST buy the half-point with New Orleans and lay no more than -7! And if it drops to 6 1/2, buy the half point down to -6 (to guard against a 6-point New Orleans win overtime)
Sixth SENSE sports
Subject: 2009 BEST BETS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
Off to a rough start last week, going 0-2 –6.60%. Hoping to get some of that back this week.
BEST BETS
REG SEASON YTD 48-41 +8.40%
PLAYOFFS YTD 0-2 –6.60%
3% NEW ORLEANS -7
NEW ORLEANS -7 Arizona 57
NEW ORLEANS 37 ARIZONA 20
INDIANAPOLIS -6.5 Baltimore 44
INDIANAPOLIS 30 BALTIMORE 17
Subject: 2009 BEST BETS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
Off to a rough start last week, going 0-2 –6.60%. Hoping to get some of that back this week.
BEST BETS
REG SEASON YTD 48-41 +8.40%
PLAYOFFS YTD 0-2 –6.60%
3% NEW ORLEANS -7
NEW ORLEANS -7 Arizona 57
NEW ORLEANS 37 ARIZONA 20
INDIANAPOLIS -6.5 Baltimore 44
INDIANAPOLIS 30 BALTIMORE 17
Al DeMarco
Saturday's Play 15 Dime - Teaser
New Orleans and Indianapolis
Reduce the points you lay with both home favorites
Using the standard six points you get in a two-team teaser, and based on the current prices of New Orleans -7 and Indianapolis -6 1/2 to -7, you are essentially making both the Saints and Colts 1-point home favorites.
Saturday's Play 15 Dime - Teaser
New Orleans and Indianapolis
Reduce the points you lay with both home favorites
Using the standard six points you get in a two-team teaser, and based on the current prices of New Orleans -7 and Indianapolis -6 1/2 to -7, you are essentially making both the Saints and Colts 1-point home favorites.
SPORTS ADVISORS
NFL PLAYOFFS
Arizona (11-6, 10-7 ATS) at New Orleans (13-3, 8-8 ATS)
The defending Super Bowl champion Cardinals travel to the Big Easy to take on the top-seeded Saints at the Superdome to open the divisional playoff round.
Arizona won a wild-card shootout with Green Bay on Sunday, claiming a 51-45 victory in overtime as a 2½-point home underdog in the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history. The Cardinals blew leads of 17-0 in the first quarter and 31-10 in the third quarter, but QB Kurt Warner had perhaps the game of his career, going 29 of 33 for 379 yards, throwing more TD passes (5) than incompletions. Ironically enough, the game was won when Arizona linebacker Karlos Dansby grabbed an Aaron Rodgers fumble and ran it in for the TD.
New Orleans was perfect through 13 games this year (8-5 ATS), winning and covering the first six weeks, en route to wrapping up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. However, the Saints finished on an 0-3 SU and ATS skid. Their unbeaten season was spoiled in a 24-17 loss to Dallas a 7½-point home favorite, followed by a shocking 20-17 home setback to lowly Tampa Bay as a whopping 14-point underdog. In the regular-season finale, with nothing to play for, New Orleans again lost 23-10 catching 10 points at Carolina.
Arizona made the postseason as the NFC West champion (fourth seed) for the second straight year, after a nine-year playoff absence. The Cardinals rode last year’s playoff berth all the way to their first Super Bowl appearance before falling to Pittsburgh 27-23 as a 6½-point ‘dog, capping a perfect 4-0 ATS postseason. With last week’s winning effort, coach Ken Whisenhunt is now 5-0 ATS in the playoffs.
New Orleans is back in the playoffs after a two-year drought. The Saints made a run at the Super Bowl following the 2006 regular season, topping Philadelphia 27-24 at home as a 5½-point chalk in the divisional round before getting ripped in chilly Chicago 39-14 getting 2½ points in the NFC Championship Game.
These teams have met in three meaningful games the past 10 years, with New Orleans going 2-1 SU and ATS, and all three tilts were decided by at least a TD. Most recently, the Saints won 31-24 giving four points at home in December 2007. The Saints are 4-1 ATS (3-2 SU) in the last five clashes, and the SU winner is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine meetings (3-0 SU and ATS last three).
The Cardinals were a middling 14th in total offense in the regular season, averaging 344.4 ypg, including just 93.4 ypg on the ground (28th). That put much of the offensive burden on the veteran Warner (3,753 passing yards, 26 TDs, 14 INTs). WR Larry Fitzgerald, who was brilliant in the playoffs last year, was the chief target, with 1,092 yards and 13 TDs. The Redbirds averaged 23.4 ppg (11th). In last week’s shootout, though, Arizona blew up for a whopping 531 yards, adding 156 rushing yards to Warner’s aerial assault.
The turnover bug plagued Arizona this year, as it finished with a minus-7 margin (24th in the league), making it the only playoff team with a negative turnover margin. The Cardinals were middle-of-the-pack defensively, giving up 346.4 ypg (20th) and 20.3 ppg (tied for 14th), and last week gave up an eye-popping 493 yards to the Packers, with Rodgers carving them up for 422 passing yards and four TDs. But Arizona – playing the team with the by far the best turnover margin in the league – ironically won the turnover battle 2-1, which in the end was the difference.
Despite its lackluster regular-season finish, New Orleans led the league in total offense (403.8 ypg) and scoring (31.9 ppg). In fact, the Saints scored 30 points or more nine times in the first 13 games and had seven games of 35 points or more, including four in the 40s. QB Drew Brees engineered a passing attack that averaged 272.2 ypg (fourth), as he threw for 4,388 yards and a league-leading 34 TDs, against just 11 INTs.
Brees was also the top rated QB (109.6), completing 70.6 percent of his passes, and four Saints finished with at least 550 yards receiving, paced by Marques Colston (1,074 yards, 9 TDs). Defensively, New Orleans was not quite as sharp, allowing 357.8 ypg (25th) and 21.3 ppg (20th), though the Saints posted a plus-11 turnover margin, third-best in the NFL.
The Cardinals are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 15-7 overall, the aforementioned 5-0 in the playoffs, 7-0 on Saturday, 23-9 as an underdog, 6-0 as a road pup, 7-1 in January and 8-2 against winning teams. All that said, Super Bowl losers are on an 11-18-2 ATS purge in playoff games the following season, despite the Cards’ win and cover last week.
The Saints are on ATS upticks of 9-2 following a SU loss, 10-3 laying 3½ to 10 points and 5-1 as a home chalk of that same price, but they are on pointspread skids of 0-5 overall (all versus NFC teams), 0-4 as a favorite, 0-4 in January, 0-4 on Saturday and 1-4 at home (all as a chalk).
Arizona is on “over” rolls of 5-1 in the postseason, 38-14 as a road pup, 4-1 as a playoff ‘dog and 20-8 against winning teams, but the total has stayed low in six of its last eight overall (with last week’s shootout obviously sailing high). The under is on further runs for the Cards of 5-0 after a SU win, 4-0 after a spread-cover and 5-2 on the highway.
The over is 3-0-1 in New Orleans’ last four playoff games and 47-23-2 in its last 72 starts against winning teams, but the Saints sport “under” runs of 4-0 overall, 4-0 at home (all as a chalk), 5-1 laying points and 5-0 after a non-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA
Baltimore (10-7, 9-7-1 ATS) at Indianapolis (14-2, 10-6 ATS)
The top-seeded Colts and league MVP Peyton Manning return to action after their first-round bye, taking on the wild-card Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Baltimore, the No. 6 seed in the AFC, went on the road and plastered third-seeded New England last week, scoring 24 first-quarter points on the way to a 33-14 victory as a 3½-point pup. The Ravens ran for a whopping 234 yards, including an 83-yard TD jaunt by RB Ray Rice on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Baltimore also forced four Tom Brady turnovers (3 INTs, 1 fumble) while committing two, as it improved to 5-1 SU (4-1-1 ATS) in its last six games.
Indianapolis ripped off wins in its first 14 games (10-4 ATS) before rookie coach Jim Caldwell inexplicably let off the gas in the second half against the New York Jets on Dec. 27. Caldwell pulled Manning, among other starters, while leading 15-10 in the third quarter, and the Colts ultimately lost 29-15 as a three-point home favorite. In a meaningless Week 17 tilt in the snow at Buffalo, Indy got drubbed 30-7 as a nine-point underdog, with starters seeing limited if any action.
The Ravens are in the playoffs for a second straight year and are on a familiar tack. They rode the No. 6 seed all the way to the AFC title game last season before losing at Pittsburgh 23-14 as a six-point ‘dog.
The Colts are in the playoffs for the eight consecutive year, winning the Super Bowl after the 2006 regular season, but bowing out against San Diego in their playoff opener each of the past two seasons. In the divisional round two years ago against the Chargers, Indy lost 28-24 as a whopping 10½-point home favorite, and as a wild-card last year, the Colts went to San Diego and fell 23-17 in overtime as a 1½-point road chalk.
These squads met Nov. 22 in regular-season action, with Indianapolis squeaking out a 17-15 victory as a one-point road favorite. The Ravens were in position for a chip-shot game-winning field-goal attempt until QB Joe Flacco threw an interception in the red zone. The Colts are riding a six-game SU and ATS winning streak against Baltimore dating to 2004, with five of those wins coming by nine points or more. Only two of those six contests were in Indy, including the Colts’ 31-3 pasting as a four-point chalk in October 2008. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six contests, and the road team is on a 4-1 ATS run.
During Indianapolis’ 2006 run to the Super Bowl title, it beat Baltimore 15-6 as a four-point road pup in the divisional round. With Manning at QB, the Colts are on a 7-0 SU tear (6-1 ATS) against Baltimore, dating to 2002.
The Ravens averaged 351.2 ypg (13th) in the regular season, including the fifth-best running attack at 137.5 ypg, led by Rice’s 1,339 rushing yards (5.3 ypc, 7 TDs). Baltimore put up 24.4 ppg on the year (ninth), but did so in rather inconsistent fashion. The Ravens scored 30 points or more seven times and 21 points or less in their other nine starts, including five outings of 16 points or less.
Defense, not surprisingly, was Baltimore’s bread and butter, as it ranked third in both total yards allowed (300.5 ypg) and points allowed (16.3). The Ravens also boasted a plus-10 regular-season turnover margin, fourth-best in the NFL. With last week’s effort, Baltimore improved to plus-12 for the year.
Behind the NFL’s second-best passing attack (282.2 ypg), Indy averaged 363.1 total ypg (ninth) and 26 ppg (seventh). Manning, who won his fourth MVP award this year, threw for exactly 4,500 yards and had 33 TDs, against 16 INTs, with five players recording 47 or more catches. WR Reggie Wayne (100 catches, 1,264 yards, 10 TDs) and All-Pro TE Dallas Clark (100 catches, 1,106 yards, 10 TDs) led the way.
Indianapolis allowed 339.2 ypg (18th), but that translated into just 19.2 ppg (ninth), and the Colts had a nominal plus-2 turnover margin.
The Ravens currently shoulder negative ATS streaks of 1-4 against winning teams, 3-7 in January and 4-12 as a road pup of 3½ to 10 points, but they’re also riding positive ATS runs of 3-1-1 overall, 7-2 in playoff roadies, 13-6-1 after a spread-cover and 15-7-1 following a SU win.
Perhaps most telling, though, is that under coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore is a superb 14-1 SU and 13-2 ATS against teams coming off a SU loss – including 10-0 ATS in that situation when the Ravens are coming off a SU win.
Likewise, the Colts are a mixed bag at the betting window, going 0-4 ATS in their last four outings following a SU loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five after a pointspread defeat. In addition, since 2005, home teams who had a bye entering the divisional round are just 4-12 ATS, and Manning is 0-2 SU and ATS at home in the playoffs after a bye week. Still, the Colts carry positive pointspread streaks of 10-5 overall, 3-1 against winning teams and 5-2 as a chalk.
The over is 18-7-2 in the Ravens’ last 27 games as a pup and 5-1-1 in their last seven as a road ‘dog, including last week’s contest, which cleared the 43½-point posted price, and the over is on stretches for the Colts of 4-0 overall and 4-1 when laying points.
However, the under for Baltimore is on rolls of 7-3-1 overall, 4-1-1 on the highway, 4-0-1 after a spread-cover, 5-1 on Saturday and 4-1-1 after a SU win. The under has also hit in six straight Saturday games for Indianapolis and is 6-2 in its last eight playoff starts and 5-2 in its last seven divisional-round games. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in six of the last seven clashes, with the November contest in Baltimore falling well short of the 44-point price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Louisville (12-5, 5-7 ATS) at (16) Pittsburgh (14-2, 7-5-2 ATS)
The scalding-hot Panthers shoot for their eighth straight victory – and fifth straight to open Big East play – when they welcome conference-rival Louisville to Petersen Events Center.
The Cardinals kicked off the conference season with wins over Providence (92-70 as a 3½-point road chalk) and St. John’s (75-68 as a 13-point home favorite), but they couldn’t handle fourth-ranked Villanova on Monday, falling 92-84 as a 3½-point home favorite. Louisville is still 7-2 in its last nine games (2-4 ATS in lined games), but both defeats came against ranked opponents (Villanova and then-No. 3 Kentucky), the only two Top 25 foes Rick Pitino’s squad has faced to date.
Pittsburgh ran its winning streak to seven in a row (5-0-1 ATS in lined action) with Wednesday’s impressive 67-57 rout of No. 15 UConn as a six-point road underdog. That capped a perfect three-game Big East road trip, which started with upsets of Syracuse (82-72 as an 11-point ‘dog) and Cincinnati (74-71 as a four-point pup). The Panthers’ only two losses came on neutral courts against Texas (78-62) and Indiana (74-64). Pitt is 4-0 in Big East action (3-0-1 ATS). At home, Jamie Dixon’s squad is 9-0 (2-3-2 ATS), averaging 66.7 points per game (49 percent shooting) and allowing just 51.3 ppg (34.5 percent).
Louisville knocked off Pitt 69-63 as a two-point home favorite last year, and the teams have alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in their last six meetings. The SU winner has covered the spread in all seven series clashes since Louisville joined the Big East in the 2005-06 season.
The Cardinals counter negative ATS streaks of 3-7 overall and 1-5 on Saturday with positive pointspread runs of 27-9-1 on the road, 42-14-2 in conference play and 9-3 after a SU defeat. Pitt carries ATS trends of 5-0-1 overall, 3-0-2 at home, 4-0-1 after a SU win, 7-3-1 after a spread-cover, 6-0-2 against winning teams and 4-1-1 on Saturday.
Louisville is on “over” runs of 9-2 overall, 6-2 on the road, 4-1 in league play, 6-1 on Saturday, 5-1 after a SU loss and 5-0 after non-cover. Also, the over is 36-17-1 in Pitt’s last 54 Saturday contests, but seven of its last 10 home games have stayed low. Also, the under is 5-2 in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITT
(5) Syracuse (16-1, 10-3 ATS) at (10) West Virginia (13-2, 6-8 ATS)
The day’s only matchup of Top 10 teams comes from WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, where the Mountaineers host Syracuse in a key Big East contest.
Since suffering their first defeat of the season – a surprising 82-72 home loss to Pitt as an 11-point favorite on Jan. 2 – the Orange have ripped off three straight double-digit wins (and covers). Syracuse pounded Memphis 74-57 as a 7½-point home favorite in a non-conference game on Jan. 6, then returned to league action with wins over South Florida on Sunday (82-65 as a 15-point home favorite) and Rutgers on Wednesday (81-65 as a 12½-point road chalk). The Orange have played two true road games (both in Big East gyms), going 2-0 SU and ATS.
West Virginia opened the season 11-0 but has since split its last four games (three of which were played on the road). The Mountaineers followed up last Saturday’s 70-68 loss at Notre Dame as a 4½-point favorite with Wednesday’s 69-50 romp at South Florida as a nine-point chalk. West Virginia, which has been held under 70 points in four of its last five games, is 3-2 SU and ATS in Big East outings (1-1 SU and ATS at home). Bob Huggins’ troops are 7-0 at home (2-4 ATS in lined action), outscoring visitors by more than 20 ppg (73.4-53.1).
These teams met twice last year, with Syracuse winning and cashing in both games by scores of 74-61 (as a 1½-point home underdog) and 74-69 in overtime (as a 6½-point pup in the Big East tourney). The Orange are 10-1 SU in the last 11 meetings (8-3 ATS). The host has won the last four regular-season contests (3-1 ATS).
Syracuse is riding a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 20-6 overall, 4-0 on the highway, 10-2 in Big East play, 15-5 after a SU victory and 13-4 after a spread-cover. Conversely, the Mountaineers are 1-5 ATS in their last six after a victory and 1-4 ATS in their last five after a non-cover.
The high-scoring Orange are on “over” runs of 12-5 overall, 6-2 on the road, 7-2 against Big East opponents, 13-3 on Saturday, 20-7 after a SU victory and 16-5 after a non-cover. On the flip side, the under is 13-5 in West Virginia’s last 18 games in Big East play, 4-1 in its last five against winning teams and 4-0 in its last four after a spread-cover. Finally, four of the last five meetings in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE
NFL PLAYOFFS
Arizona (11-6, 10-7 ATS) at New Orleans (13-3, 8-8 ATS)
The defending Super Bowl champion Cardinals travel to the Big Easy to take on the top-seeded Saints at the Superdome to open the divisional playoff round.
Arizona won a wild-card shootout with Green Bay on Sunday, claiming a 51-45 victory in overtime as a 2½-point home underdog in the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history. The Cardinals blew leads of 17-0 in the first quarter and 31-10 in the third quarter, but QB Kurt Warner had perhaps the game of his career, going 29 of 33 for 379 yards, throwing more TD passes (5) than incompletions. Ironically enough, the game was won when Arizona linebacker Karlos Dansby grabbed an Aaron Rodgers fumble and ran it in for the TD.
New Orleans was perfect through 13 games this year (8-5 ATS), winning and covering the first six weeks, en route to wrapping up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. However, the Saints finished on an 0-3 SU and ATS skid. Their unbeaten season was spoiled in a 24-17 loss to Dallas a 7½-point home favorite, followed by a shocking 20-17 home setback to lowly Tampa Bay as a whopping 14-point underdog. In the regular-season finale, with nothing to play for, New Orleans again lost 23-10 catching 10 points at Carolina.
Arizona made the postseason as the NFC West champion (fourth seed) for the second straight year, after a nine-year playoff absence. The Cardinals rode last year’s playoff berth all the way to their first Super Bowl appearance before falling to Pittsburgh 27-23 as a 6½-point ‘dog, capping a perfect 4-0 ATS postseason. With last week’s winning effort, coach Ken Whisenhunt is now 5-0 ATS in the playoffs.
New Orleans is back in the playoffs after a two-year drought. The Saints made a run at the Super Bowl following the 2006 regular season, topping Philadelphia 27-24 at home as a 5½-point chalk in the divisional round before getting ripped in chilly Chicago 39-14 getting 2½ points in the NFC Championship Game.
These teams have met in three meaningful games the past 10 years, with New Orleans going 2-1 SU and ATS, and all three tilts were decided by at least a TD. Most recently, the Saints won 31-24 giving four points at home in December 2007. The Saints are 4-1 ATS (3-2 SU) in the last five clashes, and the SU winner is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine meetings (3-0 SU and ATS last three).
The Cardinals were a middling 14th in total offense in the regular season, averaging 344.4 ypg, including just 93.4 ypg on the ground (28th). That put much of the offensive burden on the veteran Warner (3,753 passing yards, 26 TDs, 14 INTs). WR Larry Fitzgerald, who was brilliant in the playoffs last year, was the chief target, with 1,092 yards and 13 TDs. The Redbirds averaged 23.4 ppg (11th). In last week’s shootout, though, Arizona blew up for a whopping 531 yards, adding 156 rushing yards to Warner’s aerial assault.
The turnover bug plagued Arizona this year, as it finished with a minus-7 margin (24th in the league), making it the only playoff team with a negative turnover margin. The Cardinals were middle-of-the-pack defensively, giving up 346.4 ypg (20th) and 20.3 ppg (tied for 14th), and last week gave up an eye-popping 493 yards to the Packers, with Rodgers carving them up for 422 passing yards and four TDs. But Arizona – playing the team with the by far the best turnover margin in the league – ironically won the turnover battle 2-1, which in the end was the difference.
Despite its lackluster regular-season finish, New Orleans led the league in total offense (403.8 ypg) and scoring (31.9 ppg). In fact, the Saints scored 30 points or more nine times in the first 13 games and had seven games of 35 points or more, including four in the 40s. QB Drew Brees engineered a passing attack that averaged 272.2 ypg (fourth), as he threw for 4,388 yards and a league-leading 34 TDs, against just 11 INTs.
Brees was also the top rated QB (109.6), completing 70.6 percent of his passes, and four Saints finished with at least 550 yards receiving, paced by Marques Colston (1,074 yards, 9 TDs). Defensively, New Orleans was not quite as sharp, allowing 357.8 ypg (25th) and 21.3 ppg (20th), though the Saints posted a plus-11 turnover margin, third-best in the NFL.
The Cardinals are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 15-7 overall, the aforementioned 5-0 in the playoffs, 7-0 on Saturday, 23-9 as an underdog, 6-0 as a road pup, 7-1 in January and 8-2 against winning teams. All that said, Super Bowl losers are on an 11-18-2 ATS purge in playoff games the following season, despite the Cards’ win and cover last week.
The Saints are on ATS upticks of 9-2 following a SU loss, 10-3 laying 3½ to 10 points and 5-1 as a home chalk of that same price, but they are on pointspread skids of 0-5 overall (all versus NFC teams), 0-4 as a favorite, 0-4 in January, 0-4 on Saturday and 1-4 at home (all as a chalk).
Arizona is on “over” rolls of 5-1 in the postseason, 38-14 as a road pup, 4-1 as a playoff ‘dog and 20-8 against winning teams, but the total has stayed low in six of its last eight overall (with last week’s shootout obviously sailing high). The under is on further runs for the Cards of 5-0 after a SU win, 4-0 after a spread-cover and 5-2 on the highway.
The over is 3-0-1 in New Orleans’ last four playoff games and 47-23-2 in its last 72 starts against winning teams, but the Saints sport “under” runs of 4-0 overall, 4-0 at home (all as a chalk), 5-1 laying points and 5-0 after a non-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA
Baltimore (10-7, 9-7-1 ATS) at Indianapolis (14-2, 10-6 ATS)
The top-seeded Colts and league MVP Peyton Manning return to action after their first-round bye, taking on the wild-card Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Baltimore, the No. 6 seed in the AFC, went on the road and plastered third-seeded New England last week, scoring 24 first-quarter points on the way to a 33-14 victory as a 3½-point pup. The Ravens ran for a whopping 234 yards, including an 83-yard TD jaunt by RB Ray Rice on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Baltimore also forced four Tom Brady turnovers (3 INTs, 1 fumble) while committing two, as it improved to 5-1 SU (4-1-1 ATS) in its last six games.
Indianapolis ripped off wins in its first 14 games (10-4 ATS) before rookie coach Jim Caldwell inexplicably let off the gas in the second half against the New York Jets on Dec. 27. Caldwell pulled Manning, among other starters, while leading 15-10 in the third quarter, and the Colts ultimately lost 29-15 as a three-point home favorite. In a meaningless Week 17 tilt in the snow at Buffalo, Indy got drubbed 30-7 as a nine-point underdog, with starters seeing limited if any action.
The Ravens are in the playoffs for a second straight year and are on a familiar tack. They rode the No. 6 seed all the way to the AFC title game last season before losing at Pittsburgh 23-14 as a six-point ‘dog.
The Colts are in the playoffs for the eight consecutive year, winning the Super Bowl after the 2006 regular season, but bowing out against San Diego in their playoff opener each of the past two seasons. In the divisional round two years ago against the Chargers, Indy lost 28-24 as a whopping 10½-point home favorite, and as a wild-card last year, the Colts went to San Diego and fell 23-17 in overtime as a 1½-point road chalk.
These squads met Nov. 22 in regular-season action, with Indianapolis squeaking out a 17-15 victory as a one-point road favorite. The Ravens were in position for a chip-shot game-winning field-goal attempt until QB Joe Flacco threw an interception in the red zone. The Colts are riding a six-game SU and ATS winning streak against Baltimore dating to 2004, with five of those wins coming by nine points or more. Only two of those six contests were in Indy, including the Colts’ 31-3 pasting as a four-point chalk in October 2008. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six contests, and the road team is on a 4-1 ATS run.
During Indianapolis’ 2006 run to the Super Bowl title, it beat Baltimore 15-6 as a four-point road pup in the divisional round. With Manning at QB, the Colts are on a 7-0 SU tear (6-1 ATS) against Baltimore, dating to 2002.
The Ravens averaged 351.2 ypg (13th) in the regular season, including the fifth-best running attack at 137.5 ypg, led by Rice’s 1,339 rushing yards (5.3 ypc, 7 TDs). Baltimore put up 24.4 ppg on the year (ninth), but did so in rather inconsistent fashion. The Ravens scored 30 points or more seven times and 21 points or less in their other nine starts, including five outings of 16 points or less.
Defense, not surprisingly, was Baltimore’s bread and butter, as it ranked third in both total yards allowed (300.5 ypg) and points allowed (16.3). The Ravens also boasted a plus-10 regular-season turnover margin, fourth-best in the NFL. With last week’s effort, Baltimore improved to plus-12 for the year.
Behind the NFL’s second-best passing attack (282.2 ypg), Indy averaged 363.1 total ypg (ninth) and 26 ppg (seventh). Manning, who won his fourth MVP award this year, threw for exactly 4,500 yards and had 33 TDs, against 16 INTs, with five players recording 47 or more catches. WR Reggie Wayne (100 catches, 1,264 yards, 10 TDs) and All-Pro TE Dallas Clark (100 catches, 1,106 yards, 10 TDs) led the way.
Indianapolis allowed 339.2 ypg (18th), but that translated into just 19.2 ppg (ninth), and the Colts had a nominal plus-2 turnover margin.
The Ravens currently shoulder negative ATS streaks of 1-4 against winning teams, 3-7 in January and 4-12 as a road pup of 3½ to 10 points, but they’re also riding positive ATS runs of 3-1-1 overall, 7-2 in playoff roadies, 13-6-1 after a spread-cover and 15-7-1 following a SU win.
Perhaps most telling, though, is that under coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore is a superb 14-1 SU and 13-2 ATS against teams coming off a SU loss – including 10-0 ATS in that situation when the Ravens are coming off a SU win.
Likewise, the Colts are a mixed bag at the betting window, going 0-4 ATS in their last four outings following a SU loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five after a pointspread defeat. In addition, since 2005, home teams who had a bye entering the divisional round are just 4-12 ATS, and Manning is 0-2 SU and ATS at home in the playoffs after a bye week. Still, the Colts carry positive pointspread streaks of 10-5 overall, 3-1 against winning teams and 5-2 as a chalk.
The over is 18-7-2 in the Ravens’ last 27 games as a pup and 5-1-1 in their last seven as a road ‘dog, including last week’s contest, which cleared the 43½-point posted price, and the over is on stretches for the Colts of 4-0 overall and 4-1 when laying points.
However, the under for Baltimore is on rolls of 7-3-1 overall, 4-1-1 on the highway, 4-0-1 after a spread-cover, 5-1 on Saturday and 4-1-1 after a SU win. The under has also hit in six straight Saturday games for Indianapolis and is 6-2 in its last eight playoff starts and 5-2 in its last seven divisional-round games. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in six of the last seven clashes, with the November contest in Baltimore falling well short of the 44-point price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Louisville (12-5, 5-7 ATS) at (16) Pittsburgh (14-2, 7-5-2 ATS)
The scalding-hot Panthers shoot for their eighth straight victory – and fifth straight to open Big East play – when they welcome conference-rival Louisville to Petersen Events Center.
The Cardinals kicked off the conference season with wins over Providence (92-70 as a 3½-point road chalk) and St. John’s (75-68 as a 13-point home favorite), but they couldn’t handle fourth-ranked Villanova on Monday, falling 92-84 as a 3½-point home favorite. Louisville is still 7-2 in its last nine games (2-4 ATS in lined games), but both defeats came against ranked opponents (Villanova and then-No. 3 Kentucky), the only two Top 25 foes Rick Pitino’s squad has faced to date.
Pittsburgh ran its winning streak to seven in a row (5-0-1 ATS in lined action) with Wednesday’s impressive 67-57 rout of No. 15 UConn as a six-point road underdog. That capped a perfect three-game Big East road trip, which started with upsets of Syracuse (82-72 as an 11-point ‘dog) and Cincinnati (74-71 as a four-point pup). The Panthers’ only two losses came on neutral courts against Texas (78-62) and Indiana (74-64). Pitt is 4-0 in Big East action (3-0-1 ATS). At home, Jamie Dixon’s squad is 9-0 (2-3-2 ATS), averaging 66.7 points per game (49 percent shooting) and allowing just 51.3 ppg (34.5 percent).
Louisville knocked off Pitt 69-63 as a two-point home favorite last year, and the teams have alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in their last six meetings. The SU winner has covered the spread in all seven series clashes since Louisville joined the Big East in the 2005-06 season.
The Cardinals counter negative ATS streaks of 3-7 overall and 1-5 on Saturday with positive pointspread runs of 27-9-1 on the road, 42-14-2 in conference play and 9-3 after a SU defeat. Pitt carries ATS trends of 5-0-1 overall, 3-0-2 at home, 4-0-1 after a SU win, 7-3-1 after a spread-cover, 6-0-2 against winning teams and 4-1-1 on Saturday.
Louisville is on “over” runs of 9-2 overall, 6-2 on the road, 4-1 in league play, 6-1 on Saturday, 5-1 after a SU loss and 5-0 after non-cover. Also, the over is 36-17-1 in Pitt’s last 54 Saturday contests, but seven of its last 10 home games have stayed low. Also, the under is 5-2 in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITT
(5) Syracuse (16-1, 10-3 ATS) at (10) West Virginia (13-2, 6-8 ATS)
The day’s only matchup of Top 10 teams comes from WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, where the Mountaineers host Syracuse in a key Big East contest.
Since suffering their first defeat of the season – a surprising 82-72 home loss to Pitt as an 11-point favorite on Jan. 2 – the Orange have ripped off three straight double-digit wins (and covers). Syracuse pounded Memphis 74-57 as a 7½-point home favorite in a non-conference game on Jan. 6, then returned to league action with wins over South Florida on Sunday (82-65 as a 15-point home favorite) and Rutgers on Wednesday (81-65 as a 12½-point road chalk). The Orange have played two true road games (both in Big East gyms), going 2-0 SU and ATS.
West Virginia opened the season 11-0 but has since split its last four games (three of which were played on the road). The Mountaineers followed up last Saturday’s 70-68 loss at Notre Dame as a 4½-point favorite with Wednesday’s 69-50 romp at South Florida as a nine-point chalk. West Virginia, which has been held under 70 points in four of its last five games, is 3-2 SU and ATS in Big East outings (1-1 SU and ATS at home). Bob Huggins’ troops are 7-0 at home (2-4 ATS in lined action), outscoring visitors by more than 20 ppg (73.4-53.1).
These teams met twice last year, with Syracuse winning and cashing in both games by scores of 74-61 (as a 1½-point home underdog) and 74-69 in overtime (as a 6½-point pup in the Big East tourney). The Orange are 10-1 SU in the last 11 meetings (8-3 ATS). The host has won the last four regular-season contests (3-1 ATS).
Syracuse is riding a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 20-6 overall, 4-0 on the highway, 10-2 in Big East play, 15-5 after a SU victory and 13-4 after a spread-cover. Conversely, the Mountaineers are 1-5 ATS in their last six after a victory and 1-4 ATS in their last five after a non-cover.
The high-scoring Orange are on “over” runs of 12-5 overall, 6-2 on the road, 7-2 against Big East opponents, 13-3 on Saturday, 20-7 after a SU victory and 16-5 after a non-cover. On the flip side, the under is 13-5 in West Virginia’s last 18 games in Big East play, 4-1 in its last five against winning teams and 4-0 in its last four after a spread-cover. Finally, four of the last five meetings in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE
SPORTS ADVISORS CONTINUED
(21) Ole Miss (13-3, 7-5 ATS) at (9) Tennessee (13-2, 7-4-1 ATS)
Tennessee puts a five-game winning streak on the line when it hosts its second Top 25 opponent to Thompson-Boling Arena this week, as Ole Miss comes calling for an SEC clash.
The Rebels followed up last Saturday’s 80-75 home loss to Mississippi State as a 3½-point home favorite with Wednesday’s 80-76 win at Georgia, coming up just short as a five-point chalk. That puts Ole Miss at 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in true roadies this season. However, the Rebels are 0-2 SU and ATS against ranked opponents, losing to No. 5 Villanova 79-67 as a three-point neutral-site underdog and No. 6 West Virginia 76-66, cashing as an 11½-point road pup.
Despite a team scandal that resulted in several player suspensions, including the dismissal of star guard Tyler Smith, the Vols banded together and shocked top-ranked and unbeaten Kansas 76-68 Sunday, cashing as a five-point home underdog. Then in its SEC opener Thursday, Tennessee came out sluggish and fell behind Auburn by 12 points, only to turn on the jets and cruise to an 81-55 victory as a 14-point home chalk. The Vols have won five in a row (4-0 ATS in lined games), averaging 82 ppg and allowing 66.2 ppg. They’re 9-0 SU and 4-2 ATS at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Ole Miss pounded Tennessee 81-65 as a 5½-point home favorite in last year’s lone meeting, cashing for the third straight time in this rivalry. The home team has won six in a row (4-2 ATS) between these teams and is 10-1 SU in the last 11 clashes (8-3 ATS).
The Rebels have cashed in 10 of their last 14 games after a non-cover, but they’ve failed to cover in four straight conference games and four straight on Saturday. Tennessee is on ATS rolls of 4-0 overall, 5-2 in SEC play and 4-0 against winning teams.
The under is 8-3 in the Rebels’ last 11 on the road and 13-6 in its last 19 after a SU win, but Ole Miss has topped the total in five of seven overall, five of seven in conference and four straight on Saturday. The Vols carry “under” trends of 20-7 overall, 5-1 at home, 9-3 in SEC play and 11-3 after a SU win. Finally, the total has alternated in the last six Ole Miss-Tennessee battles, with last year’s game sneaking under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Texas Tech (12-4, 6-4 ATS)) at (3) Kansas (15-1, 6-6-1 ATS)
After suffering consecutive losses to begin the conference season, the Red Raiders now face their toughest test to date when they visit Allen Fieldhouse for a Big 12 battle with No. 3 Kansas, which owns the nation’s longest home-court winning streak at 51 in a row.
Texas Tech got destroyed in its Big 12 opener a week ago, losing 81-52 at Oklahoma State as a seven-point underdog, then came home Wednesday and suffered a heartbreaking 94-89 overtime loss to Missouri as a four-point pup. The Red Raiders started the season with nine straight victories, but are just 3-4 since (3-3 ATS), including losing three road games (1-2 ATS). Texas Tech has followed up a five-game ATS run by failing to cash in three of its last four lined contests.
The Jayhawks went to then-No. 16 Tennessee on Sunday and fell to the depleted Volunteers 76-68 as a five-point road favorite to snap their perfect season. Then they went to Nebraska for their Big 12 opener on Wednesday and came out sluggish, falling behind 44-43 at halftime before rolling to an 84-72 victory, pushing as a 12-point road favorite. Kansas has scored more than 70 points in all but two games, but the defense has slipped a bit in the last three contests, giving up 66, 76 and 72 points after yielding 58.2 ppg through the first 13 games.
As part of its 51-game winning streak at Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 10-0 at home this year winning games by an average of 31.6 ppg (90.4-58.8) while outshooting visitors 52 percent to 35 percent. However, the last time Bill Self’s squad was at home, it barely got past Cornell 71-66, never threatening to cover as a 21-point favorite.
The Red Raiders stunned Kansas 84-65 as a hefty 10-point underdog last year, making the home team 6-0 SU and ATS in the last six meetings. Furthermore, the host has cashed in nine of the last 10 regular-season clashes. Also, in its last four trips to Lawrence, Kan., Texas Tech has lost by scores of 109-51, 86-52, 96-77 and 108-81, failing to cover in all four games.
Texas Tech is 1-3 ATS in its last four overall (all three non-covers as an underdog). Kansas is on pointspread rolls of 35-17-2 overall, 34-16-1 at home, 17-5-2 in Big 12 play, 6-1 on Saturday and 41-20-2 versus winning teams.
Texas Tech is on “over” tears of 34-15-2 overall, 20-7 on the highway, 21-9-1 in Big 12 action and 11-5-2 on Saturday. Conversely, the Jayhawks are on “under” runs of 5-2 overall, 4-0 at home, 21-6 after a SU win and 10-1 at home against opponents with a losing road mark. Also, three of the last four meetings in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS
(20) Georgia Tech (12-4, 7-4 ATS) at (12) North Carolina (12-5, 6-9 ATS)
The Tar Heels, who have already exceeded their loss total from last year, face their second straight ranked conference foe when they return to the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill for an ACC clash with Georgia Tech.
The Yellow Jackets failed to build on the momentum from last Saturday’s 71-67 upset victory over Duke (as a seven-point home favorite), falling 82-75 at Virginia as a two-point road underdog. Georgia Tech, which hadn’t given up more than 74 points all year prior to Wednesday, has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in its last four games, with both defeats and non-covers coming on the road.
North Carolina got steamrolled at Clemson on Wednesday, falling 83-64 as a five-point road underdog, ending a 10-game winning streak against the Tigers. The Heels are just 5-4 SU in their last nine games (2-5 ATS in lined action), but all four losses (three against ranked foes) came away from Chapel Hill. At home this year, North Carolina is 11-0 (4-5 ATS), averaging 88.5 ppg (53 percent shooting) and yielding 67.6 ppg (38.8 percent).
The Tar Heels destroyed Georgia Tech 104-74 as a 23-point home favorite last year, improving to 4-1 SU in the last five meetings. However, despite last year’s ATS result, the Yellow Jackets have cashed in 11 of the last 15 series clashes (including six of the last nine).
Despite some inconsistent play recently, Georgia Tech is still on ATS rolls of 11-4 overall, 6-2 on the highway, 5-2 in ACC play, 4-0 on Saturday, 9-4 against winning teams and 4-0 after a SU defeat. North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last five lined games and has failed to cover in 19 of its last 26 league games, but Roy Williams’ squad is on ATS upticks of 11-5 against winning teams, 35-15-1 after a SU defeat and 6-2 after a non-cover.
The Jackets are riding “over” streaks of 4-1 on the road, 4-1 versus winning teams, 7-2 after a SU defeat and 6-2 after a non-cover. On the flip side, UNC is on “under” runs of 4-1 in ACC games, 4-1 after a SU defeat and 4-1 on Saturday. Lastly, four of the last five in this rivalry have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH
Oklahoma State (13-3, 6-3-1 ATS) at (22) Baylor (13-2, 6-2 ATS)
Two Big 12 opponents coming off tough losses this week hook up at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas, where the Cowboys visit Baylor, which needs a big win today to hang onto its national ranking.
Oklahoma State roared out of the gate in Big 12 play last Saturday, destroying Texas Tech 81-52 as a seven-point home favorite, but the Cowboys came crashing back down to earth two days later with a 62-57 overtime loss at archrival Oklahoma, failing as a 1½-point road underdog. Oklahoma State has followed up a five-game winning streak (3-0 in lined play) by splitting its last four games (1-2 ATS), with both losses coming away from home.
Like Oklahoma State, the Bears kicked off the conference season in dominating fashion, crushing Oklahoma 91-60 as a seven-point home favorite last Saturday, running their winning streak to nine in a row (6-0 ATS). However, the bubble burst when Baylor went to Colorado on Tuesday and stumbled 78-71 as a three-point road favorite. The Bears are 8-0 at home – outscoring foes 22 ppg (81.7-59.7) – but only the Oklahoma contest was against a lined opponent.
The home team has dominated this rivalry, winning the last seven in a row while going 5-0 ATS in the last five (all as a favorite). Last January, Baylor won 98-92 as a 5½-point home favorite in overtime, but Oklahoma State got revenge with an 84-74 as a 4½-point chalk a month later. The Bears are 5-2 ATS in the last seven clashes overall and 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Waco.
Despite failing to cash at Oklahoma, the Cowboys are still on impressive pointspread rolls of 17-4-1 overall, 10-2 in Big 12 play, 6-1-1 on Saturday and 14-4-1 against teams with a winning record. Baylor has cashed in six of its last seven overall (all against winning opponents), but otherwise the Bears are in ATS funks of 3-7 at home, 5-13 in conference action, 3-9 after a SU loss and 4-10 after a non-cover.
OSU carries “under” trends of 6-0 overall, 5-2 on the road, 4-0 in conference and 5-1 on Saturday. Baylor is 11-3-1 “under” in its last 15 league games and 7-2-1 “under” its last 10 after a SU defeat, but the over is 17-7-1 in their last 25 Saturday outings. On the flip side, in this rivalry the “over” is on stretches of 6-1 overall and 4-1 at Baylor.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE
(6) Purdue (14-2, 7-8-1 ATS) at Northwestern (12-4, 8-4 ATS)
The suddenly slumping Boilermakers hope to get back on track when they pay a visit to Welsh-Ryan Arena looking to upend Big Ten rival Northwestern.
Purdue ripped off 14 consecutive wins to start the season, including 12 double-digit blowouts, before going to Wisconsin last Saturday and falling 73-66 as a 1½-point favorite. The Boilermakers returned home Tuesday and took the court as a nine-point chalk against Ohio State, but blew a 10-point lead with four minutes to go and were stunned 70-66 despite a career-high 35 points from Robbie Hummel. Prior to the last two games, Purdue has scored fewer than 67 points just once all season and fewer than 70 points just four times.
The Wildcats took a nine-game winning streak into their Big Ten opener at Illinois, where they lost 89-83 in overtime as an eight-point underdog. That began a current 2-3 SU slump (2-2 ATS), with the lone Big Ten victory coming at Michigan on Sunday (68-62 as an eight-point underdog). That was followed by Wednesday’s 60-50 home loss to Wisconsin as a three-point pup. Northwestern has allowed just two teams to score more than 67 points all year.
Purdue needed a big rally in last year’s trip to Northwestern, pulling out a 63-61 win but falling short as a four-point road favorite. But the Wildcats went to Purdue six weeks later and stunned the Boilermakers 64-61 as a 12½-point road ‘dog, ending a five-game losing streak in the rivalry and improving to 10-4 ATS in the last 14 series battles with Purdue. Prior to last year, the favorite had cashed in seven straight head-to-head meetings. Also, the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10.
The Boilers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine against winning teams, but otherwise they’re in pointspread ruts of 2-5 overall, 3-8 on the highway and 1-4 in Big Ten play. Northwestern is 7-2 ATS in its last nine overall and 6-2 ATS in its last eight against winning teams, but the ‘Cats have failed to cash in four straight games following a SU defeat.
The over is 7-3 in Purdue’s last 10 overall, 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday, 21-10-1 in Northwestern’s last 32 home contests and 11-1 in Northwestern’s last 12 coming off a SU defeat. Finally, five of the last seven in this rivalry have hurdled the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTHWESTERN and OVER
Texas A&M (12-4, 6-5 ATS) at (1) Texas (16-0, 7-5 ATS)
After surviving a scare in its Big 12 opener, Texas puts its unbeaten record on the line once again when it entertains the rival Aggies at the Erwin Events Center.
Texas A&M opened the conference season with last Saturday’s 64-53 win over Nebraska as a seven-point home favorite, then went to 13th-ranked Kansas State on Tuesday and got thumped 88-65 as a nine-point road underdog, ending a three-game winning streak. The Aggies have dropped three straight games away from home (0-3 ATS), and they’re 2-4 (3-3 ATS) against opponents that are or have been ranked this year.
The Longhorns jumped to the top of the polls for the first time in school history on Monday, then went out Wednesday and nearly stumbled at Iowa State, hanging on for a 90-83 win. However, they fell just shy as an eight-point road chalk, their third straight non-cover. Wednesday’s game marked just the third time this year that Texas failed to win by double digits. At home this year, Rick Barnes’ squad is 10-0 (4-2 ATS in lined action), putting up 88.2 ppg (50.8 percent shooting) and yielding 59 ppg (34 percent).
The home team has owned this rivalry, winning the last 11 meetings in a row (8-2-1 ATS). Last year at the Erwin Events Center, Texas gutted out a 67-58 win, but misfired as a 12-point chalk, and the Aggies got revenge several weeks later with an 81-66 victory as a two-point home underdog. Texas A&M is 7-2 ATS in the last nine series clashes (3-2 ATS in Austin).
The Aggies sport a slew pointspread runs, including 17-8 overall, 37-17 on the road, 11-4 in Big 12 games, 6-2 on Saturday, 22-7 after a SU defeat, 12-3 after a non-cover and 14-6 against winning teams. Texas has cashed in seven of its last nine home games, but it is 6-19-2 ATS in its last 27 conference games and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 on Saturday.
The over is on runs of 5-1 for A&M in league games, 5-2 for A&M on Saturday, 5-1 for the Longhorns overall, 4-0 for the Longhorns on Saturday, 5-1 for the Longhorns after a SU win and 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and OVER
(13) Wisconsin (14-3, 10-5 ATS) at Ohio State (12-5, 8-9 ATS)
Coming off a huge road upset of sixth-ranked Purdue, the Buckeyes return home and face another ranked opponent as they welcome No. 13 Wisconsin to Value City Arena.
The Badgers improved to 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS in tehir last nine games with Wednesday’s 60-50 win at Northwestern, cashing as a three-point favorite. Wisconsin is 4-1 SU and ATS in Big Ten action, the only blemish being a 54-47 loss at No. 10 Michigan State as a six-point road underdog on Jan. 6. Bo Ryan’s team has held seven of its last eight opponents to 58 points or less.
Ohio State has played four of its first five Big Ten games on the road. The first three didn’t go well (0-3 SU and ATS, including a 22-point loss at Wisconsin), and Tuesday’s outing at Purdue wasn’t looking good either until star point guard Evan Turner (career-high 32 points, 23 in the second half) returned from injury and led a huge late charge. Eventually, the Buckeyes overcame a 10-point deficit late in the game to pull out a 70-66 win as a nine-point underdog. Ohio State is 10-0 at home (6-4 ATS), including a 79-54 rout of Indiana as a 14-point chalk in its lone conference contest at Value City Arena.
The Badgers limited Ohio State to just 14 field goals (in 43 attempts) on New Year’s Eve, rolling 65-43 as a six-point home favorite. Wisconsin has taken three of the last four meetings (2-2 ATS), including a 58-53 victory as a 1½-point road underdog in the most recent battle at Ohio State. The host is 6-1 in the last seven meetings, but the visitor has cashed in four of the last five clashes and the ‘dog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven.
Wisconsin is on ATS runs of 5-1 overall, 4-1 in conference, 4-1 after a SU win, 5-2 after a spread-cover and 4-1 versus winning teams. Conversely, the Buckeyes are in pointspread slumps of 2-7 overall and 0-5 after a victory.
Last month’s battle in Wisconsin stayed way under the total, as the under has cashed in each of the last six meetings overall and four of the last five at Ohio State. Furthermore, the Buckeyes are on “under” runs of 6-2 overall, 4-0 at home, 8-3 in Big Ten play, 36-15-1 on Saturday and 6-0 against winning teams, while the Badgers are on “under” rolls of 7-1 overall, 9-1 on the road, 35-17 in conference, 14-6 on Saturday, 6-0 against winning teams and 37-16-1 after a SU victory.
(21) Ole Miss (13-3, 7-5 ATS) at (9) Tennessee (13-2, 7-4-1 ATS)
Tennessee puts a five-game winning streak on the line when it hosts its second Top 25 opponent to Thompson-Boling Arena this week, as Ole Miss comes calling for an SEC clash.
The Rebels followed up last Saturday’s 80-75 home loss to Mississippi State as a 3½-point home favorite with Wednesday’s 80-76 win at Georgia, coming up just short as a five-point chalk. That puts Ole Miss at 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in true roadies this season. However, the Rebels are 0-2 SU and ATS against ranked opponents, losing to No. 5 Villanova 79-67 as a three-point neutral-site underdog and No. 6 West Virginia 76-66, cashing as an 11½-point road pup.
Despite a team scandal that resulted in several player suspensions, including the dismissal of star guard Tyler Smith, the Vols banded together and shocked top-ranked and unbeaten Kansas 76-68 Sunday, cashing as a five-point home underdog. Then in its SEC opener Thursday, Tennessee came out sluggish and fell behind Auburn by 12 points, only to turn on the jets and cruise to an 81-55 victory as a 14-point home chalk. The Vols have won five in a row (4-0 ATS in lined games), averaging 82 ppg and allowing 66.2 ppg. They’re 9-0 SU and 4-2 ATS at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Ole Miss pounded Tennessee 81-65 as a 5½-point home favorite in last year’s lone meeting, cashing for the third straight time in this rivalry. The home team has won six in a row (4-2 ATS) between these teams and is 10-1 SU in the last 11 clashes (8-3 ATS).
The Rebels have cashed in 10 of their last 14 games after a non-cover, but they’ve failed to cover in four straight conference games and four straight on Saturday. Tennessee is on ATS rolls of 4-0 overall, 5-2 in SEC play and 4-0 against winning teams.
The under is 8-3 in the Rebels’ last 11 on the road and 13-6 in its last 19 after a SU win, but Ole Miss has topped the total in five of seven overall, five of seven in conference and four straight on Saturday. The Vols carry “under” trends of 20-7 overall, 5-1 at home, 9-3 in SEC play and 11-3 after a SU win. Finally, the total has alternated in the last six Ole Miss-Tennessee battles, with last year’s game sneaking under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Texas Tech (12-4, 6-4 ATS)) at (3) Kansas (15-1, 6-6-1 ATS)
After suffering consecutive losses to begin the conference season, the Red Raiders now face their toughest test to date when they visit Allen Fieldhouse for a Big 12 battle with No. 3 Kansas, which owns the nation’s longest home-court winning streak at 51 in a row.
Texas Tech got destroyed in its Big 12 opener a week ago, losing 81-52 at Oklahoma State as a seven-point underdog, then came home Wednesday and suffered a heartbreaking 94-89 overtime loss to Missouri as a four-point pup. The Red Raiders started the season with nine straight victories, but are just 3-4 since (3-3 ATS), including losing three road games (1-2 ATS). Texas Tech has followed up a five-game ATS run by failing to cash in three of its last four lined contests.
The Jayhawks went to then-No. 16 Tennessee on Sunday and fell to the depleted Volunteers 76-68 as a five-point road favorite to snap their perfect season. Then they went to Nebraska for their Big 12 opener on Wednesday and came out sluggish, falling behind 44-43 at halftime before rolling to an 84-72 victory, pushing as a 12-point road favorite. Kansas has scored more than 70 points in all but two games, but the defense has slipped a bit in the last three contests, giving up 66, 76 and 72 points after yielding 58.2 ppg through the first 13 games.
As part of its 51-game winning streak at Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 10-0 at home this year winning games by an average of 31.6 ppg (90.4-58.8) while outshooting visitors 52 percent to 35 percent. However, the last time Bill Self’s squad was at home, it barely got past Cornell 71-66, never threatening to cover as a 21-point favorite.
The Red Raiders stunned Kansas 84-65 as a hefty 10-point underdog last year, making the home team 6-0 SU and ATS in the last six meetings. Furthermore, the host has cashed in nine of the last 10 regular-season clashes. Also, in its last four trips to Lawrence, Kan., Texas Tech has lost by scores of 109-51, 86-52, 96-77 and 108-81, failing to cover in all four games.
Texas Tech is 1-3 ATS in its last four overall (all three non-covers as an underdog). Kansas is on pointspread rolls of 35-17-2 overall, 34-16-1 at home, 17-5-2 in Big 12 play, 6-1 on Saturday and 41-20-2 versus winning teams.
Texas Tech is on “over” tears of 34-15-2 overall, 20-7 on the highway, 21-9-1 in Big 12 action and 11-5-2 on Saturday. Conversely, the Jayhawks are on “under” runs of 5-2 overall, 4-0 at home, 21-6 after a SU win and 10-1 at home against opponents with a losing road mark. Also, three of the last four meetings in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS
(20) Georgia Tech (12-4, 7-4 ATS) at (12) North Carolina (12-5, 6-9 ATS)
The Tar Heels, who have already exceeded their loss total from last year, face their second straight ranked conference foe when they return to the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill for an ACC clash with Georgia Tech.
The Yellow Jackets failed to build on the momentum from last Saturday’s 71-67 upset victory over Duke (as a seven-point home favorite), falling 82-75 at Virginia as a two-point road underdog. Georgia Tech, which hadn’t given up more than 74 points all year prior to Wednesday, has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in its last four games, with both defeats and non-covers coming on the road.
North Carolina got steamrolled at Clemson on Wednesday, falling 83-64 as a five-point road underdog, ending a 10-game winning streak against the Tigers. The Heels are just 5-4 SU in their last nine games (2-5 ATS in lined action), but all four losses (three against ranked foes) came away from Chapel Hill. At home this year, North Carolina is 11-0 (4-5 ATS), averaging 88.5 ppg (53 percent shooting) and yielding 67.6 ppg (38.8 percent).
The Tar Heels destroyed Georgia Tech 104-74 as a 23-point home favorite last year, improving to 4-1 SU in the last five meetings. However, despite last year’s ATS result, the Yellow Jackets have cashed in 11 of the last 15 series clashes (including six of the last nine).
Despite some inconsistent play recently, Georgia Tech is still on ATS rolls of 11-4 overall, 6-2 on the highway, 5-2 in ACC play, 4-0 on Saturday, 9-4 against winning teams and 4-0 after a SU defeat. North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last five lined games and has failed to cover in 19 of its last 26 league games, but Roy Williams’ squad is on ATS upticks of 11-5 against winning teams, 35-15-1 after a SU defeat and 6-2 after a non-cover.
The Jackets are riding “over” streaks of 4-1 on the road, 4-1 versus winning teams, 7-2 after a SU defeat and 6-2 after a non-cover. On the flip side, UNC is on “under” runs of 4-1 in ACC games, 4-1 after a SU defeat and 4-1 on Saturday. Lastly, four of the last five in this rivalry have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH
Oklahoma State (13-3, 6-3-1 ATS) at (22) Baylor (13-2, 6-2 ATS)
Two Big 12 opponents coming off tough losses this week hook up at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas, where the Cowboys visit Baylor, which needs a big win today to hang onto its national ranking.
Oklahoma State roared out of the gate in Big 12 play last Saturday, destroying Texas Tech 81-52 as a seven-point home favorite, but the Cowboys came crashing back down to earth two days later with a 62-57 overtime loss at archrival Oklahoma, failing as a 1½-point road underdog. Oklahoma State has followed up a five-game winning streak (3-0 in lined play) by splitting its last four games (1-2 ATS), with both losses coming away from home.
Like Oklahoma State, the Bears kicked off the conference season in dominating fashion, crushing Oklahoma 91-60 as a seven-point home favorite last Saturday, running their winning streak to nine in a row (6-0 ATS). However, the bubble burst when Baylor went to Colorado on Tuesday and stumbled 78-71 as a three-point road favorite. The Bears are 8-0 at home – outscoring foes 22 ppg (81.7-59.7) – but only the Oklahoma contest was against a lined opponent.
The home team has dominated this rivalry, winning the last seven in a row while going 5-0 ATS in the last five (all as a favorite). Last January, Baylor won 98-92 as a 5½-point home favorite in overtime, but Oklahoma State got revenge with an 84-74 as a 4½-point chalk a month later. The Bears are 5-2 ATS in the last seven clashes overall and 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Waco.
Despite failing to cash at Oklahoma, the Cowboys are still on impressive pointspread rolls of 17-4-1 overall, 10-2 in Big 12 play, 6-1-1 on Saturday and 14-4-1 against teams with a winning record. Baylor has cashed in six of its last seven overall (all against winning opponents), but otherwise the Bears are in ATS funks of 3-7 at home, 5-13 in conference action, 3-9 after a SU loss and 4-10 after a non-cover.
OSU carries “under” trends of 6-0 overall, 5-2 on the road, 4-0 in conference and 5-1 on Saturday. Baylor is 11-3-1 “under” in its last 15 league games and 7-2-1 “under” its last 10 after a SU defeat, but the over is 17-7-1 in their last 25 Saturday outings. On the flip side, in this rivalry the “over” is on stretches of 6-1 overall and 4-1 at Baylor.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE
(6) Purdue (14-2, 7-8-1 ATS) at Northwestern (12-4, 8-4 ATS)
The suddenly slumping Boilermakers hope to get back on track when they pay a visit to Welsh-Ryan Arena looking to upend Big Ten rival Northwestern.
Purdue ripped off 14 consecutive wins to start the season, including 12 double-digit blowouts, before going to Wisconsin last Saturday and falling 73-66 as a 1½-point favorite. The Boilermakers returned home Tuesday and took the court as a nine-point chalk against Ohio State, but blew a 10-point lead with four minutes to go and were stunned 70-66 despite a career-high 35 points from Robbie Hummel. Prior to the last two games, Purdue has scored fewer than 67 points just once all season and fewer than 70 points just four times.
The Wildcats took a nine-game winning streak into their Big Ten opener at Illinois, where they lost 89-83 in overtime as an eight-point underdog. That began a current 2-3 SU slump (2-2 ATS), with the lone Big Ten victory coming at Michigan on Sunday (68-62 as an eight-point underdog). That was followed by Wednesday’s 60-50 home loss to Wisconsin as a three-point pup. Northwestern has allowed just two teams to score more than 67 points all year.
Purdue needed a big rally in last year’s trip to Northwestern, pulling out a 63-61 win but falling short as a four-point road favorite. But the Wildcats went to Purdue six weeks later and stunned the Boilermakers 64-61 as a 12½-point road ‘dog, ending a five-game losing streak in the rivalry and improving to 10-4 ATS in the last 14 series battles with Purdue. Prior to last year, the favorite had cashed in seven straight head-to-head meetings. Also, the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10.
The Boilers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine against winning teams, but otherwise they’re in pointspread ruts of 2-5 overall, 3-8 on the highway and 1-4 in Big Ten play. Northwestern is 7-2 ATS in its last nine overall and 6-2 ATS in its last eight against winning teams, but the ‘Cats have failed to cash in four straight games following a SU defeat.
The over is 7-3 in Purdue’s last 10 overall, 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday, 21-10-1 in Northwestern’s last 32 home contests and 11-1 in Northwestern’s last 12 coming off a SU defeat. Finally, five of the last seven in this rivalry have hurdled the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTHWESTERN and OVER
Texas A&M (12-4, 6-5 ATS) at (1) Texas (16-0, 7-5 ATS)
After surviving a scare in its Big 12 opener, Texas puts its unbeaten record on the line once again when it entertains the rival Aggies at the Erwin Events Center.
Texas A&M opened the conference season with last Saturday’s 64-53 win over Nebraska as a seven-point home favorite, then went to 13th-ranked Kansas State on Tuesday and got thumped 88-65 as a nine-point road underdog, ending a three-game winning streak. The Aggies have dropped three straight games away from home (0-3 ATS), and they’re 2-4 (3-3 ATS) against opponents that are or have been ranked this year.
The Longhorns jumped to the top of the polls for the first time in school history on Monday, then went out Wednesday and nearly stumbled at Iowa State, hanging on for a 90-83 win. However, they fell just shy as an eight-point road chalk, their third straight non-cover. Wednesday’s game marked just the third time this year that Texas failed to win by double digits. At home this year, Rick Barnes’ squad is 10-0 (4-2 ATS in lined action), putting up 88.2 ppg (50.8 percent shooting) and yielding 59 ppg (34 percent).
The home team has owned this rivalry, winning the last 11 meetings in a row (8-2-1 ATS). Last year at the Erwin Events Center, Texas gutted out a 67-58 win, but misfired as a 12-point chalk, and the Aggies got revenge several weeks later with an 81-66 victory as a two-point home underdog. Texas A&M is 7-2 ATS in the last nine series clashes (3-2 ATS in Austin).
The Aggies sport a slew pointspread runs, including 17-8 overall, 37-17 on the road, 11-4 in Big 12 games, 6-2 on Saturday, 22-7 after a SU defeat, 12-3 after a non-cover and 14-6 against winning teams. Texas has cashed in seven of its last nine home games, but it is 6-19-2 ATS in its last 27 conference games and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 on Saturday.
The over is on runs of 5-1 for A&M in league games, 5-2 for A&M on Saturday, 5-1 for the Longhorns overall, 4-0 for the Longhorns on Saturday, 5-1 for the Longhorns after a SU win and 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and OVER
(13) Wisconsin (14-3, 10-5 ATS) at Ohio State (12-5, 8-9 ATS)
Coming off a huge road upset of sixth-ranked Purdue, the Buckeyes return home and face another ranked opponent as they welcome No. 13 Wisconsin to Value City Arena.
The Badgers improved to 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS in tehir last nine games with Wednesday’s 60-50 win at Northwestern, cashing as a three-point favorite. Wisconsin is 4-1 SU and ATS in Big Ten action, the only blemish being a 54-47 loss at No. 10 Michigan State as a six-point road underdog on Jan. 6. Bo Ryan’s team has held seven of its last eight opponents to 58 points or less.
Ohio State has played four of its first five Big Ten games on the road. The first three didn’t go well (0-3 SU and ATS, including a 22-point loss at Wisconsin), and Tuesday’s outing at Purdue wasn’t looking good either until star point guard Evan Turner (career-high 32 points, 23 in the second half) returned from injury and led a huge late charge. Eventually, the Buckeyes overcame a 10-point deficit late in the game to pull out a 70-66 win as a nine-point underdog. Ohio State is 10-0 at home (6-4 ATS), including a 79-54 rout of Indiana as a 14-point chalk in its lone conference contest at Value City Arena.
The Badgers limited Ohio State to just 14 field goals (in 43 attempts) on New Year’s Eve, rolling 65-43 as a six-point home favorite. Wisconsin has taken three of the last four meetings (2-2 ATS), including a 58-53 victory as a 1½-point road underdog in the most recent battle at Ohio State. The host is 6-1 in the last seven meetings, but the visitor has cashed in four of the last five clashes and the ‘dog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven.
Wisconsin is on ATS runs of 5-1 overall, 4-1 in conference, 4-1 after a SU win, 5-2 after a spread-cover and 4-1 versus winning teams. Conversely, the Buckeyes are in pointspread slumps of 2-7 overall and 0-5 after a victory.
Last month’s battle in Wisconsin stayed way under the total, as the under has cashed in each of the last six meetings overall and four of the last five at Ohio State. Furthermore, the Buckeyes are on “under” runs of 6-2 overall, 4-0 at home, 8-3 in Big Ten play, 36-15-1 on Saturday and 6-0 against winning teams, while the Badgers are on “under” rolls of 7-1 overall, 9-1 on the road, 35-17 in conference, 14-6 on Saturday, 6-0 against winning teams and 37-16-1 after a SU victory.
RANDALL THE HANDLE
Cardinals @ Saints
Ironically, the Saints catch phrase of ‘Who Dat?” has suddenly applied to themselves. After an incredible 13-0 thrust to start the season, the Saints enter this post-season backing up. New Orleans dropped its final three games and has not experienced the thrill of victory since December 13th. Could New Orleans have peaked at the wrong time? Perhaps that memorable dismantling of the Patriots on a Monday night was the Saints’ Super Bowl? Jubilation was at its climax after that one. So much so, that New Orleans nearly lost to the woeful Redskins right after, and then narrowly slipped past a tattered Atlanta team. So which squad shows up for this important game? Given the opponent, it may not matter. Arizona gets less respect than a substitute teacher and that’s a mistake. We saw this team peak at this very same time last year. You know they will be working out some of their defensive liabilities after last week’s shoot out with the Packers. Offensively, there is little to worry about. If Green Bay’s 2nd ranked defence, 5th against the pass could not slow down Kurt Warner and his band of receivers, how can we expect New Orleans’ 26th ranked pass defence to do so? The jury is still out on the Saints. The Cardinals have prove their mettle in this role and their quick strike ability makes them a very dangerous doggie here.
TAKING: Arizona +7 RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2
Ravens @ Colts
Under normal circumstances, we would have taken a good look at the Ravens. They are tough, they run the ball well and they’ve had success in road playoff games. However, we can’t go that way with our concerns about QB Joe Flacco’s hip. Have you seen the guy walk? John Wayne would be proud. Baltimore’s brass are playing it down but you can’t hide the fact the Flacco was 4 of 10 for 34 yards and one interception last week. Combined with 102 passing yards the week prior against Oakland, a game the Ravens needed to win, Flacco produced the fewest two-game passing total of his career. The sophomore has acknowledged a bruise on his right hip while indicating that fluid running down to his quadriceps has caused stiffness. Things worked out against a limited New England team. It is doubtful that the same can happen here. Should Peyton Manning and Co. get out in front, the inability to play catch up through the air limits what the Ravens can do. With TE Todd Heap also hurting, it doesn’t help that there is little time for these maladies to heal as Baltimore will be playing on six days rest while the Colts have been comfortably awaiting this contest for two weeks. The Colts have won and covered six straight in this series. Expect the streak to continue.
TAKING: Indianapolis –6 RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2
Cardinals @ Saints
Ironically, the Saints catch phrase of ‘Who Dat?” has suddenly applied to themselves. After an incredible 13-0 thrust to start the season, the Saints enter this post-season backing up. New Orleans dropped its final three games and has not experienced the thrill of victory since December 13th. Could New Orleans have peaked at the wrong time? Perhaps that memorable dismantling of the Patriots on a Monday night was the Saints’ Super Bowl? Jubilation was at its climax after that one. So much so, that New Orleans nearly lost to the woeful Redskins right after, and then narrowly slipped past a tattered Atlanta team. So which squad shows up for this important game? Given the opponent, it may not matter. Arizona gets less respect than a substitute teacher and that’s a mistake. We saw this team peak at this very same time last year. You know they will be working out some of their defensive liabilities after last week’s shoot out with the Packers. Offensively, there is little to worry about. If Green Bay’s 2nd ranked defence, 5th against the pass could not slow down Kurt Warner and his band of receivers, how can we expect New Orleans’ 26th ranked pass defence to do so? The jury is still out on the Saints. The Cardinals have prove their mettle in this role and their quick strike ability makes them a very dangerous doggie here.
TAKING: Arizona +7 RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2
Ravens @ Colts
Under normal circumstances, we would have taken a good look at the Ravens. They are tough, they run the ball well and they’ve had success in road playoff games. However, we can’t go that way with our concerns about QB Joe Flacco’s hip. Have you seen the guy walk? John Wayne would be proud. Baltimore’s brass are playing it down but you can’t hide the fact the Flacco was 4 of 10 for 34 yards and one interception last week. Combined with 102 passing yards the week prior against Oakland, a game the Ravens needed to win, Flacco produced the fewest two-game passing total of his career. The sophomore has acknowledged a bruise on his right hip while indicating that fluid running down to his quadriceps has caused stiffness. Things worked out against a limited New England team. It is doubtful that the same can happen here. Should Peyton Manning and Co. get out in front, the inability to play catch up through the air limits what the Ravens can do. With TE Todd Heap also hurting, it doesn’t help that there is little time for these maladies to heal as Baltimore will be playing on six days rest while the Colts have been comfortably awaiting this contest for two weeks. The Colts have won and covered six straight in this series. Expect the streak to continue.
TAKING: Indianapolis –6 RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2
NCAAB DUNKEL
Syracuse at West Virginia
The Orange look to build on their 10-2 ATS record in their last 12 Big East games. Syracuse is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's early games.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Game 517-518: Dayton at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.987; Xavier 71.299
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-6 1/2)
Game 519-520: Clemson at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 73.083; North Carolina State 65.768
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 4
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-4)
Game 521-522: Syracuse at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.916; West Virginia 74.710
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2)
Game 523-524: Towson at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Delaware by 5
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-5)
Game 525-526: Louisville at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.975; Pittsburgh 76.023
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2)
Game 527-528: Ohio at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 55.599; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+4)
Game 529-530: NC Wilmington at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 51.913; Northeastern 65.784
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 14
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 12
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-12)
Game 531-532: Penn State at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.958; Iowa 58.876
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 4
Vegas Line: Penn State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-3 1/2)
Game 533-534: Missouri at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 73.084; Oklahoma 66.667
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-3 1/2)
Game 535-536: Mississippi at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 66.299; Tennessee 77.568
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 7
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-7)
Game 537-538: Alabama at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 64.323; Arkansas 59.670
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+1 1/2)
Game 539-540: Texas Tech at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 63.944; Kansas 81.530
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 21
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+21)
Game 541-542: Georgia Tech at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 63.788; North Carolina 77.075
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-7)
Game 543-544: Rhode Island at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 63.546; Fordham 44.953
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 17
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-17)
Game 547-548: George Mason at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 55.848; James Madison 54.313
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 1
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+1)
Game 549-550: Central Michigan at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 49.895; Western Michigan 53.399
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+5 1/2)
Game 551-552: Youngstown State at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 50.046; Butler 68.090
Dunkel Line: Butler by 18
Vegas Line: Butler by 20
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+20)
Game 553-554: Cleveland State at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 55.772; Valparaiso 54.470
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 1
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+1)
Game 555-556: Denver at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 50.062; UL-Monroe 49.284
Dunkel Line: Denver by 1
Vegas Line: Denver by 3
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+3)
Game 557-558: Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.134; Northern Illinois 51.840
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+3 1/2)
Game 559-560: California at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: California 69.041; Washington 69.609
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1
Vegas Line: Washington by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (+1 1/2)
Game 561-562: Georgia at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.759; Mississippi State 71.839
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+14 1/2)
Game 563-564: Missouri State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 63.270; Bradley 58.449
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State
Game 565-566: Illinois at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.619; Michigan State 78.604
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 12
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-10 1/2)
Game 567-568: New Mexico at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 62.533; Wyoming 56.634
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 6
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (+7 1/2)
Game 569-570: Kentucky at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 74.697; Auburn 59.026
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-10 1/2)
Game 571-572: Notre Dame at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 63.975; Cincinnati 70.040
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 6
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5)
Game 573-574: Kansas State at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 71.742; Colorado 63.174
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-6)
Game 575-576: Columbia at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 43.263; Cornell 66.909
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Cornell by 19
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-19)
Game 577-578: LaSalle at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 55.964; Richmond 64.710
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 9
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (+9)
Game 579-580: Oklahoma State at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.659; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 11
Vegas Line: Baylor by 5
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-5)
Game 581-582: Maryland at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 67.537; Boston College 63.810
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+1 1/2)
Game 583-584: Arizona at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 64.655; Oregon 62.669
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 4
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+4)
Game 585-586: Stanford at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 56.962; Washington State 67.796
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 11
Vegas Line: Washington State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-6)
Game 587-588: Wichita State at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 64.274; Creighton 60.196
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 4
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1)
Game 589-590: Purdue at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 72.754; Northwestern 67.890
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 5
Vegas Line: Purdue by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (+6 1/2)
Game 591-592: Virginia Tech at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 68.375; Florida State 70.476
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+5)
Game 593-594: VCU at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 62.108; Georgia State 54.400
Dunkel Line: VCU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-6 1/2)
Game 595-596: Colorado State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.509; BYU 76.598
Dunkel Line: BYU by 20
Vegas Line: BYU by 19
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-19)
Game 597-598: Texas A&M at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 66.790; Texas 80.424
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 14
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+14)
Game 599-600: Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 70.188; South Carolina 65.416
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 5
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 1
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-1)
Game 601-602: Arizona State at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 65.137; Oregon State 60.970
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 4
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+5)
Game 603-604: St. Joseph's at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 49.426; St. Bonaventure 61.565
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 12
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (-7 1/2)
Game 605-606: Tulane at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 51.974; Marshall 65.058
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 13
Vegas Line: Marshall by 14
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+14)
Game 607-608: Houston at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 60.766; East Carolina 55.531
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5
Vegas Line: Houston by 9
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+9)
Game 609-610: Hofstra at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.536; William & Mary 61.796
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+7 1/2)
Game 611-612: Drexel at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 53.233; Old Dominion 68.615
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 13
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-13)
Game 613-614: Cal Poly at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 47.667; Long Beach State 60.950
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-13)
Game 615-616: Rutgers at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.023; South Florida 64.095
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 10
Vegas Line: South Florida by 8
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-8)
Game 617-618: USC at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: USC 67.308; UCLA 62.347
Dunkel Line: USC by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: USC
Game 619-620: LSU at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.738; Florida 69.348
Dunkel Line: Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 11
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-11)
Game 621-622: UL-Lafayette at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 49.170; AR-Little Rock 49.630
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayettte (+1 1/2)
Game 623-624: Florida International at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 45.453; Western Kentucky 59.454
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 16
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+16)
Game 625-626: Arkansas State at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; North Texas 54.260
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 6
Vegas Line: North Texas by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+6 1/2)
Game 627-628: Wisconsin at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 74.279; Ohio State 73.757
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 1
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (+5)
Game 629-630: Miami (FL) at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 64.493; Virginia 69.644
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 6
Vegas Line: Virginia by 3
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-3)
Game 631-632: UAB at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 64.569; SMU 57.191
Dunkel Line: UAB by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-5 1/2)
Game 633-634: Memphis at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 67.033; Rice 53.431
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 13
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-13)
Game 635-636: Wright State at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 64.865; WI-Milwaukee 58.739
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 6
Vegas Line: Wright State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-2)
Game 637-638: Detroit at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 57.396; WI-Green Bay 58.831
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3 1/2)
Game 639-640: Indiana State at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 56.809; Northern Iowa 66.654
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 13
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+13)
Game 641-642: Southern Illinois at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.711; Evansville 53.324
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5)
Game 643-644: Iowa State at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 62.310; Nebraska 67.209
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 5
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (-3)
Game 645-646: Troy at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 50.744; South Alabama 59.776
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 9
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-2)
Game 647-648: Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 52.529; Middle Tennessee State 52.541
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+7)
Game 649-650: Central Florida at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 54.090; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 15
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+15)
Game 651-652: Southern Mississippi at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 50.977; UTEP 67.440
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-12 1/2)
Game 653-654: CS-Northridge at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 50.319; CS-Fullerton 52.202
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 2
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Gonzaga at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 67.545; San Diego 58.162
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 7
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-7)
Game 657-658: Fresno State at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 58.391; New Mexico State 59.081
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+2 1/2)
Game 659-660: Boise State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 54.015; Utah State 69.508
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-13 1/2)
Game 661-662: UC-Riverside at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.814; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 11
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-6)
Game 663-664: Portland at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 59.523; St. Mary's (CA) 72.519
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 13
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-8)
Game 665-666: San Francisco at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 52.697; Pepperdine 51.360
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco
Game 667-668: Idaho at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 55.025; Nevada 63.730
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+11 1/2)
Game 669-670: UC-Irvine at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 47.381; Pacific 59.702
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+13 1/2)
Game 671-672: TCU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 53.771; San Diego State 69.041
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: Utah at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 58.314; UNLV 71.607
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-11 1/2)
Game 675-676: Santa Clara at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; Loyola-Marymount 56.550
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Syracuse at West Virginia
The Orange look to build on their 10-2 ATS record in their last 12 Big East games. Syracuse is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's early games.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Game 517-518: Dayton at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.987; Xavier 71.299
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-6 1/2)
Game 519-520: Clemson at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 73.083; North Carolina State 65.768
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 4
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-4)
Game 521-522: Syracuse at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.916; West Virginia 74.710
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2)
Game 523-524: Towson at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Delaware by 5
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-5)
Game 525-526: Louisville at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.975; Pittsburgh 76.023
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2)
Game 527-528: Ohio at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 55.599; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+4)
Game 529-530: NC Wilmington at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 51.913; Northeastern 65.784
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 14
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 12
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-12)
Game 531-532: Penn State at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.958; Iowa 58.876
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 4
Vegas Line: Penn State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-3 1/2)
Game 533-534: Missouri at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 73.084; Oklahoma 66.667
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-3 1/2)
Game 535-536: Mississippi at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 66.299; Tennessee 77.568
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 7
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-7)
Game 537-538: Alabama at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 64.323; Arkansas 59.670
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+1 1/2)
Game 539-540: Texas Tech at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 63.944; Kansas 81.530
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 21
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+21)
Game 541-542: Georgia Tech at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 63.788; North Carolina 77.075
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-7)
Game 543-544: Rhode Island at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 63.546; Fordham 44.953
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 17
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-17)
Game 547-548: George Mason at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 55.848; James Madison 54.313
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 1
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+1)
Game 549-550: Central Michigan at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 49.895; Western Michigan 53.399
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+5 1/2)
Game 551-552: Youngstown State at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 50.046; Butler 68.090
Dunkel Line: Butler by 18
Vegas Line: Butler by 20
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+20)
Game 553-554: Cleveland State at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 55.772; Valparaiso 54.470
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 1
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+1)
Game 555-556: Denver at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 50.062; UL-Monroe 49.284
Dunkel Line: Denver by 1
Vegas Line: Denver by 3
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+3)
Game 557-558: Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.134; Northern Illinois 51.840
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+3 1/2)
Game 559-560: California at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: California 69.041; Washington 69.609
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1
Vegas Line: Washington by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (+1 1/2)
Game 561-562: Georgia at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.759; Mississippi State 71.839
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+14 1/2)
Game 563-564: Missouri State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 63.270; Bradley 58.449
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State
Game 565-566: Illinois at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.619; Michigan State 78.604
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 12
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-10 1/2)
Game 567-568: New Mexico at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 62.533; Wyoming 56.634
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 6
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (+7 1/2)
Game 569-570: Kentucky at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 74.697; Auburn 59.026
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-10 1/2)
Game 571-572: Notre Dame at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 63.975; Cincinnati 70.040
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 6
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5)
Game 573-574: Kansas State at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 71.742; Colorado 63.174
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-6)
Game 575-576: Columbia at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 43.263; Cornell 66.909
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Cornell by 19
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-19)
Game 577-578: LaSalle at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 55.964; Richmond 64.710
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 9
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (+9)
Game 579-580: Oklahoma State at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.659; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 11
Vegas Line: Baylor by 5
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-5)
Game 581-582: Maryland at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 67.537; Boston College 63.810
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+1 1/2)
Game 583-584: Arizona at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 64.655; Oregon 62.669
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 4
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+4)
Game 585-586: Stanford at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 56.962; Washington State 67.796
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 11
Vegas Line: Washington State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-6)
Game 587-588: Wichita State at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 64.274; Creighton 60.196
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 4
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1)
Game 589-590: Purdue at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 72.754; Northwestern 67.890
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 5
Vegas Line: Purdue by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (+6 1/2)
Game 591-592: Virginia Tech at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 68.375; Florida State 70.476
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+5)
Game 593-594: VCU at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 62.108; Georgia State 54.400
Dunkel Line: VCU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-6 1/2)
Game 595-596: Colorado State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.509; BYU 76.598
Dunkel Line: BYU by 20
Vegas Line: BYU by 19
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-19)
Game 597-598: Texas A&M at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 66.790; Texas 80.424
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 14
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+14)
Game 599-600: Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 70.188; South Carolina 65.416
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 5
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 1
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-1)
Game 601-602: Arizona State at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 65.137; Oregon State 60.970
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 4
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+5)
Game 603-604: St. Joseph's at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 49.426; St. Bonaventure 61.565
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 12
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (-7 1/2)
Game 605-606: Tulane at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 51.974; Marshall 65.058
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 13
Vegas Line: Marshall by 14
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+14)
Game 607-608: Houston at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 60.766; East Carolina 55.531
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5
Vegas Line: Houston by 9
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+9)
Game 609-610: Hofstra at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.536; William & Mary 61.796
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+7 1/2)
Game 611-612: Drexel at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 53.233; Old Dominion 68.615
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 13
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-13)
Game 613-614: Cal Poly at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 47.667; Long Beach State 60.950
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-13)
Game 615-616: Rutgers at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.023; South Florida 64.095
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 10
Vegas Line: South Florida by 8
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-8)
Game 617-618: USC at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: USC 67.308; UCLA 62.347
Dunkel Line: USC by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: USC
Game 619-620: LSU at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.738; Florida 69.348
Dunkel Line: Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 11
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-11)
Game 621-622: UL-Lafayette at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 49.170; AR-Little Rock 49.630
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayettte (+1 1/2)
Game 623-624: Florida International at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 45.453; Western Kentucky 59.454
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 16
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+16)
Game 625-626: Arkansas State at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; North Texas 54.260
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 6
Vegas Line: North Texas by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+6 1/2)
Game 627-628: Wisconsin at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 74.279; Ohio State 73.757
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 1
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (+5)
Game 629-630: Miami (FL) at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 64.493; Virginia 69.644
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 6
Vegas Line: Virginia by 3
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-3)
Game 631-632: UAB at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 64.569; SMU 57.191
Dunkel Line: UAB by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-5 1/2)
Game 633-634: Memphis at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 67.033; Rice 53.431
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 13
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-13)
Game 635-636: Wright State at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 64.865; WI-Milwaukee 58.739
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 6
Vegas Line: Wright State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-2)
Game 637-638: Detroit at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 57.396; WI-Green Bay 58.831
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3 1/2)
Game 639-640: Indiana State at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 56.809; Northern Iowa 66.654
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 13
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+13)
Game 641-642: Southern Illinois at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.711; Evansville 53.324
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5)
Game 643-644: Iowa State at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 62.310; Nebraska 67.209
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 5
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (-3)
Game 645-646: Troy at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 50.744; South Alabama 59.776
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 9
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-2)
Game 647-648: Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 52.529; Middle Tennessee State 52.541
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+7)
Game 649-650: Central Florida at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 54.090; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 15
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+15)
Game 651-652: Southern Mississippi at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 50.977; UTEP 67.440
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-12 1/2)
Game 653-654: CS-Northridge at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 50.319; CS-Fullerton 52.202
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 2
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Gonzaga at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 67.545; San Diego 58.162
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 7
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-7)
Game 657-658: Fresno State at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 58.391; New Mexico State 59.081
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+2 1/2)
Game 659-660: Boise State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 54.015; Utah State 69.508
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-13 1/2)
Game 661-662: UC-Riverside at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.814; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 11
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-6)
Game 663-664: Portland at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 59.523; St. Mary's (CA) 72.519
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 13
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-8)
Game 665-666: San Francisco at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 52.697; Pepperdine 51.360
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco
Game 667-668: Idaho at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 55.025; Nevada 63.730
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+11 1/2)
Game 669-670: UC-Irvine at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 47.381; Pacific 59.702
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+13 1/2)
Game 671-672: TCU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 53.771; San Diego State 69.041
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: Utah at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 58.314; UNLV 71.607
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-11 1/2)
Game 675-676: Santa Clara at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; Loyola-Marymount 56.550
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Saturday, January 16
Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games........
Xavier won seven of last eight games vs Dayton, winning last six played here by 7-9-5-16-26-17 points. Xavier is 3-0 in A-14, winning games by 6-7-12 points- they're 9-3 vs spread as a favorite. Dayton is 11-1 in last 12 games, winning firs two in A-14 by 6-16; they're 1-2 as an underdog this year. Atlantic 14 home favorites are 3-9 vs spread in league games.
Clemson won last four games vs NC State by average of 11 points in a series where favorite covered last five games; they won last two visits to Raleigh by 11-7 points. Tigers waxed North Carolina in last game, which makes this trap game. Wolfpack is 4-0 vs spread as an underdog this year. Home teams are 9-7 vs spread in ACC games, 1-0 as underdogs.
Louisville won last three regular season meetings with Pitt by 13-2-6 points, but lost last three meetings in Big East tourney; Cardinals won last two visits here- they had two extra days to prepare for this. Pitt is 4-0 in Big East, winning last three as underdog. Big East home favorites are 11-10 vs spread in conference play. Cardinals are 1-2 on the road.
Syracuse won six of last seven games vs West Virginia, including OT win in LY's Big East tourney, night after their 6OT win. Teams split last two meetings here. Orangemen are 2-0 on Big East road, winning by 16-7 at Rutgers/Seton Hall. Big East favorites are 20-13 vs spread in league play, 11-10 at home. WVa split last four games; their PG play is shaky.
Home side won last six Ole Miss-Tennessee games; Rebels lost three in a row here by 17-14-2 points; am guessing new football coach Dooley is going to speak to crowd, which will get fans jacked up. Ole Miss is 13-3, losing by 5 to Miss State, 10 at WVa, 12 to Villanova. SEC home faves are 3-7 vs spread in conference play. Vols covered last four games.
North Carolina won four of last five games vs Georgia Tech, winning last five games played here by 15-22-7-16-30 points. UNC ranks in lower half of country in turnover %age; their guards aren't protecting the ball. Tech lost at Virginia after upsetting Duke; they're 2-3 in last five games (all 3 losses by 7 points). ACC home favorites are 8-7 aganst spread.
Cal won four of last five games vs Washington, winning last two visits here, including triple OT win LY. Bears are 3-1 in Pac-10, winning tilts by 26-8-5 points; they're 0-3 as an underdog this year. Huskies snapped 3-game skid by waxing Stanford Thursday; they're 4-8 as favorites. Pac-10 home favorites are 5-11 vs spread in league play.
Michigan State won last four games vs Illinois by 10-8-6-8 points; they won/covered all four Big 11 games, winning both home games by seven points. Illinois is also 4-0 in Big 11 but beat four worst teams in league to get there; Illini is 2-1 on road, winning at clemson in only game as an underdog. Big 11 home faves are 10-6 vs spread in conference games.
Notre Dame won two of last three games vs Cincinnati, with home side winning last two; Irish lost 93-83 here LY (-2.5). Bearcats just lost road games vs Rutgers/St John's, damaging losses; they've lost last three in a row by total of 12 points. Irish won last two games by total of three points. Big East home favorites are 11-10 vs spread in conference play.
Kansas State won last seven games vs Colorado, winning last three trips to Boulder by 16-16-2 points; Wildcats are 2-1 on road, losing by six at Missouri, but winning at UNLV/Alabama. Colorado is 8-0 at home vs D-I teams, upsetting Baylor in Big 12 home opener. Big 12 home dogs are 3-1 against the spread in league games.
Home side won last two Oklahoma State-Baylor games; Cowboys lost last three visits to Waco by 4-8-6 points. Bears have best team in yesrs with 12-2 record- they're 3-2 as a favorite. Big 12 home favorites are 5-1 vs spread in conference play. Cowboys are 1-3 on road after OT loss at Oklahoma Monday- they're 1-2 as an underdog this season.
Boston College won five of last six games vs Maryland, taking last two by 3-9 points, in series where road teams won last three meetings. BC is 1-3, losing at Clemson by 16, Duke by 20 and at home by point against Maine. Maryland is 5-2 in last seven games, 2-1 on the road. ACC home favorites are 8-7 vs spread in conference games.
Stanford won four of last five games vs Washington State, splitting last six visits here; favorite is 8-1 vs spread in last nine series games. Cardinal is 0-5 on road, losing by 13-8-13-26-33 points; they trailed at half by 19 20 points in their Pac-10 road games. Wazzu allowed 82 ppg in losing its last two games. Underdogs are 13-6 vs spread in Pac-10 games.
Home team won six of last seven Virginia Tech-Florida State games, as Hokies lost last four visits here by 7-6-9-10 points. Seminoles lost last two games, allowing 82.5 ppg; they're 2-5 vs spread as a fave this year. Hokies are 3-2 on road, 2-2 as an underdog this year. ACC home teams are 9-7 against the spread, 8-7 as favorites.
Vanderbilt won six of last seven games vs South Carolina, taking three of last four visits here (all three wins by 1 point or in OT). Commodores won last seven games, beating Florida/Alabama in first two SEC games. Vandy is 2-2 on road, winning at St Mary's/Bama. Gamecocks also won their last three in row. Underdogs are 8-3 vs spread in SEC games.
USC is 0-2 on Pac-10 road, scoring 56 ppg in losses by 1 at Stanford, by 8 at Cal. Trojans are 0-4 in true road games. UCLA is 6-2 in its last eight series games, winning four of last five here, by 21-21-5-16 points; teams split pair of meetings in last two Pac-10 tourneys. Pac-10 home teams are 7-12 vs spread in conference play. Bruins are 2-2 in Pac-10 play.
Wisconsin is 8-3 in last 11 games vs Ohio State, going 3-2 in its last five trips to Columbus; Badgers waxed OSU 65-43 New Year's Eve, in game OSU star Turner missed (he is back). Badgers' Leuer is out (back); he had 11 points in second half of first meeting. Favorite is 5-0 vs spread in Wisconsin's conference games this season (Badgers 0-1 as Big 11 dog).
Miami won last three games vs Virginia by 8-2-7 points; underdogs are 5-2 vs spread in last seven series games- teams split last four played in this gym. Virginia scored 76 ppg in winning first two ACC games; they won last six games overall. Hurricanes were down 27 at half in last game Wednesday. ACC home favorites are 8-7 vs spread in league games.
St Mary's is 11-3 in last 14 games vs Portland, winning last three here by 16-37-12 points; favorites covered seven of last nine in series. Dogs are 7-1 vs spread in WCC games, 4-0 on road. Gaels lost tough game to Gonzaga late Thursday; they're 14-3, 11-4 vs spread as favorite. Pilots got first win in four true road games Thursday at San Diego.
Siena won five of last six games vs Fairfield, beating Stags three times a year ago by 6-16-15 points; Saints split last six visits here, winning by 2-11-6 points. Siena is 6-0 in league, winning by 13 at Iona, at Loyola by 20 in its road games. Fairfield is 5-1, losing at Niagara by nine. MAAC home teams are 9-22 vs spread in league play; home underdogs are 3-6.
Saturday, January 16
Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games........
Xavier won seven of last eight games vs Dayton, winning last six played here by 7-9-5-16-26-17 points. Xavier is 3-0 in A-14, winning games by 6-7-12 points- they're 9-3 vs spread as a favorite. Dayton is 11-1 in last 12 games, winning firs two in A-14 by 6-16; they're 1-2 as an underdog this year. Atlantic 14 home favorites are 3-9 vs spread in league games.
Clemson won last four games vs NC State by average of 11 points in a series where favorite covered last five games; they won last two visits to Raleigh by 11-7 points. Tigers waxed North Carolina in last game, which makes this trap game. Wolfpack is 4-0 vs spread as an underdog this year. Home teams are 9-7 vs spread in ACC games, 1-0 as underdogs.
Louisville won last three regular season meetings with Pitt by 13-2-6 points, but lost last three meetings in Big East tourney; Cardinals won last two visits here- they had two extra days to prepare for this. Pitt is 4-0 in Big East, winning last three as underdog. Big East home favorites are 11-10 vs spread in conference play. Cardinals are 1-2 on the road.
Syracuse won six of last seven games vs West Virginia, including OT win in LY's Big East tourney, night after their 6OT win. Teams split last two meetings here. Orangemen are 2-0 on Big East road, winning by 16-7 at Rutgers/Seton Hall. Big East favorites are 20-13 vs spread in league play, 11-10 at home. WVa split last four games; their PG play is shaky.
Home side won last six Ole Miss-Tennessee games; Rebels lost three in a row here by 17-14-2 points; am guessing new football coach Dooley is going to speak to crowd, which will get fans jacked up. Ole Miss is 13-3, losing by 5 to Miss State, 10 at WVa, 12 to Villanova. SEC home faves are 3-7 vs spread in conference play. Vols covered last four games.
North Carolina won four of last five games vs Georgia Tech, winning last five games played here by 15-22-7-16-30 points. UNC ranks in lower half of country in turnover %age; their guards aren't protecting the ball. Tech lost at Virginia after upsetting Duke; they're 2-3 in last five games (all 3 losses by 7 points). ACC home favorites are 8-7 aganst spread.
Cal won four of last five games vs Washington, winning last two visits here, including triple OT win LY. Bears are 3-1 in Pac-10, winning tilts by 26-8-5 points; they're 0-3 as an underdog this year. Huskies snapped 3-game skid by waxing Stanford Thursday; they're 4-8 as favorites. Pac-10 home favorites are 5-11 vs spread in league play.
Michigan State won last four games vs Illinois by 10-8-6-8 points; they won/covered all four Big 11 games, winning both home games by seven points. Illinois is also 4-0 in Big 11 but beat four worst teams in league to get there; Illini is 2-1 on road, winning at clemson in only game as an underdog. Big 11 home faves are 10-6 vs spread in conference games.
Notre Dame won two of last three games vs Cincinnati, with home side winning last two; Irish lost 93-83 here LY (-2.5). Bearcats just lost road games vs Rutgers/St John's, damaging losses; they've lost last three in a row by total of 12 points. Irish won last two games by total of three points. Big East home favorites are 11-10 vs spread in conference play.
Kansas State won last seven games vs Colorado, winning last three trips to Boulder by 16-16-2 points; Wildcats are 2-1 on road, losing by six at Missouri, but winning at UNLV/Alabama. Colorado is 8-0 at home vs D-I teams, upsetting Baylor in Big 12 home opener. Big 12 home dogs are 3-1 against the spread in league games.
Home side won last two Oklahoma State-Baylor games; Cowboys lost last three visits to Waco by 4-8-6 points. Bears have best team in yesrs with 12-2 record- they're 3-2 as a favorite. Big 12 home favorites are 5-1 vs spread in conference play. Cowboys are 1-3 on road after OT loss at Oklahoma Monday- they're 1-2 as an underdog this season.
Boston College won five of last six games vs Maryland, taking last two by 3-9 points, in series where road teams won last three meetings. BC is 1-3, losing at Clemson by 16, Duke by 20 and at home by point against Maine. Maryland is 5-2 in last seven games, 2-1 on the road. ACC home favorites are 8-7 vs spread in conference games.
Stanford won four of last five games vs Washington State, splitting last six visits here; favorite is 8-1 vs spread in last nine series games. Cardinal is 0-5 on road, losing by 13-8-13-26-33 points; they trailed at half by 19 20 points in their Pac-10 road games. Wazzu allowed 82 ppg in losing its last two games. Underdogs are 13-6 vs spread in Pac-10 games.
Home team won six of last seven Virginia Tech-Florida State games, as Hokies lost last four visits here by 7-6-9-10 points. Seminoles lost last two games, allowing 82.5 ppg; they're 2-5 vs spread as a fave this year. Hokies are 3-2 on road, 2-2 as an underdog this year. ACC home teams are 9-7 against the spread, 8-7 as favorites.
Vanderbilt won six of last seven games vs South Carolina, taking three of last four visits here (all three wins by 1 point or in OT). Commodores won last seven games, beating Florida/Alabama in first two SEC games. Vandy is 2-2 on road, winning at St Mary's/Bama. Gamecocks also won their last three in row. Underdogs are 8-3 vs spread in SEC games.
USC is 0-2 on Pac-10 road, scoring 56 ppg in losses by 1 at Stanford, by 8 at Cal. Trojans are 0-4 in true road games. UCLA is 6-2 in its last eight series games, winning four of last five here, by 21-21-5-16 points; teams split pair of meetings in last two Pac-10 tourneys. Pac-10 home teams are 7-12 vs spread in conference play. Bruins are 2-2 in Pac-10 play.
Wisconsin is 8-3 in last 11 games vs Ohio State, going 3-2 in its last five trips to Columbus; Badgers waxed OSU 65-43 New Year's Eve, in game OSU star Turner missed (he is back). Badgers' Leuer is out (back); he had 11 points in second half of first meeting. Favorite is 5-0 vs spread in Wisconsin's conference games this season (Badgers 0-1 as Big 11 dog).
Miami won last three games vs Virginia by 8-2-7 points; underdogs are 5-2 vs spread in last seven series games- teams split last four played in this gym. Virginia scored 76 ppg in winning first two ACC games; they won last six games overall. Hurricanes were down 27 at half in last game Wednesday. ACC home favorites are 8-7 vs spread in league games.
St Mary's is 11-3 in last 14 games vs Portland, winning last three here by 16-37-12 points; favorites covered seven of last nine in series. Dogs are 7-1 vs spread in WCC games, 4-0 on road. Gaels lost tough game to Gonzaga late Thursday; they're 14-3, 11-4 vs spread as favorite. Pilots got first win in four true road games Thursday at San Diego.
Siena won five of last six games vs Fairfield, beating Stags three times a year ago by 6-16-15 points; Saints split last six visits here, winning by 2-11-6 points. Siena is 6-0 in league, winning by 13 at Iona, at Loyola by 20 in its road games. Fairfield is 5-1, losing at Niagara by nine. MAAC home teams are 9-22 vs spread in league play; home underdogs are 3-6.
Karl Garrett
30 DIMER - BALTIMORE RAVENS
Could the Colts blow this Ravens team out?
Possibly, but with the Colts having basically rested their personel the last 2 weeks of the regular season, and then having a week off, I don't think Peyton Manning is going to find his stride right away, and that means Baltimore will be able to bang at Indy with their running game.
McGahee and Rice have been beasts down the stretch, and if the Ravens can take adavantage of an Indianapolis defense that has been yielding over 4 yards per carry on the ground, this one stays close all the way.
Baltimore has lost 5 games this year, 4 of them by 6 points or less. That includes that 17-15 Week 11 heartbreaker when Flacco tossed a game-ending pick in the red zone late in the 4th quarter. It should also be noted that Peyton Manning threw a pair of interceptions in that game, and with Ed Reed back in the lineup, I give Baltimore's defense a chance at rattling Manning the way they rattled Tom Brady last week.
The Ravens have been able to win 3 of their 4 road playoff games since last year, and while they may not win this win, they certainly will be a tough out for the Colts this Saturday night.
Take the points.
10 DIMER - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Tricky line here, as the Cardinals can put the points on the board, so you would think getting a full TD is a gift with the dog, especially since the Saints crapped the bed at 0-3 both straight up, and against the spread to end the season.
BUT....Keep this in mind, the Cardinals defense was absolutely atrocious last week at home, what will it be like on a short week on the road this week? I figure the Saints offense will get humming again, especially at home where they were 6-0 before the Dallas game. The extra week off gives offensive whiz Sean Payton a little more time to design some wrinkles against a defense that couldn't stop anything last week on their home field.
Asking the Cards to go on the road and step up big in the Superdome is too much to ask, in my eyes.
I think the Saints regain their mid-season form in this one, and force Warner to make a few costly mistakes.
Lay the lumber
10 DIMER - VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
Take note, Tony Bennett has the Cavaliers playing his system to perfection right now, and with Miami getting a dose of reality this week at Virginia Tech, I can see the Cavs increasing on their 6 game winning streak, especially on their home floor.
Virginia is 3-1 against the spread in their lined home games, and they are also in triple-revenge against the 'Canes.
With that 81-66 beatdown suffered in Blacksburg earlier this week, the 15-2 Hurricanes have got to be asking themselves, "are we as good as our record indicates?"
With that question swirling in their heads, I can assure you Tony Bennett will have his team primed to notch win # 7 in a row.
Go Wahoos!
30 DIMER - BALTIMORE RAVENS
Could the Colts blow this Ravens team out?
Possibly, but with the Colts having basically rested their personel the last 2 weeks of the regular season, and then having a week off, I don't think Peyton Manning is going to find his stride right away, and that means Baltimore will be able to bang at Indy with their running game.
McGahee and Rice have been beasts down the stretch, and if the Ravens can take adavantage of an Indianapolis defense that has been yielding over 4 yards per carry on the ground, this one stays close all the way.
Baltimore has lost 5 games this year, 4 of them by 6 points or less. That includes that 17-15 Week 11 heartbreaker when Flacco tossed a game-ending pick in the red zone late in the 4th quarter. It should also be noted that Peyton Manning threw a pair of interceptions in that game, and with Ed Reed back in the lineup, I give Baltimore's defense a chance at rattling Manning the way they rattled Tom Brady last week.
The Ravens have been able to win 3 of their 4 road playoff games since last year, and while they may not win this win, they certainly will be a tough out for the Colts this Saturday night.
Take the points.
10 DIMER - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Tricky line here, as the Cardinals can put the points on the board, so you would think getting a full TD is a gift with the dog, especially since the Saints crapped the bed at 0-3 both straight up, and against the spread to end the season.
BUT....Keep this in mind, the Cardinals defense was absolutely atrocious last week at home, what will it be like on a short week on the road this week? I figure the Saints offense will get humming again, especially at home where they were 6-0 before the Dallas game. The extra week off gives offensive whiz Sean Payton a little more time to design some wrinkles against a defense that couldn't stop anything last week on their home field.
Asking the Cards to go on the road and step up big in the Superdome is too much to ask, in my eyes.
I think the Saints regain their mid-season form in this one, and force Warner to make a few costly mistakes.
Lay the lumber
10 DIMER - VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
Take note, Tony Bennett has the Cavaliers playing his system to perfection right now, and with Miami getting a dose of reality this week at Virginia Tech, I can see the Cavs increasing on their 6 game winning streak, especially on their home floor.
Virginia is 3-1 against the spread in their lined home games, and they are also in triple-revenge against the 'Canes.
With that 81-66 beatdown suffered in Blacksburg earlier this week, the 15-2 Hurricanes have got to be asking themselves, "are we as good as our record indicates?"
With that question swirling in their heads, I can assure you Tony Bennett will have his team primed to notch win # 7 in a row.
Go Wahoos!
MREAST NFL SATURDAY MASTERPIECE
The Indianapolis Colts perhaps could of finished the season 16-0, but they chose to laydown the last 2 weeks to avoid injuries, and get into the playoffs healthy. The Colts have been living the good life. They are 27-5 over the last 2 seasons, but let's examine their record vs .500 or better teams during this 27-5 run. Last year they faced 10 teams that were .500 or better. The result was a 7-3 record, which looks great, but of the 7 wins, 5 of them were by 4 points or less, and another by 6 points, so all together 9 of the 10 would not have covered this spread. This year the Colts played 6 more games that were decided by 4 points or less vs decent teams. The margin for error with this team is very slim, despite the fact they have Peyton Manning at QB. The Ravens defense really got to Tom Brady, and made him look about as bad as he has ever looked in a playoff game, and they were the first team to go to Foxboro and win a playoff game since 1978! They didn't just win, they destroyed the Pats. The Ravens now own a win vs the Pats, a 2 point loss to the Colts, a 2 point loss to Minnesota on the road, and a 5 point win vs San Diego, also on the road. This team finds a way to hang in almost every game they play, and are much better than their record. They have won as many road playoff games in this decade (6) than any other team in any other decade, and I like them to at the very least be down the stretch with a chance to win, so I'll go with them here. Ravens get the call.
#111 BALTIMORE RAVENS @ #112 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 8:15PM
PLAY ON #111 BALTIMORE RAVENS +6.5 FOR 4 UNITS
The Indianapolis Colts perhaps could of finished the season 16-0, but they chose to laydown the last 2 weeks to avoid injuries, and get into the playoffs healthy. The Colts have been living the good life. They are 27-5 over the last 2 seasons, but let's examine their record vs .500 or better teams during this 27-5 run. Last year they faced 10 teams that were .500 or better. The result was a 7-3 record, which looks great, but of the 7 wins, 5 of them were by 4 points or less, and another by 6 points, so all together 9 of the 10 would not have covered this spread. This year the Colts played 6 more games that were decided by 4 points or less vs decent teams. The margin for error with this team is very slim, despite the fact they have Peyton Manning at QB. The Ravens defense really got to Tom Brady, and made him look about as bad as he has ever looked in a playoff game, and they were the first team to go to Foxboro and win a playoff game since 1978! They didn't just win, they destroyed the Pats. The Ravens now own a win vs the Pats, a 2 point loss to the Colts, a 2 point loss to Minnesota on the road, and a 5 point win vs San Diego, also on the road. This team finds a way to hang in almost every game they play, and are much better than their record. They have won as many road playoff games in this decade (6) than any other team in any other decade, and I like them to at the very least be down the stretch with a chance to win, so I'll go with them here. Ravens get the call.
#111 BALTIMORE RAVENS @ #112 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 8:15PM
PLAY ON #111 BALTIMORE RAVENS +6.5 FOR 4 UNITS
Wayne Root's Bowls & Playoffs
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Divisional Game of the Year
7* NO LIMIT Saints (-7) over Cardinals
4:30 PM -- NFC Divisional Playoffs - Louisiana Superdome
Game is being played in a dome.
4* Millionaire Colts (-6½) over Ravens
8:15 PM -- AFC Divisional Playoffs - Lucas Oil Stadium
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 0-5 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 30.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Divisional Game of the Year
7* NO LIMIT Saints (-7) over Cardinals
4:30 PM -- NFC Divisional Playoffs - Louisiana Superdome
Game is being played in a dome.
4* Millionaire Colts (-6½) over Ravens
8:15 PM -- AFC Divisional Playoffs - Lucas Oil Stadium
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 0-5 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 30.
