My thread is in NFL forum, waiting for it to be linked here as well...
anyways in case they don't...
+3.5 @
Thurs Aug 30, 7:00 PM Est
Ron English is entering his 4th season with the Eagles and has his best team yet, coming off a 6-6 year last year. They return 9 starters on Offense lead by SR QB Alex Gillett who attacks defense's through the air and on the ground, leading his team in Rushing last year.
They open their 2012 campaign against a familiar foe, in a MAC battle under the lights @ Ball St. The Cardinals beat the Eagles in last year's match up 33 - 31, as Ball st was favored by 2 and resulted in a push. The last 3 contests between these 2 have been decided by a total of 8 points, with the biggest margin of victory being 3 points.
I see these two teams going to opposite directions this season. The Cardinals defense is atrocious, both against the pass and the run. Look for E Mich to take advantage of this especially on the ground, setting up some big plays in the PA Attack, while controlling time of possession and taking away the home field edge.
I'll glady take the 3.5 in this opening conference matchup
137 Eastern Michigan +3.5, 1 unit
@
+8
Thurs Aug 30, 7:30 PM Est
Here's a spot where I feel 8 points @ home is just too much to pass up. Kevin Sumlin takes over A&M and brings his Freshman QB on the road against a team that battled his Houston Cougars last season in defeat 35-34, but covering the 6 point spread... I just feel Sr QB Colby Cameron will be able to make enough big plays in this game to keep it close till the end. The Bulldogs are on the rise, and this just sets up the perfect spot for 3rd year coach Sonny Dykes to get an upset against a big name school, and best of all having the opportunity to do it on their home field.
140 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +8, 1 unit
@
+3.5
Friday Aug 31, 7:30 PM Est
This game is being played at the Georgia Dome, and It's going to be one of the more entertaining games on of the opening weekend. Derek Dooley's entering his 3rd season at the helm and will have his Volunteers improved from last season's 5-7 finish. However I really like this NC State team, Sr QB Mike Glennon is going to have a huge year and improve of last season's 8-5 record. They did take a hit losing WR Bryan Underwood, but with the experience offensive line giving Glennon plently of time to make good decisions and get the ball down the field. I just feel the wrong team is favored here and even though The Vols will have a good season, it might start slowly and I just see the Wolfpack opening up their 2012 season with a win against Tennessee. So of course the 3.5 is a gift...
152 North Carolina State +3.5, 1 unit
+6 @
Saturday Sept 1, 12:00 PM Est
This is a game that I feel stupid playing because of the opening line being set @ 10.5, with that being said Im considering just stepping away from this one. Who knows is Penn St plays so hard to win back their fan base, I mean their is alot of ways Bill O'Brien has to motivate this team before their opener @ home. I look for the Penn St to really struggle this year but maybe they play their best game of the season here just because of that reason, or maybe they completely fall apart.
I really like this Ohio team and it's a great spot for them to get a win against a big name opponent, but Since the line has already dropped so much, I'm most likely staying away from this one...
No PLAY
+9.5 @
Saturday Sept 1, 12:00 Pm Est
Here's another situation where you have a first year coach in Tim Beckman, playing against a Gutty, experienced Western Mich group that always plays the Illini tough. The Broncos are lead by SR QB Alex Carder who went 30-48 for 306 last season again Illinois in a 23-20 defeat. I think It's a great spot for another upset here , Illinois lost their last 6 games last season while the Broncos won their last 4, and even though I missed out on the 11.5 opener, 9.5 is still too good to pass up, and I might consider even buying this to 10.
This is my favorite play on the week 1 card.
167 Western Michigan +9.5, 1 unit
@
-1
Saturday Sept 1, 3:30 PM Est
Here's just another one that jumped off the page right away. BC is returning 17, yes that's right 17 starters, now granted they only went 4-8 last year, but they did beat these hurricanes to end their season @ Miami last year. Miami is in a rebuilding year and having dealt with all their recent off the field troubles, I see this spot as a great chance for the Golden Eagles to opener their 2012 campaign with a Home Win.
176 Boston College -1, 1 unit
-3 vs
Saturday Sept 1, 7:00 Pm Est
Now the lost of sophomore standout Sammy Watkins is going to hurt, but Clemson should still have enough to win the battle of the tigers. Tajh Boyd and company should have a great season and even though Auburn will improve as well of the course of the year, the Clemson Tigers are more game ready and they will beat Auburn to open their season.
189 Clemson Tigers -3, 1 unit
-5.5 @
Saturday Sept 1, 12:00 Pm Est
Deciding to stay away from this lean as well
No Play