Championship Week Picks

November 30, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Pac 12: Utah Utes vs. Washington Huskies -5

The Pac 12 may not be heading to the College Football Playoff but a champion must still be crowned and a participant in the Rose Bowl.

Washington hopes to build off the big victory over rival Washington State in their regular season finale. Washington will have the advantage at QB with Jake Browning, who threw for 2,692 yards and 16 touchdowns during the season. He will lead an offense that will look to jump out early on Utah.

The Huskies defense was able to hold a powerful Washington State offense to 15 points. The Utes don’t possess the offense to compete with Washington.

Washington -5.5

Big 12: Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners -7.5

Let me set the scene. Two hated rivals. One looking to not only avenge their only loss but also give themselves a shot at the college football playoff. The other with the chance to beat their rival twice and keep them out of the college football playoff. This game has ESPN 30 for 30 written all over it.

Kyler Murray has been as good as advertised all season. He will keep that going against a stout Texas defense. All season Murray has not been the problem. The Oklahoma defense is going to the be issue in this game. Texas QB Sam Ehlinger was impressive in their first matchup throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Texas is a tough matchup for the Sooners, they are 6-0 ATS versus Oklahoma in their last six. Oklahoma wins but its close.

Texas +7.5

AAC: Memphis Tigers vs. UCF Knights -3.5

Mackenzie Milton’s injury season ending injury may be to much to overcome for the “National Champs”. Memphis enters this game with thoughts of last years epic showdown in the AAC Championship game, losing by a touchdown in double overtime. The Tigers are out for blood in this one, looking to end the UCF 24-game win streak and any hope for the Knights to make it into the College Football Playoff.

Memphis will run the ball straight down the throats of the UCF defense, managing the clock and dominating the time of possession. Look for Memphis to stack the box and make unproven true freshman QB Darriel Mack Jr. make throws down field. Even if Mack Jr. does play well it will still be a lot to overcome. I like Memphis to cover the +5.5 and I may even look to the moneyline.

Memphis +3.5

SEC: Alabama Crimson Tide -13.5 vs. Georgia Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have seen Tua in their nightmares for about a year now. They will have a chance to face their fears on Saturday as they go into the SEC Championship.

The betting public is going to look at Georgia’s loss to LSU and compare it to the domination Alabama showed against LSU. I am looking at these two teams differently. I see a Georgia team fighting for their life with a QB Jake Fromm that has no fear of Alabama. Georgia surrenders the 10th-fewest points per game at 17.2 and the 14th-fewest passing yards per game at 175.1.

Alabama is a juggernaut of offense but their defense has shown holes this season. Georgia will come out and take an early lead and ride it until the 4th quarter where Tua makes the big plays necessary to overcome them. This game is going to be a good one and a lot closer then the point spread is going to be.

Georgia -13.5

ACC: Clemson Tigers -26.5 vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

I’m not wasting a lot of time on this one. Pittsburgh is overmatched this one should be a beatdown of epic proportion. Do I hope I am wrong? Yes. But unlikely, Clemson rolls into the College Football Playoff.

Clemson Tigers -26.5

Big 10: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes -14.5

Ohio State opened some eyes last week in their beatdown of rival Michigan last week. The Buckeyes defense finally showed up in the win against Michigan, but they still have to prove that they can consistently play at a high level. As good as the defense looked it has been Dwayne Haskins that has been playing at a NFL level. He was second only to Gardner Minshew in passing yards this season, had five more touchdown passes than runner-up Will Grier, and torched the FBS’ top defense from Michigan for 396 passing yards, six passing TDs and 62 points in The Game.

Northwestern enters this matchup as over achievers in a matchup that does fit their strengths. The Wildcats are 79th ranked passing defense in the country giving up 238 yards per game on average.

The Buckeyes not only need to win this game but they have to show that they are a dominant force. Urban Meyer won’t take his foot off the gas in this one.

Ohio State -13.5

NFL Week 13 Picks Podcast

November 29, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

NFL Week 13 Picks Podcast:

3 trades the Cardinals could make if Harper says no.

November 27, 2018November 29, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The St. Louis Cardinals are at the forefront of almost all offseason talks. Bryce Harper, Andrew Miller, Craig Kimbrel, Michael Brantley and basically anyone that has a pulse have been referenced as potential pickups. The Cardinals have also been linked as a potential trade candidate for Diamondbacks Star Paul Goldschimdt. If any of these scenarios were not to play out there are a few options that would make a lot of sense for Mo and Girsch to look into.

Kirby Yates, RP, San Diego Padres

The Cardinals have made it apparent that they are in need of a swing and miss pitcher at the backend of their bullpen. Yates has quietly been one of the most consistent relievers for a bullpen that has been widely underrated. Yates has posted a staggering 29.% K-BB ranking him 7th among all pitchers that have pitched 40 innings or more. He has two pitches that cause above average swing and miss rates, his split-change (45.9%) and slider (44%).

Yates can fit right into the Cardinals bullpen as a late inning reliever and potential closer. His contract is also very team friendly as he is controlled until the 2020 season. The Padres have an asset that they can move for more young talent that can help continue their rebuild . Yates at 31 years old is not a player that the Padres are looking to build anything around. Take advantage of the situation and get your self a swing and miss pitcher.

Justin Smoak, 1B, Toronto Blue Jays

Like the Padres, the Blue Jays are looking at a rebuild. Rowdy Tellez showed that he is ready for the majors. That means Smoak will be on his way out. Cardinals fans will have their issues with the Smoak pick up. Known more for his inconsistency after being a highly touted prospect, Smoak followed up a breakout 2017 season with a respectable 2018 season. Smoak also brings a switching hitting aspect to his game, more effectively from the left side (A need for the Cardinals), from the left side Smoak excelled with a .867 OPS, hitting 20 of his 25 homers.

Smoak doesn’t bring much with the glove sitting at about league average over the last four seasons in defensive runs saved. A team in need of offense, however, could be willing to overlook these drawbacks for a switch-hitter who has created 28 percent more runs (128 wRC+) than the average big league hitter over the last two seasons.The 31-year-old has an .854 OPS and 62 homers over the last two seasons. Good stuff for a guy whose 2019 club option will only pay out $8 million.

David Peralta, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks have a litany of great players up for grabs. The most underrated of them all could be Outfielder David Peralta. Peralta has seen a jump in power statistics in 2018.

	ISO	SLG	wOBA	wRC+
2017	150	444	342	104
2018	223	516	368	130

The increases led to the most productive season of Peralta’s career. Peralta has his issues most notably with left-handed pitching, hitting only .237 against southpaws. It got to the point that Peralta had become a platoon player for the D-Backs. With a $7.7MM arb projection and two years of club control left for a D-backs team that has looked at some degree of rebuild this winter Peralta is a relatively expensive but reliable piece that the Cardinals can make work.

If the Cardinals are committed to moving on from Dexter Fowler in they can look at a platoon of Tyler O’Neil and David Peralta to compliment Marcell Ozuna and Harrison Bader. While a platoon is not ideal Peralta will be able to cover the inefficiencies of Tyler O’Neil.

Adding these three players will not make most fans happy. Cardinal nation is screaming for a big time star. While we wait and see the outcome of MLB’s version of “The Decision”, fans have to understand that maybe the big star the fanbase seeks is not in this years class. Next year Nolan Arenado will be a free agent…..just sayin.

NFL Picks ATS Week 12

November 21, 2018November 21, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Didn’t have time to Podcast my picks this week so here they are. Picks will be bolded. Season Record 87-67.

Chicago Bears -3 at Detroit Lions

Trubisky injury worries me. The Kerryon Johnson injury worries me even more for Detroit. The Lions were finally establishing a run game, they will now have to focus on the passing game which will be tough against the Bears pass rush. Mack dominates and so do the Bears.

Washington Redskins +7.5 at Dallas Cowboys

The Redskins were not going to win this game because of Alex Smith. Colt McCoy knows Jay Gruden’s system and the Redskins are to tough to get blown out be an offense that at times does not seem to understand that Zeke is the man. May even look at the ML.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints -13

Saints are the hottest team in the league, getting a dream matchup versus a struggling Falcons defense. Kamara and Ingram will feast on turkey day. 13 points is a lot but this Saints team is continually trying to make a statement that they are the best in the NFC and a demolition on national TV is the perfect time to do it.

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 at Buffalo Bills

The Jaguars have to win this game and they have to crush a lesser team. The Jags showed in the first half last week what this team was supposed to look like. They will not have Big Ben on the other side to pull off a late comeback. The Bills are tough but they don’t have the offense to put up anything against Jacksonville.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals -3

Bengals are desperate for a win. They will not allow a rookie QB to beat them two weeks in row. Bengals come out and dominate. I like what the Browns have been doing with Nick Chubb and the reemergence of Duke Johnson but the Bengals are still a better team and they should prevail at home by at least a touchdown.

New England Patriots -10.5 at New York Jets

Jets may not have Darnold and they just got destroyed by the Buffalo Bills. The Pats are also off a buy. Should be fully healthy. Thats all that needs to be said on this one.

New York Giants +7 at Philadelphia Eagles

The Giants have killed me this season. The Eagles though enter this game with basically a practice squad secondary. Look for Barkley and Beckham to dominate the Eagles secondary. I have little hope for Eli to be dominate but this team is to strong offensively to ignore. The Eagles can win this game but I think seven points is to much in a division game.

San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3

The Buc’s need to move on from Jameis but for now they are rollin with him. The 49ers have a lot of heart and play hard but this Buccaneers team has to many weapons for the 49ers to hold them down. The 49ers will not be able to keep up. Bet Bucs and collect your money.

Seattle Seahawks +3 at Carolina Panthers

This game should be very fun to watch. Two underrated QB’s in Cam Newton and Russell Wilson will battled for their playoff lives. The Panthers have been a thorn in my side while making these picks while Seattle has been a great pick for me all year. Seattle is underrated and will prove it on Sunday. I like Seattle to win this game by at least a touchdown.

Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens -12

The Ravens enter this game with a question mark at QB. Either Lamar Jackson or Joe Flacco will lead them to the promise land though. The Raiders showed life last week but that was against a Cardinals team that didn’t have much to play for. The Ravens need this win and will get it by 14 easily.

Arizona Cardinals +13.5 at Los Angeles Chargers

I know the Cardinals lost to the Raiders last week but they have done a much better job of utilizing their best weapon David Johnson since Byron Leftwich took over play calling duties. The Cardinals will run the ball and keep Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon on the sideline. Chargers will pull out the victory but a late touchdown in garbage time will kill the cover.

Pittsburgh Steelers -3 at Denver Broncos

Steelers are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning 7 straight games. The Broncos love to cover spreads, just ask the Rams and the Chargers. The Steelers though don’t need much to put up a lot of points. Steelers with utilize their great offensive talent to jump out to an early lead.

Pittsburgh has been getting great pressure on the opposing QB’s leading the league in sacks right now. Case Keenum is going to have a long day.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts -10

The announcement that Ryan Tannahill will play immediately took half a point off this spread. That won’t make a difference against a Colts team that has figured out how to block for their star QB Anrew Luck. After the beating the Colts gave the Dolphins, I don’t see any way that Miami sticks with them.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings -3

Its really hard to bet on Kirk Cousins over Aaron Rodgers. It is however easy to bet against Mike McCarthy. Two teams that both need wins, I am going with the home team. That is literally the only thing I can say about this game.

Tennesee Titans at Houston Texans Pick’em

Titans don’t know who their starting QB will be on Monday night. Don’t really care, Houston will win at home.

Thanks for reading and Good Luck

NBA Trade Candidates

November 20, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The Washington Wizards have announced that everyone is on the market. John Wall stands out to most as the big-ticket pick up but I see it differently. Bradley Beal seems like the better fit for most teams. He will bring shooting, defense and he is not as big a jerk as John Wall. Where would he be the best fit? He has a big salary but can be worth the risk for a team looking to compete.

Unlikely but intriguing: Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are on the cusp of being great. Eric Bledsoe has stepped up in a leadership role to go along with Giannis and Khris Middleton. Adding a guard the caliber of Bradley Beal would put them over the top. Beal would give them a guard that they can rely upon to handle the scoring load if Giannis is off the court. A lineup featuring multiple All- Stars would be too much to handle.

Bucks give up: Malcom Brogdon, Tony Snell, future first rounder this trade is unlikely because Washington would want more young talent but its worth a shot.

Makes sense: Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are in desperate need for a second star. That star could be Bradley Beal, along side Kemba Walker they could have debatably the best backcourt in the NBA. Beal would be a much better fit along side Kemba when compared to Wall. He’s a better shooter and just generally more active when not controlling possessions. Micheal Jordan wants to make a contender out of Charlotte, refusing to move Kemba Walker. This move could be a way to help Kemba stay at the end of the season.

Hornets give up: Malik Monk, MKG, 2019 first-rounder. Monk would be a nice center piece for a team trying to rebuild as well as a 2019 first rounder.

Makes too much sense: Detroit Pistons

The Pistons made a splash last season adding Blake Griffin to play along side team cornerstone Andre Drummond. This season they should make another bold move by adding Bradley Beal to the mix. Detroit has had an ever turning ferris wheel of two guards flow through their rotation, names like Reggie Bullock, Langston Galloway, Ish Smith, Glen Robinson, and Luke Kennard have all had time playing the role of starter. These are not the cream of the crop for a team looking to contend.

Detroit currently ranks 29th in the league in three point % at just 31.6% on the season. In todays shooter friendly NBA that is going to hold you back. Adding Beal will force the defense to the outside and limit the double teams on the the two star bigs Griffin and Drummond.

Pistons give up: 2019 first round pick, Reggie Bullock,Stanley Johnson, and take on the full contract.

Should do it: Los Angeles Lakers

You should always place shooters around Lebron James. Adding Bradley Beal would not only give you a shooter but a player that can be perfect as your third star after the summer. Los Angeles will likely be looking to add a big contract in the summer, many have looked at Klay Thompson as an additional piece to the puzzle, but maybe the piece could be Bradley Beal. He is a similar player skill wise, (Klay is probably better) and you can get him for a cheap price of bench players.

The Lakers are looking to contend next year, why not make your moves now.

Lakers give up: Josh Hart, KCP, 2019 first round pick

DFS Picks November 19 2018

November 19, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

November 19 2018- DFS Draftkings pick.

Big slates are always fun. Tonights slate is very interesting with a lot of different injuries impacting starting lineups.

PG: DeAron Fox, Sacramento Kings ($6,100)

Fox at $6,100 is to cheap. OKC is without Westbrook and with Tony Ferguson. Both teams will look to play at a quick pace.

SG: Tyreke Evans, Indiana Pacers ($4,100)

Victor Oladipo is out tonight. That means the Pacers will need some production from from the guards, Evans brings the most upside. Look at his usage rate to jump tonight.

SF: Tobias Harris, Los Angeles Clippers ($7,800)

Harris gives you a little bit of everything at a great price. Atlanta is a team that gives up points in bunches. Who is going to stop Harris? Answer… no one.

PF: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans ($11,600)

Davis has put up over 60 DK points in five straight games. San Antonio is without Davis Bertans, Pau Gasol and any rim protection at all. Davis is pricy but worth the cost.

C: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers ($4,700)

Turner will get a lot of chances to score tonight without Oladipo. Same argument for Evans with Oladpio out Turner’s usage rate jumps up.

G: Colin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,100)

Sexton is a gamble but with three straight games playing over 30 minutes and putting up over 30 points Sexton is a plug and play guy at an affordable price. As long as Cleveland continues to play their young players there is upside to Sexton.

F: TJ Warren, Phoenix Suns ($6,400)

TJ Warren scores and scores in bunches start him and watch him go.

UTL: Monte Morris, Denver Nuggets ($4,100)

Morris is inexpensive and has been playing starters minutes, end of story.

Good luck tonight!

NCAA Picks ATS Week 12

November 16, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Season Record: 28-29

Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Wolverines -28

The Wolverines are on fire. The Hoosiers kind of stink. Still 28 points seems like way to much here. Jim Harbaugh will have a problem keeping his team focused with a rivalry game coming up next week against Ohio State.

Running the ball will not be an option against this stout Michigan defense. Hoosier QB Peyton Ramsey will have to stay accurate, a 67% passer for the season will need to be that accurate to keep his team in the game. Indiana will have to take whats given and continue to move the ball down field, the Hoosiers are solid on third down and will have to continue that on Saturday.

Michigan will most likely grab an early lead, which could be beneficial for Indiana bettors, both teams have much more to play for next week. Michigan winning by 30 won’t be whats on their mind. The Wolverines will take a lead early and play smart to avoid injuries. I like Michigan to win but four touchdowns is too much for me.

Indiana Hoosiers +28

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at Kentucky Wildcats -16

MTSU has won six of their past seven games. While they are not a power five team they still bring in a hot streak that can’t be ignored. Sitting at 5-2 ATS over their last seven games the Blue Raiders are a promising choice for this weekend.

The Wildcats became a basketball school again after last weeks beat down by Tennessee. They are not a strong offensive team scoring 14, 14, 15, 17, and 7 in their October games. 16 points for a team that can’t score is too much. Kentucky will most likely win an ugly game but don’t be shocked to look up Saturday morning and see an early deficit for the Wildcats.

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders +16

Syracuse Orange vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish -10 (Neutral Site)

The Irish are in the drivers seat for the College Football playoff. The decline of USC has left a matchup with the surprising Syracuse Orange as the biggest threat to their chances.

The Fighting Irish have been unstoppable since placing Ian Book into the starting role, despite a rib injury that forced him out against Florida State Head Coach Brian Kelly believes Book will be ready to go. The Notre Dame offense should be in full force heading into Yankee Stadium, that could me trouble for the Orange.

This game smells like a blowout for the Fighting Irish. Veteran QB Eric Dungey and Head Coach Dino Babers don’t do anything but cover though. The Orange have the experience and leadership to keep this close. This is their second four game win streak of the year, that last streak was ended by the Clemson Tigers, another College Playoff team, the Orange won’t win but double digits is to much for this team.

Syracuse Orange +10

NC State Wolfpack -17 at Louisville Cardinals

This is a straight fading a bad team situation here. The Louisville Cardinals are just not good. They have finally solved their coaching situation but will that really make a difference for this season. Can they magically become a credible team? No.

NC State just got demolished by Wake Forest on primetime. They are coming for blood. Louisville is a disaster on both lines and they will get shredded by Ryan Finley if they can’t get pressure. Look for the NC State passing game to have a field day. Lousiville may have a direction now but they are already looking to next year. Bet NC State and take a nap during the game.

NC State Wolfpack -17

UConn Huskies at East Carolina Pirates

I know everyone is excited about this matchup of titans! 1-9 UConn vs 2-7 East Carolina is not a sexy game for college football fans looking to watch games with any meaning. For football fans that like offense, this one should be fun.

East Carolina has lost 5 straight after starting the season 2-2. They have played Memphis and Tulane tough over their last two week and were in need for a bit of a break. Their break comes this weekend whent they play a hapless Uconn team that has allowed everyone to steam roll them all season. East Carolina will throw and throw and throw until they are up by 20. Then they will throw some more. East Carolina is not a great team, but they roll in this one.

East Carolina Pirates -17

Other Picks:

USC -3

OK State +5

Iowa -14.5

Boston College -1.5

NFL Week 11 Picks ATS Podcast

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

NFL Week 11 Picks Podcast; My thoughts on Jimmy Butler to 76ers.

NBA Trade Candidates- Where should Terry Rozier go?

November 12, 2018November 12, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Jimmy Butler is finally out of Minnesota, as he heads to the Sixers to create perhaps the biggest 3 the NBA has seen since Lebron and Bosh took their talents to South Beach what is going to happen to the other big names on the trade market. Terry Rozier has been rumored to be on the move as the Celtics don’t seem to have a place for him . Kyrie is cemented as the starter, as he enters free agency the Celtics will be forced to open up the check book, Marcus Smart just signed a 4-year, $52 million contract. With no money for Rozier they Celtics and Danny Ainge will look to try get what he can for the talented point guard.

Unlikely but intriguing: Indiana Pacers

The Celtics wouldn’t likely be in the business of making a fellow Eastern Conference contender better but if the shoe fits sometimes you have to put it on. The Pacers have a lot of young talent a well as role players they could move in order to make this work. If the Pacers were to send Cory Joseph and either Thaddeus Young or Dom Sabonis to the Celtics for Rozier both teams would win.

The Celtics would have veteran backup that doesn’t need to play big minutes in Joseph and provide better depth in the front court. Both Young and Sabonis would be able to fill a need that the Celtics have, which is established depth behind Al Horford.

The Pacers would be able to pair Oladipo with Rozier and create a dynamic guard tandom that can play on both end of the floor. This deal would be great for both parties but unlikely with both of them contending.

Makes Sense: Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are pretty set on big men. Mo Bamba, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Johnathon Isaac are the cornerstones of the organization. With a litany of bigs to build around the Magic have a need for points and leadership at the guard position. DJ Augustin has been a solid NBA player for a number of years but is simply a ball control point guard that will limit mistakes but not make the big plays. Rozier would walk into Orlando and immediately be the best guard on the roster. He can initiate offense at a high level and be a perfect fit to work along side Aaron Gordon.

Rozier could be in attack mode the entire game, fitting the perfect style of new Head Coach Steve Clifford. The Magic have young pieces as well as vets that could intrigue Ainge to make a move.

Makes to much sense: Phoenix Suns

The Suns have been in rebuild mode since Steve Nash parted ways with the organization. Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton are the pieces to build around, adding a hard noised defender with the ability to run a proficient offense could be just the ticket that the Suns need. Booker has been working the point a lot during the 2018 season which is not ideal for a shotmaker of his caliber.

Bringing in Rozier would give them two guards that can compete every night forcing opposing defenses to utilize their best defender on one while the other can be freed up. Rozier running the pick-and-roll with the explosive Deandre Ayton would also be an exciting form of offense for Phoenix, were they to acquire the Celtic guard.

The Suns are not afraid to take on big contracts so signing Rozier long term wouldn’t be a problem for the rebuilding franchise. A piece like Trevor Ariza could be intriguing to move. Ariza on the Celtics could can add toughness on both ends of the floor as well. Win/win for both teams.

Should do it: San Antonio Spurs

Losing Dejounte Murray was a big deal to begin the season. The third year guard was set to take the place of long time great Tony Parker. A torn ACL ended his season and put the Spurs guard options behind DeMar DeRozan very limited. Young guards Derrick White and Bryn Forbes have filled the role admirably but are not difference makers. Both would be served better playing a bench role or spot start during rest days.

The Spurs are not a team that likes to make changes in season. Adding a player like Rozier along with the veterans and rising stars can make a huge impact on a team that has played above expectations so far. Rozier is a grinder that would be worth a flyer for the right cost.

Rozier is a star in the making if given the chance. With the leadership in place for San Antonio the transition from Boston to San Antonio would be seamless. This move would put the Spurs in a better place, making them a legit playoff contender.

NCAAF Week 11 Pick ATS

November 9, 2018November 9, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Season Record: 25-25

Vanderbilt Commodores at Missouri Tigers -17

The Missouri Tigers are coming off their biggest win of the year dominating the Florida Gators last week. This week they get the Vanderbilt Commodores whom create rather different matchup.

The Commodores can keep up with the Missouri offense, Kyle Shurmur brings a bigger threat in the passing game then the dismal effort shown by Felipe Franks last week. The Commodores can also run the ball effectively, running for a season-high – against FBS teams – 250 yards with four touchdowns in the win over Arkansas a few weeks ago, led by a 176-yard day from Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

This is just to many points to for a Missouri team that loves to let down its fans. I see Mizzou winning this game but 17 points seems like to much.

Vanderbilt Commodores +17

Maryland Terrapins at Indiana Hoosiers -1.5

Indiana has lost four straight games including a rather embarrassing effort against Minnesota. The Indiana defense has given up over 150 yards rushing in each of its at four games. When the Terrapin can run the ball, they can win.

The Terrapins also have the ability to cause turmoil on the defensive end. With a suspect Indiana passing game going against a strong secondary, I see turnovers for the Hoosiers.

Maryland Terrapins +1.5

Ohio State -4 at Michigan State

If you just went off of analyst opinions you would think the Ohio State Buckeyes are at .500 or worse. The Buckeyes sit at 8-1, still technically in the running for a shot at the College Football Playoff. A win over a strong conference foe could be just the ticket to get them back on track.

Overshardowed by the negatives has been the terrific season by Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins. He set the OSU single-season record for completions against Nebraska and can break the single-season yardage mark with 278 against MSU. The Spartans, usually known for their stingy defense actuallly rank 98th in the country in pass defense.

Haskins will be to much for Michigan State, the Spartans will not be able to produce enoiugh on the offensive end to compete. Ohio States defense is bad but they don’t have to be great this weekend to cover.

Ohio State -4

UCLA Bruins at Arizona State Sun Devils -13.5

I don’t try to have many trends in my College Football bets. Mainly I just look at the lines I like and go with it. But I have seemed to find a nice niche in fading the UCLA Bruins. Last weeks Oregon game was easy money and I look to see the same outcome this week.

Two teams going in two different directions. It’s been a tale of two diffrerent coaches, while Chip Kelly has disappointed in his first season, Herm Edwards has already exceeded expectations. Arizona State has more weapons and have been tough at home. Look for the Sun Devils to roll.