Posts Tagged ‘college football’
September 2nd, 2009
NCAA Football Betting Preview
No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies
Saturday September, 5th 8:00PM Eastern
Betus.com betting line – Alabama -7, 38 O/U
The most prominent college football game for opening weekend will highlight two of the top programs in the country when powerhouses from Alabama and Virginia Tech collide primetime Saturday night. The game marks a battle of Top 10 opponents in a kickoff classic sponsored by Chick-Fil-A that highlights two of the top contenders from rival conferences in the ACC and SEC each year. The Alabama Crimson Tide participated in last year’s match-up when they embarrassed at the time 9th ranked Clemson Tigers 34-10. However, the Crimson Tide will face a much more worthy opponent in this year’s meeting by taking on the defending ACC Champions in Virginia Tech. Both teams had very similar stories in 2008 as they entered last season under the radar with an inexperienced group of players. However, both teams emerged last season in dominating form giving promising hope to 2009 with all the young talent returning. There is a lot of anticipation from both side lines for 2009 and even legitimate National Title hopes, but only one team will prevail this Saturday night when the two collide on neutral turf in the Georgia Dome.
Alabama returns the nation’s 3rd ranked defense from 2008 with hopes they can be just as good in 2009. The Crimson Tide defense carried the team through their surprise run last season which resulted in an undefeated regular season. Good news for Alabama as they will return 9 starters from that impressive unit and there is not any reason to expect another dominating group of players. However, even as good as the defense was last year they didn’t get a ton of offensive help with some solid players at key positions like QB John Parker Wilson and RB Glen Coffee. How will having to replace those players affect the offense? Well you would expect the offense to take a step back even if the Crimson Tide can not afford the backwards step. Stepping behind center this season will be junior quarterback Greg McIlroy. McIlroy has only attempted 20 passes throughout his career in Tuscaloosa and a lot will ride on his play this year. Unfortunately, McIlroy will lose some key players that kept John Parker Wilson comfortable last year in Andre Smith and Antoine Smith. Replacing those guys won’t be an easy task, and not only will that affect the passing game but also holes in the rushing attack. Mark Ingram should develop into a solid tailback with quickness and power ideal for an Alabama running game. Of course, the biggest playmaker on offense will be WR Julio Jones. Jones had a huge freshman season and if McIlroy can get the ball to the young wide out it will definitely propel the offense. I truly believe Alabama conservative style offense may be holding back his potential and the Crimson Tide could really help their offense by getting the ball in Jones hands more often.
The Virginia Tech Hokies also return a very strong defense. The Hokies defense ranked 7th in college football last season holding teams to just 279 yards per game. However, the Hokies lost a few more players than the Alabama defense. However, we all know the “Lunch Pail Defense” has not gotten its reputation for any reason. The Hokies will replace talent with some very talented guys and it is unlikely to have big worries on the defensive side of the ball. Any Bud Foster defense should not provoke any type of worries. However, rest assured there will be worries on offense. Especially considering running back Darren Evans tore his ACL in practice and will now miss the entire season. Evans racked up over 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008. Evans could have been even more affective this season with the running threat of quarterback Tyrod Taylor being the sole quarterback in operation now. However, the Hokies will now need freshman Ryan Williams or sophomore Josh Oglesby to mature very quickly. It definitely appears that Evans injury was a big blow to the offense. Still, quarterback Tyrod Taylor can make things exciting. Taylor has a natural athleticism that gives him ability to make big plays. Without question, Taylor can frighten defenses with his running ability alone. However, if he can make defenses truly respect his arm then the Hokies offense should not have much to worry about in the ACC this year. Although, the mighty defense of the SEC from Alabama will be a much more difficult task.
Bottom Line – The loss of Evans means the team has lost its biggest threat in the running game. The extremely talented front 7 of Alabama should keep Taylor running from breaking the game open. Unless Taylor can rack up yards through the air, the Crimson Tide should be able to win this game and cover the spread.
Pick – Alabama -7
There is plenty to rant about in the sports world with all of the great games and players but most of my rants this week are about off the field actions. The rants will cover Jerry Jones and why his problems may be just starting, Alabama losing even when they are winning, and why you have to be rooting Michael Vick to play in the NFL again.
This week it was reported that the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will forfeit some wins. This is due to a violation for free textbooks. The school found 22 athletes that were misusing scholarships and giving textbooks to other students. This one was easy to rant about. It looks like that Alabama may forfeit some wins but they will not forfeit scholarships or championships and in college football that is all that matters. This is the second time that Alabama has been under the microscope for violations and this punishment was a joke. If you want these colleges to follow the rules they have to make the punishment severe which is why teams like Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers make a mockery of the system and dare it to punish them. Until they do this type of behavior will not stop.
The only person that may have had a worst week then Alabama is Jerry Jones. It was announced this week that Jones and the Dallas Cowboys knew of an earlier collapse of the same facility that collapsed earlier this year injuring several people. Jerry has to come out publicly announce he was at fault, take the blame and pay some people. This is a media disaster for the Cowboys and it has to stop and it starts with Jerry Jones.
It was announced today that the Falcons released ex QB Michael Vick. This had to be done because no one was going to make a trade for the embattled player. As a fan of the game you want to see Michael Vick in the NFL again. Let PETA worry about beating him up and you can be assured they will. The bottom line is he did his time and if he has stayed in shape, he can be a star again. In his last season in the league he set rushing records for a quarterback and after he shakes off the rust he will be good again. With quarterbacks being hard to come by today in the game someone will take a chance on him and they will be rewarded.
Posted by Matthew Regaw in Rants | No Comments »Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, Alabama on probation, Atlanta Falcons, Brett Favre, college football, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys practice facility, forfeit wins, free agent, Jerry Jones, Lane Kiffen, Michael Vick, Michael Vick released, Michael Vick waived, Minnesota Vikings, ncaa, nfl, Nick Saban, PETA, probation, Tennessee Volunteers
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June 12th, 2009
There is plenty to rant about in the sports world with all of the great games and players but most of my rants this week are about off the field actions. The rants will cover Jerry Jones and why his problems may be just starting, Alabama losing even when they are winning, and why you have to be rooting Michael Vick to play in the NFL again.
This week it was reported that the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will forfeit some wins. This is due to a violation for free textbooks. The school found 22 athletes that were misusing scholarships and giving textbooks to other students. This one was easy to rant about. It looks like that Alabama may forfeit some wins but they will not forfeit scholarships or championships and in college football that is all that matters. This is the second time that Alabama has been under the microscope for violations and this punishment was a joke. If you want these colleges to follow the rules they have to make the punishment severe which is why teams like Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers make a mockery of the system and dare it to punish them. Until they do this type of behavior will not stop.
The only person that may have had a worst week then Alabama is Jerry Jones. It was announced this week that Jones and the Dallas Cowboys knew of an earlier collapse of the same facility that collapsed earlier this year injuring several people. Jerry has to come out publicly announce he was at fault, take the blame and pay some people. This is a media disaster for the Cowboys and it has to stop and it starts with Jerry Jones.
It was announced today that the Falcons released ex QB Michael Vick. This had to be done because no one was going to make a trade for the embattled player. As a fan of the game you want to see Michael Vick in the NFL again. Let PETA worry about beating him up and you can be assured they will. The bottom line is he did his time and if he has stayed in shape, he can be a star again. In his last season in the league he set rushing records for a quarterback and after he shakes off the rust he will be good again. With quarterbacks being hard to come by today in the game someone will take a chance on him and they will be rewarded.
Posted by Matthew Regaw in Rants | No Comments »Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, Alabama on probation, Atlanta Falcons, Brett Favre, college football, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys practice facility, forfeit wins, free agent, Jerry Jones, Lane Kiffen, Michael Vick, Michael Vick released, Michael Vick waived, Minnesota Vikings, ncaa, nfl, Nick Saban, PETA, probation, Tennessee Volunteers
January 3rd, 2009
NFL Playoff Preview
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego (8-8)
Saturday, 8:00PM Eastern
Bookmaker.com betting line – Indianapolis -1, 51 O/U
The Indianapolis Colts closed out the season as the hottest team in the NFL winning their last 9 straight games. Indianapolis was completely written off after 3-4 start, but has rallied with a vengeance. The Colts travel across the nation to San Diego to battle with the Chargers Saturday night. San Diego is the first team since the 1985 Cleveland Browns to capture a playoff berth without a winning record. However, San Diego took advantage of a weak AFC West division and trampled the Broncos last week 52-21 to gain postseason life. This game features two hot teams that did not lose one game in the month of December and it will be interesting to see who continues on this path. The Colts beat the Chargers in a great game earlier this season 23-20 and this game looks to be another exciting match-up.
San Diego became the first team to ever overcome a 3-game deficit to win their division in the final 3 weeks of the season. The Chargers offense has came to life in the final weeks of the season. San Diego has averaged 37 points per game in their last 4 games. The Chargers bring a strong passing offense to the table which is rather different than San Diego teams of the past. The Chargers running back LaDainain Tomlinson has lead one of the best ground games over the past few seasons. However, this year the running game has not been near as good considering the offense has been transformed into a passing attack. Tomlinson has 1,110 yards on the season with 11 touchdowns. QB Phillip Rivers has been the major asset to the offense this season throwing for 4,009 yards and 34 touchdowns. This game has all the making to be a great quarterback showdown between two of the best in the NFL.
Peyton Manning has the Colts offense back in high gear after a sluggish start to the season averaging a 5th best 255 yards per game through the air. The big reason the Colts have achieved late season success lies in the play of the Indianapolis defense. The Colts defense has been spectacular in the latter part of the season. In their last 5 games, Indianapolis has only allowed 11 points per game including a shutout last week over the Tennessee Titans. The Colts defense will get a big test this week against a high octane offense from San Diego. The Chargers offense ranks as the 2nd best scoring offense in the NFL averaging 26 points per game. Indianapolis will try to keep the San Diego offense in check and allow the Colts offense to continue their stellar play.
What to watch for…
The Indianapolis secondary is ranked as a top 5 pass defense in the NFL this season holding opposing offenses to only 188 yards per game. San Diego will try to utilize the passing game against this strong secondary. The winner of this battle when the Chargers have the ball could have a huge impact on how the game is played out. Expect a lot of passes in this game and watch for Peyton Manning experience in big games to shine as well.
Betting Trends…
Indianapolis is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the under in 4 of those 6 games as well. The Colts are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games on the road. San Diego is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games at home while reaching the under in 4 of their last 6 games. The Chargers are a strong 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home.
Pick – The line in this game is a little too high. San Diego posted 52 last week against a bad defense. Indianapolis has a solid defense that should keep this one under 51.
November 29th, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
Oklahoma (10-1) at Oklahoma State (9-2)
Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ABC
SBG Global Opening Line: Oklahoma - 7 , Total 72
Third-ranked Oklahoma will try and move up in the BCS standings on Saturday as they play at rival Oklahoma State. With a win against the Cowboys, the Sooners would almost assuredly get a spot in next week’s Big 12 title game against Missouri. If they would go on to beat the Tigers they would probably then play in the BCS National Championship game. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Oklahoma on the Road.
The BCS standings may be a little tough to understand but there is no doubt that Oklahoma is playing as well as anyone in the country. They have scored more than 60 points in their last three games. Quarterback Sam Bradford is now a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy as he has thrown for 3,710 yards and 42 touchdown passes this season. The running game of the Sooners with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown looks great and even the Sooners defense is playing well. Oklahoma may need to be firing on all cylinders to win at Stillwater against a very talented Oklahoma State team. “I think they know that they just can’t come in here and manhandle us and we know that we have just as good a chance of winning as they do now, so it isn’t as one-sided and it makes for a better game,” Oklahoma State fullback Bryant Ward said. “We both come in more ready to play, we both prepare harder and I think it gives a better show.”
Oklahoma State has only two losses on the season and those were to Texas and Texas Tech. The question on Saturday will be whether or not the Cowboys offense can keep pace with the high powered attack of the Sooners. Running back Kendall Hunter has 1,434 yards overall and leads the Big 12 in rushing. Last year Hunter was held in check as the Cowboys lost to the Sooners.
Oklahoma leads the all-time series against Oklahoma State 78-17-7. Here are more College Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Sooners are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November. The Sooners are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games. The Sooners are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Sooners are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings at Oklahoma State.
The Cowboys are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games. The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.
SBG Global Current Line: Oklahoma - 7 , Total 72
The Over is 7-0 in the Sooners last 7 conference games. The Over is 4-0 in the Sooners last 4 road games. The Over is 10-1 in the Sooners last 11 games overall. The Over is 28-8 in the Cowboys last 36 home games.
Pick: Oklahoma 4 out of 5 units
November 29th, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
Auburn (5-6) at Alabama (11-0)
Saturday, 3:30 pm Eastern – CBS
SBG Global Opening Line: Alabama - 14 , Total 41
Top ranked Alabama will look to finish the regular season unbeaten as they host Auburn in the annual “Iron Bowl.” The Crimson Tide has lost the last six times against Auburn but they are favored to end that streak on Saturday. With a win against Auburn the Crimson Tide would move on to the SEC Championship game against Florida. With a win there they would then play in the BCS Championship game. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Alabama at Home.
The Tide could get a test this week from an Auburn team that has done very well in this series. Although Alabama leads the all-time series 38-33-1 they have lost the last six games against the Tigers including the last four at Bryant-Denny Stadium. “It’s like having a one-game season,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done before this, or what’s coming up next. It’s all about this game. It’s all about Alabama and Auburn.”
It could be a defensive struggle as neither team looks to have much of an offense. The Tide at least have some weapons while Auburn has virtually no offense at all. “We are not there yet on offense in terms of being able to make the play at the crucial time,” said head coach Tommy Tuberville. Auburn could become bowl eligible with a victory. Four of the Tigers’ six losses this season have come by five points or less.
Here are the College Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Tigers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 conference games. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. The road team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between the two teams.
The Crimson Tide are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games. The Crimson Tide are 8-20-2 ATS in their last 30 home games.
SBG Global Current Line: Alabama - 14.5 , Total 41
The Under is 4-1 in the Tigers last 5 conference games. The Under is 4-1 in the Tigers last 5 road games. The Under is 9-3 in the Tigers last 12 games overall. The Under is 4-0 in Alabama’s last 4 home games. The Under is 5-1 in Alabama’s last 6 games in November. The Under is 5-1 in Alabama’s last 6 games overall. The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Alabama and the Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings overall.
Pick: Alabama 3 out of 5 units
November 29th, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
Florida (10-1) at Florida State (8-3)
Saturday, 3:30 pm Eastern – ABC
SBG Global Opening Line: Florida - 15.5 , Total 57.5
Fourth ranked Florida will try and dispatch of rival Florida State on Saturday and remain in position to play for the BCS title. With a win against the Seminoles and a win next week in the SEC Championship game against Alabama, the Gators will play for the national title. Florida has won four straight in the series against Florida State and is heavily favored to make it five in a row on Saturday afternoon. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Florida on the Road.
Florida State also could be playing in a conference championship game next week if they get a little help. If Maryland beats Boston College on Saturday then Florida State will win the Atlantic Division of the ACC and play in the ACC Championship game next week. They may have a better chance of playing in that game than they do of beating a very talented Florida team. The Seminoles will have to stop Florida quarterback Tim Tebow who has thrown 22 touchdown passes this season and only two interceptions. “If you had your druthers you’d probably rather be on a creek bank or somewhere than try and defend a team as talented as they are,” Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said. “It’ll take our best effort of the year to even have a chance.” Florida comes into the game averaging 46.5 points per game, third best in the country. They should get some sort of a test from a Seminoles defense that ranks 7th in the country allowing just 272.6 yards per game. The problem for FSU will be that even if they slow down Florida a little they probably can’t score enough points to stay in the game against a Gators defense that ranks 9th in the country.
Florida leads the all-time series 31-19-2. Here are more College Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games in November. The Gators are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Gators are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games. The Gators are 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games overall. The Gators are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings at Florida State.
The Seminoles are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games. The Seminoles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. The home team is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings between the two teams.
SBG Global Current Line: Florida - 16.5 , Total 57.5
The Under is 6-0 in the Gators last 6 vs. the ACC. The Over is 18-6 in the Gators last 24 games overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Gators last 7 non-conference games. The Over is 5-2 in the Gators last 7 road games. The Under is 5-1 in the Seminoles last 6 vs. the SEC. The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the two teams and the Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings at Florida State.
Pick: Florida 2 out of 5 units
November 28th, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
LSU (7-4) at Arkansas (4-7)
Friday, 2:30 pm Eastern – CBS
SBG Global Opening Line: LSU - 4.5 , Total 53
LSU will try and rebound from last week’s loss to Mississippi as they travel to Arkansas on Friday. The Tigers and Hogs will be meeting for the 13th straight year in a battle for “The Boot.” Last season was a classic game as Arkansas upset top-ranked LSU 50-48 in triple overtime. This season both teams are weaker as LSU is 7-4 overall while Arkansas is 4-7. LSU has won “The Boot” eight times while Arkansas has won it four times. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking LSU on the Road.
LSU will be trying to improve their bowl positioning while Arkansas is playing out the string. The Tigers could be in a good position on Saturday to rebound from last week’s loss considering LSU head coach Les Miles is 9-0 during his career with the Tigers in games following a loss. LSU hasn’t lost back-to-back games since the 2002 season. LSU is averaging 30.4 points and 377.9 yards per game this season. Defense has been the problem for the Tigers as they are allowing 25.5 points and 320 yards per game. LSU is one win shy of 700 all-time victories. Only 11 schools in the country have won 700 games in their history. A win by LSU on Friday would make the Tigers the 12th team in college football to win 700 games. Another streak is on the line on Friday for LSU. They have won 8 games every year since 2000.
This is the 54th all-time meeting between LSU and Arkansas with the Tigers holding the 33-18-2 advantage in the series. The teams have played on the Friday after Thanksgiving every year since 1996. Since Arkansas joined the SEC in 1992, LSU is 10-6 versus Arkansas. The last three games between the teams have been decided by a total of nine points.
Here are the College Football betting stats for Friday’s game. The Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Friday games. The Tigers are 8-20-2 ATS in their last 30 conference games. The Tigers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games in November. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between the two teams.
SBG Global Current Line: LSU – 4.5 , Total 53
The Over is 5-1 in the Tigers last 6 road games. The Over is 11-3 in the Tigers last 14 conference games. The Over is 7-2 in the Tigers last 9 games in November. The Over is 14-5 in the Tigers last 19 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Razorbacks last 5 games in November. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.
Pick: Arkansas 5 out of 5 units
November 25th, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
Western Michigan (9-2) at Ball State (11-0)
Tuesday, 6:00 pm Eastern – ESPN 2
SBG Global Opening Line: Ball State - 11 , Total 54
Ball State will try and complete their unbeaten regular season as they host Western Michigan in a key MAC game on Tuesday. This college football betting matchup can be seen on ESPN 2.
SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Ball State at Home.
Even though Ball State is unbeaten they have not clinched a spot in the MAC Championship game yet. Western Michigan could steal that spot away with a win on Tuesday and if Eastern Michigan upsets Central Michigan on Friday. If Ball State wins on Tuesday they will meet Buffalo in the MAC title game in Detroit on December 5th. “Our goal has been to win the championship since we came here in 2003, so when we meet at the beginning of the year, we talk about our expectations and what investment we’re going to make as a team,” Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. “Believe me, it’s been a conversation. But I like our team because of how they care about each other and how they play for each other, and that’s what we’re going to do on Tuesday.”
College Football betting history shows that Western Michigan leads the all-time series 19-15. Ball State is 9-7 at home against the Broncos though. Recently this has been a series where the road team has done well. The road team has won the last three meetings between the two teams.
Here are the betting stats for Tuesday’s game. The Broncos are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games in November. The Broncos are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 conference games. The Broncos are 2-5 in their last 7 meetings between the two teams.
Ball State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Cardinals are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games overall. The Cardinals are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games in November. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
SBG Global Current Line: Ball State - 10.5 , Total 54
The Over is 5-1 in the Broncos last 6 road games. The Under is 7-1 in the Cardinals last 8 games in November. The Under is 4-1 in the Cardinals last 5 conference games.
Pick: W Mich +10.5 2 out of 5 Units
November 22nd, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
Florida State (7-3) at Maryland (7-3)
Saturday, 7:45 pm Eastern – ESPN
SBG Global Opening Line: Maryland - 1, Total 46
Two of the top teams in the ACC get together in what should be a great Saturday night ESPN game. Maryland is ranked 22nd in the country and can clinch the ACC title with a win against Florida State and a win next week against Boston College. The Terrapins are 6-0 at home this season thanks in large part to quarterback Chris Turner. He has thrown for 967 yards and six touchdowns at home this season. He gets support in the running game from Da’Rel Scott who has 897 yards rushing and six touchdowns. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Florida State on the Road.
Florida State is coming off a poor effort against Boston College last week when five receivers were suspended. They are hoping that some of those players will be back this week. “Hopefully the distractions are gone,” FSU head coach Bobby Bowden said. The Seminoles will need much better play out of quarterback Christian Ponder who threw three interceptions last week in the loss to BC. “If you ever want to play your best, it would be this weekend,” Bowden said.
The Seminoles have had a lot of success in this series against Maryland. They lead the all-time series 16-2. Here are more College Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Seminoles are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings against Maryland.
The Terrapins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Terrapins are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. The favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
SBG Global Current Line: Florida State – 1.5 , Total 46
The Over is 10-2 in the Seminoles last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Over is 6-2 in the Seminoles last 8 road games.
The Over is 5-2 in the Seminoles last 7 games overall. The Under is 18-8 in the Seminoles last 26 games in November. The Under is 4-0 in the Terrapins last 4 games in November. The Under is 7-1 in the Terrapins last 8 conference games. The Under is 5-1 in the Terrapins last 6 games overall.
Pick: Maryland 1 out of 5 units
November 22nd, 2008
College Football Betting Preview
BYU (10-1) at Utah (11-0)
Saturday, 6:00 pm Eastern
SBG Global Opening Line: Utah - 6.5, Total 54
One of the biggest games in the history of a great rivalry takes place on Saturday as unbeaten and 8th ranked Utah hosts once beaten BYU who is ranked 16th. While BYU can earn a share of the Mountain West title with a win, Utah can make it to a BCS bowl game with a victory. The Cougars and Utes have met 89 times in a storied rivalry. SBG Global reports that early College Football betting has the public taking Utah at Home.
Utah has not defeated BYU since 2005 but they come into this year’s game with the better record. “It’s big, you know, because so much is on the line,” Utah quarterback Brian Johnson said. “We’ve got an opportunity to do something really special and we hope we can take advantage of it.” Technically the Utes won’t clinch a BCS berth with a win but most experts believe they will get one if they defeat BYU. “There is a little more intensity than a regular conference game but you can’t deviate from the formula that you have,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “… We have to keep things in perspective, play our best football, control what we can control and not worry about the postseason.”
The Utes have a serious challenge facing them on Saturday. BYU has lost only once this season and have the better offense and the better quarterback in this game. Max Hall has the fourth best completion percentage in the country (71.5 percent). His top receiver, Austin Collie leads the country with 1,315 yards.
Ten of the last 11 meetings between Utah and BYU have been decided by a touchdown or less. Here are more College Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Cougars are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 conference games. The underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings between the two teams.
The Utes are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in November. The Utes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games. The Utes are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.
SBG Global Current Line: Utah - 7, Total 54
The Over is 9-2 in the Utes last 11 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Utes last 5 home games. The Over is 5-2 in the Utes last 7 conference games. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings at Utah between the two teams.
Pick: BYU 2 out of 5 units
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