Saturday's Front Page NCAAF Picks (Sep 8)

**crackerjack** · 09-04-07, 04:59 PM

I also like BYU, but there is no place you can get it at +8.5...in fact, I don't even think it opened that high.

**BuddyBear** · 09-04-07, 05:30 PM

I like UCLA...i played them -7. Line is a bit short here. Should probably be closer to -9.5/-10. UCLA way more talent than BYU. Say what you will about BYU's wins over Oregon and Arizona but UCLA is in a much better situation here. I see a major letdown for BYU after exerting a lot of energy in a revenge game in the first week.

**rjt721** · 09-04-07, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by Willie Bee

RAS College Football Early Looks - Week 2
BYU (+8½) at UCLA
Saturday, Sep 8, - 6:30 p.m. (ET)
The Cougars are not getting due respect for the current run they are on. They have won 11 games in a row, with the last two being dominating wins over PAC-10 teams, 38-8 vs Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl and 20-7 over Arizona to open the season last week.

That's great, but those numbers are irrelevant considering this is a completely different BYU squad with an almost entirely new offense. And comparing Arizona to UCLA is comical. UCLA is the play.

Originally posted by crackerjack

I also like BYU, but there is no place you can get it at +8.5...in fact, I don't even think it opened that high.

8.5 was available for a bit.

**onlooker** · 09-04-07, 07:41 PM

I disagree with you on BYU, Right Angle Sports.

I will be playing UCLA on Saturday.

**LT Profits** · 09-05-07, 05:10 AM

Loolker,

I always thought you were a fellow dog lover? Is that in baseball only?

**Willie Bee** · 09-05-07, 11:07 AM

Missouri (-6) at Mississippi Rebels

Game Time: 09/08/2007 06:00 PM -
By: Brad Diamond | playbook.com

Both teams are coming off close wins in Week 1, but only one squad will move to 2-0 after this one. Make your play on the Missouri Tigers at the Ole Miss Rebels this Saturday.

An intersectional battle takes place this Saturday when Big 12 entity Missouri (1-0) faces off against SEC combatant Mississippi (1-0) in Oxford, Mississippi.

Missouri opened their campaign with a 40-34 win over Illinois in St. Louis. It was a classic shootout of high scoring clubs. The Tigers benefited greatly via a 100-yard fumble return for a TD and a 66-yard punt return for a score. QB Chase Daniel through for 359 yards on 37 completions in 54 attempts. The one deficit in the stat sheet illustrated a lackluster running game that accrued only 70 yards on 33 carries, just slightly over 2 yards per carry.

Mississippi took down hated opponent Memphis with some key breaks, including a recovered blocked punt in the end zone for a momentum changing touchdown. That score was followed by a 99-yard interception for a score. Both touchdowns came in the second quarter. However, Ole Miss needed to stop a two-point conversion with time running out to preserve the victory. Although the Rebs have the much publicized BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the running attack output was less than spectacular with 79 yards on the day.

Least season, Missouri (14 starters, 9 offense) defeated Mississippi 34-7 with 471 total yards of offense. The Tigers' defense kept the Rebels attack under 175 yards. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel (111-72-3) has already commented on the lack of quality experience on the defensive side of the ball. That deficit should be made up with an offense that averaged 30 points per game in both 2005 and 2006. The skilled positions along with QB Daniel are quicker and deeper than last season. Missouri is 4-1 SU in the series.

Free Pick: Missouri -6

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 10:51 AM

South Florida, Auburn Under 38½

Game Time: 09/08/2007 09:00 PM -
By: LT Profits Sports Group | who2beton.com

South Florida and Auburn played well defensively while having trouble on offense last week. These teams usually go Under out of conference, and should do so again.

Both the Auburn Tigers and South Florida Bulls looked good defensively in their respective openers, and we look for those defenses to key the Under here.

Now granted, South Florida opened with mighty Elon, while Auburn had a more legitimate test, facing Kansas State. Still, USF has high hopes on the defensive side this season after allowing just 16.9 points per game last year, keying a sparkling 9-2-1 Under mark. At the very least, they had a decent tune-up for this week.

There is concern with the Bulls offense however, as they have to be disappointed with the 28-13 score vs. a subdivision school. They ended up with 19 first downs and 373 total yards, which is not terrible, but their expected much better. Now they are facing one of the premier defenses in the country, and given their performance last week, the Bulls should have a lot of trouble moving the ball this week.

The Auburn defense was the only reason the Tigers were able to beat Kansas State, as they broke open a three-point game late by returning a fumble for a touchdown. The offense was unspectacular to say the least, generating just one touchdown and 291 total yards, and they had just 62 rushing yards on 37 attempts. Thus we look for these clubs to mirror each other this week, with both offenses playing rather conservatively while waiting for their respective defenses to make the big play.

These teams rarely show much when playing out of conference anyway, as the Under is 9-1 in the last 10 South Florida non-conference games, as well as 10-4 in Auburn’s last 14 non-conference contests. Based on the performances last week, there is no reason to believe this week will be any different.

Free Pick: South Florida, Auburn Under 38½

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 10:53 AM

Wake Forest +8 versus Nebraska

Game Time: 09/08/2007 12:00 PM -
By: Mike Rose | who2beton.com

Wake Forest will present a much tougher opponent for Nebraska than Nevada did a week ago. Back the Demon Deacons, plus the points, at home versus the Cornhuskers.

I need to see more from this Nebraska club before I can feel comfortable laying this type of chalk in unchartered waters. Sure, last week's win at home vs. Nevada was nice (52-10), but the Deacons sure as heck won’t be confused with the Wolfpack and they are the defending ACC Champs. This is also one heck of a look ahead spot for Big Red head coach Bill Callahan’s Cornhuskers with USC on deck.

I had no problem laying the points with Boston College last week in Chestnut Hill, but there’s no way I’m going to fade head coach Jim Grobe at home in this spot knowing how well he’s performed in these dog roles over the years. The Demon Deacons were 7-0 against the spread in the dog role a year ago, and they’re 18-12 straight up off a loss under his watchful eye. He just gets the best out of his men regardless of whether they’re the more talented team, and this is an awful lot of points for him to have in his back pocket at home to cash yet another ticket for us.

While QB Sam Keller looked solid in his Husker debut and RB Marlon Lucky finally had a breakout game, I just don’t trust Callahan and feel the coaching advantage decisively stands on the home team's sideline. With the Huskers dominating the Wolfpack on the ground, Keller had a very easy day and wasn’t looked upon to save many drives. That won’t be the case this week as Wake did an excellent job limiting BC’s ground attack last week, and I’m interested to see if Keller can rip apart the Wake secondary much like BC QB Matt Ryan did last week.

My money says he can’t, and yours should to. Back the Demon Deacons in a role they’ve come through more times than not as they give the Huskers a stiffer challenge than many expect.

Free Pick: Wake Forest +8 (-110)

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 10:54 AM

Texas A&M -17 vs Fresno State

Game Time: 09/08/2007 03:30 PM -
By: Matt Fargo | 10starpicks.com

After last week's win the Aggies will be looking for more this Saturday at home in front of the Kyle Field faithful. Take Texas A&M has the home favorites versus the Fresno St. Bulldogs.

Fresno State is coming off a very convincing win over Sacramento St. as the final score does not even indicate the domination.

However, the Bulldogs were in no position to take any team for granted after last season's surprisingly bad 4-8 record while they also gave Utah St. its only win. The dominating defense now leads the nation in total defense after yielding a mere 102 yards, though it was against a program that has suffered six straight losing seasons and is undergoing an offensive make-over under a first-year coach.

It was pretty much the opposite for Texas A&M who won by 31 points though Montana St. outgained the Aggies' offense 403 yards to 390, held the ball longer and limited Aggies quarterback Stephen McGee to 112 yards passing. Let’s not forget that the Bobcats defeated Colorado in their opener last season and are one of the top FCS teams in the nation. It was a very good tune-up for A&M with the Bulldogs coming to town, much better than what Fresno St. faced.

As dominating as Fresno St. looked, other issues such as the play of quarterback Tom Brandstater, the receivers and the run defense remain to be answered more accurately when faced with a more formidable opponent. Turnovers played roles in both games as Fresno St. turned it over three times while the Aggies forced two turnovers from Montana St. As mentioned in another writeup, these are very contagious and those trends could continue here and factor in the outcome.

As a matter of fact, Fresno St. is 0-9 ATS after a game where it forced one turnover or less over the last two seasons. The Texas A&M home victory is part of a great situation favoring the Aggies. Play on home favorites of 10½ to 21 points off a home blowout win by 28 points or more and returning four or more starters than their opponent. This situation is 25-4 ATS (86.2 percent) since 1992 with the average point differential +22.4 ppg. Play Texas A&M Aggies for one unit.

Free Pick: Texas A&M -17

**onlooker** · 09-07-07, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by LT Profits

Loolker,

I always thought you were a fellow dog lover? Is that in baseball only?

Baseball is usually all underdogs, but in football, I will play the favorites quite a bit more then usual. Mostly in the -3 to -10 range. Very few are above that. I also pick dogs, but the one I had last week bit me, Stanford.

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 01:00 PM

LSU Tigers -11 vs Va Tech Hokies

Game Time: 09/08/2007 09:15 PM -
By: Tony George | 10starpicks.com

Virginia Tech slipped past East Carolina in an emotional game last week. But emotions won't carry them to a cover this time when the Hokies take on the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge.

An ESPN Night game on national TV. I like the LSU Tigers here in a battle of Top 10 teams. Kind of one sided, and a large number to lay featuring Top 10 teams, but I cannot ignore what occurred in Blacksburg last week.

East Carolina was within 17 yards of total offense in that game against Virginia Tech, and remember that VT's 17 points included an interception run back for a TD. Managing 10 points of offense at home is scary against East Carolina considering the LSU defense is off the charts!

LSU pounded Mississippi St. in their opener on the road, and the defense looked sharp in a shutout on the road. The key here is QB protection. East Carolina pressured and sacked VT's QB with ease last week. That is not good going against LSU now whose defense will be fired up in front of the faithful in their home opener. And defensive coordinator Bo Pellini, whom I am familiar with from his days at Nebraska, rarely if at all shows any mercy in his schemes and blitz packages when ahead on the scoreboard. LSU is also good enough in the secondary to play man-to-man coverage and load up in the trenches to stop the run. QB Matt Flynn settled in for the Tigers with a very good night in the opener (12-for-19, 128 yards and 2 TD passes). LSU's defense allowed under one yard per rush against Miss. St.

Va Tech will have some success on the ground here, but I doubt QB Sean Glennon will get near 245 yards passing like he did last week against the weak secondary of East Carolina. The Hokies were also 6-for-14 on third downs, and on the road in Baton Rouge, that stat will not get it done against LSU. The Hokies are slightly overrated, and had some distractions last week with all the ceremonies about the fallen students and etc, but LSU is one of the best teams in the nation and at home will win by more than 11.

LSU-24 Virginia Tech-10...lay the wood.

Free Pick: LSU -11 (-106)

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 02:29 PM

Longhorns, Horned Frogs Under 44½

Game Time: 09/08/2007 07:00 PM -
By: Mike Rose | who2beton.com

These two old foes haven't met since their days in the Southwest Conference. Play the Under is Austin Saturday night when the Texas Longhorns host the TCU Horned Frogs.

The game the Fort Worth faithful have been clamoring about for over a decade is finally here! The TCU Horned Frogs will go into Austin with their vaunted defense looking to shock the world. Whether they do or not is anyone’s guess, probably not, but they will put their best foot forward and put on one heck of a defensive display.

These clubs haven’t met since 1995 when they were both members of the Southwest Conference. Texas holds a nice lead in the series (60-20-1), and they’re a dominating 31-11-1 in Austin winning 14 in a row.

However, last week's weak effort against Arkansas State must have the Horned Frogs believing they can put an end to their losing streak in Austin, though in order to do so they’ll have to play shut-down defense much like they did last week when they blanked Baylor by a 27-0 final. TCU has a number of question marks on the offensive side of the ball, and I have to say I wasn’t really impressed with the play of new QB Andy Dalton or the rest of the offense for that matter. Granted, it was a vanilla attack with this game on deck, but the fact that they could only convert three of 15 attempts on third down has to be sounding alarms in head coach Gary Patterson’s head. If he’s behind the chains for a majority of this game, TCU stands no chance. Texas will find a way to score, so some sort of offensive consistency must be found.

That said, Texas’ effort last week vs. the Arkansas State Indians was flat out embarrassing. They were beaten in total yardage, first downs, lost the time of possession battle and lost the crucial turnover battle as well. That was against a Sun Belt team. Now, they have to go against a Mountain West team with BCS Bowl aspirations, and the Horns will no doubt lose this game if they come up short in those four categories again.

This will be a very physical game as TCU will bring everything they have on defense knowing full well they’re lacking on the offensive side of the ball. I foresee Texas’ troubles continuing therefore keeping the combined score of this game Under this posted number.

Free Pick: TCU-Texas Under 44½

**Willie Bee** · 09-07-07, 02:30 PM

Midshipmen +15 at Scarlet Knights

Game Time: 09/07/2007 07:00 PM -
By: Joe Gavazzi | thegreengorilla.com

Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada may not roll off the tongue with ease. But the Navy QB will help his Midshipmen teammates to a cover as 15-point dogs at Rutgers on Friday night.

Now in his seventh year at Rutgers, head coach Greg Schiano has taken the Scarlet Knights from the 'Joke of Jersey' to the top 25. Last year they were 11-2 straight up and 9-3 against the spread, out-scoring foes 30-14 while holding them to just 252 total yards. That included a 34-0 win at Navy as +3 dogs holding the #1 ranked Navy running game to a season low 124 yards.

Let’s put an asterisk beside that, however, as that was the game in which Navy QB Brian Hampton was injured. It forced their eventual QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada into his first action of the year.

In Week 1, Rutgers started strong again by drilling out-manned Buffalo 38-3, out-gaining them 563-235. Navy defended their rushing title with 361 rushing yards in defeating Temple, 30-19. Though the Middies return just 10 starters and 43% of their lettermen; that is not unusual as they play mostly seniors on their front line each year.

This line is a full three points higher than the opener providing us great value with Navy as a 'running dog.' It’s a nice spot to play a quality team who is 73-33 ATS in regular season away games. Look for Never Say Die Navy to take this to the final gun.

Free Pick: Navy +15

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:35 AM

Arizona State -15 vs. Colorado

Game Time: 09/08/2007 10:15 PM -
By: Scott Rickenbach | playbook.com

Dennis Erickson's Sun Devils rolled to a 45-3 win last week over San Jose State, and they should cover this 2-TD spread tonight at home against the visiting Colorado Buffaloes.

There is no doubt that Colorado is a much stronger team than the San Jose State team that the Sun Devils dismantled by six touchdowns last week. However, that said, there is also no reason that Arizona State can't take this game by 3-4 touchdowns and that's plenty to get us the cash here.

The Sun Devils are brimming with confidence after last week's win and they're taking on a Buffaloes team that is coming off of a very tight come-from-behind rivalry win over Colorado State last week. The big win over their instate rivals simply has to leave the Buffaloes a little flat. Hitting the road and heading west after such a big victory is not an easy thing to do.

Dennis Erickson has his ASU group confident after they dominated San Jose State last week. They were equally dangerous through the air and on the ground and their defense, though helped by the ankle injury to the Spartans top RB, was very impressive. Keep in mind that Arizona State won by 18 at Colorado last season and there is no reason they can't at least duplicate that margin here. This line has been on the rise but it is with good reason.

Colorado has a freshman QB who will be starting just the second game of his career and a road game in hot temperatures at Arizona State is not going to make for a very comfortable environment. The Buffaloes were outgained last week and it took overtime to sneak out a win over Colorado State. There simply won't be enough left in the tank for the Buffaloes to handle the balanced attack of a rolling Sun Devils offense. Let's not forget how well ASU's defense played for Coach Erickson last week as well. He has this team very ready for the season and it shows again tonight. Play Arizona State minus the points.

Free Pick: Arizona State -15

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:36 AM

Follow Florida State Seminoles (-34) vs. UAB Blazers

Game Time: 09/08/2007 05:00 PM -
By: Mike Rose | who2beton.com

This one is going to get ugly and get ugly fast. Lay the points this afternoon when Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles host the Alabama-Birmingham Blazers.

Blood’s in the water people, and Doak Campbell Stadium is going to be privy to a feeding frenzy quite unlike any seen in the warm Atlantic waters for quite some time. After dropping their third straight to Clemson on Monday night, the Noles aren’t going to be the most hospitable hosts. Nor should they be, as they need to get down to business if they plan on turning their ACC misfortune around later in the season.

We saw a tale of two halves on Monday night. The first stanza saw us witness a shell-shocked Seminoles club that had no idea what it was doing. Clemson’s speed and the Death Valley crowd had them up in arms for the first 27 minutes of the game. Then, after senior Gary Cismesia kicked the field goal to get them on the board, the Noles turned back into the football players they originally took the field as and started playing the game they were recruited for.

The defense came out in the second half and held the Clemson offense to zip, zilch, nada, and the Noles offense found its rhythm. Before you knew it, it was a one score game and the Seminoles had a shot of pulling off an unbelievable comeback. It wasn’t in the cards however, and the Noles fell to 0-1 on the year and Tommy gets to cut the bird at Thanksgiving once again.

As for UAB, the final score of their game vs. Michigan State isn’t indicative of what truly transpired on the field. Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio called off the dogs in the second half. At one point, I truly thought the Spartans were going to drop a C-note on the visitors. The Blazers are that bad, and they’re going to play the role of crash test dummy throughout the first couple months of the season until the youngsters finally come to terms with what the new regime wants from them.

This one is going to get real ugly. The Blazers are just the team the Seminoles' offense needs to find its rhythm. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is going to look like a genius after this one, and Tallahassee will be a happy place for at least this weekend. Don’t have any reservations laying the lumber here. The woodshed is being primed and lacquered as I type, and the Blazers will unfortunately play the role of Steve-O as the Noles perform some Jackass like pranks on these youngsters.

Free Pick: Florida State -34 (-110)

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:38 AM

San Diego St +14 at Washington St

Game Time: 09/08/2007 07:00 PM -
By: Dave Cokin | playbook.com

With this game being played in Seattle, Washington State will lose a little of their home field advantage. Side with San Diego St and the points when the Aztecs visit the Cougars.

Note that this game is in Seattle rather than Wazzou's campus site in Pullman. I believe that reduces the home field edge by a couple points.

Aside from that, Washington State has been lousy as a big favorite, standing only 5-12 against the spread when laying double figures going back to 2001. The Cougars are the better team, but they're nothing special and should finish toward the bottom of the PAC-10.

San Diego State is obviously no great shakes, either, but I do see them being improved over last season. The Aztecs suffered through an unending succession of injuries in '06, but the returning offense now has plenty of experience and the new defensive starters look to be better than the guys they've replaced for the most part.

I see SD State as a losing team again this year, but believe they will be more competitive than last year's edition, and I'm willing to back them here catching a big number.

Free Pick: San Diego State +14

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:39 AM

Mississippi State Bulldogs -5½ at Tulane Green Wave

Game Time: 09/08/2007 07:00 PM -
By: Scott Spreitzer | sportspic.com

After being trashed last week by LSU, look for a strong effort tonight from Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs when Mississippi State travels to Tulane to take on the Green Wave.

I'm laying the points with Mississippi State at Tulane on Saturday. The Bulldogs self-destructed against LSU from the final minute of the first half through the end of the game. In fact, MSU trailed just 10-0 until the final 60 seconds of the second quarter.

But no team can overcome the ridiculous turnovers MSU committed, especially against a team of LSU's caliber. This week, Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs take on a team at an entirely different level... and it's not a good one. The Green Wave were out-gained by 118 yards per game in C-USA action last year, the league's worst mark. Bob Toledo steps in as the new head coach and, along with his staff, is trying to implement completely new schemes on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The problem is that he has subpar talent and just five returning starters on the offensive side of the ball.

Tulane is also in two unenviable situations. First of all they're playing their first game of the season against an opponent who has already played a game. Secondly, they'll face an embarrassed MSU offense who, with nine returning starters, were expecting big things in 2007. Many believe MSU has a shot at a bowl berth this season, but they have to put it together right now. I believe they will with a big win on Saturday. I'm laying the points with Mississippi State.

Free Pick: Mississippi State -5½

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:46 AM

Bet UCLA Bruins -7½ vs BYU

Game Time: 09/08/2007 06:30 PM -
By: Mike Davis | 10starpicks.com

It's the Alphabet Bowl out west this evening when UCLA plays host to BYU. Back the powerful Bruins in this one at home behind QB Ben Olson when the Cougars come to Los Angeles.

BYU heads to the City of Angels to face one of the most talented teams in the PAC-10. UCLA returns 20 starters this season from a team that shocked the world when it upset USC in the season finale just a year ago. As expected, the Bruins had no trouble taking down the Stanford Cardinal 45-17 last week.

Meanwhile, BYU came close to shutting out Arizona in Provo, winning 20-7. The Wildcats did manage one garbage touchdown, but the BYU defense was rather impressive. Now the Cougars take to the road, which hasn't been a place they've enjoyed early in the season in recent history. BYU has lost five straight road openers and is just 3-9 since 1995.

On the other side of the field, UCLA has had an amazing amount of success in their home openers covering the spread in 11 of their last 13 games. Last season they shut down Utah 31-10 in the home opener. The Bruins are 46-7-2 all-time versus current Mountain West Conference teams and 5-0-1 against the spread the last six.

BYU is 4-15 in its last 19 road openers and 6-12-1 against non-conference foes. Combine that with the tenacious defense that UCLA brings to the table and you have a recipe for disaster as far as BYU is concerned. The Cougars have a lot of talent, but their weaknesses will shine through in this one.

Look for UCLA QB Ben Olson and RB Kahlil Bell, who rushed for 195 yards (10.3 ypc) last week, to bring a balanced attack. The Bruins also have the edge on special teams. Take UCLA.

Free Pick: UCLA -7½

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:47 AM

SMU Ponies -17 vs North Texas

Game Time: 09/08/2007 08:00 PM -
By: Jim Kruger | who2beton.com

It's going to be a long season for North Texas with new head coach Todd Dodge employing a new offense. Side with the SMU Mustangs tonight at home and lay the points.

The cupboard was left bare is an expression that is going to be heard frequently in Denton, TX. North Texas brought in a high school coach, Todd Dodge, a former quarterback at the University of Texas. For the last seven years, Dodge has been the high school coach at Southlake Carroll High School. This is a school in a very privileged area, the players have personal trainers. The families are not missing a ********** payment nor are they behind on their mortgages.

Southlake Carroll has won four of the last five Texas HS 5A Titles. They probably could have done it with Captain Kangaroo as their coach. (yeah, I’m showing my age, but that is the first childhood icon that came to mind). To make matters worse, Dodge brought his high school offensive and defensive coordinator along with him to Denton and his tour at North Texas.

Dodge is installing a pass happy offense at a school where Darrell Dickey, one of the last 'three yards and a cloud of dust' coaches, reigned until he had a heart attack. Nothing worse than changing to an offense with the wrong type of personnel. It is going to be a long season in Denton.

These two schools compete for the same second and third tier Dallas area recruits. Do you think there might be some resentment from the SMU recruits who played against the Southlake Carroll recruits at North Texas and their coach? The team that was state champ year after year?

North Texas has no aspirations. They realize this is a complete rebuilding year. SMU has hopes of a bowl game. They have a razzle dazzle quarterback in Justin Willis, the Conference USA Freshman Player of the Year, and a coach who I feel is one of quality, Phil Bennett. The Mean Green don’t have the players to fulfill coach Dodge’s offense. They are going to be one of the worst offenses in the nation this year, even in the Sun Belt Conference.

The Mustangs came so close to making it to a bowl last year, the first in over 20 years. They have the pieces in place to do so and a romp over one of the worst teams in the nation will help them achieve their goal. Take SMU and lay the points!

Free Pick: SMU -17

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:50 AM

Memphis Tigers (-3½) at Arkansas State Indians

Game Time: 09/08/2007 07:00 PM -
By: Michael Alexander | 10starpicks.com

Hoping to grab a little revenge from a loss to Arkansas State a season ago, look for the Memphis Tigers to win the skirmish with the Indians tonight in Jonesboro.

The Memphis Tigers come into this one off a tough 23-21 loss to Mississippi last week. The Tigers might have lost on the scoreboard but the Rebels relied on a 99-yard interception for a touchdown and a blocked punt for a TD to get the win. Even with being out-sized, the Memphis defense held the Rebel offense to only 275 total yards and 19 first downs.

After a tough start the Memphis offense finally got in gear scoring the last three times that they touched the ball and was inside the Ole Miss 15-yard line seven times while putting together six drives of at least 65 yards was amassing 467 yards of total offense and 30 first downs.

The Arkansas State Indians are coming off a tough game last week that saw them almost beat Texas losing by only a 21-13 score as a 40 point dog. Even with last weeks stunning showing versus the Longhorns there still remains large question marks with their offense and with them being a lot smaller than Mississippi the Tigers should have no problems controlling the line of scrimmage. Unable to put the ball in the end zone will be a problem as the Indians won't be able to keep up with Memphis' scoring power.

Supportin Angles: Memphis is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a loss by three or less points since 1992. The Tigers are are 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a loss by six or less points since 1992.

Last season the Indians went into Memphis and came away with a 26-23 victory. Memphis remembers that and will be looking for payback. I'm taking Memphis in this one.

Free Pick: Memphis -3½

**Willie Bee** · 09-08-07, 10:51 AM

Michigan -7½ versus Oregon

Game Time: 09/08/2007 03:30 PM -
By: Jimmy Boyd | procappers.com

The Maize & Blue are one hungry bunch, and this afternoon they'll be dining on Ducks. Make your play on Michigan at home today when the Wolverines host Oregon at the Big House.

Look out for Michigan this week. After one of the biggest upsets in college football history, the Wolverines will assuredly bounce back in a big way at the Big House on Saturday.

Michigan is 25-4 against the spread when they score 35 to 41 points since 1992 and that’s the range we see them scoring in this week. Michigan is also 28-8 ATS when they outgain their opponents by two or more yards per play since 1992 and Oregon is 2-10 ATS when they are outgained by their opponents by two or more yards per play since 1992. These are safe figures that give us the edge with the Wolverines in this one.

Free Pick: Michigan -7½