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March 12th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Two teams that are in dire need of a big time victory to get some momentum going towards the NCAA Tournament meet up on Monday night in the City of Brotherly Love, as the Connecticut Huskies duke it out with the Louisville Cardinals.

Matchup: Louisville Cardinals vs. Connecticut Huskies
Date: Saturday, March 12th, 9:00 ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
NCAA Basketball Odds: OTB
Over/Under OTB

Cardinals Notes: Does Head Coach Rick Pitino really have a side that has the ability to capture a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? The possibility has to at least be considered even though it hasn’t been the most horrifying road into the Big East Tournament finale in the world. Every challenge that looked daunting seems to have been passed. Of course, something must be said about the fact that both wins in this tournament came after teams thought that their missions were accomplished. The Marquette Golden Eagles probably locked up their slot in the NCAA Tournament the day before getting bounced by the ‘Ville, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had to think they had that ever so coveted No. 1 seed in hand before giving up the huge comeback to the Cardinals on Friday night. Preston Knowles, a man that has a history of doing just about everything for his team, came up with one of his biggest games of the season against the Irish, scoring 20 points. He now has 35 total points, 11 assists, and 12 boards on the tournament in just two games, and he is clearly going to be the man of the hour to try to stop for the Huskies. The question out there is whether too much energy was expended to try to come back from a huge halftime hole against the Fighting Irish to be able to fight off the Huskies in the finale on Saturday.

Huskies Notes: The truth of the matter is that this game really doesn’t mean all that much to the Huskies in terms of seeding for the NCAA Tournament. They’re probably going to be somewhere around a No. 4 seed one way or the other, and they have already proven their point that they are a team to beat for certain in the upcoming dance. However, this is a chance for Kemba Walker to finish what he started five days ago, and that’s etching his name, and this season’s team, into UConn lore, as a Big East Tournament championship, especially in this circumstance, would be absolutely stunning. Walker never really leaves the court, and he just continues to get better and better and better as games go on. He hit the game winning shot at the buzzer against the Pittsburgh Panthers after being on the floor for all 40 minutes, while the very next night, he played into OT and finished off a tremendous 33 point, 12 rebound performance against the Syracuse Orange. Walker’s numbers are just off the chart in this tournament, and there is no doubt that he is the tourney’s MVP to date. The question is whether a man like Jeremy Lamb or Alex Oriakhi is going to step up to be able to help this team out, or whether Walker is going to have to put the whole team on his back for a fifth straight day.

The Final Word: This isn’t a series with a great history to it if you’re a Connecticut fan. The Huskies only have two outright wins and just one cover since the end of the 2007 season. Still, teams that have to play on Tuesday typically have a terrible history in the Big East Tournament as well, especially this late. Every now and again, a special player puts on a special performance that you just have to stop and stare with, and you know that you have witnessed something truly special. Walker is that special, and he’ll prove it on Saturday night with a fifth straight amazing victory.

Free College Basketball Picks: Connecticut Huskies

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February 11th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Syracuse Orange @ Louisville Cardinals
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 12:00 ET
Location: KFC Yum! Arena, Louisville, KY

The Redbirds have a real chance here to make a statement at home against a Syracuse team that has underachieved in recent weeks. Head Coach Jim Boeheim knows that he is up against it in this one, especially on the road where his team has already lost to the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Pitt Panthers over the course of the last month. Louisville is coming off of that crushing loss at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but things are definitely looking up. This is a team that generally plays remarkable defense, and that 'D' should really shine on Saturday. The home team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight clashes in this series, while Syracuse is just 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games played on Saturday. The Cards have also won and six in a row in this series and are 5-0-1 ATS in those meetings. Back Louisville.

Free College Basketball Picks: Louisville Cardinals

Matchup: Kentucky Wildcats @ Vanderbilt Commodores
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 1:00 ET
Location: Memorial Arena, Nashville, TN

This is a mighty interesting clash for the Wildcats, who really haven't played all that well on the road this year. Perhaps a different program with less of a history wouldn't even have a ranking right now at 17-6, just like this Vanderbilt team is just barely hanging on to the Top 25. The Cats, believe it or not, only have one win on the road in the SEC this year, and if they lose this one, there is a good chance that they will only end up beating one SEC East team on the road. Head Coach John Calipari has a talented bunch, but these youngsters just haven't figured out how to consistently put it together on the road. The 'Dores, on the other hand, are 13-1 at home on the campaign, and they do have some wins against some very quality foes here. Don't be shocked if the big men for Vandy, while are far more experienced, end up outworking the Wildcats in the Music City.

Free NCAA Basketball Picks: Vanderbilt Commodores

Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 2:00 ET
Location: Kohl Center, Madison, WI

Seemingly everyone and their brother is going to be backing the Badgers in this one, and the college basketball odds might even have the hosts as short favorites over the undisputed No. 1 team in the country. The problem is perception. No one really believes that OSU is that good of a team this year. Sure, Jared Sullinger is amazing, but the rest of this cast really doesn't look like a Final Four team, does it? Then again, does Wisconsin look like a Final Four team either? If Head Coach Thad Motta can figure out how to take the ball out of the hands of Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin is in a ton of trouble in this one. The Buckeyes have some big time mojo on their side, and there is a reason that they have withstood the first 24 challenges this year. They'll survive and get win No. 25, which should start the talks about a perfect season in a hurry.

College Basketball Free Picks: Ohio State Buckeyes

Matchup: Baylor Bears @ Texas Longhorns
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 4:00 ET
Location: Frank Erwin Special Events Center, Austin, TX

Texas needs to be particularly careful in this one, as the Bears are a dangerous club. There is a point that the No. 3 team in the country is overrated. We know that Texas is good, and that there is a good chance that this will be at least an Elite 8 team, if not more. However, the point of desperation is going to be kicking in at some point for the Bears, and this is a bit of a bipolar bunch of Longhorns that we are dealing with. Remember, this is a beatable team here in Austin; UConn proved that, and it did so with a big time game from Kemba Walker. Though there is no one quite like Walker in the country, Baylor does have some legit stars like LaceDarius Dunn to rely on. He's capable of going off for 30 in any game that he plays, and he has enough help around him to be able to take down some of the best and brightest in the country. Still, Baylor has struggled and has limped to a marginal record in conference and a terrible record against the NCAA basketball odds. The Bears might be good enough to stick inside of what is sure to be a hefty number, though.

NCAA Basketball Free Picks: Baylor Bears

Matchup: Pitt Panthers @ Villanova Wildcats
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 9:00 ET
Location: The Palestra, Philadelphia, PA

The Wildcats are going to be inevitably be getting very little respect from the oddsmakers thanks to the fact that they were upset in horrifying fashion by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights earlier this week at home as tremendous chalks. Many will think that this is the start of another one of these patented Villanova swoons, just like the team went on a few weeks ago, and just like the one that the squad had just before the NCAA Tournament last year. However, that was clearly a look ahead game, and it was a game in which the Cats were just flat the whole way through because they knew that there were bigger and better on the horizon. U-Pitt is a great team, but even the best and brightest in the Big East end up getting picked off in roadies like this one eventually. If this is anywhere even close to a pick 'em like we are thinking, we have no choice but to go with the hosts.

College Basketball Expert Picks: Villanova Wildcats

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December 20th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The Louisville Cardinals and Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles took some major steps in the right direction this year, as both programs were fantastic by their standards. For the Cards, a trip to the Beef O'Brady's Bowl shows growth for a school that featured years of dismay under the direction of departed Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe. The Golden Eagles really wanted to win Conference USA this year, and though they didn't pull it off, they did beat the C-USA champs and ended up with arguably one of the best teams in the history of the school. But which team will beat the Beef O'Brady's Bowl odds in this one? Here are our college football bowl picks for Tuesday night's duel in the Sunshine State.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl Matchup: Louisville Cardinals vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Date: Tuesday, December 21st, 8:00 ET
Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Beef O'Brady's Bowl Line: Louisville -2.5
Over/Under 57

Cardinals Notes: It was a great first year calling the shots for Head Coach Charlie Strong, who guided the Redbirds to a bowl game in his first year as a head coach in the rough and tumble Big East. Strong could have a major problem on his hands on Tuesday night if QB Adam Froman's leg injury continues to act up. Froman was supposed to be the catalyst for a spread attack this year, and though he had a respectable 11/4 TD/INT ratio, a 60.6 completion percentage and just 1,633 yards through the air wasn't really what the doctor ordered. What we found out about the 'Ville this year was that the wide receivers just weren't good enough to compete at this type of level in a BCS conference. None caught even 40 passes, and none got to the 500 yard mark either. However, the ground game was a significantly difference story. RB Bilal Powell only had about 800 yards in the running department for his career coming into this year, but all of a sudden, he shined very, very brightly. Powell was the second best runner in a Big East full of top backs, as he rumbled 211 times for 1,330 yards and ten scores. The Cardinals really made a name for themselves defensively in the Big East this year, though. They shut out two foes this year and only allowed two teams to score more than 24 points against them all season long. This should be a great test for a defense which allowed just 298.4 yards and 18.7 points per game. The aerial game for the opponents was just shut down on a regular basis, as teams only averaged 162.5 passing yards per game, No. 9 in the country.

Golden Eagles Notes: Was this the best version of the Golden Eagles ever? Even though SMS has had seasons with more than eight wins before, it's not often that you can go on the road and beat the conference champs and put up a legitimate Top 20 offense in the nation in the same year, especially without winning the league title. Head Coach Larry Fedora has a lot to be proud of for this squad this year, especially offensively. QB Austin Davis will be a 3,000 yard passer by the time this one is over, and he already has ten TDs on the ground and 18 more through the air, against just six INTs. Just like Louisville, there aren't a ton of great receiving options on this team, though WR Kevin Bolden and WR Johdrick Morris both had at right around 660 yards on the season. On the ground, five different men, including Davis, rushed for at least 228 yards, led by RB Kendrick Hardy, who had 855 yards and seven scores on the campaign. The Golden Eagles ranked No. 15 in the country in total offense at 461.1 yards per game and No. 15 in scoring at 37.6 points per game. However, their defense was a totally different story. SMS allowed 56 and 41 points respectively in its final two games of the season, and the unit gave up at least 41 points five times on the year. Giving up 29.4 points per game certainly wasn't what was expected this year, but it was the reason for which the Golden Eagles didn't win the East Division of Conference USA.

The Final Word: The Cardinals are going to make for a tough team to top in this one, but we're not so sure that the Golden Eagles aren't the right side. Conference USA was significantly better than people give it credit for this year, and it made start to be proven this week at the Beef O'Brady's Bowl. Louisville will get a great final game out of Powell, but its strengths will be countered by the strengths of the C-USA reps. The Golden Eagles fly out of St. Pete with a win in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl Free Pick: Southern Mississippi +3
Beef O'Brady's Bowl Prediction: Southern Miss 31 – Louisville 27

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

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Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers @ Purdue Boilermakers
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Ross Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
Game Line: Purdue +20
Over/Under 51.5

The Boilermakers have just been an offensive train wreck this year, and for good reason. QB Robert Marve was supposed to be the savior of the team, but he has since been knocked out for the season. Now, without a running game (RB Ralph Bolden has been out for the whole season as well) or a passing game, it's a miracle how Purdue scores anything. Wisconsin has had a bye week to get its feet back on the ground after taking care of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Iowa Hawkeyes in back to back weeks. There's no reason that a red hot bunch of Badgers should be winning this game by anything less than three TDs.

Free College Football Picks: Wisconsin -20
Prediction: Wisconsin 34 – Purdue 10

Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Line: Indiana +17.5
Over/Under 54

Last season, the Hoosiers were really in a prime position to knock off the Hawkeyes with an outright upset before the wheels fell off at Kinnick Stadium and Iowa ended up finding a way to cover a very similar point spread. We aren't so sure that that will be the case again this season. Yes, the Hawkeyes have a significantly better team than do the Hoosiers, but IU has always been a real thorn in the side to Iowa. As long as QB Ben Chappell proves to be healthy enough to give it a go in this one (and that's in doubt, so be sure to check the injury report before unloading), the Hoosiers have a real chance at pulling off the upset. We don't think that it will happen, but we aren't ready to take QB Ricky Stanzi on the road and laying over two TDs against a team that is good enough to be a bowl squad this year in a conference tussle.

Free College Football Picks: Indiana +17.5
Prediction: Iowa 28 – Indiana 20

Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Game Line: Michigan State -24.5
Over/Under 57.5

The Spartans have to be angry after losing last week to the Iowa Hawkeyes in a bad way, and we tend to believe that this is a game in which they can exact some revenge. Sure, we know that these two teams don't like each other and that the Golden Gophers theoretically shouldn't just be taking a dive in a game like this even though they are 1-8 on the season, but what other result is really possible? QB Adam Weber needs to have a tremendous game to avoid Minnesota suffering what should be an absolutely brutal defeat. It will be a great bounce back game for QB Kirk Cousins, RB Le'Veon Bell, and RB Edwin Baker, all of which were absolutely shut down last week by Iowa.

Free College Football Picks: Michigan State -24.5
Prediction: Michigan State 41 – Minnesota 14

Matchup: North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Line: Clemson -4
Over/Under 50.5

This could largely be considered the game of the year for the Wolfpack. If they win this one, the coast could be relatively clear towards the ACC Championship Game. They got some great news last week as well when Clemson was knocked off by the Boston College Eagles in Chestnut Hill. Depending on your belief, it could be that the Tigers just aren't that good, or that they were already looking forward to that duel against NC State. We're hoping that it's the latter. Death Valley is always a major pain to go into, and especially off of that tremendous win over the Florida State Seminoles, we can't help but wonder if the Wolfpack are going to crash back to earth in a game that is do or die for the Tigers if they have any hopes of bowling this season.

Free College Football Picks: Clemson -4
Prediction: Clemson 31 – NC State 24

Matchup: Baylor Bears @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:30 ET
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
Game Line: Oklahoma State -8
Over/Under 72.5

There certainly isn't going to be any shortage of offense in this one, as both the Bears and Pokes have high octane offenses that can run up and down the field in a hurry. QB Robert Griffin and QB Brandon Weeden are two of the best signal callers in a great conference, and they should both be putting on a show on Saturday. Baylor is a sneaky team right now and is coming off of the big "upset" at the Texas Longhorns last week. Things just don't look quite as right for the Cowboys, and we aren't so sure how WR Justin Blackmon is going to come back to the lineup after his one game suspension. This is a big, big game in the Big XII South, and we tend to think that the Bears are going to be able to leave Stillwater with their magical season still intact.

Free College Football Picks: Baylor +8
Prediction: Baylor 41 – Oklahoma State 35

Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini @ Michigan Wolverines
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Game Line: Michigan -3
Over/Under 57.5

Uh-oh Michigan… Does this look familiar? The men in maize and blue got off to a fantastic start last season and ended up tanking last year, and this is an eerily familiar setting. The Wolverines have absolutely no defense right now to speak of, which really plays into the hands of an Illinois offense that is getting better and better every single week. This isn't exactly a bowl elimination game, as both teams theoretically should get there… but we can already see the noose getting tighter around HC Rich Rodriguez's neck. If he loses this one, the only thing that might save his job would be a win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the biggest game of the season. Don't kid yourself about Illinois. This is a team that can ball. It did something a few weeks ago that Michigan couldn't do last week: Beat the Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley.

Free College Football Picks: Illinois +3
Prediction: Illinois 33 – Michigan 30

Matchup: Louisville Cardinals @ Syracuse Orange
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Game Line: Syracuse -6
Over/Under 44

College football betting action in the Big East hasn't exactly been sexy this year, but the Orange can win this one, they can lock down their bowl bid for the first time in years! We're not totally sure whether QB Adam Froman is going to be a go or not for the Cards, but we aren't as worried about him as we are about Syracuse's chances of stopping RB Bilal Powell, one of the few 1,000 yard rushers so far on the season. However, the Orange just keep finding ways to win games, and we tend to believe that this is going to be no exception. This is the first time that they have been favored in a game against the Cards since 2003, and the dog has covered every single time that these teams have met since 1985, but we aren't worried. The 'Cuse have covered five straight in this series and even have a pair of outright upsets (including once in Louisville as a 37 point dog!). Get your bowling shoes on Syracuse fans!

Free College Football Picks: Syracuse -6
Prediction: Syracuse 23 – Louisville 14

Matchup: Maryland Terrapins @ Miami Hurricanes
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:00 ET
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
Game Line: Miami -7.5
Over/Under 46

Simply put, the wrong team in favored in this game. The Terps are coming off of an absolute offensive explosion against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and they are still the forgotten team that is in the driver's seat in the ACC Atlantic Division. The Canes looked like they just gave up last week at the Virginia Cavaliers, and they are clearly playing to the level of their opponents right now. QB Jacory Harris is out of the lineup, and that just might be the death sentence for HC Randy Shannon. We're amazed that Shannon kept his job after two years ago when the Virginia Cavaliers came into South Beach and shut out Miami and its last ever game at the Orange Bowl. Don't be shocked if the outcome is awfully similar on Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: Maryland +7.5
Prediction: Maryland 17 – Miami 6

Matchup: Florida Gators @ Vanderbilt Commodores
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 12:20 ET
Location: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, TN
Game Line: Vanderbilt +14
Over/Under 46

Sandwich game alert! The Gators are coming off of their emotional overtime win over the Georgia Bulldogs, and unless they lose this week and the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Arkansas Razorbacks, next week's duel against the Cocks at home is for the SEC East title. Vanderbilt has been struggling all season long, but we wonder how much the Gators really want to show this week against a lowly bunch of 'Dores with the Ol' Ball Coach coming back to Gainesville next weekend. Will QB Trey Burton see more snaps? If he does, we tend to think that Florida will beat this line. But if he doesn't, we aren't even totally sure that the blue and orange escape the Music City with a victory. The Commodores always seem to play Florida tough, and this year will be no exception in what should be a real defensive struggle.

Free College Football Picks: Vanderbilt +14
Prediction: Florida 16 – Vanderbilt 10

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October 29th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Here at Cappers Info, we are taking a weekly look at the teams that could be ones ripe to pull off some major upsets! Check out the potentially ugly dogs that could come up and bite you in the butt in you aren't careful for the Week 9 of college football betting action!

Underdog Pick #1: Louisville Cardinals (+320 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Pittsburgh Panthers, Saturday, 12:00 ET: The Big East has had so many twists and turns this season… Why the heck not! Remember the name RB Bilal Powell. You might not know this senior running back's name, but perhaps you should. This was supposed to be a passing spread attack this year, but thanks to how well Powell has toted the rock in recent weeks, he is suddenly getting the call on what feels like the majority of plays. Powell has rumbled the rock 90 times in his last four games for a stunning 675 yards in the process, and he is the big reason that the Cards are finding themselves above .500 seven games into the season. Many think that Louisville has no chance playing on the road, but it already has a win this year at the Arkansas State Red Wolves and a great challenge at the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in which they pushed one of the best teams in the Pac-10 to the brink. The Panthers have struggled at times, and just like everyone else in the Big East, they aren't that good. The upset is a distinct possibility.

Underdog Pick #2: Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+260 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Saturday 2:30 ET: The Fighting Irish really might not have enough offensive weapons available in this game to keep up with Tulsa. We already know that both TE Kyle Rudolph and WR Theo Riddick aren't going to be available, which might leave QB Dayne Crist looking around wondering where he is going to throw the ball. Tulsa has had two weeks to prepare for this game, and the Irish have seen nothing like this before. The Golden Hurricane are going to snap the ball in a hurry and get moving, which could tire out a Notre Dame defense that has never gone at this tempo before. The one time it faced a quarterback like QB GJ Kinne, QB Denard Robinson made himself a Heisman Trophy candidate. This is a great number on a solid team in Conference USA, and we are perfectly content to say that the Golden Hurricane will win this game at least one out of three times to make this incredibly worthwhile.

Underdog Pick #3: Florida Gators (+110 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, Saturday, 3:30 ET: Really, how much of an "upset" is it when the better team wins a neutral site game that always feels like a home game each and every season? Look, we know that the Gators have lost three straight games, and we have even suggested playing against them in those outings. However, they still have a fantastic defense with a ton of pro prospects and have had two weeks to prepare for this one. UF still knows that the SEC East is up for grabs, and winning its last four in conference will win the division and send the orange and blue to the SEC Championship Game. This has been a two week period full of soul searching for an offense that either needs an overhaul or a new scheme. However, on the other side of the ball, the game plan is simple. Florida needs to shut down WR AJ Green. If it does that, this should be a third straight win in the World's Largest Cocktail Party for the Gators.

Underdog Pick #4: USC Trojans (+200 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Oregon Ducks, Saturday, 8:00 ET: Be very quiet! It's Duck hunting season! We realize that the Trojans don't really have a heck of a lot to play for, but there has to be a level of bulletin board material emotion going into this game for them. The Men of Troy were embarrassed last year on this very same weekend in Eugene, and the Ducks clearly ran up the score on the game's final drives for good measure. To top that off, the oddsmakers have made USC a touchdown dog at home, and the No. 1 team in the country is coming to town. There's something to be said about the whole atmosphere with ESPN's College Gameday as well. QB Matt Barkley has thrown for 20 TDs against just four picks, and if the Trojans weren't on probation, we would be talking about him for the Heisman Trophy. We know that Oregon is good and is certainly the better team on the field, but we'll take our chances with the Trojans at these types of odds.

Underdog Pick #5: Mississippi Rebels (+250 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Auburn Tigers, Saturday, 6:00 ET: It feels like we're picking against Auburn each and every week right now, but it also feels like we're backing the Rebels every week as well. There's a good reason for both. Auburn is a one man band, and though that one man, QB Cam Newton, is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy by a runaway margin, if anything happens to him or he gets shut down, it could be all over for the Tigers. Ole Miss knows that QB Jeremiah Masoli keeps getting better and better, and he is at the point right now in this offense that he should be succeeding against teams like this. What better head coach to have going against the No. 1 team in the country than Houston Nutt? He did it to the LSU Tigers. He did it to the Florida Gators. Now, he's going to do it to the Auburn Tigers as well. This will mark four straight weeks that the No. 1 team in the land goes down on the road.

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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

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October 13th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Cincinnati Bearcats @ Louisville Cardinals
Date: Friday, October 15th, 8:00 ET
Location: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY
Game Line: Cincinnati -2.5
Over/Under 58

The 3-2 Louisville Cardinals and the 2-3 Cincinnati Bearcats kick off their conference slates this Friday night when the two meet in Louisville. First-year HC Charlie Strong has breathed some life into a Cardinals program that was moribund under former HC Steve Kragthorpe. Under Strong, Louisville’s defense is much improved over the sieve it was in 2009, currently allowing 329 YPG. The Cardinals offense has also improved on the offensive side of the ball, racking up 461.4 YPG thus far this season. Last week against Memphis, the Cardinals put together their most dominant performance yet in a 56-0 rout of the Tigers. Louisville’s defense held Memphis to just 223 total yards and the Tigers only averaged a paltry 3.5 yards per play on the day. Louisville’s offense was simply electric and torched the Tigers for 574 yards while averaging over 10 yards per play. Leading the way was QB Adam Froman, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, RB Bilal Powell carried the ball 18 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns. As for the Bearcats, new HC Butch Jones had some big shoes to fill when former coach Brian Kelly left for Notre Dame and his schedule didn’t do him any favors. Road losses to North Carolina State and Fresno State and a home loss to mighty Oklahoma have dipped the program under .500 for the first time in recent memory, but Jones has shown signs that he is getting his feet under him. Last week against Miami (OH), the Bearcats put together their most complete game thus far in a 45-3 romp of the Redhawks. The Bearcats put up over 600 total yards of offense and averaged over 9 yards per play, while the defense held Miami (OH) to just 269 total yards and 4 yards per play. The backfield combo of QB Zach Collaros and RB Isaiah Pead will need to come up big for the Bearcats if they hope to score a Big East road win.

Free College Football Picks: Louisville +2.5
Prediction: Louisville 27 Cincinnati 20

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

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Miami (OH) Redhawks @ Florida Gators (-37.5)
Saturday, September 2nd
12:00 ET, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

The Gators are probably going to end up dominating this game. They are out to make a real statement now that QB Tim Tebow is gone. QB John Brantley is going to be getting a good test to begin his career as a starter. Many feel as though he might be better than Tebow as a passer, though he clearly doesn't have the mobility or the inherent leadership abilities of the departed No. 15. Still, this is going to be one of the best rushing games in the country still with RBs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. As for the Redhawks, they are coming off of an absolutely terrible season in which they only won one game. It is fairly clear that they aren't going to win this game, but they did a decent job last year sticking inside of college football betting lines. Unfortunately for Miami, this probably won't be a day in which it does that. If the Gators have a desire to win by at least six scores, they will. Brantley might cover the Redhawks all by himself.

Prediction: Florida 59 – Miami 7
Western Michigan Broncos (+23.5) @ Michigan State Spartans
Saturday, September 2nd
12:00 ET, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

Michigan State seems to start every single season with unrealistic expectations. This year is probably no exception even though HC Mark Dantonio is clearly on the hot seat and is probably going to have to win at least seven or eight games to save his job. The good news is that QB Kirk Cousins is back after having a very respectable first season as a starter. He threw for 2,680 yards and 19 TDs against just nine picks, and there are high hopes for him this season. Unfortunately for the Broncos, they can't say the same thing. QB Tim Hiller was one of the best that this program has ever seen. With him gone, QB Alex Carder is going to take over. Carder only threw seven passes last year backing up Hiller, but he is going to be thrown into the fire right away in East Lansing as a sophomore. Still, this is a hefty point total for Sparty to be laying against a team that could reasonably still be one of the best in the MAC if Carder can keep his head on straight. Expect WMU to beat the college football odds in this one.

Prediction: Michigan State 34 – Western Michigan 21
Texas Longhorns (-31) vs. Rice Owls
Saturday, September 2nd
3:30 ET, Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

The QB Garrett Gilbert is going to get the first start of his career this week in Houston against the Owls, which should be a nice little warm up for the real big boys coming up in the weeks to come for the Longhorns. There are a number of returners for this team even though there were a number of players that were drafted in the first two days of the NFL Draft this year off of the squad in burnt orange. The Owls are playing this close to the vest, as they haven't even announced a starting quarterback yet. The good news for the Longhorns is that they are 8-2 ATS in their L/10 games against Conference USA opponents. The bad news for Rice is that they are just 1-7 ATS in their L/8 against the Big XII. The even better news for Texas and worse news for Rice is that the Horns have outscored the Owls by an average score of 49-10 since 2003. That sounds about right for Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: Texas 49 – Rice 10
Purdue Boilermakers (+10.5) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday, September 2nd
3:30 ET, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

For HC Brian Kelly, this will be his debut in South Bend and could be the most important game of his coaching career. Coaches that get off to a bad start at Notre Dame generally don't end up lasting very long, and Kelly is going to want to make sure that he doesn't blow this in a year of high expectations, especially against a team that is probably not going bowling this year. The Boilers were destroyed by RB Ralph Bolden's knee injury that is going to keep him out for the season. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is going to be breaking in a new quarterback in the form of QB Dayne Crist. TE Kyle Rudolph is questionable with a hamstring injury, and if he doesn't end up playing, Crist is going to be relying heavily on WR Michael Floyd, who could be one of the best receivers in the nation. Still, Purdue hung last year with the Irish, losing 24-21 at home. With QB Robert Marve eager to make a good debut for the black and gold, the Boilers have the potential to hang in this game, though the Boilermakers probably won't win it.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31 – Purdue 28
Kentucky Wildcats (-3) @ Louisville Cardinals
Saturday, September 2nd
3:30 ET, Papa John's Stadium, Louisville, KY

It's the battle to determine whether the Bluegrass State will be blue or red on Saturday, and the annual Kentucky/Louisville battle has even higher stakes this season. Both teams will be entering this game with new head coaches, as Joker Phillips (Kentucky) and Charlie Strong (Louisville) are both making their head coaching debuts. QB Mike Hartline is going to have a lot of experience under his belt in this one even though he is a much maligned signal caller. Louisville is changing its offense to a spread attack, which is a drastic change from the offense that Steve Kragthorpe tried running over the last few years. The winning mentality isn't quite there yet for the Cardinals, which have fallen a long way in a short period of time. Kentucky is hoping to head to another bowl game this year, and it is the significantly better team, at least this early in the year. Take the Blue State in this NCAA football betting affair.

Prediction: Kentucky 27 – Louisville 20
Connecticut Huskies (+3) @ Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 2nd
3:30 ET, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

If the maize and blue don't win this game to start off the 2010 season, the Big House might be burning. HC Rich Rodriguez knows that this is his last chance to try to impress the Ann Arbor faithful before he ends up on the unemployment lines, and this game against Connecticut is a very important one to start the season. Unfortunately for Big Blue, this won't be their day. The Huskies are one of the best teams in a conference that is relatively strong this season, and RB Jordan Todman might have a field day against a defense which struggled against the rush last season. Rodriguez still hasn't settled on a quarterback either, though QB Tate Forcier sounds like he is getting the nod. We are puzzled as to why the Wolverines are favored in this one, as we aren't buying into their hype as a team that is that much improved from the one that went 5-7 last year. The Huskies are going to be dogs that are barking very, very loudly.

Prediction: Connecticut 28 – Michigan 24
UCLA Bruins @ Kansas State Wildcats (-2)
Saturday, September 2nd
3:30 ET, Bill Snyder Family Field, Manhattan, KS

The biggest question that we have in this game is whether or not QB Kevin Prince is really going to be able to play for the full 60 minutes with his back injury or not. If he can't go, UCLA is in a heck of a lot of trouble in this one. Trying to stop RB Daniel Thomas is going to be virtually impossible for a defensive line that has been beat up all offseason long for the second straight year with injuries. HC Rick Neuheisel has his work cut out for him this year. The Bruins only made the Eagle Bank Bowl on the back of their non-conference slate, as a 3-6 record in conference left little to the imagination. This year is going to be a tough grind for the blue and gold, and it is going to start with K-State getting some big time payback for last season's 23-9 loss in LA.

Prediction: Kansas State 30 – UCLA 10
Oregon State Beavers (+13) vs. TCU Horned Frogs
Saturday, September 2nd
7:45 ET, Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX

Though this is technically a neutral site game, we know that Oregon State is going to clearly be the road team in this duel. The Horned Frogs are going to try to make a huge statement for the rest of college football, proving that they deserve to be considered for the BCS Championship, not just for a regular BCS bowl game like last year in the Fiesta Bowl. A slew of returning starters on both sides of the ball are going to help that cause out dramatically. QB Andy Dalton is going to have to lead the way against a very talented Oregon State defense. The offense for the Beavers is going to once again feature both the Rodgers brothers, as Jacquizz and James are virtually impossible to stop. Though the secondary is entirely intact from last year for TCU, the front seven has two major holes to fill in the form of DE Jerry Hughes and LB Daryl Washington. We give Oregon State a lot of credit for scheduling this game, and though the ultimate reward of an upset won't be the end result, we wouldn't be surprised to see HC Mike Riley's club hang around and make things quite uncomfortable for the de facto hosts.

Prediction: TCU 33 – Oregon State 28
LSU Tigers (-7.5) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Saturday, September 2nd
8:00 ET, Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

Suspensions have absolutely destroyed North Carolina's chances of accomplishing just about anything this year. Their offseason probe is going to end up seeing 13 players suspended for this opening game against the Bayou Bengals, including four of which were all projected NFL stars and were first team All-ACC members in the preseason. HC Les Miles now knows that this has gone from a game that would be a huge boost to win, to one that might ultimately decide whether he gets to stay in Baton Rouge or not next year. LSU needs to pick it up in a big way in order to make it back to the big time in the SEC, and winning a game like this against a quality ACC opponent would go a long way. Speaking of going a long way, if QB TJ Yates can find a way to pull this one off, he would suddenly go from being a zero in Chapel Hill to a hero. QB Jordon Jefferson hopes to just not see his name as a gigantic screw up in his '10 debut with the purple and gold. It's hard to see how North Carolina is doing enough damage on either side of the ball, and in spite of the fact that this is a hefty line that is only rising, we don't see how LSU can do anything but smash it.

Prediction: LSU 24 – North Carolina 13
Cincinnati Bearcats (+3) @ Fresno State Bulldogs
Saturday, September 2nd
10:00 ET, Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, CA

Is the wrong team really favored in this game? The Bearcats are getting absolutely no respect this year after going undefeated in the regular season in 2009. Yes, it's true that HC Brian Kelly has jumped to Notre Dame and both QB Tony Pike and WR Mardy Gilyard have moved on to the NFL, but there are a number of quality replacements set to step up. The oddsmakers were burned last year when QB Zach Collaros stepped into the starting lineup in place of Pike and looked like Joe Montana. Collaros is only a sophomore now, but he clearly has the tools to bring Cincinnati back to the BCS. Fresno State still has a lot of questions, none bigger than who is going to replace the departed RB Ryan Mathews, who at times last year, single handedly carried it to victory. Remember that Cincinnati traveled up to Reser Stadium last year and knocked off Oregon State in a very similar position. Expect the same on Saturday night.

Prediction: Cincinnati 41 – Fresno State 28
Wisconsin Badgers (-19.5) @ UNLV Runnin' Rebels
Saturday, September 2nd
11:00 ET, Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

New Rebs HC Bobby Hauck made the first huge decision of his head coaching career when he named QB Mike Clausen his starter for this crucial, potentially program changing duel with the Badgers. Unfortunately for Hauck and UNLV, this is still a team that doesn't have the horses defensively to stop Wisky. Most years, the Badgers have a subpar offense and a stellar defense, but QB Scott Tolzien might be the best signal caller this team has had in well over a decade. This is also the first game of the potential Heisman Trophy campaign for RB John Clay. With Alabama's Mark Ingram sidelined, Clay might be the best running back in the nation that no one is talking about. This is a bunch of Badgers that might be severely underrated. This game is going to be the first of a slew of huge wins for a team that we think could be a big time sleeper in the Big Ten. The Badgers will round out Saturday night's slate with a monstrous victory over a hapless and unsuspecting foe.

Prediction: Wisconsin 51 – UNLV 20

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March 18th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

The battered and bruised Big East, which had a miserable first day of the NCAA Tournament, will look to right the ship on Friday night in Jacksonville, where the Louisville Cardinals (20-12) will face the California Golden Bears (23-10, 19-13 ATS).

What's At Stake: The winner of this college basketball betting battle will most likely be rewarded with a war against the Duke Blue Devils on Sunday night.

College Basketball Odds: Pick 'em at 5Dimes Sportsbook

Louisville Notes: The Cardinals crammed their way into the field of 65 by scoring two huge victories over Syracuse towards the end of the regular season. This isn't quite the same team that was a #1 seed a year ago, but there are several holdovers that have a ton of tournament experience from that squad. Louisville is averaging 76.3 points per game this year, which is good enough for 37th in the land. The defense doesn't have fantastic numbers, allowing 69.6 points per game, but if you ask any team in the Big East, they'll tell you that the Redbirds have as stout of a defense as there is in their conference.

California Notes: The Golden Bears were the only team in the Pac-10 that really deserved a slot in the NCAA Tournament all season long. Thanks to the fact that Washington won the conference, the "best" conference in the west earned a second bid to the dance. Cal loves to run up and down the court, as it is good for 78.0 points per game. It's also a very efficient team in all facets of the game, as it shoots 47.7% from the field, 37.3% from downtown, and 75.7% from the charity stripe. Averaging 11.8 turnovers per game is probably largely thanks to a very difficult schedule this year, but facing a squad that can put on a ton of pressure, that number is probably only get worse.

Players to Watch

G Edgar Sosa, Louisville Cardinals: If you're looking for a vintage boom or bust player, look no further than Sosa. The New York native is an experienced tournament star having played many games in the dance in his four years at Louisville. He's coming off of a 28 point showing against Cincinnati in the Big East Tournament. At 12.8 points per game, Sosa's numbers don't look fantastic, but he's very dangerous from the outside and can change the course of a game in a hurry.

G Jerome Randle, California Golden Bears: Randle is a fantastic scorer, and he does all of the little things right for the Golden Bears. He's averaging 18.7 points per game, and a lot of that is thanks to a 93.5% shooting percentage from the free throw line and a 40.6% shooting percentage from downtown. Randle does turn the ball over a bit much (3.3 times per game), but his 4.5 assists per game levels that out.

Trends of Note

-Louisville is 4-0 ATS in its L/4 games following an SU defeat
-Louisville is 4-1 ATS in its L/5 games against the Pac-10
-Louisville is 1-4 ATS in its L/5 NCAA Tournament showdowns
-California is 1-4 ATS in its L/5 NCAA Tournament showdowns
-California is 1-4 ATS in its  L/5 games against the Big East
-California is 4-1 ATS in its L/5 games against teams with a winning percentage of at least .600

Final Analysis: This is the second Pac-10/Big East battle of the dance after U-Dub knocked Marquette out of the first round of this tournament yesterday, and Friday's affair should be a doozy as well. However, HC Rick Pitino knows what he's doing in the dance, and he's already plotting how his team can make a major run out of a very unpredictable seeding. Look for Sosa to have a great game, while Randle and the crew get very frustrated with the pressure defense that The Ville will throw the Bears' way.

Selection: Louisville pk

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