| 11 August 2010
Back after a one-season hiatus (that means vacation for those residing in or around Casa Grande). Basically, there is no real method to the madness (sorry haters). We take a long hard look at some of that week's games and determine some potential locks and will give you the reasoning behind how we selected what we did.
You are going to see some match-ups that will make you go "WTF? That IS a no-brainer lock" ... yup, totally gonna happen.
Of course, this is for 'fun' ... but we will graciously send you our PayPal email address if you manage to turn a slight profit ;)
* these are color coded for printability. Red = don't even think about it ... Blue = consider this one ... Orange = a definite risk that might pay off
Thursday, September 2nd
Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio State Buckeyes
OSU is a 29 point favorite
Face it, Marshall pretty much sucks. Ohio State is ... well ... Ohio State. Typically very tough at home ... but:
9 of Marshall's last 11 games the total was UNDER
9 of OSU's last 12 games ... the total was ... UNDER
Any takers that OSU does not come out of the gate strong in this one? 29 is a boat load of points, even at home ... at night ... which is the caveat. Not going for a score prediction; however, I am seriously looking at this one as a potential surprise game that goes under.
Pittsburgh Panthers at Utah Utes
Utah is favored by 3.5 points at home
Utah is still playing quite well ... Pitt has heavy expectations on their shoulders this season.
Pitt is 10-5 against the spread during their past 15 road games
Utah is 6-3 against the spread in its last 9 games at home
With such a low line ... take the risk if you want too .... most of the folks I have been talking to are staying away from this one although it is a 'sexy' game.
USC Trojans at Hawaii
Trojans are favored by 19.5 points
Some people are saying USC is a lock to cover ... tons of distractions ... plus the game is on the island. Can Lane Kiffin keep his stable of paid players focused on the task at hand? Team history says nope, not happening.
USC is 1-8 against the spread during their last 9 road games
In Hawaii's last six games at home, the total has been OVER
Of course USC is good .... they are the frickin Trojans ... but do they remain focused? Take it if you want to .. there are safer games out there with better odds ... and history.
Saturday, September 4th
Northwestern at Vanderbilt
Northwestern is favored by 3 points on the road
A snoozer of a match-up unless you are a fan. A little tidbit to consider:
10 or Northwestern's last 12 games have all been UNDER
Vanderbilt has been UNDER in 7 of the last 8
Thinking take the UNDER? Yea, we are too ...
UConn at Michigan
Michigan is favored by 3 points
Rich Brooks Rodriguez had better get the Wolverines playing and playing in a hurry. His seat is not hot, it is on FIRE. Again, a couple of things to consider:
UConn is 5-0 against the spread in its last 5 road games
Michigan is 0-5 against the spread in its last 5 games
Hmmmmmmm ...
North Texas at Clemson
Clemson is favored by 22.5
8 of North Texas' last 11 games all went OVER
5 Clemson's last 6 games all went OVER
You got it ... take the OVER
Monday September 6th
Maryland at Navy
NAVY is favored by 6.5 points
Whoa ... how far has Maryland fallen? In my opinion, even with the history, not this far.
Maryland is 1-10 straight up in their last 11 road games
Navy is 9-2 straight up in its last 11 games
This is a trap game for bettors. Conventional thinking says take Maryland and the points (although there aren't many points to take) ... but do the Terps really suck this bad?
Boise State at Virginia Tech
Boise is favored by 2.5 points on the road
We can all quit asking if Boise State is for real ... because they are. BUT, are they really-for-real? We find out on the 6th of September.
Boise State is 10-3 against the spread in their last 13 road games
Va Tech is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 games
Take Va Tech as a dog ... that is a LONG way for BSU to travel and Blacksburg VA Washington at night? Sheesh, that road trip could only be worse if the destination were Detroit ...
