Posts Tagged ‘East Carolina Pirates’

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

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The Military Bowl will be playing its third edition at FedEx Field in our nation's capitol, and the hometown team, the Maryland Terrapins will be taking on a team from just up the road, the East Carolina Pirates. This clash should be a very, very interesting one, as these two teams have significantly different styles, and it should make for a great duel for NCAA football betting fans to take in. Check out our Military Bowl picks for Wednesday afternoon.

Military Bowl Matchup: East Carolina Pirates vs. Maryland Terrapins
Date: Wednesday, December 29th, 2:30 ET
Location: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Military Bowl Line: Maryland -7.5
Over/Under 67.5

Pirates Notes: The Pirates are the far more interesting team in this game, as there is no doubt that this team is going to be scoring a ton of points, but will be conceding just as many. We'll start on defenses, where things were just awful this year. Six different teams put at least 49 on the board against ECU, including a season worst 76 points allowed to the Navy Midshipmen, the second most points conceded by an FBS team this season and the most for a team that is playing in a bowl game this year. Allowing 480.4 yards per game ranked dead last in the FBS, and it really goes without saying that this can't be the case again on Wednesday if the Pirates really have any chance of winning the Military Bowl. Regardless of how bad the defense plays on a regular basis, ECU is never out of games because of how strong QB Dominique Davis is. Davis is familiar with the Terps having transferred from Boston College. He had the second most TDs in college football this year with a total of 45, trailing just Auburn's QB Cam Newton. Davis threw for 36 TDs and 3,687 yards, and he was certainly good for a few miracles along the way, such as the Hail Mary against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at the start of the season. Davis has two fantastic receivers to get the ball to. WR Dwayne Harris caught 93 passes for 1,055 yards and ten TDs this year, while WR Lance Lewis had 78 grabs for 979 yards and 13 trips to the end zone. On the ground, RB Jonathan Williams had 846 yards and ten TDs.

Terrapins Notes: Poor Head Coach Ralph Friedgen knows that this is probably the last game of his coaching career, as he has been bought out by the team and will be replaced by Mike Leach once this one is over with. This came as a bit of a shock for a man that figured to be able to stay in College Park for as long as he wanted, especially after getting back on track this year after a terrible year in 2009. The Terrapins didn't end up winning the ACC this year, but to think that this was a team that was really in it the entire way in the Atlantic Division was impressive. Maryland was shoddy at times offensively, though the ACC never really gave it a week off. Averaging 345.0 yards per game is one of the worst marks amongst teams in bowl game this year, but 30.7 points per game was enough to win eight games on the campaign. Over the course of the last five games of the season, the Terps averaged 35.6 points per game in spite of the fact that they only went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. The hero of this offense this year was WR Torrey Smith, who caught 65 balls for 1,045 yards and 12 TDs, but he really sparked the team in the finale against the NC State Wolfpack, catching 14 passes, four of which went for TDs. QB Danny O'Brien threw for 2,257 yards and 21 TDs this year against just six picks, and his key is going to be taking care of the football. Maryland knows that its defense is going to be tested in this one, especially by Davis. Allowing anywhere near the team's averages of 352.7 yards and 22.3 points per game would be quite the accomplishment and would probably be enough to beat the Military Bowl odds going away.

The Final Word: This one is just too important for the Terps to lose. East Carolina is probably one of the worst bowl teams this year in the nation, and there was a reason that this squad just wasn't expected to challenge in Conference USA. The Pirates overachieved all season long, but this battle is just too difficult for them to overcome. The Terrapins should get some fantastic offense going, and Smith should really shine with a tremendous afternoon. If that's the case, just a few stops on the Pirates should be enough to seal the deal by a double digit margin.

Military Bowl Free Pick: Maryland -7.5
Military Bowl Prediction: Maryland 44 – East Carolina 28

 
November 10th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Pittsburgh Panthers @ Connecticut Huskies
Date: Thursday, November 11th, 7:30 ET
Location: Rentschler Field, Storrs, CT
Game Line: Pittsburgh -5.5
Over/Under 46.5

The 5-3 Pittsburgh Panthers will look to increase their Big East conference lead on Thursday night when they travel to Storrs to take on the 4-4 Connecticut Huskies. The last time college football bettors saw Pittsburgh, the Panthers cruised to a 20-3 over the Louisville Cardinals on the back of one of the best defenses in the country. The Panthers held the Cardinals to just 185 total yards of offense and forced two turnovers en route to the 17 point victory. QB Tino Sunseri was efficient in the win, completing 13 of 24 passes for 123 yards, while the RB duo of Dion Lewis and Ray Graham combined to carry the rock for 105 yards and two touchdowns. As for Connecticut, the Huskies scored a huge 16-13 overtime win against West Virginia two weeks ago to move them a little closer to bowl eligibility. The Huskies were the beneficiaries of four West Virginia turnovers and were able to hold the Mountaineers to just 13 points despite giving up over 400 yards of offense. RB Jordan Todman was effective on the ground, carrying the ball for 113 yards and a touchdown. QB Zach Frazer completed 18 of 29 passes for 166 yards in the winning effort.

Free College Football Picks: Pittsburgh -5.5
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27 Connecticut 17


Matchup: East Carolina Pirates @ UAB Blazers
Date: Thursday, November 11th, 8:00 ET
Location: Legion Field, Birmingham, AL
Game Line: UAB -2
Over/Under 67

Conference USA rivals face off on Thursday night when the 5-4 East Carolina Pirates travel to Birmingham to take on the 3-6 UAB Blazers. East Carolina could not have played a worse game defensively than they did last Saturday. The Pirates defense allowed Navy to put up a mind-boggling 76 points and gave up over 500 yards of rushing to the Midshipmen in their 76-35 loss. East Carolina was able to move the ball on offense pretty well, racking up 567 total yards on Navy, but four turnovers were simply too much for the Pirates to overcome. QB Dominique Davis had an amazing day against the Midshipmen defense, completing 43 of 65 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns. His favorite target was WR Lance Lewis, who reeled in nine passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Blazers have struggled to find their way after losing QB Joe Webb to the NFL Draft this spring. QB Bryan Ellis hasn’t been terrible this season, completing 55.3% of his passes for 1910 yards with 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, but he hasn’t been able to match the production the Blazers saw under Webb last season. Last week, the Blazers put themselves on the brink of missing bowl season when they fell 31-17 to Marshall. In the loss, Ellis completed 20 of 44 passes for 235 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. RB Pat Shed struggled though, mustering only 45 yards on 16 carries. With the damage Navy did to ECU’s rushing defense last game, expect a healthy dose of Shed on the ground this game.

Free College Football Picks: East Carolina +2
Prediction: East Carolina 38 UAB 34

 
October 27th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Kansas State Wildcats
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 12:00 ET
Location: Bill Snyder Family Field, Manhattan, KS
Game Line: Kansas State +5
Over/Under 66

Had the Pokes won last weekend, we would be a lot more inclined to think that the Wildcats would be able to wake up just a tad and beat one of the top teams in the country. Now, we're not so sure, though. The Oklahoma State offense is a finely tuned machine, and the fact that WR Justin Blackmon is out of the lineup in this one isn't going to be a killer. Yes, Blackmon is the best receiver in the entire country, and yes, a DUI is going to prove to be costly, but QB Brandon Weeden has plenty of other options to throw the ball to. K-State is still a one man band with RB Daniel Thomas, if the Cowboys can just remotely contain him, the offense should prove to be good enough to score enough to win this one by at least a somewhat comfortable margin. If Okie State can score 41 on the Nebraska Cornhuskers with Blackmon, it can surely find a way to score at least in the 30s against Kansas State without him.

Free College Football Picks: Oklahoma State -5
Prediction: Oklahoma State 38 – Kansas State 30

Matchup: Miami Hurricanes @ Virginia Cavaliers
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 12:00 ET
Location: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Game Line: Virginia +15
Over/Under 51

The Hoos have three wins this year, but those three wins have come against the Eastern Michigan Eagles and a pair of teams from the FCS. We were fooled last week by the Canes, who came out and absolutely dominated the North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, we aren't so sure which Miami team is going to show up on Saturday. We know that the last time "The U" played on the road, it struggled mightily with the Duke Blue Devils for the full 60 minutes and only won by two scores. QB Marc Verica really isn't taking too many strides in the right direction, but we do believe that this Virginia team is good enough to get its act together and at least make this one respectable at home on Saturday afternoon, especially if the defense can find a way to put at least a tad bit of pressure on QB Jacory Harris.

Free College Football Picks: Virginia +15
Prediction: Miami 30 – Virginia 17

Matchup: Louisville Cardinals @ Pittsburgh Panthers
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 12:00 ET
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Game Line: Pittsburgh -10
Over/Under 56

We've already talked about just how good RB Bilal Powell is turning out to be, as he is probably the best back in the Big East. We have totally forgotten about the Panthers, as they are probably the best of the worst in a very questionable conference. However, we just aren't so sure that QB Tino Sunseri and the U-Pitt offense are good enough to keep up with Powell and the gang, especially if the Redbirds keep pushing like this. The Panthers have proven nothing quite yet, and though this one won't necessarily showcase anything one way or the other, we do tend to believe that Louisville is taking one giant step towards a bowl game in HC Charlie Strong's first season on the job.

Free College Football Picks: Louisville +10
Prediction: Louisville 28 – Pittsburgh 24

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Indiana Hoosiers
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Line: Indiana +3.5
Over/Under 58.5

It's hard to think that this could be one of the best games of the day. Both of these teams love running up and down the field, and neither one can really play defense that well when push comes to shove. Indiana's QB Ben Chappell could be in for a huge day against his instate rivals, and if that's the case, the Hoosiers are going to be tough to beat. There's something about the way that the Wildcats lost last week to the Michigan State Spartans that scares the wits out of us. We'll give Northwestern the slight nod here, because QB Dan Persa can take care of the football quite well, but we'll go with the fact that it should be decided at the gun. This arguably the toughest game on the entire board to try to handicap.

Free College Football Picks: Indiana +3.5
Prediction: Northwestern 41 – Indiana 39

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 12:20 ET
Location: Williams Bryce Stadium, Columbia, SC
Game Line: South Carolina -18
Over/Under 48.5

We got burned by the Vols last week, as they really had no answers for WR Julio Jones and the offense of the Alabama Crimson Tide. That game at home might have finally been the backbreaker for this Tennessee team that we have been riding all season long. They're good enough to stick around in this game, but the combination of QB Stephen Garcia and WR Alshon Jeffrey are just going to be too tough to take out. Jeffrey is every bit as good as Jones is, and you can bet that HC Steve Spurrier was sitting back and watching this game last weekend and smirking. The SEC East is still wide open, but South Carolina is going to finally put away the Volunteers once and for all with a big time beat down to send a message to the rest of the teams in this conference.

Free College Football Picks: South Carolina -18
Prediction: South Carolina 35 – Tennessee 10

Matchup: Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 2:30 ET
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Game Line: Notre Dame -8.5
Over/Under 63

The Irish are in dire need of a win here, especially with four losses already to their name and games against the USC Trojans and Utah Utes sitting there on the schedule for the rest of the season. Still, this doesn't appear to be the first year in South Bend that HC Brian Kelly really envisioned, and the prospects of missing a bowl game are starting to look more and more real. There are just too many injuries on the offense to account for in South Bend, especially if WR Michael Floyd can't play as well. WR Theo Riddick and TE Kyle Rudolph, two of the top targets in America, are already both on the sidelines in this one. Tulsa has had a week to prepare for its first ever trip to South Bend, and QB GJ Kinne and the crew are licking their chops at going against this defense, which several teams have torched this year, even on the road. Tulsa is ready to pounce, and there's no reason that it should be such a sizeable underdog in this game.

Free College Football Picks: Tulsa +8.5
Prediction: Tulsa 33 – Notre Dame 20

Matchup: Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Ever Life Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Game Line: Georgia -3
Over/Under 47

This is another game that we have already called the outright upset for, and there is no reason to believe that this won't be a game that goes in the way of the "visitors." First off, remember that Jacksonville is always the home of more Gator fans than Bulldog fans when these teams meet in the World's Largest Cocktail Party, and this season will be no exception even though Florida is down this year. Perception on the Gators took a total flop when they lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs two weeks ago, but this team is still one of the best 25 in America, and we have no reservations about saying that. Bad coaching has kept this team down all season long, something that is uncharacteristic for an Urban Meyer coached team. Florida's game plan in this one is simple: Stop WR AJ Green. If you can take Green out of the game, you can stop the Bulldogs. Yes, RB Washaun Ealey has the ability to crack the century mark on the ground in this one, but we don't see it happening. Florida has the better defense, and it has the better talent level on offense. It won't take a ton from the 'O' to win this one outright, and we think that the 'D' will come up with just enough to put together the upset.

Free College Football Picks: Florida +3
Prediction: Florida 23 – Georgia 17

Matchup: Michigan State Spartans @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Game Line: Iowa -6.5
Over/Under 50.5

They're calling this day "Roadblock Saturday," right? For whatever reason, we just aren't so sure that this game is going to be a "roadblock" for Michigan State after all. We have no choice but to believe in the Spartans at this point. They've won every game on their schedule, and regardless of how weak that slate is, they are still one of just seven clubs in the country with donuts in their loss column. Don't count this team out. Kinnick is an absolutely bear to play in, but the Wisconsin Badgers proved last week that it was doable to win there, even against QB Ricky Stanzi, who had never lost a game he both started and finished there in his career. The Spartans are a trendy pick to go down and go down in a big way on Saturday, but we aren't so sure that that's the case. The combination of QB Kirk Cousins throwing the ball with RB Le'Veon Bell and RB Edwin Baker running it is just enough for the Spartans to overcome a defense that has been shoddy every step of the way this year. Just don't count these guys out. Don't be shocked to see another Sparty upset, and you might even see MSU at No. 1 in the country by the time this week is said and done!

Free College Football Picks: Michigan State +6.5
Prediction: Michigan State 30 – Iowa 27

Matchup: East Carolina Pirates @ UCF Knights
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bright House Stadium, Orlando, FL
Game Line: UCF -7.5
Over/Under 53

Conference USA isn't a place that we take a look at games often, but this one has too much importance to let go. The Knights are already eyeing a trip to the Liberty Bowl this year to take on the Florida Gators in a game that could shift the balance of power of programs in the Sunshine State, but that can't happen unless they take care of business in games like this one against ECU. The Pirates have the best offense that UCF has run into all season long, but the same could be said about the ECU offense running into the Knights' 'D'. Bright House should be rocking on Saturday, and take it from this Orlando boy. The Knights are not getting beaten at home in this type of an environment by anyone in Conference USA on Saturday afternoon. Back UCF with confidence to shut down QB Dominique Davis and the Pirates.

Free College Football Picks: UCF -7.5
Prediction: UCF 28 – East Carolina 14

Matchup: Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, College Station, TX
Game Line: Texas A&M -7
Over/Under 59.5

The Red Raiders and Aggies don't have the greatest teams this year, but both of these squads still feel as though they at least have a remote chance of winning the Big XII this season. HC Tommy Tuberville would just be content getting to a bowl game in his first season to help take the pressure off of him after replacing the loved HC Mike Leach. QB Jerrod Johnson is totally a hit or miss guy for the Aggies this year, and if he's on, there isn't a team in the country that he can't single handedly beat. QB Taylor Potts has a great arm as well, and in the gimmicky "Air Raid" offense, he is destined to put up some huge numbers. Seven is a lot of points to be giving in a rivalry game, especially to a Texas Tech team that was upset as whopping 22 point favorites last year in Lubbock. We're not so sure that Tech is going to win outright, but it should keep A&M within this number.

Free College Football Picks: Texas Tech +7
Prediction: Texas A&M 31 – Texas Tech 30

Matchup: Cal Golden Bears @ Oregon State Beavers
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR
Game Line: Oregon State -2.5
Over/Under 53

Don't kid yourself about the Beavers. These guys are the best 3-3 team in the country, and they know it. QB Ryan Katz is starting to get his feet underneath him after replacing the departed QB Sean Canfield, and even though WR James Rodgers is out for the season, we still think that his brother, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, is set for a breakout game. The Golden Bears have lost all three times that they have gone on the road this year, including getting crippled by both the USC Trojans and the Nevada Wolf Pack. Oregon State is every bit as good as both of these teams are, and Reser Stadium is one of the most devastating places to travel in the country. A converted two point conversion two weeks ago against the Washington Huskies would probably have OSU favored by a touchdown in this game, as the Pac-10 title would still reasonably be a possibility. The Beavers have had two weeks to prepare and haven't had a home game since October 2nd. You'd better believe that they're bringing their 'A' game on Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: Oregon State -2.5
Prediction: Oregon State 34 – Cal 24

Matchup: Missouri Tigers @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
Game Line: Nebraska -7.5
Over/Under 55.5

Here's another case of one of those teams that could be facing a "roadblock" on Saturday… The difference here is that the Tigers are going to get tamed. There's just no way that QB Taylor Martinez is going to let his Huskers lose this game, even if he is just a freshman. This young man has already done some truly remarkable things as a freshman, and he will likely become one of the handful of 1,000 yard rushers on the season this week with a good game against a suspect Missouri defense. We're sorry, Mizzou, but we just don't buy you yet. We know that you can play in Columbia, but struggling with the San Diego State Aztecs and Illinois Fighting Illini just doesn't do it for us. Big Red knows that this is the last shot to win the Big XII before heading on to the Big Ten next season. There's no way that they lose this opportunity and relegate themselves to a lesser bowl game this year.

Free College Football Picks: Nebraska -7.5
Prediction: Nebraska 38 – Missouri 24

Matchup: Arizona Wildcats @ UCLA Bruins
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 3:30 ET
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
Game Line: UCLA +9
Over/Under 49.5

We could really care less whether or not QB Nick Foles plays in this game or not. QB Matt Scott proved to be a viable replacement last week against the Washington Huskies, and he really surprised us by outdueling QB Jake Locker and company. The bottom line is that this is a bet against UCLA, not a bet on Arizona. The Bruins have failed to cover five straight in conference dating back to last year, and the only two covers that they have this season have come via sheer luck, not total skill. As long as Foles and Scott don't get hurt, we don't see any way that there is enough offense with QB Richard Brehaut at quarterback for the Bruins to make it out of this one alive. There should be a big claw mark from the scratch that Arizona is going to leave UCLA when this one is over with.

Free College Football Picks: Arizona -9
Prediction: Arizona 28 – UCLA 6

 
October 15th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Missouri Tigers @ Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 ET
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Game Line: Texas A&M -3.5
Over/Under 57.5

There are plenty of cases this week where a ranked team is an underdog to an unranked team while playing on the road. This is perhaps the most dangerous of all of the spots, though. We continually talk about perception here at Cappers Info, and perception is key in this one as well. A&M is just a few plays away from being a 5-0 team, and if that were the case, the Aggies would have an even better ranking than the Tigers. There's a reason for that. Missouri might be fool's gold right now, especially since the toughest tasks on this schedule were both nearly failed against the Illinois Fighting Illini and the San Diego State Aztecs. This is clearly the toughest challenge. We love QB Blaine Gabbert, and we know that this offense could be good for 50 points against almost anyone in the nation, but we also know that there is a big problem on the horizon. HC Gary Pinkel's team might be looking forward to games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Oklahoma Sooners. Gabbert might be great, but the star in this game is QB Jerrod Johnson. His legs are only good for 113 yards so far this year, but that doesn't mean that he isn't able to put together a 100+ yard performance against anyone in the nation. He has also thrown for 1,486 yards and 13 TDs. The problem is nine picks and the fact that the offensive line has struggled. When push comes to shove though, this is a game that will belong to the hosts, as the 12th Man is going to be incredibly loud at Kyle Field.

Free College Football Picks: Texas A&M -3.5
Prediction: Texas A&M 31 -Missouri 24

Matchup: North Carolina State Wolfpack @ East Carolina Pirates
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 ET
Location: Dowdy Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
Game Line: East Carolina +7.5
Over/Under 67.5

This one has the real potential to be a shootout. The Pirates don't have a chance of stopping QB Russell Wilson and the Wolfpack offense, but they do have the abilities to run up and down the field themselves. NC State knows that it can put the pill wherever he wants to against a secondary that ranks No. 114 in the nation in total defense at 457.6 yards per game. ECU has only kept one foe under 42 points this year, and that was a very lowly Memphis Tigers team that put up a whopping 27 with no semblance of an offense. The Wolfpack rank No. 8 in passing in the country at 311.0 yards per game, and Saturday should be no exception. On the other side of the ball, QB Dominique Davis is going to have his work cut out for him. Davis is up against a defense that is holding foes to 326.2 yards per game this season. NC State has only given up more than 28 points once this year, which is very bad news for the hosts. The Wolfpack have already won games against the Conference USA favorites (Central Florida) and one of the better teams in the ACC (Georgia Tech) on the road this year by at least a touchdown. This should be no exception.

Free College Football Picks: East Carolina +7.5
Prediction: NC State 45 – East Carolina 27

Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini @ Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 ET
Location: Spartans Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Game Line: Michigan State -7
Over/Under 50.5

The Illini and Spartans are both coming off of tremendous road wins that might make the difference in their seasons last week. For Illinois, it picked up a big 'W' against the Penn State Nittany Lions in what might have been one of the biggest games in the coaching career of HC Ron Zook. The Illini are still a young team, especially at the quarterback position with QB Nathan Scheelhaase. The good news is that he is holding on to the football, which is going to be vital this week against the Spartans as well. Michigan State is going to try to pick up a lot of yards on the ground in this one with RBs Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker. The two have just gone bananas this year, combining for over 1,200 total yards. They are the reason that the Spartans are 6-0 on the year and are right on the cusp of being ranked in the Top 10 in the country. This line is rather fishy, though. We know that Illinois has some potential, but what we don't know is whether it was a flash in the pan or not. We tend to believe that the Spartans are going to fall off the face of the earth eventually. They'll figure out how to win this game, but laying seven seems just too tempting. Don't fall into this trap on the NCAA football odds.

Free College Football Picks: Illinois +7
Prediction: Michigan State 28 – Illinois 24

Matchup: Boston College Eagles @ Florida State Seminoles
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 ET
Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Game Line: Florida State -21.5
Over/Under 46.5

The Seminoles have absolutely dominated NCAA football betting action in the ACC this year, crippling all three teams that they have run into in the conference. The biggest game came last week against the Miami Hurricanes, a 45-17 thrashing in South Beach. The rushing game for the Noles is working well with the Pistol attack, though none of the three major backs, RB Ty Jones, RB Jermaine Thomas, and RB Chris Thompson have accounted for 500+ yards on the season. QB Christian Ponder is a warrior and has played well this year. The difference has been the defense, which is holding teams to half the points per game that it allowed last year and over 100 fewer yards per game. Rushing the passer is the key. QB Chase Rettig made his first career start against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish two weeks ago. He threw for 72 yards and a TD before getting injured, but he left that game down 21-7 and never really felt comfortable. With RB Montel Harris struggling, there really aren't any options for the Eagles to turn to offensively. This is the only team that has never lost a game at the Doak, and the Seminoles are going to want to make sure that their first 'L' comes in emphatic fashion. This is going to be one of the ugliest games of the weekend. There's a reason that Boston College is one of two winless ATS teams in the land.

Free College Football Picks: Florida State -21.5
Prediction: Florida State 51 – Boston College 7

Matchup: Western Michigan Broncos @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 2:30 ET
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Game Line: Notre Dame -24
Over/Under 53

The Broncos seem like they're overmatched heading into South Bend, but the oddsmakers have been generous and given us a whole bunch of points to work with. QB Alex Carder is a warrior, and he has the ability to throw for over 300 yards in every single game. The Notre Dame defense hasn't been good enough to stop this attack to the fullest extent. The only question in our minds is whether the Golden Domers are going to put enough points on the board to cover this spread. Though this is probably the easiest test of the season to date, Notre Dame will be playing without TE Kyle Rudolph for the first time. We also know that QB Nate Montana might be making just his second appearance in his freshman year if this one gets ugly, and that could leave the backdoor very, very open. QB Dayne Crist is solid, but RB Armando Allen hasn't proven that he can really salt a game away quite yet and there are no other viable options ready to take the ball behind him. There's no doubt that Notre Dame will win, but winning by at least four scores seems like a bit of a stretch.

Free College Football Picks: Western Michigan +24
Prediction: Notre Dame 40 – Western Michigan 20

Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes @ Michigan Wolverines
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 3:30 ET
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Game Line: Michigan +3
Over/Under 53.5

After an iffy game against the Michigan State Spartans, there is a lot on the line this week for QB Denard Robinson and the Wolverines. A loss would send Michigan to 5-2, take it out of the Big Ten title race, and potentially continue a tailspin very similar to what happened last year when the team came out of the blocks at 4-0 before failing to make a bowl game. Odds have it, the Heisman Trophy campaign for QB Denard Robinson would taper out as well in spite of the fact that he was the favorite last week at this time. Iowa presents a foe that Big Blue is familiar with and nearly beat last year before we really knew that the Hawkeyes were going to be one of the best 5-10 teams in the country. Now, there is no doubt, and even though Iowa has a ranking at No. 15, we know that it is significantly better than a 4-1 record would indicate. We still have to remember that QB Ricky Stanzi just refuses to lose. He has only been defeated once, and whether it's pretty or not, he always seems to get the job done. The Hawkeyes are a whopping 12-2 ATS in their L/14 road games. Unlike Michigan, which really doesn't have a super quality win this year, the Hawkeyes have proven that they can play with some of the best in the land, especially after absolutely crippling the Penn State Nittany Lions last week. There's a reason that they are road favorites in this game. Iowa will roll in the Big House for the first time since 2002.

Free College Football Picks: Iowa -3
Prediction: Iowa 31 – Michigan 16

Matchup: California Golden Bears @ USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 3:30 ET
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles California
Game Line: USC -2.5
Over/Under 54

This is quite the interesting instate battle between two teams that really don't like each other. The problem is that neither the Trojans nor Bears are playing well enough for us to be thrilled about supporting them. The implication here is that Cal is a slightly better team than USC on a neutral field, something that we're not so sure is the case. What we are sure of is the fact that the Trojans could be on the verge of a collapse. They were tripped up right at the end of the game by the Stanford Cardinal last week, a game that proved to be very winnable. QB Matt Barkley has played his heart out, throwing for 1,517 yards and 15 scores against just four picks on the year. We like QB Kevin Riley as well, but his 931 yards and nine TDs aren't numbers that are as strong. Here's the biggest issue we have: Cal hasn't scored a touchdown on this defense in three games and hasn't scored more than two TDs in a game against the Men of Troy since 2003. HC Jeff Tedford has never had luck, whether it be as a head coach or as an offensive coordinator against USC. We're reluctant about it, but we'll take the Trojans in a very tightly run contest.

Free College Football Picks: USC -2.5
Prediction: USC 27 – Cal 21

Matchup: Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 3:30 ET
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX
Game Line: Texas Tech -3
Over/Under 69

Fireworks could be flying when the Pokes and Red Raiders duke it out in Lubbock on Saturday afternoon. This is a dangerous spot for an Oklahoma State team that has yet to play a road game of any concern this year. There is no doubt that QB Brandon Weeden, RB Kendall Hunter, and WR Justin Blackmon are all superstars that can put up gaudy numbers, but numbers in the Big XII don't necessarily win you ball games. At some point, you have to play some defense. The 'D' did come up with four picks against QB Jerrod Johnson and the Texas A&M Aggies in the one real test this year, but that doesn't mean that the Okies can stop the Air Raid. QB Taylor Potts has tossed 17 TD passes this year and has thrown for 1,649 yards. HC Tommy Tuberville is getting more and more comfortable here as the weeks are going by, and a 45-38 win over the Baylor Bears last week was a good response to a 52-38 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones the week before. If this game were in Stillwater, we wouldn't bat an eyelash about taking the Pokes. However, in Lubbock, this Tech team gives it everything it has, and we don't want to get in the way of that one bit.

Free College Football Picks: Texas Tech -3
Prediction: Texas Tech 41 – Oklahoma State 34

Matchup: Texas Longhorns @ Nebraska Cornhuskers
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
Game Line: Nebraska -10
Over/Under 46.5

If you like defense, this is the game for you… at least if the Longhorns have any hope of survival in this one. Texas just doesn't have the offense to be able to compete with the Black Shirts defense. HC Bo Pelini has given this team a real shot in the arm, and there is a legitimate chance to win the National Championship on the back of this 'D'. Don't forget about QB Taylor Martinez either, as he is built very much so in the QB Denard Robinson mold. Martinez is No. 4 in the country in rushing on the year, and he can get the ball up the field if need be just like Robinson can as well. Heisman hopeful? Don't count out the possibility. Texas does rank No. 7 in the land in pass defense, but after letting both RB DeMarco Murray and RB Johnathan Franklin run all over it in recent weeks, we are pessimistic about how strong this rush 'D' really is. At the outset of the season, there's no doubt that the Longhorns would probably be right around +3 or so in this game, but they haven't proven that they are worthy of sticking within double digits. It might only take 17-20 points for the 'Huskers to cover the college football odds in this one.

Free College Football Picks: Nebraska -10
Prediction: Nebraska 23 – Texas 9

Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks @ Auburn Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 3:30 ET
Location: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Line: Auburn -3.5
Over/Under 60

One of the many crucial SEC West affairs on the season will be kicking off on Saturday at Jordan Hare Stadium, as the No. 7 Tigers and No. 13 Razorbacks duke it out. Arkansas knows that this is a do or die game if it has any chance of winning the SEC West, while Auburn probably knows the same thing with the Iron Bowl being played in Tuscaloosa this season. The Hogs had the Alabama Crimson Tide dead to rights three weeks ago, but they fired back last week with a solid outing against the Texas A&M Aggies to restore their Top 15 ranking in the country. QB Ryan Mallett is probably in his last chance right now to become a Heisman Trophy candidate. Once again though, Auburn's QB Cam Newton is thinking the same thing. Newton is a great dual threat, and he can always turn around and hand the ball to either RB Michael Dyer or RB Onterio McCalebb. Either man has the ability to rush for 100 yards on any given Saturday. The Tigers just barely survived against the Clemson Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Kentucky Wildcats this year, and they are just about running out of lives. It's high time that someone gives this team a run for its money that it cannot overcome. Arkansas might have the best defense in the SEC, and that's certainly saying something considering the fact that Alabama, LSU, and Florida all have premier 'D's. To us, it's an insult that the Razorbacks are underdogs here, and they'll prove it with a big "upset" on Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: Arkansas +3.5
Prediction: Arkansas 28 – Auburn 17

Matchup: BYU Cougars @ TCU Horned Frogs
Date: Saturday, October 16th, 4:00 ET
Location: Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
Game Line: TCU -29
Over/Under 48.5

If BYU's offense weren't terrible, we'd still think that the unit would have a hard time putting any points up against this defense. The Horned Frogs have just been untouchable of late, as they have pitched back to back shutouts and haven't allowed a single point in over 130 minutes of NCAA football betting action. The offense behind QB Andy Dalton, RB Ed Wesley, and RB Matthew Tucker is absolutely one of the best in the Mountain West as well. QB Jake Heaps is going to try to do something that his predecessor, QB Max Hall, couldn't do: Beat the Horned Frogs. Good luck, kid. TCU might have the best team it has ever had, while BYU has one of its worst in years. The Horned Frogs won 39-7 last year in Provo and 32-7 in Fort Worth the year before. What do you think is going to happen this time around???

Free College Football Picks: TCU -29
Prediction: TCU 41 – BYU 3

 
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

 
September 4th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Tulsa Golden Hurricane (-7) @ East Carolina Pirates
Sunday, September 5th
2:00 ET, Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC

This is clearly a case between a team that is on the rise and one that is on a freefall. The Golden Hurricane were quite possibly the best 5-7 team in the land last year, and they are still an incredibly feared by the opposition. QB GJ Kinne is a great dual threat, throwing for 2,732 yards and rushing for 399. He totaled 27 scores against just ten picks. Tulsa's problem last year was winning close games. Four of the team's seven losses came by ten points or less and all but losses to Oklahoma and East Carolina came by two TDs or less. On the contrary, the only game that was won by less than two touchdowns was the season ending game against Memphis. As for East Carolina, there are a ton of major issues. Skip Holtz has left for South Florida and QB Patrick Pinkney is gone as well. There are a number of major defensive players that have graduated as well. Bottom line: This isn't your daddy's East Carolina team. The Golden Hurricane should blow into the Carolinas and come out with a 'W'.

Prediction: Tulsa 41 – East Carolina 23

SMU Mustangs (+14) @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Sunday, September 5th
3:30 ET, Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX

Be very, very careful, Texas Tech. The start of the HC Tommy Tuberville era might not be a good one if the Mustangs can sneak up on the Red Raiders. The offense for T-Tech is still very much so up in the air, as Tuberville is going to be asking players that have gotten used to the Air Raid assault to run the football a bit more. That's great news for RB Byron Batch, but might not be such great news for Texas Tech backers. As far as SMU goes, we know that HC June Jones is going to ask QB Kyle Padron to throw the pigskin all over the place, just as he did when he threw for 460 yards in the Hawaii Bowl last year. The Mustangs are looking to get back on the right path towards Conference USA glory, while it seems like the Red Raiders are going backwards in a hurry. This could be a Texas-sized Lone Star State upset. Taking the two TDs on the NCAA spreads is a great idea.

Prediction: SMU 34 – Texas Tech 30