2006 College Football Top Notch Picks
26-23
Monday, January 1, 2007:
5 BONES Wisconsin(+3) over Arkansas: WIN
5 BONES Georgia Tech/West Virginia OVER 47: WIN
5 BONES Michigan/USC OVER 46: WIN
Friday, December 29, 2006:
5 BONES Texas Tech (-6.5) over Minnesota: 8:00 pm EST Texas Tech QB Harrell should be the difference maker here as hey has thrown for 4110 yard with 36 TDs and only 10 interceptions. He should have a great game as the Gopher pass defense allows 254 yards per game and will have trouble putting pressure on Harrell. Minnesota's key TE will not be playing and the Gopher passing attack is not good enough to keep up with Tech. I look for a big time performance and score from Texas Tech. LOSS
Thursday, December 28, 2006:
4 BONES Texas A&M(+3.5) over California: 8:00 pm EST California was a team that had national title hopes early in the season, but they have not even played nearly the type of football that they were purposively capable of. The Aggies take good care of the ball as they have only thrown 2 interceptions all season. The real strength of the Aggies is their run defense that has gone for 210.5 yards per games. The Aggies have gone 6-0-1 ATS to end the regular season, while California lost their last 5 games ATS. I'll take the Aggies and the points here. LOSS
Saturday, December 23, 2006:
2 BONES Utah (-1.5) over Tulsa: 8:00 pm EST I'll go with Utah here in the bowl game as they have outscored opponents 90-17 since 2003 in their bowl games. They prepare well for bowls and they should be well prepared for a Tulsa team that has played in a weaker conference. Utah went 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games of the season, while Tulsa went 1-4 ATS to end the year. The Ute's work ethic and experience in bowl games should give them the advantage enough to get the W in their bowl game this year. WIN
Tuesday, December 18, 2006:
3 BONES Texas Christian (-11) over Northern Illinois: 8:00 pm EST I usually like the MAC teams against other conferences, but this game looks too far one sided. TCU had a 10-2 record SU and 8-3 ATS. Northern Illinois was just 7-5 with a dismal 4-7 record ATS. N. Illinois had to travel much further for this game in San Diego and TCU will be more used to playing in these conditions. TCU has gone a solid 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games against teams with winning records and they are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall. Both teams look similar on offense, but TCU has the much better defense and is healthier all around. WIN
Saturday, December 2, 2006:
3 BONES Navy (-19) over Army: 1:00 pm EST The Midshipmen have had the better of the meetings between these two rivals (winning the last 4 meetings SU + ATS) and they are the better team again this season. Navy has gone a solid 32-13 ATS in their last 45 games overall, while Army has struggled against winning teams as they are just 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games in that situation. In each of these teams last 3 games respectively, we can see how Navy is the far superior team: Navy has outscored their opponents by and average of nearly 30 points per game, while Army has lost by an average of nearly 40 points per game.LOSS
5 BONES California (-28.5) over Stanford: 3:00 pm EST This is a rivalry game, but I don't see it being much of a contest. California is an angry bunch after losses to Arizona and USC. They will take out their frustrations on a lowly Stanford team that has gone 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall. California has beat up on lesser opponents this season as they have gone 6-2 ATS against teams with losing records. With Cal owning the series in recent years going 4-0-1 ATS in their past 5 meetings with Stanford, look for the Bears to look Golden today. LOSS
Saturday, November 25, 2006:
3 BONES Florida State (+9.5) over Florida: 12:00 pm EST I'll go with the points and the home team here as Florida State will be seeking revenge for the thrashing they took last season at Florida. The Gators are the focus of the nation as they are a national championship contender and all of the pressure is on them. Florida has gone a dismal 1-11 ATS in their last 11 games as home favorites. Urban Meyer has gone 0-6-1 ATS as favorite of 8 or more points off of back-to-back wins off of a winning team. The home team has gone 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings between these teams and the trend should continue today. WIN
5 BONES Nevada (+3) over Boise State: 4:00 pm EST It's a good situation to go with Nevada here as they have gone 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games on grass and they are 16-5 in their last 21 conference games. Nevada has won 9 games in a row ATS and is smoking hot for the upset tonight as they have beat their last two opponents by a total of 84-0. Boise State may be undefeated and is why they are favored here, but they have not been solid this year ATS (4-5-1). With the nation heavily favoring a Boise State team going undefeated, I will go with the upset here as Nevada looks like a very hungry team to grab some national attention. LOSS
3 BONES Hawaii (-18) over Purdue: 11:00 pm EST It seems like this may be just a vacation for Purdue as they have already accepted their bid to a bowl game. Purdue has an 8-4 record, but that is deceiving of a Big 10 team that did not play Michigan or Ohio State this season. Purdue has gone just 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games against teams with winning records. Hawaii is a solid 9-2 this season and has been a stellar 8-1-1 ATS. Hawaii's offense has been ridiculously good this season as they have averaged 49.2 points per game and have averaged over 60 points per game in their last 6 contests. LOSS
Thursday, November 23, 2006:
3 BONES Miami/Boston College UNDER 38: 7:30 pm EST I'll go with the under in this night match-up as both of these teams have good enough defenses to shut down the opponent. Miami has held opponents to just 15.2 points per game this season and Boston College has held their opponents to just 14.8 points per game. Three of the last four matchups between these two teams have gone under. Boston College has gone under in 7 of their last 10 games on the road. Miami has gone under the total in 8 of their last 9 games in conference and are under in 9 of their 10 games they have played this season. WIN
Saturday, November 18, 2006:
5 BONES Connecticut (+1.5) over Syracuse: 12:00 pm EST The Huskies are trying to become bowl eligable and need two wins in their last three games. They have tough matchups against Cincinnati and Louisville left, so this game is of utmost importance. U Conn has gone 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a .333 winning percentage or less and are 13-2 ATS against teams that won 3 or less games the previous year. Conecticut is better both defensively and offensively. Syracuse cannot run the ball or stop the run very well. The Cuse has gone just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 in conference play. Look for U Conn to get the victory as they are the better team with everything to play for, while Syracuse is playing out the string. LOSS
4 BONES Kansas (-2.5) over Kansas State: 3:30 pm EST I go with Kansas as the Jayhawks should defend their home turf in this rivalry game. Kansas State has played just 3 road games all season and did not play great competitions (win at 2-9 Colorado and losses at Baylor and Missouri (by 20 points). Now the Wildcats have gone just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 on the road. Kansas has won 10 of their last 12 games and will be looking to become bowl eligible while the Wildcats have already accomplished that. I expect a let down from a team without as much expectations before the season (K. State) is coming off their big upset over Texas. The favorite is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings between the two schools and I'll go with Kansas to do the same this season. WIN
3 BONES Cincinnati (+7) over Rutgers: 7:45 pm EST I have got to believe that the line on this game was initially set with the thinking that Rutgers is the feel good story and they will receive many bets on them. With that in mind, the line has moved almost 2 points towards people betting on Cincinnati as they have noticed this error by the books. I will still grab the points here as the Bearcats are a solid 5-1 at home this season and have allowed just 33 points in their last 4 games at home. This looks like a great spot for a let down as Cincinnati's defense should be good enough to keep Rutgers off the board enough to stay close. Cincinnati has allowed just an average of 67 yards on the ground this season at home and that should slow down what Rutgers does best on offense. WIN
Saturday, November 11, 2006:
10 BONES Navy (-15) over E. Michigan: 1:00 pm EST Navy should have a field day running the ball in this game as they ranked #1 in the nation rushing the ball. This should prove devastating to a team that is ranked 113th in run defense. E. Michigan's inability to stop the run has led to a dismal 1-8 record this season. Navy has gone 7-1 ATS in their final 4 games of the last 2 seasons and should finish strong again as they are well conditioned. Navy only recent losses have been to two probable BCS teams in Notre Dame and Rutgers. I like a big blowout in this contest. WIN
5 BONES Michigan St. (+2) over Minnesota: 12:00 pm EST The Spartans should be putting out a Top Notch effort for their coach John L. Smith as he has got them emotionally charged to win this game. Michigan State has been a strong finisher at home as they have gone 17-2 ATS in their last 19 games at home for the last time in the season. Minnesota has gone 1-10 ATS in their last 11 time playing their last road game of the season. LOSS
4 BONES New Mexico (+6.5) over TCU: 5:30 pm EST I'll take New Mexico heading out of their bye week as they have been an outstanding 13-0 ATS out of the bye week over their last 13. New Mexico has started playing their best football of the season as they have now gone 3-0 SU + ATS in their last 3 games. TCU is a solid 6-2, but this team is no where near the team they were last season. TCU's last 3 games were against weak opponents and New Mexico should give them all they can handle. WIN
Saturday, October 28, 2006:
10 BONES "GAME of the MONTH" Ohio State/Minnesota UNDER 48: 3:30 pm EST. It's a miserable day weather wise in central Ohio as the wind will be around 20 mph. With the wind and the good chance of rain, throw in the fact there was so much rain the past few day there were flood warning in surrounding areas, a wet field means a slow game. Ohio State already plays great defense and should hold the Gophers under 10 points. The Buckeyes have gone under in 7 of the 8 games they have played this season and in 10 of their last 11 games at home. Last years contest in the dome was a shoot out, but this year will be much less of an offensive game. Ohio State will run and protect the ball after getting off to a big lead. I think the under is an awesome play here. WIN
4 BONES Utah (-21) over UNLV: 4:00 pm EST. I like the Ute's to blow out UNLV in this contest. UNLV is one of those teams that have given up on the season long ago and are just playing out the string. UNLV has been horrible on the road as they have gone just 1-8 ATS in their last 9 away from home. Utah has been playing better of late as they have won 4 of the last 5 meetings in this series. UNLV has lost 5 games in a row SU + ATS and this should add to that total. WIN
3 BONES San Jose State (-9.5) over Louisiana Tech: 6:00 pm EST. I'll go with San Jose State in this match-up as they have the much better team and are playing at home. They should be able to bounce back nicely after a disappointing loss at Nevada and will take their frustrations out on a pitiful Lou. Tech team. Lou. Tech has gone just 1-5 ATS on the season and that is largely due to the 40 points per game they are allowing on offense. San Jose State has won 4 of the last 5 meeting ATS and should add to that today. WIN
Saturday, October 21, 2006:
4 BONES Louisville (-17) over Syracuse: 12:00 pm EST. I expect a rout here as the Cardinals are a much better team than Syracuse. Louisville has gone an impressive 22-10 ATS in their last 32 games overall and usually find a way to blow out teams that are not near the talent level as they are. Syracuse has played tough this season (8-1 ATS), but after a beating at WV last week, will be no match for the Cardinals. The Orange has gone 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games in conference. Brohm is healthy again for the Cardinal as his second week back from a hand injury should yield a much better performance than last week. Lay the points here on the road in a blowout win as Louisville scores big. LOSS
2 BONES Notre Dame (-13) over UCLA: 2:30 pm EST. Always a tough spot for a west coast warm team traveling across the country to play in a cold weather environment (the high will be in lower 50s and a good chance of rain). The Irish will be focused and determined to have an impressive showing for voters. UCLA has gone just 2-4 in their last 6 games on the road in October. The Bruins have not won on the road this season and will find it tough here. I'll lay the points with the Irish here. LOSS
5 BONES "GAME of the WEEK" Alabama (+11) over Tennessee: 3:30 pm EST. Alabama's defense has not played as good as they can, but even when they have been bad they have allowed just 17 points per game. Alabama has the ability to run the ball with their Darby healthy again. Alabama is a great play with double digit points as they are not as bad as they have played the past few weeks. Tennessee historically has trouble covering spreads at home as they have gone 8-24 ATS in their last 32 games at home. Alabama will be well focused to knock off the Vols again after squeaking out a win last season. Hard to see Tennessee pulling away in this game. Alabama has solid QB play as well and can close a gap if necessary. WIN
3 BONES Tulsa (-13) over Memphis: 8:00 pm EST. I will jump on the Tulsa bandwagon here as they as a solid 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games on the road. Tulsa has gone 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games overall. Memphis has had trouble in night games as they are a dismal 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games under the light. Tulsa's pass defense in ranked 2nd against the pass and should shut down any attack Memphis will muster. Memphis is a team that is in turmoil and will struggle to compete against a much better team that plays great on the road. I'll lay the points in this contest as well. WIN
Saturday, October 14, 2006:
3 BONES Texas A&M (+2) over Missouri: 3:30 pm EST. The Aggies are in a great spot to get revenge against a Missouri team that has received a great deal of media hype and a Top 25 ranking. Missouri is in a classic spot for a let down after a big win over Texas Tech. Texas A&M returns home confident after a tough road win at Kansas. Texas A&M has a diverse offense and should be able to move the ball against Missouri. The Aggies are the much healthier team and should be able to get the home win in a tight contest against the Tigers. WIN
4 BONES Alabama (-15) over Mississippi: 3:30 pm EST. The favorite has gone 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these two. The home team has gone 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings. That bodes well for Alabama as they should rebound after a poor showing against Duke last week. Mississippi's offense is very poor throwing the ball as their team is near the bottom of the barrel in all of college football. Look for a re-energized effort by Bama at home over a hapless Mississippi team that has gone 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall. LOSS
2 BONES San Jose State (-16) over Utah State: 6:00 pm EST. There are a lot of good trends here pointing to a blowout. San Jose State has gone 17-8-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a losing record. Utah State has gone just 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games on the road and 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 games at night. Hard to see Utah State competing in this one as they have been outscored by an average of 26 points a game this season. San Jose State will also be seeking revenge for a loss last season at Utah State. I'll lay the points with 3-0 ATS San Jose State. LOSS
"GAME of the WEEK" 5 BONES Penn State (+6) over Michigan: 8:00 pm EST. I like the revenge factor here as the Wolverines beat Penn State on the last play of the game last season, costing the Nittney Lions their only loss and a shot at a national title. Penn State will love to return the favor. Michigan's big play threat Manningham is out and Breston is a good possession receiver, but the big play is limited. Penn State has gone a sweet 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. The underdog in this series has gone 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Look for Penn State being more than ready to take on the challenge of handing Michigan their first loss. LOSS
Saturday, October 7, 2006:
5 BONES "GAME of the WEEK" Hawaii (-12) over Nevada: Looks like I am going to ride the Rainbow Warriors here for my game of the week. Hawaii has a very potent offense and they should be ready for this game as they seek revenge for last seasons loss at Nevada. Hawaii has gone 3-0 ATS so far this season, all that while having a -8 turnover ratio. If they protect the ball, I think a 3 score win is eminent. The home team has gone 6-0 SU + ATS in the last 6 games in this series. Nevada has gone just 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games playing as road dogs. LOSS
2 BONES E. Carolina (-6) over Virginia: Virginia may be one of the worst teams in the country still, especially on the offensive line where they can run the ball and only managed 252 yards of offense against a horrible Duke team. East Carolina has played a tougher schedule and would love to knock off an ACC team. The Pirates are healthier than they have been coming off of a bye week. This East Carolina team played West Virginia respectively and two of their losses have been to quality opponents in Navy and UAB. I'll lay the points with the team that want it more. WIN
3 BONES Colorado (-5) over Baylor: This is a game where the Buffalos will be seeking revenge and should find themselves with a comfortable win. Baylor has been horrific offensively as they are struggling in the air and especially on the ground. This is just their second road game of the year and they had -10 yards rushing in their other road game against Washington State. Colorado has one of the best defenses in the Big 12 and are hungry for a win after coming close against two good teams in Georgia and Missouri (where they out-gained both teams in yardage). I like Colorado to keep Baylor in single digits and 20 for Colorado points should get the job done ATS. LOSS
2 BONES Oklahoma State (-3) over Kansas State: The Cowboys have been more impressive this season than Kansas State has so far. Oklahoma State is fully healthy and their offense has been potent so far this season as they have averaged over 40 points per game. Kansas State has been horrible on offense and they have managed just 10.7 points per game over their last 3 games. I like a lower scoring affair here, but Oklahoma State has enough firepower to pull of the win and cover on the road today. LOSS
2 BONES Michigan State (+15.5) over Michigan: This is a game where an upset could occur as the Spartans are a team that should have beat Notre Dame and they had a let down against Illinois. The will be up for this game against rival Michigan. The road team has won the last 3 meetings ATS in this series. Drew Stanton should be able to add to his 8 TD pass total as he is looking for revenge for last seasons loss. Michigan has been the talk in the public and seem to be laying too many points here. I will grab the points as I think the Spartans will give the Wolverines a run for their money today. LOSS
Saturday, September 30, 2006:
3 BONES Notre Dame (-14) over Purdue: The Irish are seeing a big drop-off in competition after facing Michigan and Michigan State. Despite a 4-0 record for Purdue, this will be the Irish's easiest opponent so far this season. Notre Dame has gone 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Purdue, including a 21 point win last season. Purdue's defense is not good at all as they have given up 35 points to Indiana State and 31 points to Miami of Ohio. Purdue has gone just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games against teams with winning records. While the Boilermakers offense can score, Notre Dame's defense, while not great, will be the best Purdue has faced so far. I like a big blowout in this contest. PUSH
2 BONES Arizona State (+1) over Oregon: In a game that looks like a toss up in the books, I'll go with the Sun Devils here at home as Oregon has to travel to the hot dessert (game time temperature looks like a high of 100 degrees). Oregon is having to deal with the Oklahoma game debacle and have had a tough time focusing on the upcoming game. Arizona State needs this win more as they are coming off a loss to Cal and will be more focused to get the win. Arizona State has gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against Oregon and I like them to cash in today again. LOSS
5 BONES "GAME of the MONTH" Northern Illinois (-6) over Ball State: I look for Garrett Wolfe to run wild against a weak Ball State team. The Huskies will be up for this game as they are coming off of the upset loss at Ohio last week. Add this to the fact they are seeking revenge for an upset loss last year to the Cardinals and I like the motivation factor even more. Here's the clincher for me: Wolfe and the Huskies rushing attack has out-gained their two similar weak opponents this season on the ground by 210 and 245 yards. Ball State is coming off a home loss to North Dakota State. The Cardinal have not had more yard than an opponent yet this year and managed a total of 116 rushing yards the last 3 games combined. I'll lay the points big here. WIN
Saturday, September 23, 2006:
5 BONES "Game of the Week" Kansas State (+14) over Louisville: I am going to go the Wildcats at home here as I think this is a huge letdown spot for the Cardinals. Louisville trounced Miami last week in what may have been their biggest win all time. Now they travel on the road without Brohm or Bush. Other key injuries and the letdown factor make this one my game of the week. Kansas State has gone 10-2 ATS in their last 12 as home dogs. Kansas State should be in this game thanks to their defense, who hasn't allowed a score all season (only points scored against were on special teams). I grab the home team and two touchdowns to cover against a hung-over Louisville team. LOSS
2 BONES Wisconsin (+14) over Michigan: Another letdown game here as the Wolverines have been the talk of college football all week after handing it to Notre Dame. I expect this Big Ten contest to be much closer than two scores as the Badgers are returning 8 starters on defense from a team that went 10-3 last season and beat Michigan by 3. Wisconsin is 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games vs. winning teams. Michigan has gone 0-9 ATS since 1990 at home off winning a game SU as road dogs. Grab the points in this Big Ten opener. PUSH
2 BONES Purdue (+3) over Minnesota: In another Big Ten opener I see a team on the road that may struggle in Minnesota. They are an indoor turf team and have not played on grass yet this season. With a wet forecast in store, this makes me like Purdue's home field advantage even more. Purdue will be seeking revenge for last season and are 9-3 SU against the Gophers the past 12 years, going a perfect 6-0 at home. I like getting points at home with Purdue here as they should exercise their home field advantage here as they have done in the past. WIN
2 BONES Central Michigan (-4.5) over Eastern Michigan: I'll go with the Chippawas on the road here as they are a better team than the Eagles. Central has a defense that has tuned up against Michigan and Boston College and should be able to stop an Eastern Michigan offense that has averaged just 15 points per game (and they haven't faced a good defense yet). Eastern Michigan has trouble stopping teams as well. They have allowed 415 yards a game and given up 35 points per contest. I'll go with the better team to take the cash in this rivalry. WIN
3 BONES Oregon State (-24) over Idaho: I'll go with the Beavers in a blowout here as they have had a few weeks to stew over their embarrasing loss to Boise State. Oregon State has gone 27-13-1 ATS in their last 41 games at home. Both these teams have been involved in blowout games already. Oregon State demolished Eastern Washington by 41 points. Idaho got mopped at Washington State by 46 points. Similar situation here, but a more focused Oregon State team. I'll lay the points here. WIN
College Football on Saturday, September 16, 2006:
2 BONES Pittsburgh (-2.5) over Michigan State: I'm going to have to take the home team here as they are off to a great 2-0 SU + ATS start this season with a big win over Virginia and a pounding of Cincinnati on the road. They have gone 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall as they are picking up Wandstatt's system well. Michigan State has gone 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against the Big East and will be playing on the road for the first time this season. Pittsburgh plays solid defense and should be able to cover against a Spartan team that had trouble beating Idaho. LOSS
5 BONES "Game of the Week" Eastern Michigan (+17.5) over Northwestern: I am going to take Eastern Michigan in this contest on the road as they are playing their 3rd game on the road this season. They have started the year 0-2 with double digit losses. Teams in that spot are 17-7 ATS as non-conference dogs of 16 or more (this trend applies to teams that won 3 or more games the season before). Eastern Michigan has a good enough offense to put up points and keep it close enough to cover. This Northwestern team lost at home by 17 points to division I - AA New Hampshire. I'll grab the 3 scores as the Wildcats are struggling to start this season. WIN
2 BONES Hawaii (-11) over UNLV: I am going to take the home team tonight as they are laying 11 points, but this game looks like a big blowout. Hawaii looked strong in their first game of the season at Alabama and should be well rested to handle UNLV. UNLV has a starting QB and K that are not 100% and traveling to Hawaii is not an easy task. UNLV has gone just 8-23 ATS in their last 31 games against teams with a losing record. Hawaii has gone 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games on turf. The Rainbow Warriors should explode tonight. WIN
Monday, September 4, 2006:
2 BONES Miami (-3.5) over Florida State: I am going to take the home team tonight in this big match-up as the Hurricanes have gone a solid 19-1 in home openers dating back to 1986. Miami has owned the Seminoles in there meetings of late as they have won 4 of the last 5 and this one is huge for Miami coach Coker. His job status has been questioned in the off season and a loss here could be devastating. I like his team to rally around him and win this one. Miami has gone 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games played within the first two weeks of the season. Florida State has gone 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as road dogs. Look for Miami's defense to be devastating as the Canes should win this one. LOSS
Saturday, September 2, 2006:
2 BONES Nebraska (-22) over Louisiana Tech: Nebraska is set to have their biggest year in a long time and it kicks off today. The Cornhuskers are far more talented and experienced as this one should be blowout city. Nebraska has experience at QB and WRs on offense, and their defense may have the best front 7 in all of the Big 12, a squad that ranked 3rd best in defense last season in conference. Louisiana Tech has gone 7-17 ATS as dogs over the last 4 seasons, including 5-13 ATS as road dogs. Louisiana Tech has a new QB and are returning only 2 starters on defense. With Nebraska going 46-25 ATS in home games on Saturday since 1992, expect them to cover today. WIN
3 BONES Indiana (-6) over Western Michigan: The Hoosiers had a good season by their standards last season and have a solid chance to get off to a 4-0 start this season. Head Coach Terry Hoeppner has his team focused, and his experienced offense with QB Blake Powers and top wide out James Hardy should not have trouble scoring on a pass defense of Western Michigan that ranked 115th out of 116 schools last season. Indiana blew out their opponents last season when they were home favorites and have gone 10-2 ATS as home favorites of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992. Western Michigan has a depleted offense and their starting QB had to be red-shirted with a knee injury. Western Michigan may be looking forward to a MAC showdown next week against Toledo and this game should slip past them as I like Indiana to take control. WIN
GAME OF THE WEEK 5 BONES Utah (+3.5) over UCLA: Hard to see UCLA having any type of season they had last year as they have many players gone and they won a lot of close games. The Bruins have a soft defense and are very vulnerable to the spread attack. Injuries in camp have forced UCLA to use 2 new CBs with less than 2 weeks left until their opener. Also gone for the Bruins are their many offensive positions players from last season, as well as their offensive coordinator. Utah is an established program that reloads and always has a good offense. The line shifted some when it was reported their starting QB was out. This caused no alarm for me as their back up is just as capable and has experience leading them to wins last season over BYU and Georgia Tech. Utah has gone 32-17 ATS since 1992 in non-conference games and should be able to get the upset win tonight. LOSS
Thursday, August 31, 2006:
2 BONES Kent State (+15.5) over Minnesota: The Gophers visit Kent State as this is one of the rare times a Big Ten team has traveled to a MAC school. The previous 5 times the MAC school has gone 3-1-1 ATS. Kent State returns 18 starters from last seasons team and they have two strong running backs and a good offensive line that has gelled. The Golden Flashes will use a 2 QB system, but both are talented enough to start. Minnesota will be depleted from last seasons team with two 1,000 yard rushers gone and 2 All-American linemen gone as well. Minnesota has many question marks on defense as well and they may be looking ahead to a big match-up with highly ranked Cal in week 2. I like Kent State to keep it close tonight. LOSS