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Posts Tagged ‘Alabama Crimson Tide’

December 31st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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The Michigan State Spartans were probably the one team this year that really deserved to be in the BCS that didn't get there. However, they're going to be playing in a game that is going to feel like a BCS encounter when they take on the defending national champs, the Alabama Crimson Tide in Champs Sports Bowl betting action.

Capital One Bowl Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, January 1st, 1:00 ET
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Capital One Bowl Line: Alabama -10
Over/Under 52

Crimson Tide Notes: The Crimson Tide have a real question mark in this game about motivation. The last time we saw this team play in a bowl that wasn't the BCS National Championship Game, they were supposed to clock the Utah Utes. Instead, they were manhandled by the top mid major in the land in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. The challenge is going to be getting the offense rolling. We know that this unit can really play well at times. Case in point: Alabama really came out of the blocks strong against the Auburn Tigers. We also know that this unit can fall apart as well. Case in point: The second half against Auburn. QB Greg McElroy isn't used to losing, as the three losses this year marked the only three defeats of his career since middle school. He did throw for 2,767 yards and 19 TDs this year, and it really helped that he had WR Julio Jones to get the rock up to. Jones is one of the most purely talented receivers in the land, and though his numbers could have been better, there is no shame in the fact that he had 75 grabs for 1,084 yards and seven trips to the end zone on the season. RB Mark Ingram didn't have anywhere near the success this year that he had hoped for, and even though he did miss the first few games of the season, he still didn't put up the numbers that were expected. Ingram and his backup, RB Trent Richardson, combined for 1,474 yards and 16 TDs this year, numbers that Ingram put up on his own last season. The good news for the Tide is that this defense is still one of the most brutal in the country. Allowing 289.9 yards per game in the rugged SEC is nothing to mock, and even though this team graduated seemingly everyone after last year's National Championship, Head Coach Nick Saban still kept foes to just 14.1 points per game.

Spartans Notes: Give Sparty a ton of credit for going 11-1 this year. Even though this schedule was relatively easy by Big East standards, 11 wins are 11 wins. This was a team that was good enough to stick with the power running game of the Wisconsin Badgers. It had the wit to outsmart the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with the "Little Giants" play in overtime. And it had the craftiness to hold off a clever team like the Penn State Nittany Lions, who came back from a big deficit to nearly pull off an upset. MSU can play from ahead thanks to its power running game with RB Edwin Baker, and it can come back on the right arm of QB Kirk Cousins. Why this team is still not getting the respect it deserves is beyond us. Baker rumbled for 1,187 yards and 13 TDs this year, while Cousins threw for 2,705 yards and 20 scores against just nine picks. Do keep an eye on both WR Mark Dell and WR BJ Cunningham, as both have the speed and skill to change any game they play in a hurry. The two combined for 99 receptions, 1,372 yards, and 15 TDs.

The Final Word: Michigan State is good enough to win this game outright. Don't kid yourself about that. Saban is going to be drawing a lot of questions about the way he motivates his teams when there is little to nothing on the line if this one is lost, and there isn't a team that would rather stick it to him than his former mates. Sparty gets the job done and finishes in the Top 10 in the country with an upset at the Capital One Bowl.

Capital One Bowl Free Pick: Michigan State +10
Capital One Bowl Prediction: Michigan State 24 – Alabama 20

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November 25th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Louisville Cardinals at Rutgers Scarlett Knights
Date: Friday, November 26th, 11:00 ET
Location: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
Game Line: Louisville -3.5
Over/Under 48

Two teams fighting for bowl eligibility square off Friday morning in Piscataway when the 5-6 Louisville Cardinals take on the 4-6 Scarlett Knights. First-year HC Charlie Strong has rejuvenated a Louisville program that was moribund under Steve Kragthorpe, although the record may not not say as much. Of Louisville's six losses, only one has been by more than one score and the Cardinals have been giving teams a game effort. On Saturday, the Cardinals played a slugfest of a game against Big East Rival West Virginia, giving the Mountaineers all they could handle in a 17-10 loss. Louisville's defense held West Virginia to just 261 total yards and sensational RB Noel Devine to only manage 58 yards on the day. QB Justin Burke got the start in place of the injured Adam Froman and had trouble moving the ball, completing just 50% of his passes 145 yards and an interception on the afternoon. Froman looks like he will get the start on Friday, but don't be surprised if Burke is the quarterback. Meanwhile, Rutgers continues to struggle, having lost four straight with only one conference win on their resume. Against Cincinnati, the story was the Scarlett Knights' inability to stop Cincinnati's offense through the duration of game. The Bearcats racked up an incredible 661 total yards on HQ Greg Schiano's squad in their 68-39 route of the Scarlett Knights. QB Chas Dodd had one of his best days on offense for the Scarlett Knights, completing 19 of 20 passes for 335 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. WR Mark Harrison was the primary target of Dodd and had the game of a lifetime for Rutgers, catching 10 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns on the afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: Louisville -3
Prediction: Louisville 21 – Rutgers 13

Matchup: West Virginia Mountaineers @ Pittsburgh Panthers
Date: Friday, November 26th, 12:00 ET
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Game Line: Pittsburgh -3
Over/Under 39

The Backyard Brawl will go a long way in determining the Big East title on Friday afternoon when 6-4 Pittsburgh Panthers host the 7-3 West Virginia Mountaineers. On Saturday, Pittsburgh gutted out a tough 17-10 road win over the South Florida Bulls. QB Tino Sunseri didn't put up dazzling numbers for the Panthers, but was good enough to get Pitt the win. Sunseri completed 11 of 16 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' victory. RB Dion Louis also helped contribute to the win by carrying the ball 22 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. PItt's defense was once again stout, holding USF to less than 300 yards. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers scored a close victory themselves, a much needed 17-10 win over Louisville that stops WVU's recent skid. West Virginia's offense was held in check throughout the game by Louisville with QB Geno Smith only completing 9 of 20 passes for 133 yards rushing for just 20 yards on 11 carries without notching a touchdown. RB Noel Devine struggled as well, rushing for only 58 yards and touchdown on 23 carries. West Virginia's defense won them the game this afternoon, holding Louisville's offense to a scant 171 total yards.

Free College Football Picks: Pittsburgh -3
Prediction: Pittsburgh 20 – West Virginia 14

Matchup: Auburn Tigers @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: Friday, November 26th, 2:30 ET
Location: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Line: Alabama -4.5
Over/Under 58

The most anticipated regular season game of the year will take place Friday afternoon in the great state of Alabama when the 9-2 Alabama Crimson Tide take on the 11-0 Auburn Tigers. Although there is a whirlwind swirling around the possible ineligibility of Tigers' QB Cameron Newton, the Tigers are poised to make their first ever BCS Title Game if they can defeat arch-rival Alabama on Friday. Under the tutelage of OC Gus Malzahn, Newton has established himself as the best player in all of college football and would be the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy if not for the eligibility concern. The last time college football betting enthusiasts saw Auburn was two weeks ago when the Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 49-31. Georgia gave Auburn all they could handle for three quarters before the tigers put them away in the fourth. Newton once again put together a fantastic game, completing 12 of 15 passes for 148 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while also carrying the ball 30 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive guru Nick Saban will look to do what no other team has done this season in shutting down Newton. Alabama has had virtually two weeks to prepare for Auburn after walking through the motions in a 63-7 win over FCS Georgia State last Thursday night. Alabama's starters only played the first half and put up the numbers you'd expect in scoring 42 first half points. QB Greg McElroy completed 12 of 13 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. RB Mark Ingram carried the ball 12 times for 86 yards and a score and WR Julio Jones caught seven passes for 86 yards and two TDs in the blowout win.

Free College Football Picks: Alabama -4.5
Prediction: Alabama 38 – Auburn 28

Matchup: Colorado Buffaloes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Date: Friday, November 26th, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
Game Line: Nebraska -16.5
Over/Under 50.5

The 9-2 Nebraska Cornhuskers will look to keep their hopes for a BCS at-large bid alive on Friday afternoon when they host the 5-6 Colorado Buffaloes for possibly the last time. The meeting will be bittersweet as there are no plans for the two to continue to play each other after Nebraska moves to the Big 10 next season. Nebraska will look to score a win in their last regular season Big 12 game after falling 9-6 to Texas A&M last week. The Cornhuskers have been the center of controversy during the week after reports that QB Taylor Martinez had quit the team and that DC Carl Pelini had shoved a photographer on the field after the game was over. The hopes of Nebraska's offense rest on Martinez and the status of his ankle as the offense doesn't click unless Martinez is under center. Against the Aggies last week, Martinez was banged up most of the game and put up one of his worst games of the season, completing just 11 of 17 passes for 107 yards and an interception and only managing 17 yards rushing on 11 carries. As for Colorado, the Buffaloes have won back-to-back games since the firing of former HC Dan Hawkins. Colorado got big gains from QB Cody Hawkins and RB Rodney Stewart to top Kansas State 44-36. Hawkins completed 14 or 25 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns while Stewart rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing a 23 yard touchdown pass.

Free College Football Picks: Colorado +16.5
Prediction: Nebraska 24 – Colorado 14

Matchup: Arizona Wildcats @ Oregon Ducks
Date: Friday, November 26th, 7:00 ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Line: Oregon -19
Over/Under 62

The 10-0 Oregon Ducks will aim to keep their undefeated season and BCS Title Game berth alive Friday night when they host the 7-3 Arizona Wildcats. College football bettors last saw Oregon two weeks ago when the Ducks squeaked out a narrow 15-13 win over the California Golden Bears. Oregon's offense had their least effective performance of the season in Berkeley, managing just 317 total yards against Cal. QB Darrin Thomas completed 15 of 29 passes for 155 yards and a score in the win, while Heisman Trophy contender LaMichael James could only muster 102 yards on 31 touches. Oregon's previously maligned defense came up huge for the Ducks in the victory, holding Cal to just 193 total yards of offense and completely shutting down the Cal passing attack, with Cal QB Brock Mansion mustering just 69 yards passing on 10 of 28 completions. An Oregon win against Arizona also clinches the Ducks at least the Pac-10 Title and an appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Free College Football Picks: Oregon -19
Prediction: Oregon 51 – Arizona 20

Matchup: Boise State Broncos @ Nevada Wolf Pack
Date: Friday, November 26th, 10:15 ET
Location: Mackay Stadium, Reno, NV
Game Line: Boise State -14
Over/Under 67.5

With a win against the 10-1 Nevada Wolfpack on Friday night, the 10-0 Boise State Broncos will clinch the WAC Title and be one step closer to a potential BCS Title Game bid. QB Kellen Moore is a darkhorse to win the Heisman, but has put up some of the best numbers in the country despite being pulled early in many of his conference games. Last week in their 51-0 drubbing of Fresno State, Moore completed 27 of 38 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. Moore's favorite two target's were again the dynamic duo of WR Austin Pettis and WR Titus Young. Pettis hauled in 10 passes 93 yards and two scores on the evening while Young caught eight balls for 164 yards and two touchdowns. As for Nevada, the Wolfpack has given Boise State all it can handle in their games over the past few seasons. Nevada is led by QB Colin Kaepernick who completed 15 of 27 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns last week against New Mexico State. Kaepernick also added 35 yards rushing and a touchdown on the day. RB Vai Taua carried the ball 22 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a 79 yard touchdown pass in the 52-6 victory over the Aggies.

Free College Football Picks: Nevada +14
Prediction: Boise State 38 – Nevada 34

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November 17th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Georgia State Panthers @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: Thursday, November 18th, 7:30 ET
Location: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Line: Alabama -55.5
Over/Under OTB

For those of you that have an account at 5Dimes Sportsbook have college football betting lines available to you in this game. For those of you that don't, be sure to Sign Up for An Account to take advantage of this game. We know that the Crimson Tide have a significantly better squad than the Panthers do, but really and truthfully… how interested is Alabama in winning this game on the eve of the Iron Bowl against the No. 2 Auburn Tigers at home? To Georgia State, this game means everything. This is a situation where you have a team that has overachieved at the FCS level all season long, going 6-4 in its first year in existence under a head coach that used to graze the sidelines in Tuscaloosa. It's going to be no surprise to see Alabama jump out to a 35-0 lead at halftime or something like that, but it is really only going to take a stroke of genius or two by the Panthers offense to be able to take down the college football odds against a number like this.

Free College Football Picks: Georgia State +55.5
Prediction: Alabama 51 – Georgia State 7

Matchup: UCLA Bruins @ Washington Huskies
Date: Thursday, November 18th, 8:00 ET
Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Game Line: Washington -2
Over/Under 53

Here, we have a game of significant interest for Pac-10 fans, as this game is going to determine who is still going to be eligible to go bowling, and who is probably just playing out the end of the regular season without having any shot at a December date with a team from another conference. UCLA knows that it still has some give, but it probably isn't winning both of its last two games at the Arizona State Sun Devils and at home against the USC Trojans, so claiming victory here in Seattle is imperative. The "Pistol" offense is in full force right now for UCLA, as HC Rick Neuheisel has become smart enough to realize that he doesn't have a quarterback that is really capable of throwing the football, especially with QB Kevin Prince on the sidelines. After all, QB Richard Brehaut has only tossed two TD passes all season long, and he has taken plenty of snaps. RB Johnathan Franklin is the real deal, as he is one good game away from being a 1,000 yard rusher on the season. However, UCLA's defense is a real concern in this one. QB Jake Locker knows that the Bruins are there for the taking, especially since this is the last home game of his career. He has never been to a bowl game before and would love to sniff a meaningful December game before he leaves school for the NFL. RB Chris Polk could really torch this defense as well, as he is the forgotten man in this offense. Washington needs to win out, but it will be favored in two of its last three games, and potentially in all three. This will be the first big step for U-Dub, as it has had a far more consistent team this year than the 4-5 Bruins, who just seem to squeak by and take advantage of great situations.

Free College Football Picks: Washington -2
Prediction: Washington 28 – UCLA 23

Matchup: Air Force Falcons @ UNLV Rebels
Date: Thursday, November 18th, 10:00 ET
Location: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Game Line: UNLV +19.5
Over/Under 56.5

The key statistic to look at in this game is very, very simple. The Rebels are allowing 211.9 yards per game on the ground. The Falcons are averaging rushing for 315.6 yards per game. The TCU Horned Frogs rushed for over 270 yards on UNLV. The West Virginia Mountaineers put up 220 yards. Heck, the Nevada Wolf Pack dropped 374. What do you think Air Force is going to do? 400? 450? One thing is for certain, and that's that the Falcons are going to be able to call their shot in this game. The Rebels are terrible. They have only beaten two teams this season in the MWC that are equally terrible, the New Mexico Lobos and Wyoming Cowboys. Air Force already has seven wins this year, and though a bowl game is already assured, the Independence Bowl wants to take the service academy. This would probably be the most illustrious bowl game that the Falcons have played in for years, and losing this game is just not an option. Especially in a standalone game that the eyes of the nation will be watching, you can bet that RB Asher Clark and QB Tim Jefferson are going to make sure that the job gets done in relatively comfortable fashion.

Free College Football Picks: Air Force -19.5
Prediction: Air Force 41 – UNLV 16

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November 5th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Washington Huskies @ Oregon Ducks
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Line: Oregon -34.5
Over/Under 67.5

Simply put, without QB Jake Locker in the lineup, the Huskies don't even remotely have a chance of hanging around in this game. Locker is the heart and soul of this team, and he has basically accounted for all of the offense this year. Now, QB Keith White is going to thrown into the mix having thrown just nine passes in his entire career. The true frosh won't last against an Oregon offense that has dropped 42 or more points on everyone it has faced this year and is averaging over 575 yards per game. This could be a real showcase for RB LaMichael James, who is gunning for his third 200+ yard rushing game this year, a feat which could certainly be had against a defense that was just run over last week to the tune of 41 points against the Stanford Cardinal. All you'll be hearing atop the BCS rankings for another week is Quack! Quack!

Free College Football Picks: Oregon -34.5
Prediction: Oregon 52 – Washington 10

Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide @ LSU Tigers
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Game Line: LSU +6.5
Over/Under 44

We've already talked quite a bit about this big time tussle in the Bayou, and we think that we have already made our point clear that we love the Bayou Bengals. This is a rough scheduling spot for the Tide even though they are off of their bye week, as it was also a bye for LSU. Giving two weeks for HC Les Miles to draw up more tricks seems to be a little unfair. The question is going to be whether the offense for LSU can really get enough going to keep the Alabama offense out of sync. If the Tide get this game into the high 20s, there is no chance for LSU to survive. However, we've seen the "Mad Hatter" pull off stranger things, and we think the Tigers are going to roar loudly on Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: LSU +6.5
Prediction: LSU 20 – Alabama 16

Matchup: Hawaii Warriors @ Boise State Broncos
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Game Line: Boise State -21
Over/Under 66

One would think that the only hope the Warriors have in this one is to try to make it a shootout. Their defense just isn't good enough to compete with Boise State, and the Broncos have one of the most high octane offenses in the land as well. This isn't a test like that of the Virginia Tech Hokies earlier in the season. This is a legitimate home game against a long time rival, and it isn't an opportunity that Boise State figures to pass on in its showcase season. QB Bryant Moniz is going to be in for his biggest test of the season, even bigger than when the USC Trojans paid a visit to the Big Island. Hawaii has the longest ATS winning streak in the nation coming into this week at six games, but that all comes to a close as QB Kellen Moore and the gang put the Warriors down and move one step closer to the BCS.

Free College Football Picks: Boise State -21
Prediction: Boise State 41 – Hawaii 17

Matchup: TCU Horned Frogs @ Utah Utes
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Game Line: Utah +4.5
Over/Under 51.5

Is this really the game of the year? The Horned Frogs know that the reward for winning this game on the road would probably be the coveted No. 2 ranking in the BCS next week, as they will probably hop over the Auburn Tigers, who are taking on an FCS opponent. TCU has a lot of great things going for it, including a defense that ranks No. 1 in the nation in three major statistical categories. HC Gary Patterson lives for games like this one, and he knows that QB Andy Dalton is the man that can get the job done by going on the road and taking care of the Utes. Don't think for one minute that the combination of QB Jordan Wynn, RB Eddie Wide, and RB Matt Asiata are just rolling over and dying, though. Rice Eccles Stadium is one of the more hellacious places to go play in the MWC. Here's the thing, though. Utah has struggled just a bit against some of the better teams on its schedule. Against better teams than that, the Horned Frogs just keep continuing to roll and really haven't had a close call this year. They might get challenged on Saturday afternoon, but when push really comes to shove, TCU is winning this game by two scores.

Free College Football Picks: TCU -4.5
Prediction: TCU 24 – Utah 13

Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels @ Florida State Seminoles
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Game Line: Florida State -10.5
Over/Under 49

If you really believe that the garnet and gold have the best team on their half of the ACC Atlantic Division, this is the game for you. Florida State is coming home for what should be an emotion tie just a week after getting beaten at the gun in a crushing defeat by the NC State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on national TV. QB Christian Ponder is going to want to make amends for fumbling on the final drive of the game that could've won it, and the defense is certainly going to want to make up for its three second half touchdowns allowed to the Wolfpack. The Noles haven't even given up that many points in a full game this year at home. North Carolina is a mess right now, and it was lucky to survive against lowly William & Mary last weekend. The Heels are well on their way to another disappointing defeat in the Sunshine State after getting blown away by the Miami Hurricanes two weeks ago.

Free College Football Picks: Florida State -10.5
Prediction: Florida State 31 – North Carolina 16

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Game Line: Penn State -6
Over/Under 48

Don't be overly shocked if this turns out to be a fantastic game in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions and Wildcats are both looking to improve their bowl positioning this year and they are both rock solid clubs. Northwestern has really slipped against the NCAA football odds of late, dropping five in a row. However, the Wildcats still have one of the most consistent dual threat quarterbacks in the Big Ten in QB Dan Persa, and he is figuring out on the job how he can win games in a very tough conference. The Nittany Lions are getting back QB Robert Bolden after his one week absence, and this is going to be one of the more difficult games for the youngster to deal with this year. It feels like every single season, Northwestern has this way of playing really, really tight games against Big Ten teams in games that maybe aren't of the utmost importance, and this sort of feels like one of those games. Fortunately, unlike last week against the Indiana Hoosiers, we don't have to pick a winner. We just need the Cats to stay close to stick in front of the number.

Free College Football Picks: Northwestern +6
Prediction: Penn State 28 – Northwestern 24

Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Iowa State Cyclones
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Game Line: Iowa State +17.5
Over/Under 57.5

Here's the million dollar question in this NCAA football betting affair: Which Iowa State team is going to show up? Is the one going to take the field that was absolutely blown to bits by both the Utah Utes and Oklahoma Sooners in back to back weeks, or will the ISU that went on the road and beat the Texas Longhorns and smashed both the Kansas Jayhawks and Texas Tech Red Raiders be on the gridiron? It's not totally inconceivable to think that the Cyclones could still win the Big XII North, but obviously, this is a must win game. The Huskers are probably in no mood to screw around after finally making themselves the only team in this conference that really controlled their own destiny last week when they beat the Missouri Tigers. Still, we know that RB Roy Helu isn't rushing for 300 yards again this week, and we aren't so sure how healthy QB Taylor Martinez really is. On top of that, this is a ton of points to be giving a home team in a conference tussle, especially one that has the caliber enough to go bowling this year.

Free College Football Picks: Iowa State +17.5
Prediction: Nebraska 31 – Iowa State 20

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November 3rd, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide @ LSU Tigers
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Game Line: LSU +6.5
Over/Under 44.5

When Alabama has the ball… We aren't so sure that the Crimson Tide know what it's like to face a defense that is this good. Yes, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Arkansas Razorbacks both have units to be reckoned with, but none are as good as that of LSU. The Tigers are only allowing 11.2 points and 220.2 yards per game this year when playing at home, including just 2.9 yards per rush and 4.6 yards per pass. The Bayou Bengals have only allowed a grand total of six TDs this year at home, and it only took a superhuman effort by QB Cam Newton to put just 24 points on the board against them two weeks ago in a 24-17 win at Jordan Hare Stadium. Now, we know that this offense has some talent for the Tide, though. RB Mark Ingram might not be the Heisman Trophy candidate he was a year ago, but he has done a nice job this season, rushing for 544 yards and eight scores. RB Trent Richardson might actually be the better back of the two. He is averaging 7.0 yards per carry and has 606 yards on the season. QB Greg McElroy has only lost one game in his collegiate career, and he isn't quite ready to make this one No. 2 yet. He is averaging 9.2 yards per pass play on the season, is completing 70.6 percent of his passes, and has a TD/INT ratio of 11/3. Still, we aren't so sure, even with all of this talent (and we haven't even mentioned that of WR Julio Jones!) that Alabama is really matching up all that well with the LSU 'D', especially on the road.

Final Grades
Alabama Crimson Tide: B
LSU Tigers: A+

When LSU has the ball… This probably isn't the side of the ball in which either team can really win this game, but it surely is the side for both that can lose it. If the LSU offense doesn't get going, the defense is going to be good enough to pick up the slack, but turnovers can be killers and destroy any chance of winning the game. We already know that QB Jordan Jefferson is pick prone, as he has eight already this season against just two touchdown passes. The same could be said about Alabama here. The Tide don't have the same type of dominant defense this year as they did last season, though they still rank No. 2 in the country in scoring. Some turnovers and can win this game, but the offense is going to have to do its share. However, if the 'D' falls victim to some big plays, the Crimson Tide just don't have a chance, as the only team in the nation that might be able to win a shootout in the Bayou is the Oregon Ducks, and we aren't even so sure that they can do that either. HC Les Miles knows that punting the ball is quite alright. Drives which string together two first downs and end with a punt are perfectly fine. RB Steven Ridley is going to be the catalyst to this offense. He has rushed for 724 yards this year and six TDs. Still, the offense only ranks No. 101 in the land in total offense at 317.9 yards per game and is No. 25 in scoring at 25.5 points per game. It's definitely an edge to Alabama, and it's a big one, but this isn't the crucial factor in any LSU game.

Final Grades
Alabama Crimson Tide: B+
LSU Tigers: C-

Intangibles…. It goes without saying that this is very much so at the advantage of the Tigers. Alabama knows that it can win games like this, as it proved that it could win in the Bayou two years ago when it did so in overtime on the march to the SEC Championship Game. However, Baton Rouge might be the hardest place to play football in the country, especially when those shadows start getting a bit longer and the day turns to night. It is also critical to note that there has been two weeks for both of these teams to prepare. HC Nick Saban is the better coach, but there isn't a man in the country that we want calling the big shot in a big game like this than the Mad Hatter himself, HC Les Miles. Miles was the man that called the fake field goal that ultimately beat the Florida Gators in the Swamp, and we know that he has tricks like that one up his sleeve every single week. The bad news for Miles is that he has to do that to get his offense going at times. The good news is that there is no better in the game at it.

Final Grades
Alabama Crimson Tide: B-
LSU Tigers: A+

The Final Report Card… We just can't give the upper hand here to the visitors. This is a tough, tough game. Alabama's only real big edge in this one comes on its defense, and there is only so much one unit can do to make a game. The offense is going to be in charge of taking this crowd out of the equation, and if it can't do that, this is a scary situation. LSU is a team that has been disrespected by everyone all season long, but we certainly aren't issuing any sort of disrespect here on Saturday afternoon. These two teams are about as level as they could be, but we're giving the ever so slight nod to the hosts.

Final Overall Grades
Alabama Crimson Tide: A-
LSU Tigers: A

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October 8th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Indiana Hoosiers @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:00 ET
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Game Line: Ohio State -22.5
Over/Under 57.5

Many might think that the way to go in this NCAA football betting battle is by taking the visiting Hoosiers due to the nature of what they did last week in nearly upsetting the Michigan Wolverines. However, we must remember that IU hasn't faced a team that plays defense like Ohio State all season long, and it also hasn't played a real road test against a legitimate conference contender at this point either. We love QB Ben Chappell and think that he has the goods to be a professional quarterback at some level, but this is too tough of a matchup for him to excel. The Buckeyes had their slip last week against Illinois and lived to tell about it. Unless there is a bit of a look ahead syndrome going on with the Wisconsin Badgers coming up next week, we are sure that OSU is going to want to come back and absolutely throw the gauntlet down. QB Denard Robinson absolutely shredded this Indiana defense last week. QB Terrelle Pryor might be able to do the same. The difference is that the Hoosiers won't be scoring 35 points this weekend like they did last weekend.

Free College Football Picks: Ohio State -22.5
Prediction: Ohio State 45 – Indiana 17

Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:00 ET
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Game Line: Penn State -7.5
Over/Under 42

The Nittany Lions are out of the Top 25 this week, while the Illini nearly snuck into it after a near miss against the Ohio State Buckeyes last weekend. The bottom line for the Nittany Lions is that they are going to be overmatched by the best teams in the Big Ten all season long due to the fact that QB Robert Bolden, as a freshman, just isn't able to keep up with what the conference is throwing his way. However, Illinois isn't a top notch Big Ten team, nor is it even remotely close. This is also a team with a freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase. Yes, Scheelhaase put together a respectable performance last weekend against the Bucks, but this game will be significantly different on the road in front of 90,000+ screaming fans in Happy Valley. PSU is going to be eager to prove that last week's loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road was merely a bump in the road, and it will do so by stomping Illinois with a strong second half, just like the Bucks did last weekend.

Free College Football Picks: Penn State -7.5
Prediction: Penn State 27 – Illinois 13

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:21 ET
Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
Game Line: Georgia -11
Over/Under 48

"Between the Hedges" we go for another SEC betting battle between the Dawgs and the Vols. These two teams really don't like each other, and the Bulldogs are going to want to get some big time payback for last season's 45-19 blowout on Rocky Top. The Dawgs only have one win in this series since 2005, including when the Vols came here and won 51-33 in 2006. Tennessee has covered the NCAA football betting lines in four straight between these SEC East rivals. Georgia has never gotten off to this bad of a start in SEC play, nor has it ever endured a four game losing streak under HC Mark Richt. Is this team better than its record? Probably. Is it significantly better than its record? Probably not. UGA has gotten a real shot in the arm with the return of WR AJ Green to the lineup, but the Volunteers are only going to have to key in on him to stop on this offense. Last week, when faced with a similar situation with the LSU Tigers and RB Steven Ridley, Tennessee came just one play away from pulling off the ultimate upset in the Bayou. Don't be so surprised if an upset is in the cards, and if that's the case, Richt might find himself out of a job before the beginning of next week, as 1-5 won't sit well with the Georgia boosters.

Free College Football Picks: Tennessee +11
Prediction: Tennessee 20 – Georgia 17

Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
Game Line: South Carolina +7
Over/Under 47.5

It's easy to just make college football picks on the Crimson Tide after destroying the Florida Gators last weekend, but this is a type of challenge of the likes that has not been seen before by this team. Yes, the Tide rolled into Fayetteville and took care of the Arkansas Razorbacks with a nice surge at the end of the game. We must note that that was Alabama's one failed cover of the season to date. The difference here? The Gamecocks have had two weeks to prepare for this game and haven't really had anything on their minds but getting revenge for the game two weeks ago at Jordan Hare Stadium, a narrow defeat against the Texas A&M Aggies. We know that RB Mark Ingram is still probably the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. We still know that QB Greg McElroy hasn't lost a game as a starting quarterback since he was in eighth grade. We still know that the Tide just absolutely crippled the Florida offense last week and has the top scoring 'D' in the land. But there's something about this game that just feels different. The Ol' Ball Coach, HC Steve Spurrier has to have some things up his sleeve, and all of the tricks will be coming out of the bag in this one. This would be a defining moment in South Carolina football history if it could win this game, and we think that the upset just might be in the cards on Saturday afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: South Carolina +7
Prediction: South Carolina 27 – Alabama 26

Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Game Line: Texas A&M +5.5
Over/Under 62.5

The Hogs and Aggies have ties going back to the olden days, and this is the second straight year that they will play at a neutral site to renew old ties. Last year, QB Ryan Mallett went absolutely bananas, throwing for 271 yards and four TDs against a Texas A&M team that just had no answers. Arkansas is coming off of that crushing fourth quarter rally of a defeat at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide, something that clearly will not be forgotten easily. A&M has struggled trying to protect QB Jerrod Johnson, who is one of the best dual threat signal callers in the land. HC Bobby Petrino has been scheming for this one for two weeks. We also tend to believe that the Hogs have the ability to play with the Crimson Tide, therefore they can beat anyone in America. This game will probably be no exception. Last week was a shootout in which Johnson threw four picks against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and if he makes those same types of mistakes this weekend, it is going to be one heck of a lot afternoon in "Big D."

Free College Football Picks: Arkansas -5.5
Prediction: Arkansas 37 – Texas A&M 21

Matchup: Michigan State Spartans @ Michigan Wolverines
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Game Line: Michigan -4.5
Over/Under 62.5

This game has the potential to have some real fireworks in it, as the "Big Game" has really not been this big in a number of years. The Wolverines and Spartans are both 5-0 and both think that this is the year that they can go to the Rose Bowl. However, both have a history of this being the time of year that they fold up shop and are never heard from again, and that's exactly what they're both trying to avoid. For HC Rich Rodriguez, this game is even more important. The Spartans are on house money, and regardless of whether every single game down the stretch is lost or not, HC Mark Dantonio's job is safe after that fake field goal call that beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Rodriguez… not so much. What Rich Rod does have on his side is the most dynamic player in the country, QB Denard Robinson. He'll become the first man to get to 1,000 rushing yards in all likelihood in this game, and he'll also be well over the 2,000 yard mark for the year between rushing and passing when it's all said and done. The Spartans have never faced a team with this type of an offense and haven't played a true road game this year (the one "road game" was "at" Florida Atlantic… at Ford Field). It will be up to RB Edwin Baker and RB Le'Veon Bell to control the clock and keep Robinson off the field. However, Big Blue has struggled trying to stop the pass this year, not the rush. In fact, this is the worst rated pass defense in the nation at over 307 yards per game. Still, if QB Kirk Cousins can't get going in a big way, Michigan is going to end up rolling over the Spartans. This game means too much to the maize and blue to be beaten. A bowl game will be a guarantee when Saturday is over.

Free College Football Picks: Michigan -4.5
Prediction: Michigan 40 – Michigan State 28

Matchup: Virginia Cavaliers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Game Line: Georgia Tech -10
Over/Under 47

The Cavvies were steamrolled last week by the Florida State Seminoles, but they have a shred of promise for the rest of this season. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets are still trying to figure out how they have been stung twice this year and why they are just 1-4 ATS a year after going to the Orange Bowl as the ACC champs. QB Josh Nesbitt is just as dangerous now as he was last season when he led this team to a fantastic season, but his 880 total yards in five games just isn't reflecting that. He needs to find a way to get more involved in the offense, which ranks just 58th in the land in total yards at 388.2 yards per game. Virginia hasn't been great, but sticking in front of a double digit spread, even on the road, seems like a legitimate possibility. Something's wrong with the Ramblin' Wreck right now, and we're determined to take advantage of that. GT might win it, but the Cavs are sticking around for the full 60 minutes.

Free College Football Picks: Virginia +10
Prediction: Georgia Tech 24 – Virginia 20

Matchup: Pittsburgh Panthers @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Game Line: Notre Dame -6
Over/Under 49.5

Is something really wrong with the Panthers right now, or have they just run across a tough spot in the schedule? Their two losses are very respectable ones against the Miami Hurricanes and Utah Utes, and their two wins were both by respectable margins even though they were against sub-par teams. This is the first time this year that they are really on a team in their weight class, per se. The Irish finally got a big win together last week against the Boston College Eagles, and maybe that will jumpstart the season, as the next portion of the schedule just isn't that difficult. The Panthers have health concerns with RB Dion Lewis, while the Irish are still rolling offensively to the tune of 24.6 points per game. We tend to believe that that will be enough to take care of U-Pitt, which really needs to find an identity going into the Big East campaign next week.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame -6
Prediction: Notre Dame 28 – Pittsburgh 17

Matchup: Clemson Tigers @ North Carolina Tar Heels
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Game Line: North Carolina -2.5
Over/Under 52.5

The Tar Heels are still dealing with a plethora of defensive suspensions, but they seemed to overcome all of those problems last week when they really shut down the powerful East Carolina Pirates with a 42-17 victory. Clemson comes to town now with a slew of questions. The Tigers have two losses, but are defeats against the Auburn Tigers and Miami Hurricanes really that bad? However, they have two wins as well. We already know that beating the North Texas Mean Green and the Presbyterian Blue Hose is nothing to write home about. This is a very good litmus test for both teams. The difference here is that North Carolina is very battle tested and already knows what it takes to win in the ACC. The home game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets might have been a defeat, but it certainly might have set the tone for the rest of the season. UNC is the better team in this battle, and as long as QB TJ Yates doesn't put on his pick face all of a sudden, the Tar Heels should be able to snare a win.

Free College Football Picks: North Carolina -2.5
Prediction: North Carolina 27 – Clemson 20

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October 1st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Line: Alabama -8.5
Over/Under 48

This is the game that everyone has been waiting for this year. The winner of the Alabama/Florida battle has played for the BCS Championship in each of the last two seasons, and this year very well might not be an exception either. The Gators enter this one with a defense that is probably significantly underrated. There aren't many teams in the land that can say that they have held four teams, all of FBS quality to 17 points or less. RB Jeff Demps has been knocked up just a tad, but that is probably because he has been called upon too many times this year. Still, this is a man with lightning quick speed that can bust a game open in a heartbeat. Watch out for QB/WR/RB Trey Burton, who comes in on the goal line to run the old QB Tim Tebow playbook. QB John Brantley might not be capable, but Burton already has seven scores on the year on the ground and one through the air. As for Brantley, he is improving as his center Mike Pouncey is improving. He has thrown for 700 yards with six scores and a pick this year. However, stopping the Tide is going to be a totally different challenge. RB Mark Ingram is averaging over 150 yards per game on the ground since coming back to the lineup, while QB Greg McElroy still hasn't lost a game at this level. He came up big last week, throwing for 194 yards in the comeback win against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Still, when push comes to shove, we think that we've seen every trick in HC Nick Saban's book. We certainly haven't seen it all out of HC Urban Meyer as of yet. This could be a mighty interesting game, and we want as many points as we can in this NCAA football showdown.

Free College Football Picks: Florida +8.5
Prediction: Florida 24 – Alabama 23

Matchup: Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon Ducks
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Line: Oregon -6.5
Over/Under 66

These two Top 10 teams could both be in the running both for the Rose Bowl and for the National Championship, and both are clearly at the top of their game right now. The Quack Attack might have the best offense in the land, and RB LaMichael James might be reintroducing himself to the world on Saturday night. James has rushed for 475 yards this year, which is saying something considering the fact that he was suspended for the first game of the year. This is an offense which has put at least 42 points on the board in all four meetings. Of course, save that 31 points against Arizona State last week, the 'D' had only allowed 13 total points as well. It's not like Stanford has slacked, though. In two home games, the Cardinal have a combined margin of victory of 120-41. On the road, it is 72-14. QB Andrew Luck might be making himself a Heisman Trophy contender. He'll get over the 1,000 yard mark for the year on Saturday, and he'll hopefully add to his 11 TDs on the season. The problem that Luck has is that no one will be watching this game, since they'll all be watching Alabama play Florida. The good news for Luck, though? He'll be leading a tremendous upset at Autzen Stadium.

Free College Football Picks: Stanford +6.5
Prediction: Stanford 38 – Oregon 34

Matchup: Washington Huskies @ USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Game Line: USC -10
Over/Under 60.5

If there is one game that the Trojans should be getting up for this year, this is it. The Huskies embarrassed USC last year, and considering the fact that there isn't a bowl game to look forward to, an immense heaping of payback would be the sweetest recourse. U-Dub has a lot of troubles right now. The Huskies need to get a much better game out of QB Jake Locker, and Locker needs to have the big game as well, not just for his team, but for his NFL Draft stock as well. It feels like centuries ago, but two weeks ago when Locker ran up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he only went 4-for-20 through the air. QB Matt Barkley has already thrown for 12 TDs and 941 yards this year, and he is clearly showing that he wants to lead this team. The last time that Washington came to LA, the Men of Troy won 56-0. It might not be that bad in the end, but when push comes to shove, even a victory by 11 points is as good as one by 50. Back the Trojans on Saturday night.

Free College Football Picks: USC -10
Prediction: USC 34 – Washington 17

Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Boston College Eagles
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Game Line: Boston College +2.5
Over/Under 46

The two Catholic schools that are bitter rivals in on the collegiate gridiron will duke it out on Saturday night. The Eagles and Fighting Irish really don't like each other, and that really takes away the fact that neither of these teams are heading anywhere in particular this year. Notre Dame badly needs a win to get going, or HC Brian Kelly might be finding himself out on the streets very, very soon in his first year. QB Dayne Crist has thrown for 1,155 yards and eight scores this year, which is a far cry from what anyone on Boston College has been capable of doing this year. The Eagles are coming off of a pathetic offensive performance that they have had in quite some time in the form of a 19-0 loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies. This is an interesting battle between teams that could blow up and could fizzle out. BC has covered three of the L/4 in this series, but this seems to be too important of a game for the Fighting Irish to lose. We've been losing with the Golden Domers quite a bit, but we still think this is a team that is underrated and is worthy of backing.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame -2.5
Prediction: Notre Dame 27 – Boston College 20

Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:05 ET
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Game Line: Iowa -7
Over/Under 40.5

This is a very interesting tussle between two teams that don't like each other, and no one is really talking about it. The Hawkeyes just seem to have Penn State's number, and HC Joe Paterno knows that this is going to be a very, very difficult task. His freshman QB Robert Bolden is trying his best this year, but he is only completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 823 yards with three scores and five picks. Last week was the resurgence of RB Evan Royster, who finally had his first 100 yard rushing game against the Temple Owls. However, Iowa is still upset about that loss to the Arizona Wildcats two weeks ago. The Hawkeyes still have to have the ability to win the BCS Championship, but they have a lot of work to do and need to get quite a bit of help in doing so. QB Ricky Stanzi has thrown for 999 yards and has nine scores and a pick, but the Hawkeyes' 'D' has been the key. Save allowing 34 to Arizona, the defense has only allowed a total of 14 points in three games. Go with the Hawkeyes and lay the tuddy.

Free College Football Picks: Iowa -7
Prediction: Iowa 21 – Iowa State 7

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September 28th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide (-9)
Saturday, October 2nd
8:00 ET, Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

When Florida has the ball… Watch out for some trickeration out of the bag of tricks from HC Urban Meyer. We really haven't seen a lot this year from the Gators on offense, though they have dug deep with some fake punts. QB John Brantley doesn't have the mobility to be able to beat the Alabama pressure up front, so the offensive line is going to have to do an amazing job of holding their blocks to give Brantley time to step up and throw. This is one of the few matchups in which the speed of RB Jeff Demps might be matched. Getting Demps outside in space is going to be key, whether it is handing him the ball, throwing it to him, or just directly snapping it to him. Either way, the Bama 'D' is going to be keyed in on Florida's home run threat and will certainly be there to try to contain him from those patented 60 or 70 yard runs that can break a game open. The Gators didn't finally score their first point in the first quarter this year until last week, a span of three games. They still only rank 78th in the land in total offense at 354.5 yards per game, but those yards have been parlayed into 37.8 points per game. Bama has the top scoring defense in the land at 9.8 points per game and ranks in the Top 25 in both rush defense and total defense. Advantage: Alabama Crimson Tide

When Alabama has the ball… Florida's front seven is going to have to be watching out for the running abilities of both RB Trent Richardson and RB Mark Ingram. Both men ran wild last year on the Gators, combining for almost 200 total yards on the ground on a limited quantity of carries. The difference this year is that QB Greg McElroy isn't afraid to throw the ball. His passing attack ranks 28th in the country at 267.0 yards per game. All told, this offense is averaging 511.8 yards per game (sixth in the land) and 39.5 points per game (15th in the country). Don't take Florida lightly, though. This is still a defense which comes in having allowed between 12 and 17 points to all four of its foes this year, including going against a mobile quarterback in QB BJ Daniels, and a Tennessee Volunteers squad that was full of gusto at home two weeks ago. A number of different players from last year's 'D' are now gone, but this isn't a team that rebuilds. It reloads. Don't kid yourself. This is a test of the likes that the Crimson Tide haven't seen this year. Advantage: Florida Gators

Intangibles…. We already mentioned that the Gators are going to have to dig deep into their bag of tricks to be able to win this game. Don't be shocked to see QB/WR/FB Trey Burton used quite a bit, as he can do just about anything Meyer needs him to do. Fake punts, reverses, flea flickers… you name it, Florida will probably use it. The question is whether the Tide can really stay disciplined or not. Last week was also the first time that the Gators didn't have a single snap botched up before a play ever got started. There will be a lot of pressure on C Mike Pouncey to get the ball back to Brantley cleanly, or this game is going to get out of hand in a hurry. If he does, this is going to be a real edge for UF. Meyer isn't afraid to pull out all the stops, and we aren't so sure that he hasn't tipped his game plan even once this year. We probably know that HC Nick Saban isn't pulling any punches. Advantage: Florida Gators

The Final Report Card… These two teams are very familiar with each other and should be ready for this game. We know that the Tide are battle tested having taken on the Penn State Nittany Lions at home and the Arkansas Razorbacks on the road. This is the same type of test against a Florida team that has only had one game of even marginal difficulty this year, the win in Rocky Top. We already know that the Crimson Tide are getting an A+ for preparation for this game at 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS. Florida has been sloppy, and though we tend to believe that there is more to see from the Gators, we have no choice but to only give them a B- for their preparation for this one. Don't be shocked if all of that new stuff comes back and bites UF in the butt, as this is a team that doesn't look quite prepared as of yet to face a challenge like this, especially if the game plan changes completely from what the Gators have done in games past.

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September 24th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Bowling Green Falcons (+25.5) @ Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 25th
12:00 ET, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

A week after the Wolverines really struggled with the Massachusetts Minutemen, they have to get right back at it against a relatively potent Bowling Green offense. We all know how good QB Denard Robinson is, and we aren't doubting that he is going to go off for 400+ yards of total offense and five scores in this one, as Bowling Green's defense is flat out terrible. However, the Falcons are a 3-0 ATS team this year for a reason. The oddsmakers still aren't giving them nearly enough respect. Yes, QB Tyler Sheehan and WR Freddie Barnes are both gone, but the combination of QB Aaron Pankratz and WR Kamar Jorden should be enough to beat this number. QB Matt Schilz is out of action in this one, but are we really going to miss a guy who has thrown for just two scores and four picks on the year? We think not. The Falcons will stick around in this game and improve to 8-0-1 ATS in their L/9 overall.

Prediction: Michigan 41 – Bowling Green 24
NC State Wolfpack (+8) @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Saturday, September 25th
12:00 ET, Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA

The Techsters need to be awfully careful in this game. The team with the best rush defense right now in the ACC has been NC State, and this is a team that really can do some damage this year. QB Russell Wilson just doesn't throw interceptions, and this year has been no exception to the rule that he started in his freshman season three years ago. If HC Tom O'Brien's defense can force just a couple turnovers and ground the triple option of Georgia Tech for just a few drives, Wilson and the offense have the skill to do some real damage here. Don't be so sure that the Ramblin' Wreck are rolling to 2-0 in conference play. This NC State team reminds us a lot of the team that O'Brien left a few years ago, as his first season away from Boston College was when the Eagles moved up as high as No. 2 in the land. A college football upset might be in the cards on Saturday.

Prediction: NC State 30 – Georgia Tech 27
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Arkansas Razorbacks (+7)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR

Yesterday, we called for QB Ryan Mallett to lead the Hogs to an upset of the Crimson Tide, and for good reason. He is the only 1,000 yard passer in the nation coming into this week, and he is going to test the newly constructed Alabama defense for the first time all season. This isn't a freshman quarterback coming to Tuscaloosa under the lights like it was a few weeks ago for the Tide against the Penn State Nittany Lions, and though QB Sean Renfree is solid for the Duke Blue Devils, the Razorbacks are certainly several steps up from the ACC cellar dwellers. Alabama is the best team in the nation and we aren't taking anything away from it. However, HC Nick Saban knows that his team has one get out of jail free card under its belt this year, as even an 11-1 (or as the case may have it, 12-1) Crimson Tide team is probably heading to the BCS Championship. The duel with Florida next week might still be first and foremost in the Tide's minds, which could lead for the shocking upset that will shake the nation.

Prediction: Arkansas 35 – Alabama 31
Eastern Michigan Eagles (+44.5) @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

We aren't exactly calling for an outright upset here, but we have plenty of reason to believe that the Eagles can stick around and at least make this final score look somewhat respectable on Saturday afternoon. First of all, the Buckeyes clearly have bigger fish to fry, as there are plenty of upcoming games against Big Ten foes that are going to be significantly more challenging than this. But the play of Eastern Michigan is improving week by week, and we think that it's only a matter of time until this dreaded losing streak that dates back to 2008 will go by the boards. QB Alex Gillett and RB Dwayne Priest are capable of putting a TD on the board against this defense in garbage time, and if that happens, it's going to take quite the effort from the standpoint of the Buckeyes to beat this hefty spread. We tend to think that OSU is going to leave EMU with a shred of confidence to back to Ypsilanti with.

Prediction: Ohio State 41 – Eastern Michigan 7
UCLA Bruins @ Texas Longhorns (-15.5)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Many are going to be on the bandwagon of HC Rick Neuheisel and company this weekend due to the fact that the Bruins are coming off of a big 31-13 upset of the Houston Cougars from last week. However, we know that without the services of QB Case Keenum (let alone his backup), Houston is nothing more than a mediocre team from a mediocre (at best) conference. This is a totally new challenge. Laying this many points with a Texas offense that has looked shaky in all three of its games is dangerous, but how on earth is UCLA scoring in this one? The Bruins have RB Johnathan Franklin, but the 'Horns have the top rushing 'D' in the land now two years running. Is QB Kevin Prince going to put points on the board? We don't think so. It's going to take a lot more than 45 percent completions to score on the men in burnt orange, and the end result here should be a whitewashing. If the Longhorns find even some sort of an offense, this NCAA football spread will never be in doubt.

Prediction: Texas 31 – UCLA 3
Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+4.5)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

Bottom line: The wrong team is favored in this game. Without WR Ryan Whalen in the lineup, the Cardinal are going to be missing a key component in the passing game, and this is going to be the first time their defense is going to run up against a formidable opponent all season long. Irish eyes haven't been smiling on Notre Dame yet this year, but that could all change on Saturday. The Irish are a miserable team in front of their hometown crowd, going just 4-10 ATS in their L/14 overall there, but all of that is going to change on Saturday. The Golden Domers have covered three straight and seven out of nine in this series. Make it four straight and eight out of ten on Saturday with an easy outright upset that makes the oddsmakers cry about the line they set. This one might never be that close either and certainly doesn't qualify as a huge upset in our eyes.

Prediction: Notre Dame 37 – Stanford 20
Temple Owls (+14) @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

Last week, the Kent State Golden Flashes were three TD underdogs to the Nittany Lions and came up just short of the cover. Is Temple really only seven points better than Kent State? We tend to believe not. These two teams have a history against each other, and it isn't a good one for the Owls. PSU has absolutely owned them over the last two decades, and don't think for one second that this isn't going to be used as motivation in that Temple locker room. The Owls are solid this year and could legitimately be a Top 25 team by season's end. RB Bernard Pierce and QB Chester Stewart are as good as anything that the Nittany Lions are trotting out there right now. If the running game with RB Evan Royster can't get going, Penn State is going to be on major upset alert. We tend to think that the Nittany Lions are going to escape Happy Valley with another 'W', but this is going to be significantly closer than recent history suggests.

Prediction: Penn State 27 – Temple 21
Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ Florida State Seminoles (-19)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

Welcome to our beat down of the week! The Seminoles absolutely have the Demon Deacons outmatched this week, and it should show on the field. QB Christian Ponder has really yet to have a rock solid game this season, and that could change against a Wake Forest defense that has been absolutely mauled all season long. Is Florida State as good as Stanford was last week in a 68-24 win? Nah. But we don't need a 44 point beating. We just need a three TD beating. The Noles are coming off of their best defensive game in years, a 34-10 victory over the BYU Cougars. Keep in mind that the last two trips to Tallahassee for the Deacs have resulted in upset wins of 12-3 and 30-0. That's going to be all that HC Jimbo Fisher is talking about all week and all day leading up to that 3:30 kickoff. The heat will be too much for Wake Forest to take this time around, and as long as the garnet and gold show up with at least a few stops, the offense is going to be able to slam this defense time and time again. The cover won't be in doubt in the fourth quarter at any point.

Prediction: Florida State 51 – Wake Forest 20

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September 17th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Arkansas Razorbacks @ Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5)
Saturday, September 18th
12:00 ET, Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA

Last week, UGA was in the familiar position of being a road team that was an underdog to an unranked home team. That always seems like a recipe for disaster for the ranked foe. Is this week an exception? The roles are reversed now, as Georgia seems to be the team in control while playing Between the Hedges. One thing is for certain, and that's that it is going to take a big, big effort to stop QB Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas offense. The Hogs have accounted for well over 350 passing yards per game in their first two efforts, and it is going to be up to Georgia to figure out how to stop it. The running game must be key for the Dawgs in this one, as it will both key HC Bobby Petrino's team off the field and could help take the pressure off of freshman QB Aaron Murray. Go with HC Mark Richt to figure it out and put his Bulldogs back in the win column and potentially back in the Top 25.

Prediction: Georgia 27 – Arkansas 24
Maryland Terrapins (+10.5) @ West Virginia Mountaineers
Saturday, September 18th
12:00 ET, Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV

Until QB Geno Smith really takes this team over and gets this Mountaineers offense rolling, we are going to remain skeptical of WVU. Simply put, the 'Neers haven't been that impressive this year, particularly in their overtime escape from the Marshall Thundering Herd last week. Now, a game Terrapins squad comes to Morgantown full of confidence from a good upset at the Navy Midshipmen and a rock solid 62-3 win over the Morgan State Bears. The offense knows it can roll. The defense knows it can stop opponents. The question is whether it can all come together again. This two QB system is going to be a nightmare to try to stop for the Mountaineers' 'D', especially when QB Jamarr Robinson hits the outside with his legs. There are three legitimate rushing threats in this game for the Terps. However, when push comes to shove, the best option is going to be RB Noel Devine. As long as West Virginia doesn't get away from Devine, it should find a way to win this game, but it is going to be touch and go throughout just like the OT win last week.

Prediction: West Virginia 24 – Maryland 16
Kent State Golden Flashes (+21) @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Saturday, September 18th
12:00 ET, Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

Happy Valley should be rocking and rolling on Saturday afternoon for the visit from the Kent State Golden Flashes. HC Joe Paterno's crew probably can't really hold its head high after getting rocked by the Alabama Crimson Tide last week, but we know that there is better for this team on the horizon. Our questions actually don't resolve around the offense, because we are convinced that QB Robert Bolden is going to make some plays and make some mistakes. The question is whether the defense can keep the Flashes in single digits in scoring or not. We tend to believe not. Kent State's QB Spencer Keith is good enough to bring his team into the end zone at least twice, and if that's the case, a defense that has been stingy this year should be able to find a way to keep a true frosh from putting up enough points to cover this lofty NCAA football spread.

Prediction: Penn State 31 – Kent State 14
East Carolina Pirates @ Virginia Tech Hokies (-20.5)
Saturday, September 18th
1:30 ET, Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA

Are we certifiably insane to want to back a team that has already been beaten twice this year, once by an FCS foe? The truth of the matter is that the Hokies are significantly better than they have played so far this year. The James Madison Dukes snuck up on them and caught them napping for about 15 minutes of football, and it ultimately bit them in the rear to the point that they will not stand a chance of winning the National Championship anymore. However, head coach Frank Beamer is one of the best in the nation. He also has certainly been telling his boys all week just how dangerous this ECU squad is; after all, the Pirates did beat the Hokies two years ago and nearly beat them in the first game back after the shootings in Blacksburg four years ago. ECU has played above itself this year, and QB Dominique Davis probably isn't all that great. An angry bunch of Hokies should come into this one motivated, and we'd be very, very surprised to see either side of the ball really struggle in what should be a very easy victory.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 38 – East Carolina 7
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Duke Blue Devils (+24.5)
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC

The Crimson Tide take to the road for the first time this year in what should amount to be a relatively easy home game against the Duke Blue Devils. However, let's not discount the fact that this really could be the best offensive team that the defending national champs have seen this year. That's right. We said it. Duke might have a better offense than the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Blue Devils are led by QB Sean Renfree, who has reached the 350+ yard passing mark in both of his games this year. Though we are certain that he won't reach that plateau once again on Saturday, even throwing for 250 should be able to put a few points on the board. RB Mark Ingram is back, which is probably going to put a tad extra weight on the running game for Alabama. Will that translate into a four TD victory? We tend to believe not. HC David Cutcliffe has the Dookies playing about as well right now as they have played in the last 20 years. They're going to win a game like this at some point. This won't be the one, but even staying remotely competitive and making the Tide play the full 60 minutes is a legitimate possibility.

Prediction: Alabama 41 – Duke 24
Nebraska Cornhuskers (-3.5) @ Washington Huskies
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Husky Field, Seattle, WA

Let's get two things straight right away. First off, the Huskies' loss to the BYU Cougars two weeks ago might ultimately look like a very bad one really soon, as the Cougs could very well by a five or a six loss team this year. Secondly, had U-Dub not beaten the USC Trojans last year almost to the date of this kickoff, it wouldn't be anything less than a seven point pup on Saturday. That being said, we know that Nebraska really hasn't played anyone yet this year and hasn't been challenged. We also know that the Huskers haven't played up to their potential, particularly on defense. The Huskies just aren't up to the level of a Top 25 team yet, and though this is a prototypical spot where the underdog feels like it should be the right play due to the fact that this line looks square, we still aren't buying into it. If backing Nebraska makes us donks, then donks we are.

Prediction: Nebraska 27 – Washington 10
Florida Gators @ Tennessee Volunteers (+14)
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to the Volunteers. Tennessee just hasn't played all that well at home over the last four seasons or so, but all of those bitter memories could be erased if the Florida Gators had a big, fat 'L' stamped on their foreheads at the end of the night on Saturday. The Vols are going to need to play the defense of their lives to keep down a Florida offense that has struggled all season long. Without WR/RB Chris Rainey in the lineup, the only real man to fear is RB Jeff Demps. UT has the speed to settle him down, but at any point, Rainey could still go off for 70 yards. It's also going to take a Herculean effort from QB Matt Simms, who will be playing in his first big game of his career. Last week's loss to Oregon needs to be nothing more than a bad memory that is in the past for HC Derek Dooley's boys. Don't be shocked if there is a big time upset on Rocky Top on Saturday afternoon in what should be a very close game the whole way.

Prediction: Tennessee 21 – Florida 20
Arizona State Sun Devils @ Wisconsin Badgers (-12.5)
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Camp Randall, Madison, WI

Start jumping up and down, Wisconsin fans! Your team is about set to open up its first can of whoop butt on the season. The Badgers are just too strong offensively for the Sun Devils to keep up, even if they are without the services of WR Nick Toon on Saturday. QB Scott Tolzein has really yet to put forth a good effort this year, especially considering the level of opposition that has been faced. The relatively close call against the San Jose State Spartans should provide a wakeup call for Wisky, which really thinks it has a chance to win the National Championship this season. Arizona State is the weakest 2-0 team in the country having beat up on a pair of FCS nobodies to start the season. The Sun Devils are going to be getting a very, very cruel reality check on Saturday that they still aren't going to be a bowl team this year, even if QB Steven Threet has the game of his life.

Prediction: Wisconsin 45 – Arizona State 20
USC Trojans (-11.5) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN

The Golden Gophers could have realistically been looking an 0-3 start in the face had it lost to the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders two weeks ago. That game against MTSU should have never been close without QB Dwight Dasher in the lineup, and the proof of just how bad this team is came last week in an embarrassing 41-38 loss to the South Dakota Coyotes of the FCS. We already know that Minnesota's offense isn't good enough to play with the best defenses in America, and USC, at least talent wise could fit the bill. The offense for the Trojans should be to at least match what the Coyotes did last week, right? We know that things have gone well for the Men of Troy this year in spite of the fact that they are indeed 2-0 on the season, but they are going to be able to stomp Minnesota by at least two TDs on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: USC 41 – Minnesota 21
BYU Cougars @ Florida State Seminoles (-10)
Saturday, September 18th
3:30 ET, Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

If HC Jimbo Fisher knows what's good for him, he is going to have his Noles ready to come out and stomp the living heck out of the Cougars. Fisher absolutely cannot afford a home loss in this spot just one week after getting beaten by 30 (and it wasn't that close) by the Oklahoma Sooners. A comfortable win can give the garnet and gold nation the feeling that the loss to OU was at least to one of the best teams in the country. A loss to BYU would erase the memories of that good first win against the Samford Bulldogs, as everyone would say that it was just one win against a lousy FCS team. For BYU, a lot is riding on the line as well, as one good performance against a questionable Washington team and a bad performance at a solid Air Force team can get magnified with a defeat. Things can spin out of control in a hurry for the Cougs with another loss, as everyone in the MWC is going to want to keep them down in their last year in the conference. The Seminoles have the goods to dominate this game, just as they did last year in Provo. Expect a very similar outing, especially with BYU now playing with a true freshman at quarterback for at least half the game.

Prediction: Florida State 33 – BYU 17

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