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Posts Tagged ‘Virginia Tech Hokies’

January 2nd, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The Virginia Tech Hokies and Stanford Cardinal probably underachieved this year, but they are both going to be playing on Tobacco Road on New Year's Eve for the first of a four pack of NCAA football bowl games at the Orange Car Care Bowl. Which team will beat the college football betting lines? Check out our preview and our Orange Car Care Bowl picks.

Orange Bowl Matchup: Stanford Cardinal vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Date: Monday, January 3rd, 8:30 ET
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
Orange Bowl Line: Stanford -3.5
Over/Under 58

Cardinal Notes: This could be the end of a tremendous era of Stanford football. QB Andrew Luck is most likely going to end up going to the NFL after this game is over, where he is likely to be the No. 1 pick in the draft and become a member of the Carolina Panthers. Luck, a two year starter down on "The Farm," threw for 3,045 yards and 28 TDs this year, and he also showed his mobility by running for 438 yards and three scores. The other major problem that the Cardinal might have in this one is that Head Coach Jim Harbaugh might be leaving for either another collegiate job or one in the NFL, as he is the most highly sought after coach in the country right now at either the pro or college level. On the ground this year, the Cardinal really did a great job, getting the ball in the hands of RB Stepfan Taylor quite a bit. The frosh really took over, replacing the departed RB Toby Gerhart, and he rushed for 1,023 yards and 15 scores on the campaign. This Stanford offense averaged 468.7 yards per game this year, and though it wasn't as heralded as the offense of the Oregon Ducks, there is no shame in averaging 40.3 points per game. On the other side of the ball, there wasn't a defense in that country that pitched more shutouts than that of the Cardinal, which had three clean sheets. Stanford allowed an average of just 17.8 points per game this year and was really only blown to bits by Oregon's offense.

Hokies Notes: Virginia Tech could have really just run and hid after just two weeks of the season, as the team was 0-2 and had dropped clear out of the Top 25 in the country after getting beaten by the James Madison Dukes in a loss that was absolutely unforgiveable. However, give a lot of credit to Head Coach Frank Beamer and his team, which surged to 11 straight victories and a 10-1 ATS mark over the course of their last 11 games this year to not only win the ACC, but to make it here to the Orange Bowl with a chance to finish ranked in the Top 10 in America. The Hokies have QB Tyrod Taylor, the ACC Player of the Year on their side in this one. He threw for 2,521 yards and rushed for 637 more, accounting for a total of 28 scores against just four turnovers. The offense for the Hokies really did play well this year thanks to the fact that the ground game was just so darn good. Not only did Taylor reach the 600+ yard barrier, but so did RB Darren Evans and RB David Wilson, who rushed for 813 and 616 yards respectively. The man we haven't talked about yet is last year's ACC Freshman of the Year, RB Ryan Williams, who spend a good chunk of the year on the sidelines injured. The defense for VT only allowed 339.7 yards and 19.1 points per game on the campaign.

The Final Word: We know that the Cardinal have an underrated team this year, but there is still a big time question about the schedule that they played. No one is doubting the way that V-Tech just absolutely dominated foe after foe down the stretch, and they played a non-conference schedule that was absolutely legitimate. The Hokies are the right side in this one whether they win it or not, as this should be a close call the whole way. We tend to think that Beamer Ball gets the job done with a narrow 'W'.

Orange Bowl Free Pick: Virginia Tech +3.5
Orange Bowl Prediction: Virginia Tech 31 – Stanford 27

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November 26th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Virginia Cavaliers @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 12:00 ET
Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Game Line: Virginia Tech Hokies -23.5
Over/Under 57.5

The rivalry in the state of Virginia this year doesn't have all that much meaning to it, as the Hokies are already going to the ACC Championship Game next week, while the Cavaliers can't make it to a bowl game one way or the other. Both of these teams are solid ATS squads as well, as they are a combined 14-8 in that department. The Hokies have dominated this series, going 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS since 2003, and there is little reason to believe that that won't continue. The Hoos are trying out a bunch of new things this year, and unless QB Marc Verica plans on getting to the 3,000 yard mark this year (which requires 369 passing yards), we don't see how UVA is sticking around with the red hot Hokies, who just want to keep their mojo going into the conference title game.

Free College Football Picks: Virginia Tech -23.5
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38 – Virginia 10

Matchup: Michigan State Spartans @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 12:00 ET
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Game Line: Michigan State -1.5
Over/Under 51

This is the game that will essentially lock up the Big Ten for the Wisconsin Badgers. The Spartans are just barely hanging on by a thread this season, as they have already had to post major comebacks against both the Northwestern Wildcats and the Purdue Boilermakers to hold on for victories. If those games went the other way and nothing else changed, we know that Penn State would be favored by close to a TD in this one. The bottom line here is that we've had this game circled for quite some time. The Spartans have killed off a number of National Championship hopes for the Nittany Lions over the years, and now Penn State can return the favor and end the Rose Bowl dreams of Michigan State. You know that Joe Pa's crew isn't going to want to pass up on that opportunity.

Free College Football Picks: Penn State +1.5
Prediction: Penn State 23 – Michigan State 17

Matchup: Michigan Wolverines @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 12:00 ET
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Game Line: Ohio State -16.5
Over/Under 63.5

Ohio State has a chance to finish off an 11 win season if it can continue dominance over the Wolverines. Previous Michigan HC Lloyd Carr was canned because he couldn't beat the Buckeyes, and though we know that HC Rich Rodriguez is safe this year after winning seven games and taking Big Blue to a bowl game, eventually, a win over OSU is going to be required for him to keep his job. QB Denard Robinson is going to have to go wild against one of the top defenses in the country to pull off this upset, but with what we've seen thus far with the Buckeyes at home, where they are 7-0 SU and 7-0 ATS, the NCAA football odds aren't looking so good for the visitors.

Free College Football Picks: Ohio State -16.5
Prediction: Ohio State 41 – Michigan 21

Matchup: BYU Cougars @ Utah Utes
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Game Line: Utah -8.5
Over/Under 50

This is going to be one of the most interesting Holy Wars in years. The Utes are really slumping right now, as they only stopped a brutal two game skid in which they scored a total of just nine points last week. BYU, on the other hand, really has its offense in high gear right now, and it has salvaged a bowl bid in a year in which looked like it was going to be a disaster. This is the last meeting of these two teams as members of the MWC. The Cougs will be going independent next year, while Utah is headed to the Pac-10. QB Jake Heaps has really figured it out of late, as he is up to 1,824 yards and ten TDs on the campaign, while his counterpart in this one, QB Jordan Wynn, really hasn't gotten it together this year for the Utes to the fullest capability. Last year's game was an epic 26-23 overtime win for BYU in Provo, and this year's encounter should be every bit as entertaining. We think that Rice Eccles Stadium will claim another foe, but that the Cougs are going to find a way to get out of Salt Lake City with another cover.

Free College Football Picks: BYU +8.5
Prediction: Utah 27 – BYU 21

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Wisconsin Badgers
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Game Line: Wisconsin -23.5
Over/Under 57

As long as nothing else screwy happens in the Big Ten over the course of the day, this is going to be the farewell song for the Badgers at home this year, as they head to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl or to Glendale for the BCS Championship Game. The equation in this one is painfully simply. The Wildcats gave up 360 rushing yards last week to Illinois' RB Mikel LeShoure. Last week, Wisconsin's RB Montee Ball and RB James White both rumbled for at least 170 yards apiece. Now, RB John Clay is going to be back in the fold this week as well. At this pace, all three of them could end up with 150 on the ground, especially since the Northwestern offense has totally fallen apart with QB Dan Persa out of the lineup with an Achilles tear. RB Jacob Schmidt and RB Mike Trumpy probably aren't playing either, and if this is the case, QB Evan Watkins is going to be looking like a deer in headlights. Camp Randall will be Jumpin' Around on Saturday afternoon, as their Badgers will have roses between their teeth when this one is over with.

Free College Football Picks: Wisconsin -23.5
Prediction: Wisconsin 63 – Northwestern 17

Matchup: NC State Wolfpack @ Maryland Terrapins
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: Byrd Stadium, College Park, MD
Game Line: NC State -1.5
Over/Under 52

The Wolfpack haven't played all that well on the road this year, but they knew coming into last week's clash with the North Carolina Tar Heels that they needed to win twice in order to lock up the ACC Atlantic Division to go to their first ACC Championship Game. The equation is simple. An NCSU win sends the Wolfpack to the game. A loss puts the Florida State Seminoles there for the second time in school history. QB Russell Wilson has all of the pressure on his shoulders to try to take down a team that has played incredibly well at home this year. The Terps don't have anything to really play for except positioning in bowl games, but you can bet that after a great season, Maryland doesn't want to see it all come crashing down with a pair of home losses. Back the hosts, which will send FSU to the league title game.

Free College Football Picks: Maryland Terrapins +1.5
Prediction: Maryland 21 – NC State 20

Matchup: Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Game Line: Florida State -2
Over/Under 51

The truth of the matter is that this game really doesn't mean much to either one of these teams from the perspective of where they are going to go to a bowl game. Odds have it, Florida's fate will be in the hands of the Outback Bowl, which may or may not take it. If not, there will be a lot of bowl games that surpass the Gators before they land one way or the other. The Noles though, are probably going to be the No. 2 or No. 3 team in the conference, which means that they will either be in the Gator Bowl or the Champs Sports Bowl unless they win the ACC. You know that there will be plenty of scoreboard watching in Tallahassee, win or lose against UF. The Maryland Terrapins will be rooted on just as hard as the Noles will at the Doak on Saturday. A win for the team that FSU disposed of last week will send it to the ACC Championship Game. Still, this game takes top priority for the men on the field, as the Seminoles haven't beaten the Gators in six tries. Florida just doesn't look like it has the oomph right now, particularly offensively, to be able to take down the men in garnet and gold. Florida State will get the job done, and there will be a ton of celebrating on the streets of Tallahassee for the first time in years.

Free College Football Picks: Florida State -2
Prediction: Florida State 30 – Florida 21

Matchup: LSU Tigers @ Arkansas Razorbacks
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR
Game Line: Arkansas -3
Over/Under 54

These two teams really hate each other, as the battle for the Golden Boot is always one of the most brutal battles to watch on the collegiate gridiron all season long. Depending on what happens with the Iron Bowl on Friday afternoon, Arkansas might think that it has a great chance of playing for a BCS bowl game, as a second team from the SEC is likely going to find its way to a major bowl game. LSU knows that a spot in the BCS is guaranteed with a win, as a one loss SEC team is not going to be passed upon under any circumstance. The chance is still there for the Mad Hatter, HC Les Miles and company to go the National Championship Game, especially if they are impressive in this one on the road. We know that statistically speaking, all signs point to Arkansas winning this game, but we're not so sure. LSU just has this knack of winning games like this one, while the Hogs have had the nature to lose them. That parlayed with the fact that the Bayou Bengals have been the dominant team in this series over the years has us waving around purple and gold flags in college football betting action.

Free College Football Picks: LSU +3
Prediction: LSU 23 – Arkansas 20

Matchup: Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Mississippi Rebels
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 7:00 ET
Location: Vaught Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Game Line: Mississippi State -2.5
Over/Under 54

The annual Egg Bowl is usually a very close run thing, and this year is probably going to be no exception whatsoever. The Bulldogs have lost a pair of games in a row, but no one is blaming them after having a fantastic first nine games of the year. Ole Miss has been disappointing, losing close game after close game. HC Houston Nutt needs something to bring into next season, but we tend to think that the combination of QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB Brandon Bolden are going to get stuffed up. MSU has no fear about going on the road and winning games like this one. Just ask the Florida Gators. The Bulldogs are going to find a way to sneak out of Oxford with a big time win to hopefully snare a bid in a strong bowl like they deserve after a great regular season.

Free College Football Picks: Mississippi State -2.5
Prediction: Mississippi State 27 – Mississippi 20

Matchup: South Carolina Gamecocks @ Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 3:30 ET
Location: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Line: South Carolina -2.5
Over/Under 45

Winning in Death Valley is never an easy thing to do, but the Tigers just haven't looked like a team all season long that can beat a team the quality of the Gamecocks. South Carolina didn't take its foot off of the gas pedal last week in the demolition of the Troy Trojans, and we don't see it doing anything of the sorts again this week even though the SEC Championship Game is on deck. The Gamecocks are a legitimate team, and they are going to give Auburn fits for the second time this year inevitably. But before any of that takes place, RB Marcus Lattimore is once again going to prove that he is the best freshman in the entire country, as he leads Cocky over the Tigers in Death Valley on the road.

Free College Football Picks: South Carolina -2.5
Prediction: South Carolina 26 – Clemson 17

Matchup: Oregon State Beavers @ Stanford Cardinal
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 7:30 ET
Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA
Game Line: Stanford -13
Over/Under 57

HC Mike Riley has his work cut out for him for his Beavers, as they need to beat either the Cardinal or the Oregon Ducks to go to a bowl game this year. The problem that the Beavs have is that they just can't win games on the road. They've had too many close calls to deal with and have just consistently found ways to drop. Stanford knows that this could be a play in game for the BCS, and maybe even for the BCS Championship if enough you know what breaks loose. The Cardinal are going to be locked in this dog fight with teams like the TCU Horned Frogs, LSU Tigers, and Ohio State Buckeyes for the last at large bowl bids to the BCS, and an impressive victory here against a former Top 25 team would go a long, long way. The offense for Stanford is just too strong, as it has put at least 42 on the board in three of the last four. The Cardinal are 3-0-1 ATS in those four games, and there is no reason that we can see that they would do anything less than come away with a three score victory against Oregon State.

Free College Football Picks: Stanford -13
Prediction: Stanford 38 – Oregon State 21

Matchup: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ Georgia Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 7:45 ET
Location: Bulldog Stadium, Athens, GA
Game Line: Georgia -13.5
Over/Under 58.5

The winner of this game is certainly going bowling, while the loser might be in a bit of trouble. We already know that Georgia is playing for its bowl life, something that the Texas Longhorns failed at on Thanksgiving night. One of the most proud programs in the SEC posting a losing season would be fatal for the career of HC Mark Richt, as he will almost certainly be fired by the end of the weekend if the Dawgs don't come out on top in this one. QB Josh Nesbitt has been out of the lineup for the Ramblin' Wreck though, and he isn't going to be back in the fold for the rest of the year. Even though Georgia Tech already has the six wins required to be eligible for a bowl game, there is still a huge question as to whether or not anyone would take the Yellow Jackets if there are more bowl eligible teams than there are tie ins to these bowl games in the ACC. Some weird results have happened in this rivalry game, just like last year when UGA pulled off the upset in Atlanta in a game in which no one really gave the Bulldogs a shot. Don't be overly surprised if HC Paul Johnson has something in store for the Georgia offense that it hasn't seen this year. Take all the points you can get, as un upset might be in the cards.

Free College Football Picks: Georgia Tech +13.5
Prediction: Georgia Tech 21 – Georgia 17

Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 8:00 ET
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Game Line: USC -4.5
Over/Under 49.5

We're not so sure what in the heck the Fighting Irish have been doing in recent weeks, but even without five of their offensive stars, they just keep continuing to find ways to win games. The Golden Domers fortunately locked up their bowl berth before this game kicked off. But now that that has happened, does USC really have much in the way of motivation to finish off this year? The Trojans slumped down the end of the season last year, and that was with a bowl game coming up. Now, they don't even have one of those to look forward to. These are two of the most bi-polar teams in the entire country that we're dealing with, and as long as that remains the case, we'll take the hotter team with the points and pull for the Irish.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame +4.5
Prediction: Notre Dame 20 – USC 13

Matchup: Oklahoma Sooners @ Oklahoma State Cowboys
Date: Saturday, November 27th, 8:00 ET
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
Game Line: Oklahoma State -2.5
Over/Under 67.5

Unless the BCS rankings have some tricks up their sleeves that we don't see coming, the winner of this game is going to be taking down the Big XII South and heading to the Big XII Championship Game, where they will be facing with the Nebraska Cornhuskers or Missouri Tigers. This is the first time that Okie State has been favored in this series in well over a decade, and for good reason. The men from Norman have won Bedlam 80 times in 104 meetings and have beaten up the Pokes seven times in a row. That all changes this year, though. This offense for Okie State is just downright scary, as QB Brandon Weeden, WR Justin Blackmon, and RB Kendall Hunter are all capable of putting up absolutely bananas numbers on a regular basis against anyone in the country. Though things have gotten better for Oklahoma, they still aren't where they should be. This defense is still certainly down from what we were expecting at the outset of the season. The team that deserves to win the Big XII South is Oklahoma State, and that's exactly how it is going to be playing out at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday night, as the goalposts are coming down in Stillwater.

Free College Football Picks: Oklahoma State -2.5
Prediction: Oklahoma State 37 – Oklahoma 31

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November 12th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Georgia Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 3:30 ET
Location: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Line: Auburn -7
Over/Under 62.5

Allegations around QB Cam Newton could really be hurting the college football betting lines in this one, as the Tigers continue to drop like a rock through the day on Friday. We just don't buy into the hype, though. At some point, we all have to realize that there is a reason that the Tigers are 10-0 this year, and a reason why they are considered such heavy favorites against a .500 Georgia team. The Bulldogs just aren't that great. Sure, QB Aaron Murray is going to be a star one day, but he isn't right now, and the only way he becomes a star is if WR AJ Green makes him one. Green is great and will surely get his yards and touches, but that doesn't mean that he can single handedly beat Auburn. There is just too much on the line for HC Gene Chizik, and we aren't buying the fact that the Tigers can't go 12-0 and that they can't figure out how to win the SEC or the National Championship. Newton is one of the best 2-3 players in the entire country, and as long as he is on the field and the NCAA doesn't put the boom down against him in this whole issue with "pay to play" at Auburn, the Tigers are certainly seven points better than the Bulldogs are on any field, especially their own.

Free College Football Picks: Auburn -7
Prediction: Auburn 41 – Georgia 24

Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 3:30 ET
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Game Line: Ohio State -18.5
Over/Under 49.5

The Buckeyes have gone a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS at home this year, and they really don't seem like they're going to get stopped any time in the near future. They have looked relatively flawless, short of that loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, yet the oddsmakers and the pollsters don't seem to be giving them the respect that they deserve. It appears as though the time really is not now for QB Robert Bolden, as he has been replaced by QB Matthew McGloin by HC Joe Paterno. McGloin has played well this year, throwing for 551 yards and seven TDs against just one pick in limited action. However, that limited action doesn't normally include going against a defense anywhere near as good as that of Ohio State. The Nittany Lions were spanked 24-3 on the road by both the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Alabama Crimson Tide this year, and there's no reason to think that a relatively similar score line won't be the end result on Saturday. Don't fall into the trap and assume that this is a lot of points to be giving a 6-3 Penn State team. The Buckeyes really are that good.

Free College Football Picks: Ohio State -18.5
Prediction: Ohio State 30 – Penn State 6

Matchup: Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Oklahoma Sooners
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
Game Line: Oklahoma -15
Over/Under 63.5

The Sooners have played down to the level of their competition all season long, and there's no reason to believe that that won't continue on Saturday. There is a major matchup issue here between the Oklahoma secondary, which is allowing over 230 yards per game in ranks in the 80s in the country, going against the Air Raid passing attack, which is always one of the best in the country. Normally, it has been talent at the corner position that has kept the Red Raiders at bay when these two teams meet, but now, we aren't so sure what's going to happen with the Sooners struggling so much. What isn't a question to us is that QB Landry Jones is going to get to the 3,000 yard barrier this week and that he is going to put points on the board. He probably needs to drop at least 40 to stop the Red Raiders at this kind of a college football line, though. Do you have confidence that he can do it and that Texas Tech isn't going to find a way to put 24 or so on the board? We sure don't. We'll take the points.

Free College Football Picks: Texas Tech +15
Prediction: Oklahoma 31 – Texas Tech 27

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies @ North Carolina Tar Heels
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 3:30 ET
Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Game Line: North Carolina +3.5
Over/Under 51.5

We're really amazed that the Tar Heels have really been able to keep up this year with the rest of the ACC in spite of the fact that they have 23 men on scholarship that are either suspended on the injured list at the current moment. HC Butch Davis has done a yeoman's job putting North Carolina on the verge of the Top 25 and potentially within one or two steps of the ACC Championship Game if it can pull off the mild upset here on Saturday. Just one problem: Virginia Tech probably has one of the best ten teams in the country and certainly has the best team in the ACC. The Hokies have been on fire, winning nine straight and going 6-1 ATS since losing to the James Madison Dukes, and with QB Tyrod Taylor finally putting together a fantastic season, we have no reason to believe that the men in purple won't be able to come on the road and pull off a victory by more than a field goal. The Hokies have too much to lose to screw around here, and though the ACC Coastal will still be won if they win out after this game, it could be all over but the crying with a win. HC Frank Beamer won't miss this chance.

Free College Football Picks: Virginia Tech -3.5
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28 – North Carolina 20

Matchup: San Diego State Aztecs @ TCU Horned Frogs
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 4:00 ET
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
Game Line: TCU -27
Over/Under 53.5

Way to go Horned Frogs! TCU really has seized control of the BCS Championship picture, and though right now, it would be on the outside looking into the big game and playing in the Rose Bowl instead, we know that this is probably the biggest favorite of it, the Auburn Tigers, and Oregon Ducks to be in the desert for the National Championship Game. San Diego State really couldn't have asked for a better time to run into the Horned Frogs though, as they are coming off of that huge 47-7 win over the Utah Utes on the road. Just one problem: This is TCU's final home game of the season. Do you think that it really wants to leave Fort Worth with anything less than another incredibly dominating victory? Sure, the Aztecs have already played well at the Missouri Tigers this year, but this is a totally different challenge. This year at home, TCU has outscored its foes 221-27 in five games. Without a doubt, this has to be one of the most impressive statistics in the country. Even more impressive? The Horned Frogs are allowing just 8.5 PPG on the season. No way they win this one by less than four TDs.

Free College Football Picks: TCU -27
Prediction: TCU 45 – San Diego State 13

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

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Matchup: Buffalo Bulls @ Ohio Bobcats
Date: Thursday, November 4th, 7:30 ET
Location: Peden Stadium, Athens, OH
Game Line: Ohio -15.5
Over/Under 45.5

The 6-3 Ohio Bobcats will look to stay atop the MAC East standings on Thursday night when they host the 2-6 Buffalo Bulls. Last Saturday, the Bobcats pulled out a late fourth quarter win against the lowly Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns to become bowl eligible. Ohio looked sloppy throughout most of the game, but overcame four Boo Jackson interceptions to get a 38-31 victory. In the game, Jackson completed 16 of 22 passes for 240 yards with three touchdowns and also ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. WR Steven Goulet was Jackson’s favorite target, catching five balls for 126 yards on the afternoon. As for Buffalo, the Bulls have fallen mightily after losing HC Turner Gill to the Kansas Jayhawks in the offseason. In their 21-9 loss to Miami (OH) last Saturday, the offense was only able to muster 265 total yards of offense. QB Alex Zordich only completed 16 of 33 passes for 210 yards and no scores, while the running game combined to carry the ball 34 times for 55 yards. Over their last three games, the Bulls have been outscored 108 to 23 by MAC opponents.

Free College Football Picks: Ohio -15.5
Prediction: Ohio 38 Buffalo 10


Matchup: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ #20 Virginia Tech Hokies
Date: Thursday, November 4th, 7:45 ET
Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Game Line: Virginia Tech -12.5
Over/Under 56.5

6-2 Virginia Tech will try to put a hammerlock on the ACC Coastal title when they host the 5-3 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Thursday night. Virginia Tech has been on a roll since dropping their first two games of the season, winning six straight en route to a two game lead on the rest of the division. Two Saturdays ago, the Hokies made short work of the Duke Blue Devils in a 44-7 romp. QB Tyrod Taylor picked apart the Duke defense, completing 13 of 17 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon. The Hokies were dominant in all phases of the game, racking up 491 total yards of offense while only allowing Duke to muster 208 total yards. As for the Yellow Jackets, HC Paul Johnson’s team has had an up and down season. Two Saturdays ago, they dropped their second game in conference play, a 27-13 loss to Clemson. QB Joshua Nesbitt was simply awful when he dropped back to throw, completing just six of 19 passes for 83 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Nesbitt also was uncharacteristically bad with his legs, carrying the ball 15 times for a total of two yards. The Georgia Tech running game wasn’t bad in the loss though, as the Yellow Jackets carried the ball for 242 yards on 49 carries (4.9 YPC). If Georgia Tech hopes to pull off the upset on Thursday, they will need their run game to dominate while also stopping the Hokies’ rushing attack.

Free College Football Picks: Georgia Tech +12.5
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31 Georgia Tech 24

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

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Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Game Line: Illinois +17
Over/Under 50.5

This game has the makings to be a very interesting one. The 2010 Buckeyes have never seen what it's like to play on the road, while the 2010 Illini have never felt what it is like to go up against a defense on this caliber. Here's what we do know. QB Terrelle Pryor is going to get his yards and his points, and there's nothing that Illinois can do about it. Pryor is just that good. There's a reason that he leads this team in rushing and is starting to put up passing numbers that can rival anyone in the nation. Pryor is completing 66.4 percent of his passes, is averaging right around 235 passing yards per game, and a 10/2 TD/INT ratio. Here's what else we know. The Buckeyes have an amazing defense. The 'D' did look relatively mortal last week, allowing three TDs to the Eastern Michigan Eagles, the lowliest team on the schedule, but prior to that, the unit had only allowed three TDs all season. The other three scores came via special teams blunders. For Illinois, RB Mikel LeShoure is going to have to take the pressure off of freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase. If Scheelhaase is forced into trying to make things happen, he is going to be in for an incredibly long day. The frosh is only completing 54.4 percent of his passes, and he is just barely over 120 yards per game on average. However, the Fighting Illini had two weeks to prepare for this game, and the Buckeyes might be caught napping just a tad. This could be closer than the experts think.

Free College Football Picks: Illinois +17
Prediction: Ohio State 31 – Illinois 20

Matchup: Louisiana Monroe Warhawks @ Auburn Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Line: Auburn -35
Over/Under 54

The Warhawks might be coming into this battle at 1-2, but they are clearly going to be outmatched by a very strong Auburn team. Perception on the Tigers is awfully high right now after they took out both the South Carolina teams, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers in close calls at home in the L/2 weeks. QB Cam Newton is still in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy, and for good reason. It's not what Newton is doing with his arm that is so dangerous. It's what his legs are accomplishing. Newton has rushed for 485 yards and five TDs, and he has directly accounted for all but three scores for Auburn all season long. Newton parlayed with RBs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb creates a backfield that cannot be stopped by a team from the Sun Belt. The three are the majority of the Tigers' seventh ranked rushing attack in the land. The defense has been shoddy at times, but when push comes to shove, Auburn knows how to buckle down and get three and outs and turnovers when need be. The same just can't be said about ULM. The Warhawks are averaging just 16.0 points per game offensively and are conceding 413.0 yards per game in total, a number that is significantly higher against FBS foes. This will be a blowout from the start.

Free College Football Picks: Auburn -35
Prediction: Auburn 41 – Louisiana Monroe 3

Matchup: Miami Hurricanes @ Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Line: Clemson +3
Over/Under 50.5

These two ACC foes have only locked horns three times in their existence, and all three games have been classics won by the road team in overtime. Clemson is already 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS against Miami all-time. However, the Tigers have some real problems right now. QB Kyle Parker was supposed to be the savior this year, but that just hasn't been the case since he decided to come back and play another year at quarterback for Clemson instead of pursuing a baseball career. Though Parker's 6:1 TD/INT ratio is rock solid, he is only completing 58.3 percent of his passes and has just 504 yards through the air in three games. The defense has been even more questionable, allowing 388.3 yards per game and 19.3 points per game. Those numbers might not all seem that bad, but the game against the Auburn Tigers was the only game of substance on the schedule. For the Canes, they took care of the Pitt Panthers last week in resounding fashion with a 31-3 victory on primetime football on Thursday night. The victory more than atoned for the 36-24 defeat at the Horseshoe back on September 11th. QB Jacory Harris has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy this year, but the defense is going to have to carry this team. This unit has only allowed 131.7 passing yards per game, a number that Parker had better test for the Tigers to have a shot at victory in this one. Don't be shocked if Miami jumps out to another quick start in this one and runs away with it in the second half.

Free College Football Picks: Miami -3
Prediction: Miami 27 – Clemson 13

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN
Game Line: Minnesota +5.5
Over/Under 53.5

There's something fishy that's bothering us about this game. The Wildcats are 4-0 this year, and even though they haven't looked all that great in doing so, there's a great chance for them to crack into the Top 25 with wins in these next few weeks. QB Dan Persa has been one of the most efficient signal callers in the entire land, as he has accounted for 1,221 yards of offense and ten total scores against just one pick on the year. His 80.2 completion percentage is also the tops that the country has to offer for QBs with at least 100 attempts. The Northwestern defense also ranks 22nd in the nation in scoring defense at 15.5 points per game and hasn't allowed more than 25 all season long to a foe. Meanwhile, Minnesota is a mess. The Gophers have lost three straight, all at home, and they haven't covered any of the three games. The offense has totally lost its identity after rumbling all over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on opening night on the ground. As for the defense, is it ever a good thing to give up 41 points to South Dakota? 32 to USC was remotely acceptable, but 34 to Northern Illinois really wasn't either. So why on earth are the Wildcats only short favorites? Logic tells you that at some point, the Golden Gophers are winning a game at home, and with the only home dates left after this one coming against Penn State, Ohio State, and Iowa, there is certainly a desperation to avoid a winless season at home. Don't be shocked if this one ends with the mild upset.

Free College Football Picks: Minnesota +5.5
Prediction: Minnesota 37 – Northwestern 31

Matchup: Navy Midshipmen @ Air Force Falcons
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 2:30 ET
Location: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO
Game Line: Air Force -10
Over/Under 49.5

If you like the triple option, this is the game for you! The Middies and Falcons clearly do it as well as anyone in the country, and they'll do it down after down after down regardless of what the situation is. The bottom line here is that these offenses are both stellar and both know exactly what the other defense is up to. For Navy, it's QB Ricky Dobbs that is going to be leading the way one year after he led the nation in rushing TDs. For Air Force, QB Tim Jefferson has the ability to throw some as well as running the option to a high level of success. The question that is going to separate these two teams is whether either can really stop the other or not. So far this year, no team is holding foes to fewer passing yards per game than the Naval Academy at 99.3, while the defense ranks in the Top 25 in both total 'D' (262.0 YPG, 12th) and scoring 'D' (15.7 PPG, 24th). For Air Force, the unit has been a little bit more modest at 306.8 yards per game and 19.0 points per game. The difference that we must consider though, is strength of schedule. The Falcons have already taken on BYU, Oklahoma, and Wyoming this year, a far cry from Louisiana Tech and Maryland Terrapins for Navy. This is a lot of points, but we are going to trust the hosts to sink the Middies in what could be a big statement game towards the Commander in Chief Trophy.

Free College Football Picks: Air Force -10
Prediction: Air Force 45 – Navy 28

Matchup: Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Game Line: Oklahoma -3
Over/Under 45

Speaking of games that look a little fishy… Ok, we'll be the first to admit that the two combatants in the Red River Rivalry this year haven't played up to par, especially last week when the 'Horns were trashed at home by the UCLA Bruins 34-12. Oklahoma hasn't played well either, except when good competition comes calling. The Florida State Seminoles were dumped 47-17. Aside from that, the Sooners haven't beaten anyone by more than a TD this year. Still, we tend to think that DC Will Muschamp is going to be the difference maker in this game. We aren't quite sure how he does it game in and game out, but Muschamp always finds a way to frustrate opposing quarterbacks and come up with great game plans. He got a great look at QB Landry Jones last year and knows what the sophomore is up to. Now, it will be up to the likes of DE Sam Acho to get to Jones and pressure the OU offense into some dumb decisions. The season is on the line for the Longhorns, who absolutely will not be able to recover from defeat. We tend to believe that Texas got its wake up call last weekend and will be able to shake it off. Oklahoma has had some close calls, but has yet to be defeated. If the Sooners just try to coast by in this one, they'll get beaten and potentially beaten bad. We love the Longhorns on Saturday afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: Texas +3
Prediction: Texas 27 – Oklahoma 16

Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Game Line: Michigan State +2
Over/Under 50.5

Will the real Wisconsin Badgers please stand up? The Badgers have had three very questionable games and one totally dominating one this year, but that doesn't instill a lot of confidence in us that this is a squad that is really ready for Big Ten play this year. We know what we're getting out of Michigan State, a team that we are convinced is incredibly overrated. Without that "Little Giants" play, the Spartans are 3-1 right now and are probably 5-6 point underdogs against the Badgers, particularly off of their 70-3 romp over Austin Peay last week. We tend to believe that we've seen as good as it gets out of HC Mark Dantonio's men. We know that we haven't seen the best from Wisconsin yet. There's a reason that this is a Top 10 team in the nation. The combination of a massive, veteran offensive line, a second year quarterback that many think is a pro prospect (QB Scott Tolzein), a Heisman Trophy caliber running back (RB John Clay), and a defense that is historically stifling should be too tough to tame. If the Badgers can give this one everything that they have, they'll pick up a monstrous win in Big Ten play to start off their march towards the Rose Bowl this year.

Free College Football Picks: Wisconsin -2
Prediction: Wisconsin 34 – Michigan State 16

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ LSU Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Game Line: LSU -16.5
Over/Under 42.5

Perception is certainly down right now on HC Derek Dooley's team, especially after needing OT to just narrowly knock off a bad UAB Blazers squad last week. However, this is a team that finds ways to scrap and claw in games and just stick around to be a thorn in the opposition's side, something that the Bayou Bengals will be finding out on Saturday afternoon. We still have absolutely zero confidence in QB Jordon Jefferson's abilities to run this offense. The Tigers rank 116th in the nation in passing 'O' at 110.0 yards per game and just 102nd overall at 299.8 yards per game. The toughest part of this schedule hasn't even gotten started yet. In order to cover 16.5 points in NCAA football betting action, you have to find a way to score at least 17 points. Though this is a team that has scored at least 20 in all four of its games, it is also one that has not scored more than 30 against anyone either. Meanwhile in Rocky Top, QB Matt Simms is starting to round into his own, and it could get scary for the opposition as this season wears on. Simms has a 6/3 TD/INT ratio and has thrown for 836 yards in four games. No, he's not better than his departed brethren QB Jonathan Crompton, but he is doing the little things to make this work. The Vols were victorious here in 2005, so they know that beating the Bayou is possible. We might be a little adventurous to be calling for the outright upset, but this is certain a ton of points that we are catching regardless.

Free College Football Picks: Tennessee +16.5
Prediction: Tennessee 17 – LSU 14

Matchup: Michigan Wolverines @ Indiana Hoosiers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Line: Indiana +10.5
Over/Under 65

Last year, it was a 36-33 win by the Michigan Wolverines in this series that really started the downward spiral for Big Blue, as things never really got better from there. The Hoosiers have to be beaming with confidence right now from the standpoint that they are 3-0, albeit against lousy competition, but that they have a legitimate chance to go bowling, especially if they can pull off this upset. QB Ben Chappell, again, against bad competition, has been stellar this year and is really learning how to take care of the football. He is completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards and nine scores without an INT. Meanwhile, all eyes are going to be fixated on Heisman Trophy favorite QB Denard Robinson. All of a sudden, Robinson went from being the second best signal caller on his team to one of the best in the country. He still leads the nation in rushing with 688 yards, and his six rushing scores leads the team. Michigan ranks second in the country in rushing offense at 331.2 yards per game and is tops overall at 562.8 yards per game. An experienced Indiana offense which returns the majority of the players from last year's team that also went into Ann Arbor at 3-0 should be able to move the ball against the offense. The key last year was keeping QB Tate Forcier, and eventually Robinson in the pocket. The two quarterbacks only combined for 21 carries, 39 yards, and a TD. If that's all that Robinson comes up with on Saturday on the road, the Wolverines are in a boatload of trouble. There could be an upset brewing in the Big Ten, but we tend to believe that Big Blue will find a way to narrow survive, just like last year.

Free College Football Picks: Indiana +10.5
Prediction: Michigan 42 – Indiana 38

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies @ NC State Wolfpack
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Game Line: NC State +3.5
Over/Under 53

When are the oddsmakers going to learn that the Wolfpack are for real? HC Tom O'Brien has a winning team that gained all sorts of momentum from last year's narrow escape at home against the North Carolina Tar Heels to end the year. Since that point, the Wolfpack are 5-0 SU and ATS. QB Russell Wilson is largely to thank for that. The third year starter has thrown for 1,112 yards and 11 TDs against just one INT this year. Many probably don't realize it, but NC State is averaging 434.2 yards per game against a respectable schedule that includes games against C-USA favorites, the UCF Knights, a team that went undefeated last year in the regular season, the Cincinnati Bearcats, and last year's ACC champs, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Though it is fairly clear that this Virginia Tech team is significantly better than your average unranked 2-2 team, we still don't quite buy in yet. RB Ryan Williams is out once again from this game, which really leaves some big question marks at running back. QB Tyrod Taylor is the only man averaging more than 45 rushing yards per game on the season. If NCSU can lock down Taylor in the pocket and keep him from finding deep threats WR Jarrett Boykin and WR Danny Coale, this game will be relatively easy. Time for some R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Wolfpack in a game in which the wrong team is favored by the oddsmakers.

Free College Football Picks: NC State +3.5
Prediction: NC State 31 – Virginia Tech 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Florida State 33 – BYU 17

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

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Navy Midshipmen (-7) @ Maryland Terrapins
Monday, September 6th
4:00 ET, Terrapins Stadium, College Park, MD

This is merely the undercard for the main event later in the evening, but that doesn't mean that we can't take huge advantage of the situation. The Terrapins probably have some unrealistic expectations of themselves this year. Yes, at times in 2009, they fought hard to pull upsets, but when push came to shove, HC Ralph Friedgen just didn't have enough talent on the field to compete. Yes, this is a new year, but we aren't overly impressed with any of the returning pieces to the puzzle. Maryland will have to prove to us that it is legitimate before we back it. We know what we're getting with the Naval Academy, though. QB Ricky Dobbs is going to be running all over the place, and odds have it, he is producing at least two touchdowns, whether via the pass or on the ground. The triple option returns almost all of its key components from last year, and the Middies know that this could be yet another double digit win season. Heck, is the BCS really out of the question? It is if this isn't a comfortable victory. Expect Navy to sink Maryland.

Prediction: Navy 36 – Maryland 20
Boise State Broncos vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (+2)
Monday, September 6th
8:00 ET, FedEx Field, Landover, MD

It has already been well advertised what this game really means, especially to Boise State. However, what hasn't been discussed that much is what could actually happen on the field. Yes, the Broncos are a fantastic team, especially offensively, where ten of the 11 starters from last season are back. QB Kellen Moore put up superb numbers all season long, but none of those figures were particularly impressive against either of the two legitimate defenses that this team faced over the course of last season (Oregon and TCU). Virginia Tech has to be tired of hearing how it can't win the big game outside of ACC play to become a National Championship contender. Yes, it is true that the Hokies might not have that much experience up front, but what we learned last season was to never doubt HC Frank Beamer, as he discovered diamond in the rough RB Ryan Williams, who immediately became one of the best backs in the nation. If QB Tyrod Taylor takes care of the football, the Hokies can win this game. Getting to 20 might be all it takes. We think that V-Tech is going to find a way to pull this off in front of a de facto home crowd on the "neutral" site of FedEx Field.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 23 – Boise State 16

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August 31st, 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 first week of college football betting action!

Pittsburgh Panthers (+135 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Utah Utes, Thursday, 8:30 ET: The Panthers are lined at +3 in a rematch of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl in which the Utes beat them down 35-7. With RB Dion Lewis ready to rock and roll, the Panthers could be a scary pick not only to win this game, but to capture the Big East crown and potentially even the BCS National Championship as well. The Utes don't know what is about to hit them in this one. There's more on this game coming later this week…

Toledo Rockets (+500 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Arizona Wildcats, Friday, 8:00 ET: QB Austin Dantin is ready to prove himself as a legitimate threat to be one of the best players in the MAC in this, his sophomore season, and there would be no better way to go about that than in the opening game of the year at home against the Cats. This is a long, long road trip for HC Mike Stoops' men, and traveling across the country heading into the Glass Bowl is never a fun task. Though several key pieces are gone from last year's team, this is still an offense that averaged 437.9 yards per game last year, the 13th best mark in the land. Ask Colorado how easy it is for a West Coast school to come over to Toledo and walk out with a win in a nationally televised game… The Buffs were blown out 54-38 here last year. We'll take our chances at +500 that the Rockets can strike twice.

Connecticut Huskies (+130 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Michigan Wolverines, Saturday, 3:30 ET: Prepare for the Big House to burn! The Huskies are out to make a name for themselves and for the Big East, and they can do so by making Big Blue and their head coach Rich Rodriguez very uncomfortable with the start of their season. It appears as though Rodriguez is going to try to use both QB Tate Forcier and QB Denard Robinson to lead the Wolverines to victory in this one, but he should probably be focused in on trying to stop UConn RB Jordan Todman instead. This is a prospective 1,500+ yard rusher in the making, and Michigan's defense ranked 92nd in the land last year on the ground. Don't be shocked to find the Huskies winning this one and potentially winning it in big, big fashion.

Virginia Tech Hokies (+115 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Boise State Broncos, Monday, 8:00 ET: There will be plenty of discussion about this game from now until Monday night when these two behemoths kick it off at FedEx Field, but here at Cappers Info, we are promptly going to call for the upset of the boys from the Smurf Turf. Boise State has had no history whatsoever succeeding when on the East Coast, as their most recent visit against a BCS team here was at Georgia, where the Bulldogs absolutely smacked the Broncos down Between the Hedges. Virginia Tech is a big time defensive team, and with QB Tyrod Taylor playing in his senior season, this would be the biggest triumph in quite a few years for HC Frank Beamer.

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July 30th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The 2010 college football betting season is almost here, and here at Cappers Info, we have the inside skinny on the five teams that you should be banking on going 'over' their season win totals and should be trying to cash in with all season long!

South Carolina Gamecocks over 7 wins (even @ Brobury Sports): The Gamecocks are primed to do some damage in the SEC this season. The offense will be led again by QB Stephen Garcia, who struggled somewhat last year, due in part to trouble on the offensive line. However, now with nine starters back on offense, things are looking up. Returning at wide receiver are Alshon Jeffrey and Tori Curley, who averaged 16.6 and 14.2 yards per catch respectively. Running back Kenny Miles also returns. Miles led last year’s team in rushing yards, but scored only once. With a more experienced offensive line, both the ground and passing offenses stand a much better chance. Defensively, the Gamecocks are in great shape. DE Cliff Matthews returns, leading last year’s squad in sacks and earning all-conference honors. The linebackers run deep, with Shaq Wilson leading the way. Senior safety Chris Culliver will lead a strong secondary. As for the schedule, it’s no cakewalk. However, the toughest opponents all come to Columbia, with Georgia and Alabama showing up early in the year. The most challenging road game will be at Florida in November. The Gamecocks could easily see nine wins.

Nevada Wolfpack over 9.5 wins (+105 @ Brobury Sports): The Wolfpack went on an eight game win streak after losing all three of their non-conference games last year. This season, the nation’s top dual threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick returns with plenty of offensive talent. Kaepernick was just one of three 1,000 yard rushers, and running back Vai Taua will rejoin him. The team’s passing attack was lackluster a year ago, but all three leading receivers return, with Brandon Wimberly, Tray Session, and Chris Wellington. On defense, the Wolfpack may finally be on the rise. Last year’s 119th ranked passing defense returns seven starters and a new defensive coordinator in Andy Buh promises a more aggressive scheme. Both cornerbacks are back, and juniors Brandon Marshall and James-Michael Johnson will lead the linebackers. The schedule appears a bit easier than last year’s, with four of five non-conference games being highly winnable. The Wolfpack will travel to Hawaii and Fresno State, in a tough conference schedule, but host Boise State. Ten wins should be this season’s expectation for Nevada.

Florida State Seminoles over 7.5 wins (-140 @ Brobury Sports): The Seminoles are poised to be strong ACC contenders. Returning at quarterback is Heisman hopeful Christian Ponder, who was impressive through nine games before injuring his shoulder. He will have plenty of talented options to work with, starting with a strong group of wide receivers. Bert Reed is expected to become the top target. Strong second and third options exist in Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Fortson. The ground attack will be led by senior Jermaine Thomas, who was good for nine scores last season. Behind him will be Chris Thompson and Ty Jones. Defensively, the Seminoles are completely retooling. New coordinator Mark Stoops will have to jumpstart a defense which allowed 433.8 yards and 30 points per game last season. Up front, FSU returns three linemen. Two starting linebackers are also back, which should improve the running defense. At cornerback, Ochucko Jenije will make a huge impact on opponents’ passing games. The schedule is favorable, minus a few monstrous games. The Seminoles will travel to Oklahoma in week two, followed by a home contest with BYU. A final week home game against Florida will not be easy. In conference, things aren’t so bad, with the toughest game at Miami.

Washington Huskies over 7 wins (-130 @ Brobury Sports): The Huskies return nine starters on offense, with QB Jake Locker leading the way. Locker’s strengths are twofold; he threw for 21 touchdowns while running for seven last year. Sophomore tailback Chris Polk had one of the best rookie rushing seasons in school history. At wide receiver, the Huskies will rely primarily on Jermaine Kearse, who averaged 17.3 yards per catch last year. Devin Aguilar provides a strong second target. Four starting linemen return, which will be a huge key for this unit’s success. On defense, the Huskies have some questions up front. Due to some injuries, Washington may need to find two new DEs. Mason Foster will lead the linebackers as last season’s interception leader. U-Dub faces a tough non-conference schedule, with an opening week game at BYU and two weeks later hosting Nebraska. In the Pac 10, the Huskies will have to go to Oregon and Arizona. A high powered offense will offset the question marks on defense; Washington could take eight or nine wins easily.

Virginia Tech Hokies over 9.5 wins (-120 @ Brobury Sports): The Hokies are poised to win the ACC this year. Returning at quarterback is Tyrod Taylor, who has shown the ability to throw as well as scramble. The bulk of the ground attack will be led by Ryan Williams and Zac Evans, who is returning from injury. All three top wide receivers return in Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts. Boykin and Coale both averaged over 20 yards per reception in 2009. Defensively, the Hokies also stay strong. Despite just five starters returning, the team has plenty to build around. All three starting linebackers are back, led by Barquell Rivers, who should be back from a leg injury by September. Team interceptions leader Rashad Carmichael returns at cornerback. The Hokies will have little time to gel, as Boise State comes calling in week one. Virginia Tech has a three game losing streak going in week one non-conference games. After that, though, the schedule eases considerably, with only four road games. Their toughest test in the ACC will be at Miami. Expect a ten win season.

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