Friday, September 28, 2012

College Football Week 5 Preview and Picks - 14 Games


Game: Virginia Tech -6.5/7 at Cincinnati, O/U 45.5, 3:30pm on 9-29

Analysis: The Bearcats come into this Neutral site game with a 2-0 record, yet to play much competition, but have one of the better and more veteran defenses in the country.  Virginia Tech has looked shaky so far this season, but Logan Thomas is a top QB in the country and can make plays, and last week the Defense posted a shut-out against Bowling Green.  The Hokies lost to a Pitt team that the Bearcats dominated, and although there is not a lot of Bearcat tape to go off of at this point, the team looks to be a contender and electric QB Munchie Legaux should give the Hokies D some trouble and Cincy the 12th best rushing team in the NCAA against the Hokies 83rd ranked run D.

Line Movement: In the 6.5/7 Range with 62% of Public Betting Virginia Tech and No Smart $ on this Game as of Thursday

Bet Trends:  Hokies are 1-4-1 ATS last 6 overall and 1-6-1 ATS in non-conference games.  Bearcats are 4-0 ATS last 4 overall but 1-4 ATS last 5 games following a bye week. 

The Pick:  Bearcats +7 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score: V-Tech 23 / Cincy 20


Game: Baylor +11 at West Virginia, O/U 82, 12pm on 9-29-12

Analysis: This sets up to be a wild game as you can see with the 82 point O/U as two of the nation's Top 12 pass offenses match-up with this being West Virginia's first Big 12 opponent.  Baylor is averaging 362 pass yards per game without RG3 and Kendall Wright, but against SMU, Sam Houston, and UL-Monroe and faces a brutal schedule of WVU, TCU and Texas in its next 3.  West Virginia is coming off a game where they looked very beatable against Maryland, but Geno Smith to Tavon Austin is one of the best combinations going right now in college football.  The question in this game is which defense can come up with key plays at key times.  The Mountaineers also are expecting to get back RB Shawn Alston which makes the offense even more dynamic.  Baylor ranks 6th in the Nation having forced 10 turnovers already and could be the difference in this game.

Line Movement: Opened -12.5 and Pushed Down by a Couple Smart $ Plays; 70% of Public Betting West Virginia

Bet Trends:  Bears are 5-2 ATS last 7 overall but 0-6 ATS last 6 road games.  
Mountaineers are 3-7-1 ATS last 11 at home. 

The Pick:  Baylor +11 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score:  West Virginia 55 / Baylor 48



Game: Tennessee +14 at Georgia, O/U 60, 3:30pm on 9-29

Analysis: Tennessee has the 8th ranked passing offense and a ton of weapons on offense but yet to face a defense anywhere near the caliber of Georgia, and lost to Florida by 17 a couple weeks ago.  The Vols defense has been allowing a lot of big plays, and Georgia's offense leads the country in 20+ yard plays.  Georgia should be able to roll in this game as long as it is not caught looking ahead to the big game with South Carolina next week.  Georgia's D is also likely to get back 2 more suspended starters for this game.

Line Movement: Range of -13 to -14; 72% of Public Betting Georgia

Bet Trends:  Vols are 1-3-1 ATS last 5 road games, 1-7-1 ATS last 9 SEC games, and 1-4 ATS last 5 overall.  Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS last 10 SEC games, but just 1-5 ATS last 6 games at home.  Georgia is 1-3-1 ATS last 5 home games against Tennessee. 

The Pick:  Georgia -14 @ 2 Units(Prefer to Get -13 if Available Again)

Predicted Score: Georgia 45 / Tennessee 24


Game: Ohio St. +3 at Michigan St, O/U 42, 3:30pm on 9-29

Analysis: Ohio State is 4-0 but has not been winning games by wide margins against lesser talent, under-performing so far this year.  QB Braxton Miller is leading the team through the air and on the ground and the Buckeyes live or die with him.  Michigan St. is 3-1 with its only loss to a good Notre Dame team.  The Spartans QB is terrible but they have one of the best RB's in the country in Bell and the Defense is stacked with talent that can pressure Miller.  Ohio St ranks 9th in the country against the run in a matchup of strength vs. strength.  Neither team is likely to run away with this one but Ohio St. should be able to have more success through the air than Michigan St and pull out a win on the road. 

Line Movement: Steady with 59% of Public Betting Ohio St.

Bet Trends: Buckeyes are 25-9-1 ATS last 35 road games and 42-18-1 ATS in the Big 10.  Spartans are 4-0 ATS last 4 Big 10 games but 1-4 ATS last 5 home games.  Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS last 5 games against the Spartans, and road team 4-0 ATS last 4 meetings. 

The Pick:  Ohio St +3 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Ohio St. 17 / Michigan St. 13


Game: Texas Tech -3 at Iowa St., O/U 58.5, 7pm on 9-29

Analysis: Texas Tech takes its 3-0 record on the road with the nations 4th ranked passing offense and 6th ranked scoring defense, although Northwestern St, Texas St and New Mexico were its first 3 opponents.  Iowa St. is also 3-0 and has given opposing QB's all sorts of problems this season, only allowing 10 points per game with wins vs. Tulsa and Iowa and has one of the best LB duos in the country.  Iowa St. may also get a boost with RB Woody returning this week.

Line Movement: Opened -2.5 and Sharps Gobbled Up that Number; Public is 50/50 Split

Bet Trends:  Red Raiders are 4-1 ATS last 5 overall and 5-2 ATS last 7 road games, but 1-4 ATS last 5 conference games.  Cyclones are 5-1 ATS last 6 conference games and 5-2 ATS last 7 overall.  The home team is 5-2 ATS last 7 when these teams meet, but the favorite is 6-2 ATS the last 8 meetings. 

The Pick:  Iowa St. +3 @ 1 Unit - Too Close of a Match-Up to Not Take Home Dog

Predicted Score:  Iowa St 27 / Texas Tech 24


Game: Arizona St. -1 at Cal, O/U 54, 4pm on 9-29

Analysis: On the surface we have a 3-1 ASU team as a 1 point favorite at a 1-3 Cal team.  ASU's 3 wins have all come at home and Taylor Kelly is playing real well at QB.  Cal has been hot and cold, a team that looked good on the road at Ohio State although a loss, and then did a fairly good job of containing USC's offense.  Cal can put up points with the Maynard to Allen combination but ASU has the top ranked pass defense in the Pac 12 although each of its first 4 opponents were forced to use their backup QB against ASU due to injuries.  Cal's offensive line has looked very weak the last two weeks. 

Line Movement: Cal Opened -2 and Strong Action on ASU; 60% of Public Betting ASU

Bet Trends:  Sun Devils are 0-4-1 ATS last 5 road games and 2-5-1 ATS last 8 games following a win.  Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in last 5 Pac 12 games and 21-10 ATS last 31 home games.

The Pick:  ASU -1 @ 3 Units

Predicted Score:  ASU 37 / Cal 31


Game: Texas -2.5 at Oklahoma St, O/U 67, 7:50pm on 9-29

Analysis: Texas goes on the road ranked #12 and at 3-0 and a team that impressed me against Ole Miss with the 66-31 blowout, a complete team.  OSU lost its only matchup versus a quality opponent in Arizona and still is without Freshman QB Wes Lunt.  Texas has the better D rankings despite facing better quality opponents and even on the road should be able to establish the run and wear on OSU.

Line Movement: Line Actually Opened with OK St a 5.5 Point Favorite but Texas Ranging from 1.5 to 3 Point Favorite Last Few Days; 66% of Public Betting Texas and OK St. Drawing More Sharp Bets with 2.5/3 Spread though early Steam on Texas

Bet Trends:  Longhorns are 5-1 ATS last 6 following a bye week but just 4-10 ATS last 14 Big 12 games.  Cowboys are 11-3 ATS last 14 Big 12 games and 19-7 ATS last 26 overall.  Road Team is 5-0 ATS last 5 meetings between these two teams and the Favorite is 5-1 ATS last 6 meetings. 

The Pick:  Texas -2.5 @ 3 Units

Predicted Score: Texas 34 / Oklahoma St. 24


Game: Wisconsin +11.5 at Nebraska, O/U 51, 8pm on 9-29

Analysis:  Wisconsin is 3-1 but has looked anything but impressive, although we are learning that the Beavers are a quality team.  The offense has struggled and Montee Ball was knocked out last week but expected to play this weekend.  Nebraska has been beating up on lesser opponents and lost by 6 to UCLA and stands at 3-1.  Nebraska is rushing for 300 yards per game, 5th best, but Wisconsin is only allowing 81 yards per game rushing and the defensive strength is upfront.  Joel Stave starts at QB for the Badgers and this will be his first road game and in a tough stadium.  Nebraska allowed Franklin to run for 217 yards in the UCLA game and also allowed 300 yards in the air, so defense is a problem-area.  The match-up favors the Badgers in enough areas that call for a closer game than the spread indicates.

Line Movement: Opened -13 and Pushed Down to -11 with 72% of Public Betting Wisconsin which Tells Me Smart $ Betting Wisconsin and Confirmed as Sharps but Looks Reactive to Montee Ball Upgraded to Probable for the Game

Bet Trends: Badgers are 1-6 ATS last 7 against winning record teams and 0-6 ATS last 6 on the road.  Corn Huskers are 4-0 ATS last 4 at home but 1-4 ATS last 5 games following a win.   

The Pick:  Wisconsin +11.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  Nebraska 27 / Wisconsin 23


Game: Oregon St. +3 at Arizona, O/U 56, 10pm on 9-29

Analysis:  Oregon St. is 2-0 and continues to impress beating two ranked opponents in Wisconsin and UCLA.  Arizona suffered its first defeat last week in a 49-0 blowout against Oregon, although the team had a ton of opportunities in the first half to even be in the lead.  Arizona has a balanced offense but the defense was clearly overmatched against Oregon's speed.  Oregon St. has a real strong defense that is quick to the ball and offensively starting to click with Mannion at QB looking solid.  Both teams are dealing with injuries on offense but all expected to play.  Arizona could find some success through the air this week against the Beavers 102nd ranked pass defense. 

Line Movement: Steady at -2.5 to -3 at Books; 53% Public Bets Arizona St.

Bet Trends:  Beavers are 16-6-1 ATS last 23 road games and 3-0-1 ATS last 4 overall.  Wildcats are 1-4 ATS last 5 Pac 12 games.  Beavers are 5-0 ATS last 5 meetings in Arizona and 11-2 ATS last 13 overall in the last 13 matchups.

The Pick:  Oregon St. +3 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Oregon St. 27 / Arizona 24


Game: Ball St. -3 at Kent St, O/U 53, 12pm on 9-29

Analysis: Kent St. beat Buffalo last week 23-7 after losing 47-14 to Kentucky.  Ball St. is 3-1 with wins against Indiana and South Florida and also hung with Clemson in at 52-27 defeat.  Kent St. is 2nd in the nation in turnover margin and kick return average, two stats that can be major factors.  Kent St. has the better D in this one but the uncertainty at QB is a concern.  Ball St. relies on its offense so in this game I give the advantage to the D. 

Line Movement: Early Line at 2 and Some Steam on Kent St but Overall Mixed with the Smart $ Bets; 61% of Public Betting Ball St

Bet Trends:  Ball St is 6-1 ATS last 7 conference games and 8-1 ATS last 9 games on turf.  Kent St. is 4-0 ATS last 4 at home and 6-0 ATS last 6 on turf.  Ball St is 5-2 ATS last 7 meetings between these two teams. 

The Pick:  Kent St +3 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score: Kent St 31 / Ball St 27


Game: NC State +2.5 at Miami, O/U 57, 12pm on 9-29

Analysis:  Miami is coming off a big upset win vs. Georgia Tech on the road and returns home for just the 2nd home game of the year.  Morris is still a question at QB for consistency, but they have plenty of RB's to move the ball.  NC St opened the season with a loss to Tennessee and since has won 3 cupcake games.  NC St. has one of the best corners in the league with Amerson, but the O-Line is giving up 3.5 sacks per game.  NC St should have no problem moving the ball and this one could turn into a bit of a shootout.

Line Movement: Opened at -3.5, Range of -2 to -3 Recent; 62% of Public Bets Miami

Bet Trends:  Wolfpack are 1-4-1 ATS last 6 road games but 9-4-1 ATS last 14 
conference games.  Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS last 5 conference games and 7-3 ATS last 10 games on grass. 

The Pick:  Miami -2.5 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score:  Miami 38 / NC St. 35


Game: Toledo +1.5 at Western Michigan, O/U 57, 7pm on 9-29

Analysis: Toledo is 3-1 and started the year off at Arizona with a 7 point overtime loss.  Western Michigan is 2-2 with losses to Minnesota and Illinois, two teams that are not very good and will be without their star QB.  Western Michigan has the better ranked defense in this game and the home field advantage. 

Line Movement: Western Michigan opened 3 point favorites, Line Moved to a 1 Point Dog on News QB Carder if Out for the Game; 60% of Public Betting Toledo; Sharp Action on Each Side with Better Book on Western Michigan

Bet Trends:  Toledo is 4-1 ATS last 5 road games and 8-3 ATS last 11 conference games.  Western Michigan is 7-1 ATS last 8 home games and 7-3 ATS last 10 conference games.  The underdog is 6-0 ATS last 6 meetings between these two teams and road team 5-0 ATS last 5 meetings. 

The Pick:  Toledo +1.5 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score: Toledo 27 / Western Michigan 24


Game: FSU -17 at South Florida, O/U 52, 6pm on 9-29

Analysis: FSU is coming off a huge comeback win vs. Clemson so this week could be a let-down game, but clearly one of the more talented teams in the country on both sides of the ball.  South Florida has lost two in a row to Rutgers and Ball St., so the numbers say this should be a blowout. 

Line Movement: Opened -15.5 and Pushed Up to -17; USF Seeing Sharp Bets at +17; 86% of Public Betting FSU (Squares)

Bet Trends:  Seminoles are 7-19 ATS last 26 after scoring 40 points in previous game.  Bulls are 6-2 ATS last 8 vs. ACC opponents but 0-7 ATS last 7 games at home.
 
The Pick:  South Florida +17 @ 1 Unit - Total System Play with Smart $

Predicted Score:  FSU 34 / South Florida 20


Game: Clemson -7 at Boston College, O/U 61, 3:30pm on 9-29

Analysis: Clemson is coming off a tough loss vs. FSU where they were dominating a great FSU team for the 1st half and then let it slip away, the type of loss that can stick with a team.  Talent-wise, even without Watkins, Boyd-Ellington-Hopkins make for an exciting combo and Clemson can put up 40 points on anyone.  B.C competed with Miami to start the year but lost to Northwestern last week by 9 and Clemson is a way better team.  B.C's QB actually leads the ACC in passing and the defense has 3 of the top 4 tacklers in the ACC.  Coming off a bye week look for B.C. to play their best game of the year and try and emulate what FSU did in the second half.

Line Movement: Opened -10 and Pushed Down with the Most Smart $ Bets of the Week on B.C. at Multiple Books and then News Broke Late in the Week that Watkins will Miss the Game; 82% of Public Betting Clemson (Squares)

Bet Trends:  Tigers are 9-3 ATS last 12 ACC games but 3-7 AATS last 10 overall.  Eagles are 5-0 ATS last 5 games following a loss and 5-2 ATS last 7 following a bye week, but 4-12 ATS last 16 home games. 

The Pick:  B.C. +7 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Clemson 38 / B.C. 34


Notes on Other Games:
"Wise-Guys Underdog Teaser"
5 Games, 6.5 Points (+400):  Penn St +7.5 vs. Illinois, Virginia +9.5 vs. LA Tech, Kent St. +7.5 vs. Ball St., Akron +9.5 vs. Miami-Ohio, and Southern Miss. +17 vs. Louisville

UCLA -20 at Colorado - Smart $ on Each Side of this One - UCLA is just 3-10 ATS last 13 on the Road

Missouri +2.5 at Central Florida - Central Florida 11-5 ATS last 16 at Home - 1 Smart $ Bet on UCF

TCU -17 at SMU - Mustangs 2-8 ATS last 10 overall.  Horned Frogs 6-0 ATS after bye weeks and 20-8 ATS versus teams with losing records.  SMU at +17 Drawing A Lot of Sharp Money Attention

South Carolina -20 at Kentucky - Wildcats are 5-1 ATS last 6 after a loss.  KY seeing Smart $ at a bunch of Smart Books. 

North Texas -7 at Florida Atlantic - Smart $ on Fla. Atlantic

Southern Miss +10 vs. Louisville - A ton of Smart $ Bets on Southern Miss w/ 80% Public Money on Louisville.  Cardinals are 13-3 ATS last 16 games.

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