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December 26, 2009 Winning Bowl Game Predictions: Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Meineke Car Care Bowl and Emerald Bowl

We are becoming one of the best indicators of this NCAA football bowl season. We are now 1-5. Of the 5 we lost, we did not even have the winner of the game correct. Disaster city but we will press on. Just bet the opposite of what we are saying.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Ohio Bobcats (-3) versus Marshall Thundering Herd - This is hands down one of the worst named bowls of all time. This is the tale of two ATS teams right now. Ohio is on a bit of a hot streak, covering in 4 straight games. Marshall has lost three in a row against the spread and has lost 3 out of 4 games straight up. Marhsall’s skid prompted their coach to high tale it out of town and in steps new coach, Doc Holliday. We love the name Doc Holliday but we do not see Marshall showing up to play an inspired ball game. Ohio has really played well down the stretch. They won at Ball State and Buffalo and then beat Northern Illinois and Temple at home. They did lose by 10 to Central Michigan and Dan LeFevour their last time out but they pulled the cover and Dan LeFevour is the man so that was fine with us. We are going to ride the hot team. We are betting on Ohio to win and cover!

Ohio Bobcats

• Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Bobcats are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
• Bobcats are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
• Bobcats are 9-25 ATS in their last 34 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.

• Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Bobcats are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
• Bobcats are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
• Bobcats are 9-25 ATS in their last 34 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.

Marshall Thundering Herd

• Thundering Herd are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in December.
• Thundering Herd are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 bowl games.
• Thundering Herd are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Bowl games.
• Thundering Herd are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
• Thundering Herd are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. MAC.

Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina Tar Heels versus Pittsburgh Panthers (-3) - This pains us to write but this is another one of the games where we bet the underdog to cover because they give up less than 100 yards rushing on defense. We already blew it once with Central Florida and Rutgers but we are going back to the well. We wanted to take Rutgers but the strategy told us otherwise. Same situation here. We would normally take UNC in this case but the under 100 yard strategy not only wins but it literally picks outright winners. 70% of the teams win outright so getting points is like a sundae with extra fudge and whipped cream. Our gut says go UNC but you know the drill. On one note, Pitt is terrible against the ACC and terrible in bowl games. Check out the numbers below. We are taking UNC to cover!

North Carolina

• Tar Heels are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Tar Heels are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.
• Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Tar Heels are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
• Tar Heels are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
• Tar Heels are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
• Tar Heels are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Pittsburgh

• Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
• Panthers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December.
• Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Panthers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite.
• Panthers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. ACC.
• Panthers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
• Panthers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 bowl games.

Emerald “Deez Nuts” Bowl: Boston College Eagles versus USC Trojans - Oh how the mighty have fallen. USC’s season was more than a disappointment. The team literally imploded. The offense did not improve at all during the whole season and the defense looked like a pop warner team against the likes of Oregon and Stanford. Throw in horrific choking losses to Washington and Arizona and you have your 8-4 USC Trojans. USC was also 3-9 ATS on the season. Now we look at USC’s problems. The coaching staff is a shell of itself following the championship teams of yesteryear. Pete Carroll is micro managing. He let Norm Chow go because of ego and the team has not been the same since. Now there are more quality control issues. Joe McKnight is driving around in Range Rovers. Players are showing up academically ineligible for bowl games. We see distractions, distractions and more distractions. Distractions and an under performing team lead to bowl losses. Is Boston College good? Not really. They play well on defense and have a mediocre offense. Sounds a lot like USC but BC gets 9 points. It is almost sacrilege to bet against USC in a bowl game, but we have to do it. We are betting that BC covers!!!

Boston College

• Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 bowl games as an underdog.
• Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
• Eagles are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Eagles are 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Eagles are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games as an underdog.
• Eagles are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
• Eagles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in December.

USC

• Trojans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 bowl games.
• Trojans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Bowl games as a favorite.
• Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
• Trojans are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Trojans are 24-8 ATS in their last 32 non-conference games.
• Trojans are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games following a S.U. loss.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in December.
• Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.

Free NCAA Football Week 13 Winning Picks: Saturday’s List of Winners Part II: Rivalry Edition

Well we smoked it last week, 14-7 to be exact, when we simply picked a ton of games and listed our winners. We are not going to argue against the betting gods so here is our list of winners part II. We love rivalry week!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Rivalry week games that mean absolutely nothing

Southern Miss at East Carolina (-6) - We are picking Southern Miss to cover. Might even take the money line for a few.

Central Florida at UAB (+3) - We are picking Central Florida to win and cover.

Troy (-9.5) at UL-Lafayette - We are picking Troy to win and cover.

New Mexico State at San Jose State (-11.5) - We are picking New Mexico State to cover.

Navy (-9.5) at Hawaii - We are picking Navy to win and cover.

The How the Mighty have Fallen Rivalry Games: Disappointing year for the Sooners and Trojans.

North Carolina (-5.5) at NC State - We are picking UNC to win and cover.

Clemson (-3) at South Carolina - We are picking Clemson to win and cover.

Ole Miss (-7.5) at Mississippi State - We are picking Ole MIss to win and cover.

Vriginia Tech (-16) at Virginia - We are picking Virginia Tech to win and cover.

Last chance to mock Notre Dame in the Regular season Game!

Notre Dame (-10) at Stanford - We nailed that UCONN cover last week and this week will probably be worse for The Irish. Harbaugh and the Tree will be mad that they lost last week and will look to pound Notre Dame before heading off to whatever bowl game will have them. Also, adding insult to the whole thing was that The Tedford Turd Sandwiches were the team that knocked Stanford out of the Rose Bowl hunt must really hurt. We are calling it out on Karma. Harbaugh was a douche going for two, up 47-21 with 6 minutes to go against USC and one week later he gets beat by a mediocre Cal team. Serves Stanford right. Back to the task at hand and that is beating Notre Dame. Stanford has a great rushing attack and one of the best RBs in the nation. Notre Dame could not stop a pee wee team. The Irish give up 160 yards per game on the ground and let rushers get 4.6 yards per carry. We will enjoy watching Charlie Weis lose his last game for the Irish. Isn’t it great to see a Notre Dame team as more than 7 point dawgs to freakin Stanford. We love college football!  We are betting Stanford to win and cover in this game.

Flash Flash and Runny Pelvis

NCAA Football Week 10 Picks: Thanksgiving is Coming Early!!!

The bad definitely follows the good. We were only 5-6 last week and that pisses us off. On the season we are now 58-55-2. A winning record, but a record that is not helping us beat the vig by any means. We are getting a ton of hits on our Twitter account and our Facebook profile is growing as well. Please click the buttons on the top right of this screen to instantly join up to follow us on those social mediums. You do not want to miss when we post our picks each week. Also, join Bodog!!! Bodog is super easy to bet through and they will pay out. Do not get caught up with any of the bullshit that is going on with other websites. Bodog is legit and will pay your winnings out, even to customers located in the United States. To see what Bodog has to offer, just click on one of our Bodog ads and check it out. Also, this website is for you our readers. We know you come to see what we have to say and to ultimately make money. We are here for you so if you want us to do something differently let us know by posting a comment at the bottom of one of the betting pieces or email us at rpjsyndicate@gmail.com. As an early thanksgiving present for you all, we have some solid winners for ya. Here you go:

Saturday, November 7, 2009

CUSE at Pitt -20 : The Greg Paulus experiment is just not living up to the preseason hype. CUSE’s best player just straight quit the team. Winter is setting in. Things are not good in the Upstate NY area (at least they have their beloved Yanks!!). So, they want nothing more than to get out of dodge. The problem is their choice of locales this week is in Pittsburgh to face the Panthers. Bad idea. Pitt needs a win to keep pace with Cincy. Although CUSE has covered the last two times head-to-head, Pitt is undefeated SU at home this year and we don’t see them losing this week either. Should be an easy cover. Take Pitt and give the points.

Baylor @ Mizzou -14: This game is a little counter-intuitive. The ATS numbers say take the Bears, but we love Mizzou at home this week. Baylor has surprised us somewhat (we thought they would be ridiculously awful and not just awful) this year. However, they are awful and not good at all on the road. We love Mizzou to ride the momentum of their impressive road win against Colorado last time out. We think it will be a close cover, but Mizzou will git ‘er done! Take Mizzou and give the points.

Oregon (-7) at Stanford - We called last week’s Oregon/USC game spot on. Oregon is straight nasty. One of the most physical, we are gonna run the ball right down your throat teams in the country. Coach Chip Kelly has his Ducks flying high and Stanford is certainly not the team to slow them down. Chip Kelly teams do not have letdowns. We are loving that this line is only Oregon -7. We would not hesitate taking this line up to 14. We are betting Oregon to win and cover!

Houston (-1) at Tulsa (Over/Under 67.5) - This game is going to be fun. Our boy Case Keenum has been lighting it up lately and he is our choice for the Heisman right now. Since the Cougs freak loss to UTEP they have put together 4 straight wins and 4 straight ATS wins. After losing to Boise State, Tulsa has lost two more and it really not playing well. We know Houston’s defense stinks and we know Houston played a 50-43 game last week against Southern Miss so looking for 68 points is not even an issue. We have no idea why this line is this close and we expect Houston to dominate. We are betting Houston to win and cover and we are taking the Over.

USC (-10) at Arizona State - USC had no chance last week against Oregon but Pete Carroll’s teams just do not lose in November. A few weeks ago we watched Stanford out work and out physical Arizona State and if Stanford could do it, USC will have absolutely no trouble moving the ball on the Sun Devils. We are expecting a USC 31-10 outcome. We are betting USC to win and cover!

Western Michigan at Michigan State (-20) - This is the perfect fit in game for Michigan State. They suffered a devastating loss against Iowa and then followed that up by losing badly at Minnesota. The Western Michigan Broncos are just the team to snap Michigan State out of their funk. We are betting Michigan State to win big!

Ohio State at Penn State (-5) - Since losing a terrible game to Purdue, Ohio State is back doing what they do in the Big Ten and against inferior competition and that is winning their last two games by a margin of 83-7. Since losing to Iowa, Penn State has rattled off 5 straight wins straight up and ATS. If we are going to bet a team that needs a win and needs a win in the Big Ten, it will always be Ohio State and Jim Tressel and not the dinosaur across the way. We even get points. We are betting Ohio State to cover!!!

LSU at Alabama (-7.5) - This is the game of the week and the game of ineptitude in our eyes. Yes we are anti SEC biased but Alabama is just not that good. Their QB is terrible and that makes them one dimensional. One dimensional teams never succeed against well coached teams and teams with good defenses. These are two traits LSU has. We are not sure LSU has enough offense to win the game outright but we think they have a chance. We just think 7.5 points is way too many and LSU will do enough to keep it close. We are betting LSU to cover!!!

Flash Flash and Runny Pelvis

NCAA Football Week 9 Picks: Go with the flow: Chicks and Picks part 2!

We were a solid 6-3-1 last weekend and we are now 53-49-2 on the season. We have a ridiculous amount of picks this week. We are excited for all of the freaks that will be out at NCAA games this weekend. Halloween night at Autzen might be the most insane place on earth Saturday night. We can not wait. We are back mentioning our clean sweep strategy. What this means is we have numerous stats that we look at that impacts a team’s ability to control the ball on both sides of the ball. Based on our historical analysis of this aspect of our betting algorithms, these clean sweep games provide tremendous opportunities to win bets.

Friday, October 30, 2009

West Virginia (-3) at South Florida - Love love love kicking off the week with this game. South Florida has come back to earth. For the third consecutive season, an undefeated, nationally ranked USF team has fallen off its perch and into a mid-year skid. West Virginia is winning. Why is this line where it is? This should be a 7-10 point line. This line opened at -3 and has creeped up to -3.5 in some places. Majority of the money is on West Virginia and that has us slightly nervous. We think this is an easy bet to kick off the week. No ATS numbers to speak of but check this out. We have a virtual clean sweep. West Virginia is better rushing the ball, yards per rush, offensive 3rd down conversion percentage, stopping the run (total yards and yards per rush) and defensive 3rd down percentage. We love these types of games. West Virginia wins and covers easily!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Rutgers at UCONN (-7) - UCONN remains the best cover team in the country with a record of 7-0 ATS. Betting can be simple and who are we to say UCONN breaks their streak. When you combine this with the fact that Rutgers is 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 against UCONN, you start to get excited. Start your Halloween off right and bet UCONN. UCONN wins and covers!!!

Cincinnati (-15) at Syracuse - This game should be haunted house frightening. Cincy is a beast right now and this game meets a lot of our clean sweep requirements. This will make you feel a lot better. Cincy rushes for more yards and at a better yards per rush basis; they control the clock better on offense; are significantly tighter against the run and protect the QB a lot better. Tony Pike is not going to play but Collaros has filled in just fine. We are betting Cincy to win and cover!

Cincinnati

• Bearcats are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 conference games.
• Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Bearcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on turf.
• Bearcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
• Bearcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.
• Bearcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Bearcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

• Orange are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games as a home underdog.
• Orange are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games in October.
• Orange are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a home underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.

SMU at Tulsa (-16) - This should be one of the biggest ass kickings of the weekend. SMU QB Bo Levi Mitchell got knocked out of last week’s game and remains questionable for this week. The Boise State beating hangover should finally be gone for Tulsa. UTEP took advantage last week. Tulsa plays great at home and Coach Graham’s teams always finish strong. When you look at the stats side by side, this is where it should get ugly for SMU fans. Tulsa rushes for 60 yards more per game, converts third downs 12% better (37% vs. 25%), SMU gives up 175 yards rushing per game (120 for Tulsa) and 4.49 yards per rush. SMU’s defense also gives up third downs 43% of the time (36% for Tulsa). These numbers are ugly. Tulsa dishes out another Golden Hurricane!! Tulsa wins and covers big!

NC State at FSU -8: If you followed us all season, you know we have loved NC State and their QB. You would also know that we like ganing up on FSU and Bobby Bowden. This week, however, we think FSU takes it. The ATS numbers are pretty god for FSU, but that is not why we like them. We like them mosltly because they are playing inspired football ever since Bowden came under fire. We think they will be up for this game and ready to roll. Plus, FSU just has much, much more talent than NC State does. Take the Seminoles and give the points.

Ole Miss at Auburn +4.5: This is a HUGE game for both teams. Both teams need this winn to save some credibility for their seasons and to keep Bowl chances alive. We have always thought both team are overrated. The Rebels have been hit-or-miss all season, and Jevon Snead does not look like the QB he was last year. The edge in this game, despite being on the road, goes to the Rebels. Chizik is not a good coach and Snead can get the win on the road. We love that Vegas is giving Auburn no respect at home. Take the Rebels and give the points.

Georgia (+15) neutral location versus Florida - Does Florida look right to anybody out there? The Florida defense looks good but not dominating. Tim Tebow looks terrible since his concussion. Florida’s offense is not dynamic enough, is relying too much on a not right Tebow and is not focused on getting the ball in the playmakers’ hands. Something is not right with the Gators. Florida is coming off two less than inspiring efforts and Georgia righted the ship last week with a solid and needed win at Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs are still a bit miffed at the Florida coach for calling two timeouts in the final minute of last year’s 49-10 blowout, a ploy that Meyer described — apparently with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek — as merely a way to get a few extra carries for a little-used running back.  The picture of Urban Meyer calling a timeout hangs all over Georgia’s training facility. The Bulldogs get to see it when they’re changing into their uniforms, when they’re lifting weights, when they’re heading off to meetings. Not sure Georgia has the horses to win this game outright but the combination of revenge and Florida sucking of late has on on the side of the Dawgs. We are betting Georgia to cover!

Georgia

• Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
• Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games as an underdog.
• Bulldogs are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Bulldogs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.

Penn State (-17) at Northwestern - This is another clean sweep game and a blatant one at that. Not even worth going into how inferior this Northwestern team is. Penn State is on a roll. 4 straight wins, 4 straight blowout wins and 4 straight covers. Northwestern is spotty at best. 17 points is a lot but expect a better performance than the Michigan performance last week and that was 35-10 on the road. Penn State wins and covers!!

Penn State

• Nittany Lions are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Nittany Lions are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Nittany Lions are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite.
• Nittany Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
• Nittany Lions are 15-4-2 ATS in their last 21 games in October.
• Nittany Lions are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Nittany Lions are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
• Nittany Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win

• Wildcats are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games following a S.U. win.
• Wildcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Wildcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Wildcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.

• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in October.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Yellow Jackets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
• Yellow Jackets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Yellow Jackets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Yellow Jackets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games.
• Yellow Jackets are 8-2-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Yellow Jackets are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite

Vanderbilt

• Commodores are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Commodores are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in October.
• Commodores are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• Commodores are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games on turf.
• Commodores are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

Eastern Michigan at Arkansas -34.5: We are calling this the Bigfoot Bowl becuase it is so very rare that a SEC team schedules an out of conference cupcake team at home, it is like seeing Bigfoot. NOT!! The SEC is comical and the pollsters should be pounding the Razorbacks (and every other SEC team) for these types of games. That said, we know why these games happen and we are going to take advantage and win some scratch for us. Petrino will have no problem running up the score in this game. It will not be close. Take the Razorbacks and give the points.

USC (-4) at Oregon - This is the game of the week and one of the biggest games in the history of Oregon football. The nation will probably not give a crap but consider this…. USC is a top 5 BCS team so a win on the road against a top ten team elevates them against the one loss teams and the no loss teams. If Oregon wins, they will certainly jump into the mix for top 5 BCS standings. We all know that November is a mess for BCS leaders and any upset is possible. Whichever of these teams wins out, if they win out, will have an edge over the Bama/Florida loser if both pay undefeated and will have the edge over every one loss team. Now onto the game, which is what we are here to do. USC is 2-4 straight up in Oregon in their last 6. Forget the spread, Autzen is brutal. If you have never been there you just do not get it. It has the smallest space in all of NCAA football in terms of fans from the field. Fans are literally vertical straight up from the outline of the field. Now add the freak show that is the Eugene Oregon hippies and this is going to be an amazing scene in terms of freaks and noise. Regardless of USC’s record the last few years, they have struggled the last three seasons in the BCS and are only covering 35% of the time. Now we know Barkley won in South Bend and Columbus, but this is another animal. Sorry Golden Homers and Horseshoers, Autzen is a special animal. Mark Sanchez choked there two years ago filling in for the injured Booty. USC contained Dixon but could not make up for Sanchez’s mistakes. We love betting teams we think will win straight up when they are underdogs and Oregon is that animal this week. You know we are USC homers but we love making money as well. Oregon is a no brainer this week. Take Oregon to cover!

USC

• Trojans are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games in October.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.

NCAA Football Week 7 Picks: Picks, Chicks and a Salute to Texas RPJ $tyle!

We are 39-39-1 heading into the weekend while waiting for the outcome of the PITT/Rutgers game. So far we are 1-1 on the week. We are very, very afraid this week because we love a ton of games. We usually end up with 3-8 games but this week we are unleashing the fury Mitch!!! When these weeks come, when all of our models and opinions sync up, we hammer the games. This week we are going to discuss some of the marquee matchups and then sling picks for the obvious games. Enjoy the picks. May your wallets be stuffed, your beer fridge full and your girl’s face on your (insert noun here)! It is Red River rivalry and USC/Notre Dame week. We are fired up.

These teams do not need any detailed analysis Games: These picks are pretty straight forward and are set up as either a good team versus a bad team or a bad team versus a horrific team. We are not going to go into detailed analysis to save our carpel tunnel syndrome. Feel free to use our website and our free matchup tools. Click here to stroll through our free data! Just click on this link, find the game you want to analyze and click away on the matchup, supergrid and or preview functions. There is tons of free data for you to use on your own. Bodog has been an awesome partner for us and if you like our picks, which you should of late, help us out by clicking on one of the banner advertisements to sign up for a Bodog account and to get free money.

Kent State at E. Michigan (+6.5) - Give us some credit, you have to respect anyone that is going to drop any sort of knowledge on a Kent State-EMU game!!!! Sometimes we just make it easy for you. Eastern Michigan is one of the worst cover teams and teams in the country, sitting at 1-4 ATS and 0-5 on the season. So do not be deceived that Eastern Michigan almost beat Northwestern. Other than that, they have been pounded by the likes of Army and Temple to name a few of the teams they lost to. They also lost to Michigan and Central Michigan but that was expected. We expect Kent State to rebound from the horrible loss to Bowling Green last week. The favorite in this series is also 5-2 ATS in their last seven. We are betting Kent State to win and cover!!!

Hawaii at Idaho (-8) - Do you know who the best cover team is in the country right now? We do and it is the Idaho Vandals. Idaho is 5-1 overall and 6-0 ATS. Their lone loss came at Washington and this team actually won at Northern Illinois and Colorado State. Very impressive. Who are we to bet against them. We love any opportunity to bet on the Vandals!! We are betting Idaho to win and cover!!!

Central Michigan at Western Michigan (-6.5) - Central Michigan is one of the best cover teams in the nation sitting at 5-1. With their lone ATS loss at Buffalo by 1.5 points or so, depending on where you got the line. We also have a bizarre man crush on Dan LeFevour and we are unlikely to bet against him. We have been lucky that he rewarded us nicely two years ago when he was 100% healthy and has rewarded us again this year. We are betting Central Michigan to win and cover!!!

Houston at Tulane (-17) - Well Toolame burned us last week but we are persistent. Houston will run and gun and sling it all over the place. Toolame is not that good and still have the swine flu lingering around campus. Never a good combo..bad football and swine flu. Our boy Case Keenum is going to put 50 on these guys. We are betting Houston to win and cover!!!

BYU (-17) at San Diego State - Another battle of the shit show matchups. BYU has talent. San Diego State does not. BYU = 4-2 ATS. San Diego State = 1-4 ATS. San Diego State basically loses to who they are supposed to lose to. See losses to UCLA, Idaho and Air Force and they beat who they are supposed to beat most of the time. BYU will beat San Diego State and they will beat them easily. We are betting BYU to win and cover!!!

Kentucky at Auburn (-13.5) - If you have not picked up on it yet, bet against Kentucky every week you can in the SEC. They snuck one in on us at South Carolina last week but we got nice covers with Alabama and Florida. We are going to ride the anti-Kentucky bandwagon once again. We still have no clue as to how this program is in any Div 1 conference. They are terrible even for SEC standards. Auburn wins and covers!!!

Ohio State (-13.5) at Purdue - Another certainty, Ohio State is the best team in the Big Ten and covers most of the time. Just keep riding the wave. This is not rocket science. Ohio State has covered every Big Ten game this year (3-0) and Purdue has lost all of them (0-2). Ohio State is also 5-1 ATS on the season. Purdue is in a major transition year. New coach. New players. New offensive philosophy. They have been playing games hard, but they just don’t have the talent and cohesion OSU has. This game may be close in the first half, as the Boilermaker faithful will be out in full force and going bananas. However, OSU will pull away in the 2nd half. We are betting Ohio State to win and cover!!!

Illinois (-3) at Indiana - We love this game!! Runny has been to it in person a couple of times. It is like a battle of the two worse state fairs you can think of!!! These teams hate each other. The Hoosiers have been a HUGE surprise this year. The fact this team has even won one game is shocking. The Illini have also blown our minds with some of the worse play in college football (we picked this team to beat Mizzou outright in week one!!!!). Juice is a huge bust. Benn is having a terrible year. So, what will give in this sideshow of a game??? The Illini will give. They are favorites based on the rep and promise over the past few seasons. This team is not the team that played SC in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers will win outright. Take Indiana at home with the points.

Louisville at UCONN (-13)- Big East match-up with implications. The Huskies are looking to show their program is no fluke and the Cardinals are trying to salvage some respectability at home. UConn’s pogram IS solid. They are similar to Cincy. They are well coached and play hard. They will be stoked at home. The cover will be close, but the Huskies will still pull it out. This is another one of the brainless picks. UCONN is 5-0 against the spread. Always bet into strength. This line seems awfully high but bet it with confidence. Take the Huskies and give the points.

Iowa at Wisconsin (-3) - This game is a trap!! Beware!!! There is absolutely no logical reason to justify why the Hawkeyes are the dogs in this game. The Hawkeyes are arguably the best team in the Big 10. Wisconsin is having a down year. Although the Badgers are at home in Madison where it is extremely tough to play, this team is just not that good and they are certainly not playing to the level of Iowa right now. Further proof of the trap comes from the numbers: 68% of the money is on Iowa and the line opened Iowa -1. The line should have gone up, not down to the Badgers as favorites. VEGAS KNOWS!! Don’t fall for it!! Take Iowa to win and cover!

Washington at Arizona State (-6.5) - Is it us, or does ASU break your hearts every freakin’ year? Every year this team has the promise of being good, and every year, we bet them and bet them only to get left at the alter. Not this time!! The Huskies have an entirely new lease on life. After beating USC, they have shown they have some swagger and the guts to hang in there against anyone. They played the Irish super tough in the South Bend, so they have shown that road trips do not scare them. They will be ready for the PAC-10 game. ASU may win, but it will be within a TD. Take the Huskies and the points!

Stanford at Arizona (-4.5) - Very similar game to the Washington-ASU game. Stanford gets the edge for us despite being on the road. They are really well coached (Harbaugh may be one the best coaches in Div 1 football). Harbaugh gets more out of talent than any coach in the country (except for maybe Chris Peterson in Boise). They are a smart team. Zona is solid, too, but Stanford will be ready and they are playing with a chip on their shoulders for some national respect. Take the Cards and the points.

Arkansas at Florida (-25) - This game has “let down” written all over it. Everyone has anointed the Gators as national champs despite having half the season left to go. The Gators are in cruise control. They will be at home. They have not looked dominating at all. Not at all. The Razorbacks having nothing to lose and they will pull out all the stops. They have a solid QB in Ryan Mallett. He can straight sling it!!! The gators have not faced a QB this good all year. Remember Ole Miss last year? The Razorbacks could do the same thing. Plus, don’t underestimate Petrino. He is a good coach, and we know he can play dirty (just ask Arthur Blank and the Falcons). Look for Petrino to pull an Arkansas sweathog move and knock Tebow out of the game! Take the ‘Backs and the points.

Not the Red River Rivalry but the next best game of the week!

Southern California (-10) at Notre Dame - For months people (i.e. the media and dumb Domers) have been touting the Irish as a legit BCS championship contender and one of the best teams in the country. Guess what? Another year proves yet again that they are probably the most overrated program in all of sports. If they were in the SEC they would probably be ranked #5 in the country, but we know they are a joke. Michael Floyd is out for this game so that means the only threat they have is Golden Tate. That is not enough against this SC Defense. USC comes in with tons of swagger knowing that they have stomped this team in recent years. They also are playing inspired ball from rallying behind their fallen comrad, Stephon Johnson. USC relishes playing opponents on the road under the spotlight. Barkley knows he is the man for this team, and he is grasping control of the offense more and more each week. They destroyed Cal in Berkley two weeks ago, and that team had WAAAAAAAY more talent on both sides of the ball than this Irish team. This game will not be close. Look for a HUGE game from Taylor Mays as Clausen tries to test fate and go deep on this team. Mays will get him. Now that we got our USC homerness out of the way you really need to think about this game logically. Look at the line and what do you see? USC is favored, on the road, against the 25th rated team in the country, against the QB with the best QB rating in the country, a team with multiple 4th quarter comebacks and USC is playing a true freshmen. Did you just follow that sequence of logic? Makes you want to bet Notre Dame right? Well we always say that Vegas knows and Vegas set this line at ten points because Vegas knows all of the Notre Dame idiots will easily bet this game at USC -10. That line speaks volumes. If Notre Dame was any good the line would not be USC -10. Be safe, be smart and listen to Vegas. Plus, look at the picture below….could you feel remotely safe betting on a team with that guy leading the charge?What the hell does the “CC” stand for on the banana hammock on the dude on the left? How is he not getting crushed in the papers for this? Take USC and gladly give the points.

USC

• Trojans are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Trojans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. INDEP.
• Trojans are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week.
• Trojans are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 non-conference games.
• Trojans are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Trojans are 15-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Trojans are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

• Fighting Irish are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as a home underdog.
• Fighting Irish are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Fighting Irish are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Fighting Irish are 4-15 ATS in their last 19 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Fighting Irish are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• Fighting Irish are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
• Fighting Irish are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Fighting Irish are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
• Fighting Irish are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Fighting Irish are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

Head-to-Head

• Favorite is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Trojans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Red River Rivalry Game of the week!

Oklahoma at Texas (-3) - The Sooners need this game more, but Texas is just too good right now. Bradford is not close to 100% and Stoops cannot win big games. McCoy is primed for a huge game. He will get it this week against the Sooners. Oklahoma is another one of those early season teams that had uncertainty on their O-line. This has not been solved due to injuries and Texas is going to bring a nasty defense to the Texas State Fair. If you watched last week’s game, Sam Bradford is not ready to go and one more week of practice will help but will certainly not make him comfortable. These teams look very similar on paper but we think the difference will be QB and O-line and Texas wins both of those matchups. And how could we forget Big Game Bob Stoops. Big Game Bob is 0-4 ATS in his last 4 in this series and we expect the pain to continue. We are betting Texas to win and cover!!!

Oklahoma

• Sooners are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Sooners are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
• Sooners are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Sooners are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
• Sooners are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Sooners are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. win.
• Sooners are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Sooners are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Sooners are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Sooners are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
• Sooners are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in October.

Texas

• Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.
• Longhorns are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games.
• Longhorns are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
• Longhorns are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
• Longhorns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Longhorns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Longhorns are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Longhorns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.
• Longhorns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Longhorns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.

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Flash Flash and Runny Pelvis

NCAA Football Week 5 Free Picks: If September is any indication, October will be AWESOME!!!

Last week turned into one big clown show; both for NCAA power rankings and for our bets. We had some games dead on like Iowa and the ones we were wrong on we were way wrong like Cal. We did warn of the Tedford turd sandwich we just did not think it would be his largest turd sandwich ever. On the BCS front, Houston looks great, Florida State is done, Ole Miss done, Cal done, Miami done. We love it. Every week that goes by like this the closer we will get to a playoff system. The Flash Flash/Backwoods Southern Lawyer approach has not slayed it yet and Runny will be back soon to get us back on track. We also look forward to our statistical models rolling out in the coming weeks. Lots of picks this week. We pick the winners in the big games (USC-CAL) and we continue to hammer some of the biggest losers (think Miami-Ohio).

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Also, If you look at the top right of our Home Page tab, we have tabs for you to click to join us on Facebook as well as on Twitter. We are all over the social media crapola right now. Last but certainly not least, we would love it if you opened a Bodog account through our website by clicking one of the banner ads. Granted our picks have not filled the bank accounts by any means but we are offering these picks out of the goodness of our hearts and providing you with great content. We have full faith our picks are on the verge of turning around, especially when we crank out our statistical models which will be any day now. If you think we are a bunch of clowns then don’t do a thing. Well maybe click an ad here or there on our website. Ha ha. On with the picks….

Friday, October 2, 2009

Utah State at BYU (-23.5) - Well we are back on the BYU bandwagon. Besides the FSU debacle, BYU has covered in each game. Utah State has done a good job as 20 point underdogs and covered against Texas A&M and Utah. Both games were set at 20.5 points. The home team in this series is 5-0-1 in their last 6 meetings and BYU is certainly no cupcake place to play. Max Hall and Co. will run up the score early and ram it down The Aggies throats late. Besides the ATS head-to-head numbers the other ATS numbers scream Aggies. This might be the last time we bet BYU this season if they lose because we are expecting a game of 38-7 or 56-10 or something along those lines. Utah State has the 117th ranked defense in the country and only has 2 sacks. No pressure on Max Hall = bad results. Utah State actually has the 9th rated offense in the nation, which blows our minds because they have a 22.5% offensive 3rd down success rate. BYU wins and covers!!

Saturday October 3, 2009

Wisconsin at Minnesota (-2.5) - Totally surprised to see Minnesota favored in this one. Wisconsin actually has some nice, hard fought victories against the likes of Michigan State, Fresno State and Northern Illinois. Minnesota is enjoying their new stadium but really do not have as impressive a run going. These teams look identical on defense with Wisconsin holding a slight edge where it matters. The largest difference is on offense. Wisconsin is significantly better at running the ball and converting third downs. That formula leads to better ball control and the ability to wear down a defense. We also like the fact that the Badgers are 5-2 heads up ATS in their last seven against Minnesota. We are betting Wisconsin to win, cover and Golden Shower the Golden Gophers!

Wisconsin

• Badgers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
• Badgers are 17-5-1 ATS in their last 23 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Badgers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog.
• Badgers are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Badgers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games.
• Badgers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Badgers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.
• Badgers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Alabama (-15.5) at Kentucky - Does this really need any sort of analysis? See Kentucky at home against Florida -21 and now you have Kentucky at home against Alabama -15.5. Kentucky is just not that good. Where is the media now talking up the SEC? Kentucky might not be able to beat anybody this season in conference. What we do love is that Kentucky is shaking up the BCS in their own way by knocking out Tim Tebow. Just remember what happened to Penn State’s QB last year after he got a concussion…PSU lost to Iowa the next week. The Gator’s showdown in Baton Rouge next week will be awesome. Those Alabama fans who worried that Greg McElroy would have a hard time replacing John Parker Wilson stopped worrying Sept. 5. McElroy is third nationally in pass efficiency and might be throwing it better than Wilson ever did. We like Alabama to pound on Kentucky and cover easily!!!

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Alabama

• Crimson Tide are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass.
• Crimson Tide are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
• Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
• Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Crimson Tide are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite.
• Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Crimson Tide are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.
• Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Crimson Tide are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
• Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite.
• Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.

• Wildcats are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Wildcats are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
• Wildcats are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 conference games.
• Wildcats are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
• Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in October.
• Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Cincinnati (-27.5) at Miami (Ohio) - Time to jump on the Cincy bandwagon and no matter what we are going to bet against Miami-Ohio every time it makes sense. Cincy has solid wins at Rutgers and Oregon State. Oregon State is incredibly impressive because it is nasty heading up to Corvallis. Miami-Ohio just might be the worst team in the country and they have not been favored in any game this season. On top of that they are 0-4 ATS this season. 27.5 points is a lot to get by but Cincy blew these guys out last year by a score of 45-20 and Miami-Ohio is significantly worse this year. Tony Pike is the man. Jump on the Cincy bandwagon while you can! We like Cincy to cover and win easily!!!!

• Bearcats are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Bearcats are 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Bearcats are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games on grass.
• Bearcats are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Miami-Ohio

• Redhawks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog.
• Redhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Redhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big East.
• Redhawks are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games on grass.
• Redhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.
• Redhawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
• Redhawks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.

Head-to-Head

• Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
• Bearcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

Tulane at Army (-6.5) - This is the BSL special. BSL is from Baton Rouge and loves picking on Toolame. We hit nice wins against them earlier in the season when they had swine flu and could not cover against Tulsa and BYU. Time to dump on them again. It is 1,350 miles from New Orleans to West Point and that is asking a lot to go play against a rowdy, disciplined Army team. Army takes care of business just like they did 44-13 on the road last season. No contest. We are betting Army to win and cover!!!

Tulane

• Green Wave are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Green Wave are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. win.
• Green Wave are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games on turf.
• Green Wave are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

LSU at Georgia (-2.5) - I could not get BSL to take credit for this bet because it makes him sick as a Tigers fan. This is classic SEC brutal scheduling. LSU travels to Georgia the week before they host Florida and focus will be spotty. Georgia is actually running a 3 game winning streak against LSU and the games have been ugly. Neither of these teams have helped bettors this year. LSU has one cover and it was against UL-Lafayette and Georgia has one cover and it was at Arkansas. These teams look like mirror images of each other on defense. LSU is sporting a weak offense and is ranked 105th in the country but Georgia’s numbers are not that much better. With a spread under -3 for the home field advantage we will take Georgia all day long. There is a reason the home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings. We are betting Georgia to win and cover!!!

LSU

• Tigers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Tigers are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall.
• Tigers are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Tigers are 7-21-1 ATS in their last 29 conference games.
• Tigers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
• Tigers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games on grass.
• Tigers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
• Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Tigers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in October.
• Tigers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win.

Penn State (-6.5) at Illinois - Big rebound game for Penn State. Illinois showed who they are this year and that is a bad team. See games against Missouri and Ohio State. Joe Pa will have the Nittany Lions ready to play and rebound from their second half break down against Iowa last week. Both teams are O-fer ATS this season but we think the Iowa game provided Penn State with the necessary wake up call. Look for big things from the Penn State offense. We are betting Penn State to win and cover!!!

Penn State

• Nittany Lions are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite.
• Nittany Lions are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games in October.
• Nittany Lions are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

• Fighting Illini are 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games following a S.U. loss.
• Fighting Illini are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Fighting Illini are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in October.
• Fighting Illini are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• Fighting Illini are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Fighting Illini are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Fighting Illini are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Fighting Illini are 7-25 ATS in their last 32 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Fighting Illini are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
• Fighting Illini are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
• Fighting Illini are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Fighting Illini are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf.
• Fighting Illini are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Fighting Illini are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Fighting Illini are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Fighting Illini are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.

Head-to-Head

• Nittany Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Illinois.
• Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

Ohio State (-17.5) at Indiana - It is that time of year again. Ohio State rolls through the Big Ten bringing sports bettors along for a great ride. Yes Indiana gave Michigan a run for its money but we do not know anything about Michigan yet but the fact that their defense is suspect and everyone loves Forcier. What do we know about Ohio State? Tressel and the Buckeyes roll through the Big Ten every year. Maybe they slip up once but maybe they don’t. They certainly will not slip against Indiana. Ohio State is on fire, posting back to back shutouts. Look at the Head-to-Head ATS numbers and you will get on board. We love and are betting Ohio State to win and cover!!!

Ohio State

• Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
• Buckeyes are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• Buckeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
• Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Buckeyes are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games as a road favorite.
• Buckeyes are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games on grass.
• Buckeyes are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Buckeyes are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 conference games.
• Buckeyes are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games in October.
• Buckeyes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games.
• Buckeyes are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Buckeyes are 20-9 ATS in their last 29 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Buckeyes are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

Tulsa (-15.5) at Rice - Tulsa has an offense and Rice stinks. We loaded up on Tulsa against Toolame and we look to capitalize some more on the Golden Hurricanes. We might just pick Tulsa so we can make more Golden Shower references but that will be up to you to decide. We are betting Tulsa to win, cover and Golden Hurricane (extreme golden shower)!!!

Tulsa

• Golden Hurricane are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite.
• Golden Hurricane are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games on turf.
• Golden Hurricane are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Golden Hurricane are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Golden Hurricane are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Golden Hurricane are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

USC (-5) at Cal - This is another painful one to put in the books but we have to be realistic. The only reason USC is favored is because of the historic USC, not this season’s USC and because CAL was thumped by Oregon last weekend. Stafon Johnson just went out for this game due to a freak weight lifting accident and Matt Barkley is still banged up. USC is decimated. They lost more guys to injury on defense last week against Washington State, Stafon will be out, RoJo is out, Taylor Mays is banged up. This USC is too beat up. Also, USC’s offense is anemic and a CAL team at home will score points, even on USC’s defense. If they score 20 points it just might be enough. Yes USC has the 6th rated defense in the country but Cal is not too shabby. They are giving up less than 3 yards per rush on defense and have 14 sacks so they might be able to get to Barkley more than other teams have. Here is the truly frightening stat; USC only converts 25% of their 3rd down opportunities on offense. That is horrific. Cal for example is up at 43%. This might very well be the difference. We would not be surprised to see a game much like we saw in USC at Ohio State. USC’s defense will play awesome and keep the team in the game until the offense comes through or does not come through. We think Cal will win a close one but even if USC wins it will not be by more than a FG. We are taking Cal to cover!!!

We love that we finally have a picture of a big turd sandwich for Tedford!!!

USC

• Trojans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
• Trojans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on turf.
• Trojans are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games in October.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
• Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
• Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.

California

• Golden Bears are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
• Golden Bears are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
• Golden Bears are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Golden Bears are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games on turf.
• Golden Bears are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
• Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Golden Bears are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Golden Bears are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Golden Bears are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
• Golden Bears are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Golden Bears are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
• Golden Bears are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games.

Virginia Tech (-17) at Duke - Va Tech started at +15.5 and is now up to +17.  Va Tech coming off their game of the year after dominating Miami.  Duke with nothing to lose….nothing but the game we guess, but we think they do that by less than 2 tds. We are betting Duke to cover!!!

Va Tech

• Hokies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite.
• Hokies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in October.

Next up: The Miss Idaho Game!!!

Colorado St. (-3) at Idaho - Both teams are fairly decent (for loser teams from loser conferences).  Both are 3-1, with loses coming by way of identical 42-23 scores.  Difference is that Colorado St. lost to BYU and Idaho lost to Washington.  Most importantly, the line started out higher and is falling.  Obviously, the betting public loves the Vandals.  We are betting Colorado State to win and Cover this one easily!!!

Colorado State

• Rams are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
• Rams are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. WAC.

• Vandals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog of 0.5-3.0.

Washington at Notre Dame (-13.5) - It has been too long since we found a reason to bet against Notre Dame. ND is banged up on offense and has not shown a defense this season. Washington is now definitely over their win over USC after Stanford beat them and out-toughed them. Nick Holt will not let that happen again this season. We do not think Notre Dame can blow anybody out but Nevada. Notre Dame has shown that they have the same talent level as the Big Ten and no more. They easily should have lost to Michigan State and Purdue and then would be sitting on one win. ND is not good but the public does not know it yet. Washington will be fired up to get their first win ever against Notre Dame. We think Washington covers and if you have some extra scratch, take the money line!!!

Houston (-14.5) at UTEP -Houston is undefeated ATS this season and rolling through their schedule taking down Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. This team is good and Case Keenum is awesome. Yes, Houston’s defense is ranked 97th but UTEP’s is ranked 109th. The difference here, Houston has the 2nd rated offense and UTEP is dead last at 120th. Houston wins this by 30 points as Keenum pads his Heisman stats. We are betting heavy on Houston to win and cover!!!

Coach Sumlin has bettors happy this season!!!!

Houston

• Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Cougars are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Cougars are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

All Hail Case Keenum!!!

Free NCAA Week 3 Picks: Jump on the Suck Factor!!!

RPJ is sitting here at 12-15, were 7-6 last weekend and are sitting here waiting for the results on the Boise State/Fresno State game. We have not been able to get off to a rolling start yet this year in either NFL or NCAA. I (Flash Flash) am going to call it the curse of Runny Pelvis. As I mentioned in the Boise piece, Runny is out of the country. In his place stands Backwoods Southern Lawyer and we are putting our brains together to crush it this weekend. You will notice the heavy SEC influence.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Introducing the Suck Factor strategy - There are always going to be teams that are flat out terrible and no matter where Vegas sets the line, these teams almost know how bad they need to suck so they do not cover. We have started to identify some of these teams and we plan on betting heavily against them.

Ball State (+7) at Army – If there’s one team in the nation that we would take Army and give 7 points to, it’s Ball State. Ball State is simply terrible. Not as bad as some of the truly putrid teams we are identifying this week but terrible nonetheless. This is not the Nate Davis led Ball State team of last year. Ball State lost to New Hampshire and North Texas at home as favorites. Yes you read that correctly. Ball State’s QB is completing 44% of his passes. Ball State registers a 9 on the RPJ Suck Factor. We love Army!!!

Ball State

• Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

• Black Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Black Knights are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Black Knights are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in September.
• Black Knights are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.

SMU at Washington State (+6) - This is a suck factor game and Washington State is beyond sucking. Washington State has been blown out by Stanford and Hawaii who are not exactly college power houses. Washington State is yet to cover and we do not see them covering here. And would you really bet against a QB named Bo Levi Mitchell? We won’t! Also, we would love to see the last time SMU was favored on the road. Unreal. The curse of Ryan Leaf lives on!!! We are taking SMU to win and cover!!!

SMU

• Mustangs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.

Washington State

• Cougars are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Cougars are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. loss.
• Cougars are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Cougars are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog.
• Cougars are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
• Cougars are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on turf.
• Cougars are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a home underdog.
• Cougars are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games.
• Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
• Cougars are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
• Cougars are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 games in September.

Miami (Ohio) at Western Michigan (-16.5) - This game wins the battle of the suckfests this week. Miami(Ohio) has not scored this season, their QBs are completing passes at a 50% clip, they have thrown 6 INTs and they have been outscored 90 - 0 against Boise State and Kentucky. Western Michigan wins and covers on principle alone!!!

Miami (Ohio)

• Redhawks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games in September.
• Redhawks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 conference games.
• Redhawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
• Redhawks are 2-8 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Redhawks are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games on grass.
• Redhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Redhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

Special SEC Coverage - In honor of Backwoods Southern Lawyer’s re-appearance in our picks we are going to put some specific emphasis on SEC games this week and probably the next three weeks. BSL is the man and hopefully he has gotten rid of his first season jitters and is ready to pick us some winners!!!

Tennessee at Florida (-29.5) - As much as we want to analyze this game, we are not breaking a rule from our NCAA preview piece. We said we would take Florida no matter what the spread and this game meets another one of our tests, although on the slimmest of margins, of notbetting games where the line is more than 30 points. We made money on last year’s Urban Meyer revenge game against Georgia and this is the game we circled this year. Here is our analysis…..1) revenge game 2) Tennessee lost at home to UCLgAy 3) Florida is the best team in the nation at present. Got it. We are taking Florida to win and cover by this ridiculous margin!!!

Tennessee

• Volunteers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Volunteers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Volunteers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog.
• Volunteers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Volunteers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
• Volunteers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Volunteers are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Volunteers are 11-23 ATS in their last 34 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Florida

• Gators are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Gators are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Gators are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Gators are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
• Gators are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
• Gators are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Gators are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 conference games.
• Gators are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Gators are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. win.
• Gators are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Gators are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
• Gators are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Gators are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite.
• Gators are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games on grass.

Head-to-Head

• Volunteers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Florida.
• Volunteers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Mississippi State (+9) at Vanderbilt – Vandy has several players out and is a little beaten up after tangling with LSU last weekend. Vandy has a legit dual-threat QB, but he’s got nearly zero talent around him (as several dropped passes a game will attest). Miss St will get progressively better throughout the season as the players buy in to Dan Mullen’s system. I think MSU’s defense rises to the challenge after giving up a bunch of points to Auburn last week. This is likely to be a one score game at the buzzer. We are taking Miss State to cover!

Mississippi State

• Bulldogs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Bulldogs are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games on turf.

Vandy

• Commodores are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Commodores are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games as a home favorite.
• Commodores are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games as a favorite.
• Commodores are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.

Head-to-Head

• Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

UL Lafayette (+26.5) at LSU – LSU is 1-11 (and 0 for their last 7) ATS in their last 12 at home, and it’s time for that streak to end. BSL has ridden this team to the brink of economic collapse and this is where it pays off. UL-L is due for a letdown coming off of an emotional last minute win over Kansas State, UL-L’s second win over a BCS-conf school (last one was Texas A &M in 1996). Yes, UL-L is better than usual, but they are still UL-L. In 21 games against the Tigers, UL-L has scored a total of ….wait for it…22 points. Meanwhile, LSU’s offense has a big time chip on their should after turning in sub-par performances against UW and Vanderbilt and hearing all week that they don’t throw deep enough. LSU will throw deep in this one. True freshman phenom Russell Sheppard will find the endzone (maybe more than once), and LSU will roll big time. The ATS numbers are not going to be reflective on how this game plays out. We are  taking the Tigers in a big way.

RPJ $yndicate Picks of the Week

Duke at Kansas (-23) - Duke does not register as high on the Suck factor as Ball State did but they are still not a good team. Kansas is licking their chomps and loves stomping inferior opponents. We hit a nice cover last week when Kansas beat up on UTEP on the road. Duke did respond from their loss to Richmond, yes the 1-AA Richmond, and beat Army last week. Yes the same Army we are picking to beat Ball State. Some have accused us of always picking Kansas so we can put in pictures of Coach Mangino and they might be right. However, we do love us some Todd Reesing. Kansas will win this game easily and cover!!!

• Blue Devils are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Blue Devils are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
• Blue Devils are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Blue Devils are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.

Kansas

• Jayhawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
• Jayhawks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Jayhawks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games on turf.
• Jayhawks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Jayhawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite.
• Jayhawks are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 23-7 ATS in their last 30 games overall.
• Jayhawks are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games following a S.U. win.
• Jayhawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Jayhawks are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games.
• Jayhawks are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games in September.
• Jayhawks are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win.
• Jayhawks are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games as a home favorite.
• Jayhawks are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Ohio State at Toledo (+21) - This game is going to be a fun game. Toledo crushed Colorado and that is a nice feat for a MAC school. Ohio State could be 0-2. They did not look good against Navy, did not look good on offense against USC and really do not have a great identity right now. Going to Toledo, to play an explosive Toledo team is a potential recipe for disaster. Jim Tressel should try and toughen up his team and pound pound pound the run but all Ohio State fans know that the Tressel way is a bit of a mystery. The Ohio State offense seems simple and not dynamic and Pryor still does not appear comfortable. 21 points is a lot in this game and we are going to ride Toledo. Not sure if Toledo can win but we are taking them to cover!!!

Ohio State

• Buckeyes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
• Buckeyes are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Buckeyes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.

Toledo

• Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Rockets are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

Nebraska at Virginia Tech (-4.5) - The Hokies responded nicely last week against Marshall after their crushing defeat at the hands of Alabama, a game they had in hand in the 4th quarter and blew. Nebraska is 2-0 and 2-0 ATS but has not really tested themselves yet this year. We almost feel like a team that travels from the Midwest to Blacksburg should just walk in the door and give up 7 points so that makes this line attractive. Virginia Tech came out and pounded the run last week to the tune of a 318 yard margin of difference. Bo Pelini knows how to coach defense so this game will probably be close for a half and even three quarters but in the end the most physical team will win and that is the home team. We are taking Virginia Tech to win and cover!!

Nebraska

• Cornhuskers are 19-43-1 ATS in their last 63 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Cornhuskers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Cornhuskers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games following a S.U. win.
• Cornhuskers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win.
• Cornhuskers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a road underdog.
• Cornhuskers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Cornhuskers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Cornhuskers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

Virginia Tech

• Hokies are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Hokies are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Hokies are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Hokies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
• Hokies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
• Hokies are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Hokies are 23-11 ATS in their last 34 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

Southern California (-20) at Washington - What can we say, we love the Huskies in this one. With Jake Locker and RB Chris Polk healthy, U-Dub is a MUCH better team than people think. USC is coming off of a huge game far away and is awfully likely to be flat footed, and Locker (a running QB with an above average arm) is a tough guy to gameplan for. Everyone knows this is a trap game, even Pete Carroll. Pete has attempted to shake things up this week by reliving the Oregon State game last year and we just do not know if it will work. Pete even mentioned Washington while still in Columbus. Caesar needed to mix it up because USC has flat out lost its last two games following the “Big Game”. Also, super frosh Matt Barkley has not practiced much this week and we are not convinced Aaron Corp is 100% healthy. Could lead to a slow start for the Trojans. Meanwhile, Washington has had this game circled on its calendar ever since Sark, Holt and company came to town and will have the Trojans scouted down to their jockstraps. The only thing stopping me from making Washington BSL’s five-star lock of the week is the fact that Vegas set the line at -23 and the betting public has brought it down to -20. If our years of experience in this business have taught usanything it’s that Vegas is usually right and the betting public is usually wrong. Logic wins out in this one because you know Flash Flash is the biggest USC homer out there. Washington has covered three of the last 4 also. We think USC wins a tight one but Washington pulls the cover!!!

USC

• Trojans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on turf.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
• Trojans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.

Washington

Numbers are not relevant this week!

Head - To - Head

• Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Navy at Pitt (-7) - We know Navy is capable of a lot this season because of their OL. They put one hell of a scare into Ohio State. However, this Pitt team is solid and spanked Navy last season on the road. We think this spread should be more than 10 points and are happy to see it in the 7 point range. An early season anomaly we plan on taking advantage of. We are taking PITT to win and Cover!!!

Navy

• Midshipmen are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Midshipmen are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.

PITT

• Panthers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Panthers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Florida State (+7.5) at BYU – In the best matchup this weekend that no one knows about, BYU hosts the Seminoles after beating the Sooners in Norman and brutalizing Toolame in New Orleans. FSU meanwhile was clearly still reeling from the tough opening loss to Miami when they didn’t put more than 7 points on the board until the 59^th minute of play against I-AA Jacksonville State. This is a gut-check game for FSU, and one that they are taking very seriously. No doubt their OC Jimbo Fisher is taking it seriously after getting embarrassed last week. The betting public loves BYU in this one and that makes us nervous but we think it is justified. BYU has the cards lined up for this season and they know it. The pressure will not be on yet like it will be when TCU and Utah come to play at BYU but BYU is lining up for a potential BCS game and potentially a title game showing. BYU will have no trouble with FSU. Take BYU to win and cover!!!

Florida State

• Seminoles are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.
• Seminoles are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Seminoles are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Seminoles are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

BYU

• Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September.
• Cougars are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Cougars are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Cougars are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Cougars are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS win.

Flash Flash and BSL

2009 NCAA Football: Week 2 picks: Taking our head out of our Arse! Ohio State Versus USC Week!

We were 5-9 in Week 1. Really unexcuseable so no excuses will be made. Hopefully you read our preview piece and were able to capitalize on some of the predictions we made yet were too ignorant to put in our freakin Week 1 pick piece. We are pissed and we promise to take our heads out of our arses for Week 2.

RPJ will take its head out of its ass this week!

Week 2 picks

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Iowa at Iowa State (+6.5) - This really has turned into the series of ineptitude. Iowa either has big hopes and totally lays a dud int he game and does not cover or even gets upset. It happens year after year after year. Both teams played 1-AA school last week and Iowa almost lost; only won by one freakin point. This was a team that was supposed to contend for the Big-10 title. Well at least until Jewel Hampton went down. Iowa State has covered in this game 6 years in a row, winning two of them as underdogs. We are playing with history here. Check out these Head to Head numbers:

• Hawkeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Iowa State.
• Hawkeyes are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
• Underdog is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

These two will not be happy come Saturday!

Central Michigan at Michigan State (-14.5) - In-state rivals dial it up for a backyard brawl of sorts. MAC vs. Big 10. If you read our posts, you know we love us some MAC. You will also know we hate the Big 10. Are we homers? Maybe, but we have a presence in the Midwest and we see these teams firsthand week in and week out. The Big 10 is way overhyped. In this one, we are not even sure MSU is the better team, let alone 14.5 point favorites.  CMU put on a decent, yet controversial display last week in Zona to squeak by with a cover for us. We like them again this week. The Spartans play at Notre Dame next week and in the past two seasons under Mark Dantonio, have failed to cover the spread in the game before playing the Fighting Irish. Take CMU and the points.

Central Michigan

• Chippewas are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog.
• Chippewas are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Chippewas are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Chippewas are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
• Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Chippewas are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten.
• Chippewas are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. loss.
• Chippewas are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Chippewas are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 road games.
• Chippewas are 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 games following a ATS win.
• Chippewas are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Chippewas are 31-13-3 ATS in their last 47 games overall.
• Chippewas are 9-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Chippewas are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games in September.
• Chippewas are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.

• Spartans are 8-18 ATS in their last 26 home games.
• Spartans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Spartans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Spartans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Spartans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Spartans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

My name is Ryan Lovette and I was kicked out of MSU for psoing in Playboy. Supoort my cause and bet against the Spartans.

Houston at Oklahoma State (-15.5) - OSU is too legit to quit!! Great win last week at home against a coveted SEC team. They will destroy Houston. This is way too few points to give at home. Take OSU and give the points.

Its OSU Hammer Time!!!

Houston

• Cougars are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Cougars are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
• Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
• Cougars are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. win.
• Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Cougars are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.
• Cougars are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf.

UNC at UConn (+3.5) - UNC is stacked this year with young talent and they may have had the best recruting class in the ACC. UConn lost a ton of skill and experience on both sides of the ball. No doubt UConn has overachieved since it started playing football 8 years ago, but UNC just has too much experience.  UNC’s veteran O-Line and QB will be too much for the Huskies. Take the Heels and give the points.

UNC

• Tar Heels are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Tar Heels are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Tar Heels are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.

• Huskies are 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Huskies are 3-9 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Huskies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Huskies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Huskies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.

Do cheerleader pics ever get old?

TCU at Virginia (+11) -Generally we like to avoid road favorites. However, TCU’s D is just too stacked not to like them in this one. Jerry Hughes is a mean man. One of the best defenders in the country. This team is pissed they went 11-2 last year!!!! Andy Dalton is progressing at QB. Virginia has no offensive threats we even care to mention. Take TCU and give the points.

TCU

• Horned Frogs are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Horned Frogs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Horned Frogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Horned Frogs are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games as a favorite.
• Horned Frogs are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

• Cavaliers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games in September.
• Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Cavaliers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
• Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. MWC.

If I am not careful I will get horned by one of those Texas frogs!

UCLA at Tennessee (-10) - Tennessee did exactly what we thought they would do last week-play mean and run up the score. They will do the same this week. Kifin hates UCLA and Neuheisel, but that aside, the key to this game will be the same it was last week-DEFENSE. Pops Kiffin is one of the defensive minds the game has ever seen. He will throw things at UCLA’s QB that he has never seen before. For that alone, Tennessee will be outstanding this year. This is way too far for UCAL to travel and it is a VOLS revenge game. Look for the Vols in a route. Take the Vols and give the points.

UCLA

• Bruins are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. SEC.
• Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Bruins are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games as an underdog.
• Bruins are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games in September.
• Bruins are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
• Bruins are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games on grass.
• Bruins are 27-11 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Bruins are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
• Bruins are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog.
• Bruins are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Bruins are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
• Bruins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.

• Volunteers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Volunteers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Volunteers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Volunteers are 8-3-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Volunteers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Volunteers are 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Volunteers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Volunteers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Pac-10.

ATS numbers do not favor Tennessee but this is a new regime in Knoxville. Lane and Monte Kiffin and the coaching staff is top notch.

Kiffin's wife is top notch also!!!

Hawaii at Washington State (+2) - Another laugher, but it is another opportunity. Hawaii beat Washington State by 14 last year at home. They return a senior QB, senior RB and a veteran O-Line. Washington State returns as the same terrible team. Hawaii can make somewhat of a statement by beating a BCS Conference team (even though that team is terrible) on the road. They can win by a fieldgoal. Take Hawaii and give the points.

Hawaii

• Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
• Warriors are 18-7-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Warriors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in September.
• Warriors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
• Warriors are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Warriors are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 games on turf.

Is Hawaiian Tropic close enough to Hawaii? We thought so!

BYU at Tulane (+17.5) - BYU showed the nation what they can do this season. Bradford going out with an injury was not an excuse. The senior leadership and superior line play were key. Tulane, coming off a spanking by Tulsa will have no reason being in this game. Do not even think BYU will have any type of hangover either. BYU is led by senior leadership and is highly disciplined. Yeah we blew a nice cover last week by ignoring all of the signs in Norman but we are on the BYU bandwagon. Take BYU in a blowout!!

BYU

• Cougars are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
• Cougars are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
• Cougars are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

• Green Wave are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.
• Green Wave are 8-20 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Green Wave are 9-23 ATS in their last 32 games on turf.
• Green Wave are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a home underdog.
• Green Wave are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games as a home underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Green Wave are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
• Green Wave are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Green Wave are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Mormons know how to party!!!

Kansas at UTEP (+12.5) - Kansas finally has a line and we are all over it. UTEP lost at home to Buffalo, you think they are going to compete with Kansas. This does not even need a write-up. Remember Mangino and Todd Reesing!!! Take Kansas in a blowout!!!

Kansas

• Jayhawks are 7-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
• Jayhawks are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
• Jayhawks are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games on turf.
• Jayhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
• Jayhawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
• Jayhawks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Jayhawks are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games in September.
• Jayhawks are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
• Jayhawks are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games following a S.U. win.
• Jayhawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Jayhawks are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 games as a favorite.
• Jayhawks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.

• Miners are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games following a S.U. loss.
• Miners are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games.
• Miners are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Big 12.
• Miners are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games on turf.
• Miners are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

Tulsa at New Mexico (+17.5) - Tulsa responded well for us last week on the road and this game is no different. Tulsa puts the peddle to the metal all game, every game. Tulsa won by 42 points last season and we do not see why that can not happen again. New Mexico was blown out by a medicore Texas A&M team and this season is not looking good for them. We love Tulsa to cover in this one.

Tulsa

• Golden Hurricane are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
• Golden Hurricane are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games in September.
• Golden Hurricane are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.
• Golden Hurricane are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

• Lobos are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog.
• Lobos are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
• Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
• Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Lobos are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

New Mexico gets golden showered by the Golden Hurricanes

South Carolina at Georgia (-7 and O/38) - South Carolina surprised us last week. We learned a lot…their offense is still terrible and their defense is fast and nasty. Georgia got stomped at OSU like we said and lost their QB and left tackle in the process. Cox might play but is banged up. What does this lead to? A clear play on the UNDER. Also, we really do not see either team scoring and that helps us lean towards The Cocks. The ATS numbers are all over the board but the Head to Head stats are beautiful. Check this out:

• Under is 12-0 in the last 12 meetings.
• Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Georgia.
• Road team is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

Last time I played in the Big House I threw 7 INTs and was sacked 8 times!!! Has anything changed?

Game of the Week!!!! Collision in Columbus!!!!

Game of the Week!!!

USC at Ohio State (+6.5) - If you read us regularly this pick will come as no surprise so lets look at the ATS numbers first:

USC

• Trojans are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Trojans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big Ten.
• Trojans are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Trojans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
• Trojans are 14-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Trojans are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 non-conference games.
• Trojans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

Ohio State

• Buckeyes are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Pac-10.
• Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
• Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Buckeyes are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss.
• Buckeyes are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games on fieldturf.
• Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
• Buckeyes are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
• Buckeyes are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Buckeyes are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games in September.

Hope we had enough girls for you this week!

NCAA Football Preview Spectacular - Celebrating 140 years of College Football

Our most favorite time of year is finally upon us…NCAA FOOTBALL. There really is nothing better. The purpose of this post will be to share our thoughts, ideas, predictions, etc… in 140 different ways as we celebrate 140 years of NCAA Football. Print now because this is some great work bathroom reading. We promise this will occupy your dump time for at least 10-15 minutes.

We want to thank all of our loyal readers and welcome any new readers. If you are not familiar with us, here is the scoop. Every single bet we post on this blog, we bet with our own money. We are not here to screw around or lose money. We want to win every bet we place and we want YOU to win every bet you place alongside us. When we list the lines alongside our picks, these are the lines we placed our bets at. NO EXCEPTIONS. Also, we are always here for our readers. You can email us at rpjsyndicate@gmail.com if you want to remain private or you can post to our Facebook page by searching within Facebook for RPJ Betting Syndicate.  Also, our website has some great analysis tools that we have access through our partnership with Bodog. We have live lines as well as matchup analysis tools. These are free for you to check out anytime. Let us know if you want us to Twitter. We think the jury is still out on whether or not Twitter is relevant but we are open to suggestions.

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Bodog is operated in North America under License by Morris Mohawk Gaming Group.

In honor of 2009 being the 140th College football season, we are going to make 140 observations, predictions, bets, historical references, Notre Dame jokes, USC homer statements, etc…

2009 NCAA Football Season Predictions, Analysis, Trends and Observations

140 - The number of pounds that Charlie Weis’s left man boob weighs.

More food please!

139 - Adding the numbers equals 13….will be the minimum amount of points Ohio State will lose by to USC on September 12. Yep, you heard it hear first… USC wins by at least two TDs at Columbus.

138 - The number of rushes it took LeGarrette Blount, RB Oregon, to reach 1,008 yards rushing last season. Good for a 7.3 yard average per rush. We are looking for big things out of the Oregon backfield this season. Early season test at Boise State.

137 -  1+3+7=11…USC averaged 86,793 in attendance last year for 11th in the country. We road tripped for the OSU game last year. Let us tell you, USC knows how to party for big games! Great fans. Best Buy had a tent. Their home schedule is weak this year, so the key to their national championship dreams will come down to their road performance with big games in Columbus, South Bend, Berkley and Eugene. Look for USC to be in very close games. Jump on the lines accordingly. We’ll be watching!!

The Trojan Horse will unleash the fury on 9/12!

136 - The number of wins Bill Snyder had as a coach of Kansas State. Sorry Bill, you are old and well past your prime. You will be lucky to have 140 career K State wins by the end of the year.

135 - San Jose State Coach Dick Tomey’s career losses. Dick is actually the 7th winningest active coach right now with a record of 181-135-7. Dick opens the season at USC and at home against Utah. Those 135 career losses will start climbing pretty fast in 2009.

134 - The yards passing per game USC’s D gave up last year. Tops in the nation. Next closest was TCU at 170 tards/game. It will be interesting to see how USC’s D holds up this year. They lost a ton of starters over the offseason. We’ll see how the “rebuilding” goes..the last time this happened was 2007 and they did just fine. See you in Columbus on 9/12!!!!

133 - The number of points scored in 2008 by Missouri Kicker Jeff Wolfert. You know you care about that.

Yes we went there; only RPJ throws love at the kicker!!!

132 - The yards rushing per game Buffalo gained (actually 132.71. Big things are expected out of the Bulls this year. We loved rooting for them last year and will do this same in 2009. Go Bulls!!!! On a sad note, Senior RB James Starks is injured and will miss his senior season.

131 - The number of points TCU’s defense gave up last year, which was good for #2 in the country. Keep reading and you will see the #1 team and their sub-100 point season.

130 - The number of pounds of food Mark Mangino eats every day for breakfast. We love us some Coach Mangino. Kansas is the 4th or 5th best team in the Big 12 but the Conference is stacked. We hope Mangino and Reesing can pull off a big time upset.

Would you bet against this man?

129 - Amount of seasons before Michigan suffered its first 9 loss season. It took Bo Schembechler 7 seasons to lose 9 games. Rich Rodriguez did go 9-4 his second year at West Virginia and that followed a 3-8 debut for the Mounties. Notre Dame in week 2 will be a good indication and a home revenge game. Michigan returns 16 starters from last year and 11 on Offense.

128 - The number of pounds of undigested lard that were sucked out of Charlie Weis’s belly during his botched tummy tuck surgery. We hope the Heart Attack Grill was able to buy some of the lard on the cheap.

127 - Yards per game improvement by Nebraska on defense last season. Their rush defense was the most improved in the nation. Bo Pelini showed he can coach but will he be able to improve on a 9-4 record?

126 - NC State rushing yards per game in 2008. This team was a cover machine last season at 9-2-1. One of the best teams to bet on in the country. Big opening game against Spurrier’s Cocks in week 1 and a revenge game at home.

125 - North Carolina rushing yards per game in 2008. Is this the year Butch Davis’ team breaks out. We are not so sure. He recruits well but he still needs to get past Va. Tech and a nasty, improving Georgia Tech team.

124 - Colorado rushing yards per game. Will the Hawkins father son duo make some noise this year or will the powers that be in the Big 12…Texas and Oklahoma State eat Buffalo burger this season? We think the later.

123 - 1+2+3 = 6 and there were 6 turnovers in the Boise State vs. Oregon game last season. 4 by Oregon and 2 by Boise State. We do not see Masoli throwing three picks in this game. This is one of our two prime time games for opening weekend. Stay tuned for our week 1 predictions.

122 - The number of tackles for loss generated by Oregon for tops in the nation. This team is legit and has a very solid chance of winning the PAC-10. We love or Trojans, but it will be a tall order beating this team in Eugene. If they beat SC, they have to be considered for the national championship game.

Sorry it took this long to throw in some tail!!!

121 - Cincinnati rushing yards per game in 2008. Senior QB Tony Pike is back in 2009 and these city boys put a scare or two into somebody each year. We will know this team early as they open at Rutgers on 9/7/2009 and then head to Oregon State on 9/19/2009. A win at either place will be impressive.

120 - Central Florida’s offensive ranking last season. 120 out of 120. What does this distinction look like you ask? 229.5 yards of total offense per game, 113 yards rushing with a 3.0 yards per carry mark, 116 yards passing per game and 16.6 points per game. On the bright side, they really have no place to go but up.

119 - 1+1+9 = 11 and Tulsa had 11 wins last season, which was the first time a Conference USA team had 11 wins since 2004. The biggest change this offense will incur is under center, as David Johnson is now gone after accounting for 49 touchdowns in 2008. Jacob Bower, last year’s backup, has the edge in the quarterback race, but he is being pushed by Texas transfer G.J. Kinne, and incoming freshman Shavodrick Beaver. The player that emerges with the job will get a terrific opportunity to build a name for himself behind this powerful attack.

118 - Tulane’s average yards rushing per game. How about some Conference USA love? Back to back C-USA news items. Gotta love it!

117 - Kansas State’s Defensive ranking last season. Bill Snyder is a hero but will he leave town as a goat this time around. This is asking for a lot.

116 - Amount of offensive yards Washington State gained against USC last season. Keep reading…Notre Dame did even worse.

115 - Tennessee’s Offensive ranking last year. That was 115 out of 119. An improvement in this number will show Vols fans that Kiffin can coach. We know Monte can but the jury is still out on Lane.

Al Davis versus rabid SEC fans....I pick SEC!

114 - 114 fans showed up to Temple’s Fourth Annual Fan Fest on August 26. No we were not there, we just heard it was definitely 114 fans.

113 -Mississippi State’s offensive ranking last season. Man that SEC is stacked from top to bottom with zero easy games ever. Yeah right!!!!

112 - Centuries that must pass before Notre Dame wins another national title. God told us. Lou Holtz is on crack with his Florida/ND BCS title game prediction this season. How do we bet against this? Holtz should back himself as a prop bet.

111 - Add a 5 to 111 and you get 5,111 passing yards for Graham Harrell last season; the first back to back 5,000 seasons in NCAA history. Texas Tech had a story book season last year and Coach Leach finds new QBs for his system every year. The Red Raiders will not sneak up on anybody this season but they still have talent and might be able to pull off some major upsets. We will find out pretty quickly how good this team is after they travel to Austin on 9/19.

110 - The number of career wins for Nick Saban. He has a career record of 110-50-1, 5th best winning % among active coaches. Saban has talent at BAMA this season but they spanking Utah gave them could provide one long, nasty hangover. Huge first game against Virginia Tech will be telling. Also, keep in mind that Saban has never won ten games back to back. Now combine that with breaking in a new QB and revamped OL and we see trouble ahead.

109 - The amount of yards per game LSU’s defense deteriorated last season. We knew they had QB issues but the Tigers D was terrible. Maybe Les Miles should have taken the Michigan job after all. Lots to work on in Baton Rouge.

108 - Miami (Ohio) average yards rushing per game in 2008. Check out this fantastic team marketing….Fans looking for premium savings and ideal seat location get the best of both worlds by purchasing RedHawk season tickets. Season tickets–including the game against Kentucky– are only $120. Prices are even more affordably priced for Miami faculty and staff ($105), senior citizens ($110), and youth under 18 ($100). What a bargain!!!

Hi my name is Jenna and I am a Cheerleader for Miami (Ohio). Come see me for only $120! I promise not to disappoint you but I can not say the same for the team.

107 - 107,000 seats. The size of Michigan’s Ann Arbor football stadium. Hopefully they get to see more than 4 wins this season.

106 -Kentucky’s offensive ranking last season. We are seeing a trend here. Why is the SEC the best conference in the country when 5 teams finished worse than 100 in total offense last season.

105 - Number of yards USC Freshman De’Von Flournoy had in their last scrimmage. 105 yards on three catches with 1 TD. This is not one of USC’s 5 star recruits but this kid is tearing up camp and has been even more impressive than Barkley. Put Flourney and RoJo on the field at the same time and zero secondaries will be able to cover these guys. USC rebuilding, yeah right!

104 - Auburn’s Offensive ranking from 2008. We know Gene Chizik has his hands full. Chizik was only 5-19 at Iowa State. Welcome to the SEC Gene!!!

103 - Wake Forest’s offensive ranking in 2008. This stat was shocking but I guess really shows how great their defense was last season. Wake will test itself early as it opens at home against Baylor and Stanford. Two teams on the rise and looking to prove themselves. We will probably stay clear of this team early until we get to see what they have under the hood.

102 - Amount of points Conference USA’s leading scorer scored last season. Any guess as to who it was? RB Bryce Beall of Houston.

101 - Duke’s offensive ranking in 2008. Dukie fans were actually impressed with 4 wins last season under Coach Cutcliffe. At some programs, a four-win season would be considered mediocre or disappointing. But at Duke, the accomplishment earned first-year head coach David Cutcliffe third place in the ACC Coach of the Year voting and helped trigger a change in perception of the Blue Devils. Although Duke fans may be happy, we are not sure where Duke will show improvement this season. A tough ACC schedule (Duke was 1-7 last season in the ACC) and a road game at Kansas might make 4-8 a pipe dream this season.

100 - Yards per game drop in Arizona State’s offense on a per game basis last year. The Sun Devils had a 6 game losing streak at home last season. We think it is time for ASU to send Erickson packing.

99 - Ralph Friedgen has dropped nearly 100 pounds since October with an improved diet and exercise. Kudos to you Coach. Maybe Charlie Weis can learn something from you. Hard work and exercise set a better example then stomach stapling surgery you lazy fat oaf!!!

Can somebody please cut my stomach off please?

98 - The number of Georgia Bulldog wins the last ten years, which is good for best in the SEC. Where is their national title? It certainly will not come this year when Oklahoma State shows this SEC team who is boss this season.

97 - The number of starts by Notre Dame’s Offensive Line. This just shows that experience does not always matter cause Notre Dame still stinks.

96 - 9+6=15 and 15 is Aaron Corp’s jersey number. USC needs this guy under center, not Barkley if they want to make it to another BCS title game. Barkley might be the QB of the future but Corp is the QB of now.

95 - Average yards passing per game for Georgia Tech last year. One of only 4 teams under 100 yards per game. No surprise that Army, Navy and Air Force were the other 3.

94 - Number of times we laughed looking at the following picture….

Caption says it all!!!

93 - The number of points USC’s defense gave up last year. Sick!!! All the sports banter going across the airwaves now is calling this USC D suspect because of how many starters it lost at the end of the year. Coach Carroll faced a similar ”rebuilding” in 2007. Didn’t seem to bother him or the team one bit. OSU will not score more than 14 points on September 12.

92 - 92,000 seats at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

91 - Amount of yards Notre Dame gained against USC’s defense last year. And people actually think Weis is an offensive genius.

90 - The number of times Jimmy Clausen will be sacked in his career at Notre Dame.

89 - The number of days it took us to write this blog post. Just kidding but not by too much!

88 - Texas A&M rushing yards per game in 2008. We thought Mike Sherman would run first, pass second last season but we were wrong. He had Javorskie Lane, the 300 pound RB and he could still not move the pile. Sherman just names Jerrod Johnson his starting QB but we do not see how there will be much to smile about. By the end of last season, the Aggies had fallen to the bottom of the Big 12 South. They want to make certain that last-place finish was just an aberration, not a reflection of a sagging program. Mike Sherman has already addressed locker room issues that divided last year’s team. This year’s group seems to have bought in. That’s only part of any possible turnaround story. Despite a solid recruiting class, the Aggies are young, lack depth at key positions and may find it difficult to improve last season’s 4-8 record. More competitiveness against Texas and Oklahoma (or even Baylor) would be a sign of progress.

87 - Amount of rushing yards per game USC’s defense gave up last year.

86 -Number of career receptions for Ole Miss hybrid player Dexter McCluster. Dexter is a physical specimen and Ole Miss is going to try and put the ball in his hands 20 times a game. The 5-foot-8 McCluster played at 162 pounds last season, but he’s up to 170 pounds entering this season. He’s incredibly strong for his size and bench-presses 340 pounds and squats more than 400 pounds. This guy is going to be fun to watch.

The Ole Miss faithful are counting on you!

85 - 85,000 seats at Nebraksa’s Memorial Stadium.

84 - Receptions by Eric Decker, WR Minnesota, for tops in the Big-10 last season. Minnesota WR, Eric Decker returns for his senior season. Gopher fans get to enjoy Mr. Decker in their new stadium this season, TCF Bank Stadium, which looks awesome. We will be there when USC comes to town in a few years.

83 - The number of wins by Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel over the last 8 seasons. Optimism is high in Columbus with Pryor under center but this team only returns 38 lettermen, 11 starters and 4 on offense. If OSU can get past USC on 9/12 the might roll undefeated into Happy Valley on 11/7. Hopefully we do not get to witness another Big 10 team in the national title game this decade. We know that end result.

82 - Number of wins USC has over the last 7 seasons to go along with 7 Pac-10 titles, two national championships and end of season top 5 rankings. USC’s dominance has inspired dismissive references to the conference as the “Pac-1″ and the “Lack-Nine” among fans from other regions. A lot of experts are predicting this is the season USC drops a notch. It will all come down to A) Aaron Corp being healthy or B) Matt Barkley’s ability to play college ball. If A is the case then Trojan fans have nothing to worry about. B is the X factor.

Who is going to battle for the Men of Troy this season?

81 - Seconds of fame for the Florida State girls. Slightly more than a minute but less than 2.

80 - The number of STDs that were passed in this picture…

Herpes, check! clap, check! genital warts, check! 77 more times....

79 - Passing yards by Cal QB Nate Longshore against USC last season. Well Nate has moved on and Jeff “Turd Sandwich” Tedford is backing Kevin Riley. Keep in mind, Kevin Riley was 4 for 16 for 59 yards 0 TDs and 1 INT last season against USC. Cal really needs a QB to show up this year if they want to compete in the Pac-10. Jahvid Best is the man but when you can put 8 in the box, he is shut down. We love and hate betting for or against Jeff Tedford’s Bears. He usually burns us and 21 points against Maryland in game #1 is a big number to overcome. We will probably be on the CAL sidelines until we can figure out what this team is really about.

78 - Florida gators defense… out of 78 starts at the three LB positions the last two years, every start was made by a LB that returns this season. The Gators depth and experience on Defense will be sick this season.

77 - Reason #77 to love USC TRojans…

Like we needed 77 reasons.

76 - Nick Howell, OT USC Trojans. Just one of 8 linemen with experience that will protect Corp or Barkley. This is why USC is still ranked in the pre-season top 5 with an inexperienced QB. Offensive line depth is the key to early season trouble games like 9/12 in The Shoe.

75 - This is the 75th anniversary of the Heisman trophy. Will Bradford or Tebow match Archie Griffin as the only two time winner or will Colt McCoy or a darkhouse candidate make a splash like Houston’s Case Keenum. Last year Keenum passed for 5,020 yards, 44 TDs with only 11 picks. Houston and the OVER anyone?

74 - Dan LeFevour’s career passing TDs. Our man crush gets to continue for one more season. The Fever has a brutal early schedule but he should be able to get his points. We love you DAN!!! His 11,702 total yards are the most among any active player, and if he averages 300 yards of offense a game this season (his career average), he’ll end his college tenure ranked third in FBS history in total offense.

73 - USC’s margin of victory of Notre Dame the last two seasons. Thats right folks. The combined score was 76-3. It won’t get any better this year. Claussen cursed himself when he said he would beat USC and the curse lives on.

72 - Combined bowl wins for Middle Tennessee State’s coaching staff. Where else can you get a stat on Middle Tennessee State? If you are not impressed with this then you do not deserve to read on.

71 - The ranking for sacks allowed/game for Texas. They allowed 2 sacks per game and are at the bottom of the pack for D1 teams. It didn’t seem to bother them too much last year-they arguably should have been playing Florida in the title game last year. However, this stat is telling because it may be a sign of trouble for Colt McCoy. They need to impove on this to keep Colt healthy and their teams hopes alive.

70 - Colt McCoy’s career completion percentage. Colt will be this seasons Tim Tebow, meaning he will be the most motivated man in the land. We expect big things from Colt. Potential Heisman winner and BCS title game participant.

69 - Use your imagination…

68 - Butch Lewis, OT USC. Another one of the experienced bunch that the Trojans will march out this season.

67 - You are more than halfway through our reasons and we are running out of reasons.

66 - After USC plays San Jose State in their opener, 66 is the number of games USC’s new linebackers will have played at USC. That is right, Chris Galippo, Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith have played in 63 games at USC. So even though USC lost 4 LBs to the FIRST ROUND of the NFL draft, their replacements have serious experience.

65 - Todd Reesing TDs the last two seasons. Todd is 20-6 as a starter and Kansas may be 6-0 when Oklahoma comes to town on 10/24.

64 - RPJ Betting Syndicate’s career winning percentage before we started publishing this blog. Blog was a curse but it is fun. Not like we need reasons to watch and bet on NCAA football and stare at hot arse every week.

63 - Not since 1946 (63 years ago) has the top 3 Heisman vote getters returned to play the next season.

62 - 62 minus 1 = 61 and that is Troy’s pre-season USA Today rank. They received 1 vote.

61 - The number of yards New Mexico State improved on defense last season and this is before new Coach DeWayne Walker arrived on campus. Walker can really coach a defense and look for him to turn this program around quickly and launch himself to a better program. They could even be 6-0 or 5-1.

60 - Jimmy Clausen’s completion percentage last season; 60.9% to be exact. As a sophomore last year, Clausen had the third-most prolific passing season in school history. He completed 268 of 440 passes (60.9 percent) for 3,172 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. He had the second-best sophomore season by a quarterback in school history, behind only Brady Quinn. Optimism is high in South Bend with 4 seniors on the OL and 10 offensive starters back.

I might be gay but I promise I will beat USC one of these years. I bet my favorite butt floss thong on it!

59 - Boise State is 40-17-2 against the spread in their last 59 home games. The Oregon/Boise State game on September 3 is going to be a battle.

58 - Number of first place votes Florida received in the pre-season AP poll. 58 out of 60 for a record 96.7%. The previous record holder was USC who received 62 out of 65 votes in 2007. USC did not play for the national title that year. Only ten teams that were ranked the pre-season #1 have won the national title. USC was the last team to do it in 2004.

57 -The number of TDs Matt Barkley, USC QB, threw in high school. With Aaron Corp injured and Mitch Mustain sucking, the Trojans season could come down to an 18 year old freshman. This story is worth watching. Will Barkley be able to win at Ohio State, Cal, Notre Dame and Oregon? Not likely.

56 - Tennessee is ranked 56th in the USA Today pre-season poll.

55 - Navy is ranked 55th in the USA Today pre-season poll.

54 - Number of teams that received votes in the AP Pre-season Top 25 poll. Nearly half of the FBS population (54 of 120) received at least one 25th-place vote. The biggest surprise? Colorado, a legit Big 12 North dark horse, got no votes, as in one fewer than Troy.

53 - Navy has 53 wins against the spread in their last 75 road games.

52 - Personal fouls committed last year by Syracuse QB, Greg Paulus as a PG for Duke baseketball. Huh? Yes, you read that right. Syracuse’s starting QB this year played for the Blue Devils for 4 seasons. We know Coach Doug MArrone is excited to be at Cuse but c’mon now, a PG at QB? This will end terribly wrong.

Your Syracuse Orange starting QB....GREG PAULUS!!!!!

51 -Amount of votes Rutgers received in the USA Today top 25 pre-season poll. One thing to remember, Rutgers returns their entire starting offensive line from last season. Rutgers opens at home against Cincy and this will be a big test. Cincy is tough and is changing their D from a 4-3 to a 3-4 so they might not be in game shape on the defensive side of the ball. If Rutgers wins they will be on their way to an easy 3-0 start before traveling to Maryland.

50 -Zero Big 12 teams finished in the top 50 in total defense last year and 9 finished worse than 78. If the Big 12 really wants to pass the SEC in national prominence the conference needs a handful of teams to play D.

49 - Washington Huskies defensive 3rd down percentage was 49 last season. The Huskies brough in Steve Sarkisian and hope a healthy Jake Locker can turn things around. These guys were 0-12 last season and 1-11 ATS. Not much to smile about. The Huskies do start with three home games but they are against LSU, Idaho and The Trojans. They then go to Stanford and Notre Dame and we think Irish eyes will be smiling. Sark has to work miracles to get this team moving in the right direction this season.

48 - Wake Forest is the 48th ranked team in the USA Today preseason poll.

47 - The total number of sacks garnered by VaTech’s D for 2nd in the country behind only GaTech (who knew!?!?!?). VaTech always overacheives and may have the country’s best head coach. He does more with so little than anyone in the country. HUGE opener against Bama. We think they have a very legit shot of beating the Tide outright. We are watahing this line like crazy.

46 - The Central Michigan Chippewas are 30-13-3 against the spread in their last 46 games.

45 - Mark Mangino, Kansas coaches career wins (45-41) and ATS wins (45-35) record. Kansas returns 15 starters and 42 lettermen. Legit Big 12 North title contenders. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

44 - The number of seasons Joe Pa and Bobby Bowden have coached.

43 - Stanford defensive 3rd down conversion percentage in 2008. Jim Harbaugh had his team close to a bowl berth last season. The Cardinals definitely play hard but they do not have the talent to stack up against USC, Oregon and CAL. Their first 5 games in 2009 are favorable so this team might gain confidence with games @ Washington State, @ Wake Forest, and home against San Jose State, Washington and UCLA. 5-0 is possible and 4-1 is a definite possibility.

42 - Home wins Iowa has the last 8 years. Hawkeyes are 42-9 over this span. Too bad they have Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State all on the road this year. Schedule is likely to impede their Big-10 championship aspirations.

41 - Average yards rushing for SMU last year, which was the lowest in the nation by almost 30 yards per game. SMU averaged a staggering 2.29 yards per rush. Also, 41 inches is Taylor Mays’ vertical leap.

40 - This is to pay tribute to one of college football’s and our country’s all time greats, Mr. Pat Tillman. He wore #40 for the Arizona Cardinals (#42 for ASU) and he gave his life for our country. Thanks, Pat.

"Rangers Lead the Way"

39 - Amount of points Miami scored against Florida State last season in a 39-41 loss. Miami has some insane talent on defense but they open their 2009 schedule at Florida State, Georgia Tech, at Va Tech and against Oklahoma. This team might easily be the best 0-4 team ever. These 4 teams won 40 games last year. Randy Shannon might not be able to improve much on his 12-13 career record with this kind of scheduling.

38 - The number of TDs for Oklahoma State players Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter. This Oklahoma State team is explosive with explosive probably being an understatement. Georgia rolls into Stillwater on 9/5 and the Big 12/SEC conference debate will be settled in week 1. All three of the Cowboys’ losses last season were to teams ranked 1, 2 or 3. With their core coming back this season, the Cowboys will be a tough matchup for any team this season.

Zac and Dez = Best QB/WR duo in the nation!

37 - Number of wins by former Missouri QB Chase Daniel over the last 4 years. Chase is gone and the team only returns 9 starters. Coach Gary Pinkel has 22 wins the last two seasons, which ranks third to USC and Okahoma but we think Illinois will expose this team in week 1.

36 -Last season, 5 of Jeff Demps’s 7 rushing TDs were for longer than 36 yards. His lone reception was 61 yards. Demps is actually faster than Percy Harvin and Percy had a run of 15 TDs in 15 games. Demps might be too small to really carry the load but he will always be a factor when he steps on the field.

35 -The minutes per game TCU had the ball (34.55.62 to be exact) for tops in the nation. Solid numbers. They play outstanding D. They won $ for us quite a bit last year. We will be watching them again this year. Go Horned Frogs!!!!!

34 - The national ranking for tunrovers forced by Bama. They forced 24 turnovers for a .31 turnover ratio. That is freakin’ terrible!!! We think Bama is in the top 5 for most overhyped teams going into the season. We’ve heard a ton of talk about the Tide having the best D in the country. Eventhough they have a cakewalk for a schedule, don’t believe the hype!!!

33 - Michigan’s bowl streak that ended last season.

32 - The number of wins Texas has since winning the national championship 4 years ago. Texas has not even played for a Big 12 title during this time.

31 - The amount of points Houston gave up on defense per game last season. The defense this year might play 6 freshmen. Remember folks….Houston and the OVER, Houston and the OVER, Houston and the OVER. Say it three times before you go to bed every night. Also, Washington State’s average margin of defeat last season. Can you say Coach on the hot seat? We can!

30 - The age of Clemson’s Offensive Coordinator, Billy Napier. Dabo Swinney will have his hands full this year. Clemson will disappoint again. Phrase of the piece = Have his hands full. Full of what we wonder?

29 - “I’ve never seen so much optimism,” said columnist Rick Cleveland, a Mississippi native who has covered sports at the Jackson Clarion-Ledger for 29 years. It has been 46 years since Ole Miss won the SEC.  To put things into perspective. 46 years ago there were zero African american players in the SEC and Steve Spurrier was a freshman.

28 - The number of football national championship Princeton has won, the all-time leader.

27 - Stan Parrish’s current winless streak as a head coach. Stan was Kansas State’s coach before Bill Snyder and now takes over a Ball State team that was 12-2 last season. How the hell did this guy get a job? Probably because Muncie, IN could never be confused with San Diego or any SEC city.

26 - Road wins by TCU over the last 6 season, which is better than both Florida and Oklahoma. TCU even beat Oklahoma on the road in 2005. TCU has 5 ten win seasons the last 7 seasons and they are 30-2 in games when they hold opponents under 333 yards. Both losses were to Utah.

25 - Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss RB. Best RB you have never heard of. Has career stats of 4,287 yards and 36 touchdowns. If he repeats his three year average he will go down stat wise as one of the 5 best RBs of all time.

24 - Number of seasons Nevada Coach Chris Ault has patrolled the sidelines for the Wolf Pack. He is 193-84-1 over his career and returns 14 starters for his 25th season. Ault is the 6th active winningest coach in the country. The Wolf Pack open at Notre Dame in what could be an awesome week 1 upset. We can dream.

23 - Notre Dame’s pre-season AP rank. We think AP voters are literally on crack. Don’t do meth!

22 - Tribute to Runny’s favorite player of all time…Emmitt Smith, RB Florida Gators.

21 - The number of losses Charlie Weis has in 4 years as head coach of Notre Dame. More than 5 per season. The number of losses Ty Willingham had as head coach of ND was 15 after three seasons. Charlie is no better than Ty and of course he is ten thousand times fatter.

20 - Days until Week 1 of the NFL season is over. We bet NFL games too so get ready for a busy weekend.

19 - The 19th day of September is the day Lane Kiffin brings his Vols to the Swamp. Look for Urban Meyer to not only pummel the Vols but to run up the score as much as possible. Remember, Kiffin accused Meyer of recruiting violations this year. We know what Meyer will do when disrespected. Just ask Georgia.

18 - The number of starters Paul Johnson’s Georgia Tech team returns this season. GT was 9-4 last season and was blown out by LSU in their bowl game. However, Paul Johnson’s triple option offense showed off in some impressive games and we look for them to improve on last year’s season in 2009. GT we are watching you.

17 - Iowa State’s current road losing streak. The longest in the nation. Kent State on 9/19 is the first opportunity to bust the streak. Also, the number of games the Pac-10 and SEC have played against each other since 2000 and the Pac-10 LEADS the series 10 to 7. Interesting that the SEC’s label as the best conference in football is 3 games under .500 versus the Pac-1, oops, Pac-10.

16 -Jarrett Brown, QB West Virginia. Will Brown be able to fill in for Pat White? Brown was White’s understudy for the last three years so he has learned from one of the best. Brown is 6′4″ and 223 pounds and wants to be the man in Morgantown. Big East is weak this year so maybe Brown can pull a Tee Martin and replace a legend and carry WVU to the title game.

15 - Tim Tebow. As much as we hate the Gators and Tim Tebow, you can not overlook them. Tebow has not lost since his Ole Miss debacle last season and his immortal words are now permanently displayed at the Swamp. Tim can elevate his elite NCAA status to legendary status with another BCS title and/or Heisman. SEC fans look out.

14 - Boise State’s pre-season AP rank. This is the highest ranking by a non-BCS team this year.

13 - We are superstitious and will not mention any teams or players at this spot.

12 - Colt McCoy. The man who beat Oklahoma and did not play Florida for the national title. McCoy spent last season playing second fiddle in the Big 12 to Oklahoma and Sam Bradford. We have a feeling that this is Colt’s year. Top to bottom we think Texas is a better team (remember last season) and Colt has extra motivation. If they run the table with their schedule, we think they are better than Florida and will beat them in the BCS final.

Colt + Undefeated Season = Heisman

11 - The number of years the BCS has been in existence. This system needs to be changed ASAP. Fans want a playoff, the players want a playoff and we say lets start with an 8 team playoff. Enough of this crap.

10 - The number of seniors on Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina team. Steve is 7-11 since 2007 and hired 6 new coaches for this season. South Carolina plays 8 teams that went to bowl games this season. They don’t make Steve Spurrier teams like they used to. The SEC caught up to Steve really fast.

9 - Number of TDs thrown by UCLA QBs last season. And Neuheisel thinks a redshirt QB will fix his offense. The joke will be on him!

8 - The number of starters Penn State returns to a team that went to the Rose Bowl. Big Ten is wide open this year. Ohio State will be down, Penn State will be down, Michigan is still down. There are lots of opportunities for a surprise Big Ten winner. Iowa and Illinois have the early edge for dark horse contender.

7 - Notre Dame has lost 7 in a row to USC. That’s the longest losing streak for ND against anyone since losing eight straight vs. Michigan State from 1955-63. You know our opinion on ND this season.

6 - The number of secondary NCAA violations committed by Vols Coach Lane Kiffin. All this before the season even started. Welcome to the SEC Kiffin. You thought working for Al Davis was hard, try playing in the SEC and in front of 100,000 fans. Will Kiffin be able to turn it around or will he continue the mediocrity?

5 - The amount of teams the Big 12 put in the top 25 in the final AP poll. SEC only had 4. The SEC’s hype as the most dominant conference in the nation was challenged last year and will be challenged again this year.

4 - The amount of offensive linemen that started for Oklahoma last year that are no longer on the team. Oklahoma is the “bettor beware” team of 2009. Almost every single poll has Oklahoma in the top 3. Remember Georgia last year? The “so-called” experts picked Georgia #1 in many polls and we know the story. The reason? Changes in the O-line. Last year Georgia had an inexperienced starting OL and this year Oklahoma only returns one starter on their OL. That is right. Oklahoma is replacing 4 OL starters. Top that off with the departure of two starting WRs from last year and you can see where this is going. Oklahoma will definitely be a favorite pick for a lot of bettors but we are saying be very, very careful. Texas will take this team out and we are expecting Oklahoma to finish the season with 3-4 losses. The Sooners are vulnerable. On a side note, Penn State graduated 3 Big Ten starting OL and Oregon lost its All American Center and starting left tackle. This cases are not as extreme as Oklahoma but they are worth mentioning.

3 - The SEC has won three straight NCAA titles. Not since the AP started polling in 1936, has one conference won the title 4 years in a row.

2 - Taylor Mays’ number. The best college football player to step on the field this season. 6′3″ 230 pounds and a near 4.2 40 time. INSANE!!!! Look for Mays to run the defense and play closer to the line this year. 4 LBs went to the pros last year and 2009 is the year of Mays! Dark horse Heisman candidate if he can make some big plays and score TDs on returns. Also, the folks in Columbus are talking about Pryor’s supposed 4.3 40 yard time. Well guess who is the one player that ran Pryor down from behind last year? Mr. Mays!

Not in my house!!!

1 -Texas will be the #1 team in the country when all games are played this season.

We hope we provided you with some good bathroom reading. Stay tuned for our week 1 predictions. Gotta love this time of year!!!

Flash Flash and Runny

NCAA Football Free Winning Bowl Picks and Hot Chicks: New Year’s Day Games and an ASS Brigade!

Games are flying by now and it is hard to keep track of everything going on. What we are able to keep track of is the tons of the ass we love looking at.

Iowa versus South Carolina (+4 and OVER/UNDER 43)

RPJ is taking Iowa and here is why: This game is in Tampa so USC wins the travel advantage and that is all we think they will win. The Cocks have lost two bad games in a row (Clemson and Florida) and were 0-2 ATS in that time stretch. On the other side of the ball, Iowa has won 3 in a row and is 2-1 ATS in their last 3.

RPJ Math takes Iowa

Clemson versus Nebraska (+1 and OVER/UNDER 56.5)

Runny is taking Nebraska to cover and here is why: Clemson is terrible on the road against legit teams. And, Nebraska’s D is very good. Clemson is a mess. They won’t cover. I’m taking the Huskers and the points.

RPJ Math Selects Nebraska

Michigan State versus Georgia (-9.5 and OVER/UNDER 54)

Runny is taking Georgia to cover and here is why: MSU is too one dimensional. Granted, that one dimension (Jevon Ringer) is outstanding, but it won’t help them in a Bowl. Espeically against a legit team with a chip on their shoulder. I’m taking the Bulldogs and giving the points.

RPJ Math is taking Michigan State

Penn State versus USC (-9 and OVER/UNDER 45)

RPJ is taking USC to cover and here is why:We have seen this game before as we stated in our bowl preview. Penn State has little to no chance in this game. USC has the best defense in recent memory and the D has a lot of players playing in their last game for USC. This defense is fired up and will look to live up to its billing. The offenses look similar on paper but USC has more playmakers and their offense is a lot more dynamic. Pete Carroll has already come out and said that he understands Penn State’s defense and that it all comes down to execution. Well Penn State will not be able to execute against the Trojans defense. No freakin way. This game is in the Rose Bowl and USC considers this a home game. USC has played almost 1.5 times a year there in the last 6 years. Penn State is 2-1 in their last 3 games and 1-2 ATS. USC has won 9 in a row but is only 4-5 ATS.

RPJ Math is picking Penn State to cover!

Virginia Tech versus Cincy (-2 and OVER/UNDER 41.5)

Runny is taking Cinncy to win and cover and here is why: VaTech’s offense can’t score. Their D is a good, and I expect them to play well in this game, but Cinncy can move the ball better than the Hokies. They will win by a field goal. I’m taking Cinncy nd giving the points.

RPJ Math is taking Cinncy to win and cover!

RPJ Pic of the Day!

A Heidi Klum fan favorite!

Hope you enjoyed your day of ball!

Flash and Runny