The College Edge

Marshall vs. FIU

2011-12-20T19:28:00.002-05:00

FIU has the better defense. That's a nice place to start. They are going against what is probably considered the 3rd string QB in R.Cato. First and second-string QBs for Marshall have both been lost to injuries. Cato is a freshman, and, though he's gotten some experience playing, he's just not that good. And, he doesn't have a real strong infantry to offer him enough relief.
FIU has a more stable QB in Carroll, more potential in the running game with Rhodes and Perry, and a star in receiver Ty Hilton. Bottom line: more potential offensive threats.
Finally, FIU has the slight home advantage: the game is being played in Florida.
FIU is the recommendation.
Because Marshall is an injury away from total disaster, I think they'll play it close to the vest with the fr. QB. That should limit their scoring opportunities vs. a tough FIU defense.
On the other side of the ball, Marshall does play pretty decent defense, so I don't expect FIU to totally run away with the score.
The under in the FIU-Marshall contest is the recommendation.

FSU @ Florida: The Why

2011-11-26T18:17:00.003-05:00

We're recommending the over in the FSU/Florida game. Here's why: FSU plays some of the toughest rush defense in college football. Seven of the eight games they've played in the ACC, the Seminoles have held the opposition under 3.5 yards-per carry. They'll stop Florida's rush offense mainly because Florida offers little threat thru the air. The Gator passing attack has been non-existent. So, I don't see Florida scoring much tonight.
FSU's rushing attack has been mediocre at best, so, consequently, I don't envision Seminoles running the ball much vs. relatively tough Gator rush D. FSU and QB Manuel do throw the ball pretty effectively, but, they are facing the strongest unit of the Gator team, their pass defense.
Hence, my recommendation of a low scoring, under- the- total match between these rivals.
FSU's on the road, and doesn't run the ball well, so, even though I'm leaning Seminoles, I can't take a team that doesn't run the ball well, particularly in a road game.

Coaches w. winning sprd. records with same team in years '08-'10

2011-11-06T20:52:00.003-05:00

1)Al Golden from Temple: 7-4, 8-4, 7-5. Thanks, Golden, for making Temple respectable again. I am waiting for the right time to back Golden at Miami.
2)Frank Solich of Ohio: 7-4, 8-5, 8-5. Just a straight-up, good coach who probably shouldn't have been fired from Nebraska, and who is doing a nice job in the MAC's Ohio program.
3)Urban Meyer of Florida: 12-1, 7-6,7-6.The hell with stocks and mutual funds. If Meyer returns to coaching, I'd invest in whatever team Meyer coaches.
4)Nick Saban of Bama:9-5,9-4,8-5. NCAA's best coach?
5)Jim Harbaugh of Stanford: 7-5, 8-5, 8-5. He's bringing that same cold-bloodedness to the NFL.
6)Dave Wannstedt of Pitt: 7-6, 8-4, 7-4-2. Wannstedt got screwed at Pitt. He did a nice job there and no one loved his alma mater more than Pitt's fired coach.
7)Chris Petersen of Boise:8-4,9-4,9-4. You know what's ironic here: the coach prior to Petersen, Dan Hawkins, was as impressive as his successor, with 5 winning spread years in a row. Yet, Hawkins went to Colorado, and, essentially, sucked. It makes me wonder how Petersen would do at another school
8)Gary Patterson of TCU: 8-4, 8-4, 7-6: My man, GP, lost a 4-yr. starter at QB in Andy Dalton, 4 O-line starters from '10(including a 1st team AA at center!), and 7 starters on defense. He still has a pretty formidable team in what should've been a re-building year. I'm probably stretching this a bit, but, I consider Patterson close to being a defensive genius.
9)Dave Cutcliffe of Duke: 6-5, 5-4, 7-5: For those who took the time to take guesses on my query, this was the coaching guess which would've have qualified you for a bonus prize. It shouldn't be so surprising. Cutcliffe did a nice job at Mississippi before he was unjustly fired. He's also built a rep as working well with, and developing QBs(Count the Manning bros. in that group). Under the category of "always willing to change", I almost never considered Duke as a possible team I'd play week-to-week. Since "discovering" Cutcliffe's success as a spread coach, I now look at Duke each week as a potential recommendation.
Interesting side note: two of the aforementioned coaches faced each other yesterday: Golden vs. Cutcliffe. Miami got the win, and, I believe, the cover.

Hawaii vs. SanJoseSt.

2011-10-14T20:41:00.002-04:00

Hawaii travels to the mainland for the second consecutive game, and though picking against the Rainbow Warriors makes me nervous, I'll do that tonight.
The key is SanJose St.'s main weapon, RB Rutley is playing tonight. That means the Spartans should offer some offense tonight. That's important, because I believe what gives SJSU the cover tonight are the 11 starters that are back on defense, including 4- AllWac defenders from 2010.(Look for DE Johnson, SS Ihenacho and the main star, LB Smith, who had 116 tackles and 4 sacks in '10).
SanJose St. is the recommendation.

USC at Cal

2011-10-13T20:32:00.003-04:00

I'm always nervous going against a home team on a Thursday night, ESPN game. But, I will tonight.
First of all, Cal is playing their home games this year in SanFrancisco's AT&T Park, not in their under-repair stadium in Berkeley. Big difference! Home field advantage has been greatly minimized in this game.
So, for me, it comes down to the same problem I saw in Cal last week: they don't have the QB play, or, the offensive firepower to stay with an opponent that has the far better QB( USC's Barkley), and better overall offense.
USC's defense is sub-par, but, I just don't think Cal can take advantage of it enough to get the cover, or the win.
USC is the recommendation.

Vandy at Alabama & Michigan at Northwestern

2011-10-08T18:11:00.003-04:00

Like Cal, Fresno St. and Uconn before them, how will Vandy score anything tonight? I mean, the Commodores gained a grand total of 77 yards vs. South Carolina. Need I say more? I will. Vandy got blasted by every high echelon team they played in '10. It'll happen again tonight.
Alabama is the recommendation.

Northwestern's QB Dan Persa is back! He went 12 for 16 last week, and he's resumed his role as one of the two best QBs in the Big 10(Russell Wilson being the other). He goes against a Michigan team that goes on the road for the first time. Except for Notre Dame, the Wolverines have played a pretty weak schedule, and in fact, in that N.D. game, Michigan gave up over 500 total yards.
With Persa back, I have the Wildcats as the higher rated team under my system. That means I believe Northwestern should be favored. They are underdogs!
Northwestern is the recommendation.

Boise St. vs. Fresno St: Friday, October 7, 2011

2011-10-07T18:12:00.003-04:00

Read my recommendation on last night's Cal-Oregon game. A lot of the same principals apply here. Fresno St. is playing an excellent team in Boise St. The Broncos are prolific on both offense and defense. In order for the Bulldogs to have a chance against this team, everything must be in order. For the Bulldogs, in my opinion, it is not.
They do have the second-best offensive weapon on the field in RB Robbie Rouse, but, I just don't think he'll be enough. The Dogs have a new QB starting this year, and he's been mediocre, at best; they've lost 142 receptions at receiving positions; they've lost 4, all-WAC offensive linemen
from the '10 team; and, finally, they've lost 11 sacks and a rare #4 draft choice from last year's D-Line. An already porous defense could not afford that loss.
You can't play a strong Bronco team with that many deficiencies. By the way, Boise St. QB Kellen Moore had a sub-par game last week vs. Nevada. It won't happen again this week.
In my opinion, there are only two options in this game: Boise St., or, stay away from the game. I would never invest hard-earned cash on Fresno St in this kind of matchup. I'll take option #1 and recommend the Boise St Broncos in tonight's ESPN contest.

Cal's Golden Bears vs. Oregon Ducks

2011-10-06T17:04:00.003-04:00

Last year Cal had an experienced QB who completed 60% of his passes. This year they have a starting QB in Maynard, who is the 253rd rated QB coming out of his HS class, is new to this Golden Bear system, and is a transfer from Buffalo U., where he was just mediocre. Unfortunately, that mediocrity has carried over to Cal.
Last year, Cal had 1200 yard-rusher, Shane Vereen. He left early and was drafted #2 in the NFL draft. His replacement is an okay, but, not dynamic runner Cal has consistently put on the field in recent years. (His name is Isi Sofele).
Cal's defense is okay, but, they have given up 21, 33 and 31 points to Fres.St, Colorado, and Washington, respectively. That won't cut it vs. Oregon.
Here is my bottom line: if Cal has a chance to stay in contention with Oregon, they need all their offensive "ducks" in line. They don't. I don't think you can go into Oregon(they're 8-2 as home favorites under Kelly) and expect to cover with BIG question marks on offense. And, Cal has big question marks on offense.
This is not a revenge game, but, it's close. Cal probably should have beaten the Ducks last year. I think coach Kelly will emphatically remind his team of that.
Oregon Ducks are my recommendation in tonight's ESPN, Pac 20 game. (I'll call the Pac 10 whatever I feel like calling them).

USF-Pitt: Sept. 30, 2011

2011-09-29T18:54:00.002-04:00

I have a rating system I've worked on since the beginning of July, 2011. Every FBS team, with few exceptions, gets a rating from me. I consider every aspect of a team, and put a value on those parts of every team. I then factor in things like conference record, home-field, and more.
It is one of my key handicapping tools. I no longer let it completely govern my picks, but, it is still one of my main resources when I make my final decisions on a game.
I have Pitt as the higher rated team in this contest, and, if I were to put a line on this game, I would've made Pitt the favorite. They have an experienced defensive interior, decent DBacks, the best RB in the game in Graham, a formidable, and experienced QB in Sunseri, and the home-field in an ESPN game.
USF brings much to the table as well, not the least of which is a very good coach in Skip Holtz.
I just don't think the relatively weak schedule they've played to date(okay, N.Dame was a tough opponent, but, their stats in that game were less than impressive)which included Ball St, Fla.A&M and UTEP, warrants them being a favorite on the road vs. a very good Pitt team and program.
The Pitt Panthers are the pick in tonight's Big East contest!

4th Pick: A.J. Green

2011-04-28T20:30:00.002-04:00

Great player departs Georgia, but, Bulldawgs have a returning, very good QB back, good RB back, and an all-SEC center returning. The Dawgs will miss Green, but, they'll more than survive.

3rd Pick: Marcell Dareus

2011-04-28T20:21:00.002-04:00

Very good player for 'Bama, but, I don't believe his deparure will deter from the great defense I expect the Crimson Tide to play this year. Saban's problem will be with his offense. Reasoning for that to come.

2nd Pick: Von Miller

2011-04-28T20:17:00.002-04:00

This guy almost single-handedly helped turn the A&M defense into a formidable unit. His departure will almost certainly return the Aggies to the pedestrian defense I've become used to. I'm not sure what his sack totals were this year, but, for the past two years his sack totals at 30, or higher. WOW!

First Pick: Cam Newton

2011-04-28T20:03:00.002-04:00

Auburn will lose a quarterback who did everything for them this past championship season. The two years prior to his arrival, Auburn was 13-12 overall, and 5-11 vs. the SEC. With the loss of Newton, and no experienced QB returning, and also with the loss of 4 out of 5 offensive linemen from the championship team, I suspect I will be anxious to go against the Tigers this year.

THE REIGNING FAT MAN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2010-12-29T15:14:00.002-05:00

Okay, it's one thing when Kansas got rid of the co-Fat Man of College Football, Mark Mangino. You could argue he may have lost his job based on how he allegedly treated his team, and its players.
But, the reigning Fat-Man of College Football, Ralph Friedgen of Maryland, is getting fired after getting his Terps to 8-4, after a 3-9 record in 2009, and achieving Coach of the Year honors in the ACC. He has done a good job with a team that was a disgrace before he got there.
He has a good freshman QB in O'Brien, and a potential 15 starters back next year, so Friedgen is being let go at a time when his Terps appear to be in a major upswing.
The reigning "Fat-Man" of college football is getting screwed. I have an outside hope his team plays so well today, they will re-hire one of my favorite college football coaches.

HOW YOU LIKE JOE WEBB NOW?

2010-12-29T10:23:00.003-05:00

When commentators and fans ignorantly made fun of the Vikes Joe Webb this past week, I was hoping what happened last night would come to pass.
If Webb played a school that had the name University of Alabama instead of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Joe may have won the Heisman last year.
He was in the top 5 of my favorite players last year because he almost single-handedly led his team to a bowl game( and victory) last year. During that Heisman-deserving season, Webb ran for 1400 yards, passed for 2300 yards and scored 21 Tds on the ground, and 12 through the air. That's 33 darn touchdowns. Commentators and fans belittled Webb foolishly last week. Webb( AND ME) HAD THE LAST LAUGH.
See, another learning moment courtesy of a person who may know more about college football than anyone you will meet in your lifetime.

YO, SUCKERS

2010-12-29T01:16:00.003-05:00

For those of you who were sucked in by Iowa's "devastating" suspensions, here's my message, and another point you should register as a learning moment: Teams like Iowa, now a top program, have recruits to replace suspended players. Freshman RB Marcus Coker, a top 50 RB coming out of high school, gained over 215 yards tonight.
If this were UTEP, or Tulsa, or SMU, or Troy, or Northern Illinois, or pick your mediocre program, a suspension is devastating news. At programs like Iowa, forget about it. Okay, I will go to sleep now with the comfort of knowing I taught you somethin

ARE YOU WILLING TO LEARN?

2010-12-28T22:33:00.003-05:00

During this bowl season, I hope to have enough time to write stuff here. I hope I have the time, because if I do, you will learn a lot about college football and handicapping. Of course, I've learned that there are few guys out there who know sports who will admit there is anything to learn from anyone,but themselves. I know better because I learn something new almost every day I'm involved with this handicapping thing. So, if interested, sit back and learn something.

First of all, for those who didn't sign up for the bowl special: I had the under in G.T.-AF game for two-stars; G.T. in a one-star play; I had N.C.St. and the over in the same game in one-star plays; I had Iowa in a two-star play, and the under in the game as a one-star play. Let me add, like all competitive people, I want to kick butt for the guys who had confidence in me and signed up for my Bowl Special, but, I also want to shove it up the --- of those who didn't sign up with me.

What I'd like to do now is give a one or two sentence synopsis of teams whose seasons just ended with their bowl games. Enjoy and learn:

BYU:Move to independ status should work. Like Notre Dame, will have national following. Nine back on offense!
UTEP: Same old, mid-level status this year, next year, the year after, the year after...
N.Ill.: Like almost all MAC teams, when they play good, they lose their coach and return the MAC pack. Ditto the Huskies
Fresno St.: What's happened to Pat Hill? ATS he now stinks. He loses senior QB and expd. O-line
Louisville:Strong did wonders with an inexperienced defense. The Cardinals are back!
So.Miss: Will always be at top of CUSA. But, don't think they will reach status they once had under previous, disrespected coach, Jeff Bower.
Boise St.: Two missed, chippy field goals, and, instead of playing a top-notch BCS school, they get an over-rated Utah squad in a very low-level bowl. UNFAIR!
Utah: Moves to PAC-10. Marshall moved from MAC to CUSA. They were stars in the MAC, also-rans in the CUSA. Will the same happen to the UTES?
S.D.St: Great weather should bring great recruits; very good offensive and defensive coordinators; very good head coach; big question: will Coach Hoke use Aztec job as stepping stone to "bigger job?"
Navy: Loses QB Ricky Dobbs. Prediction: Army beats Navy next year. Get those bets in now.
Hawaii: I don't care how many players they lose, they always seem to be competitive. Now, if someone can explain to me what happened in that Tulsa game, I'm listening.
Tulsa: This coach, Todd Graham might just be able to keep Tulsa consistently at the top of CUSA(okay, that ain't saying much). Remember, he also led Rice in 2006 to a winning record. That's really unusual.
Air Force: Coach Calhoun has figured out the perfect offense(option), and the perfect defense(blitz-crazy, but, disciplined) for his service academy squad. ALL 4 DBs return next year!
G.T.: Coach Johnson will always keep his teams near top of ACC. His option is just too hard to defend. The big question is whether that offense can make it to top levels of NCAA.
West Virginia: I really like coach Stewart, as a human being. As a coach, I agreed with Mountaineer AD that Stewart cannot lead his program to next level.
North Carolina St.: Coaching is the most important ingredient in college football. O'Brien did a great job at BC., and is now doing the same at N.C.St. Now, his main job: keep QB Wilson from leaving for baseball. If Wilson stays, the Wolfpack offense will be very good.

NAVY VS. SAN DIEGO ST.

2010-12-23T18:04:00.002-05:00

QB Ricky Dobbs is a special option QB. He runs the option superbly, he throws the ball well, unusual for an option QB, and he's a great leader. He, and his team, seem to play better on the road, and this is a home game for SDST., and a road game,of sorts for Navy. Keep in mind SanDiego has a big Naval base there. A big Navy contingent is expected. Since the arrival of Paul Johnson, Navy is 19-7 as road dogs. Present coach Niumataolo has carried on that tradition, going 8-3 as a road dog.
TWO STAR PLAY ON THE RICKY DOBBS-LED NAVY MIDSHIPMEN.

SanDiego has a defensive coordinator , Rocky Felker, who coached against option attacks for years when he was at New Mexico. He should have some success against Navy's option. I know Navy will come to play, and I believe they will offer the Aztecs a decent defensive effort. Add to all this the horrible field conditions( SanDiego and their field has been hit with very heavy rains of late) and we recommend a ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER

BOISE ST. VS. UTAH

2010-12-22T19:41:00.002-05:00

Boise St. Has the better QB; the better defense; and probably the better running game. My fear in this game is two-fold: will Boise St. have the same incentive without the national title at stake, and second, Utah has been strong in bowl games.
Those fears have kept me from making this a higher recommended game.
BOISE ST. IN A ONE STAR PLAY.

NO RECOMMENDATION ON THE TOTALS.

2010 BOWL PACKAGE WITH REFUNDS IF I DON'T PRODUCE!

2010-12-22T04:04:00.003-05:00

I have come out with a system that rewards me if I do well, and gives you a refund if I don't. It's pretty interesting. Please check my web-site at www.college-edge.com for complete details.

If you've taken the time to read this, and some of my posts during the year, I want you to know I don't feel like I'm bragging when I tell you that in your lifetime you may never meet anyone who knows as much about college football as I. As Muhammad Ali once famously said, "it ain't braggin' if it's true." I write this because I believe I will put you in the best position to make the bowl season a profitable one.
I know how much work I put into this. Take advantage of that work!
Tonight at this site: My synopsis of BOISE ST.-UTAH!

LOUISVILLE VS. SOUTHERN MISS.

2010-12-21T18:05:00.002-05:00

Louisville has the better defense and a dominating running back in Powell. That's good enough for me: TWO STAR PLAY ON LOUISVILLE

Both teams have good running games; both teams have decent quarterbacks; and both teams are playing in a weather-controlled dome. That's also good enough for me:
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE OVER.

BEARS VS. VIKES( THE FROZEN TUNDRA GAME)

2010-12-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

Rich, our NFL guru, likes the Bears tonight.

FRESNO ST. VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS

2010-12-18T14:37:00.002-05:00

With due respect to the Huskies of Northern Illinois, how the heck are they favored in the Humanitarian Bowl? The MAC conference is an incredible 2-14 against the spread in bowl games. To me, that means if you are going to go with a MAC team, they need to have something very special going on. The Huskies were special...until their loss to Miami of Ohio in the MAC Championship game. Since that demoralizing loss, Northern Ill. has lost its head coach to Minnesota. Adding to dysfunction is the fact the offensive and defensive coordinators have also left the Huskies. With no idea right now of where the program is heading, how can these kids give any kind of meaningful effort?
On the other side of the ball, Fresno St. is the picture of stability. Their coach, Pat Hill, has just re-signed as the Bulldog head coach; their RB Rouse is back at almost full strength; their QB is a three-year starter; their offensive line is very experienced; and they are playing on Boise St.'s blue turf, a field the Bulldogs are familiar with.
Additionally, Pat Hill is 0-5 as a favorite in bowl games, BUT, 5-0 in bowl games as a favorite!

TWO STAR PLAY ON FRESNO ST. OVER NORTHERN ILLINOIS

UTEP VS.BYU

2010-12-18T13:50:00.002-05:00

The under and UTEP are both ONE STAR plays in the opening game of the bowl season.

Call 267-752-3343, or check here for N.I. vs. Fresno St. That game starts at 5:30p.m.

ARMY-NAVY

2010-12-11T00:30:00.002-05:00

I like the under in games involving service academies, particularly since each now run the option on offense. You have to assume these teams know how to defend it. The trends from the last five years are on my side. With the present posted over/under totals of 53, the service academies have gone under that total 14 of 17 times since 2005. I won't fight those numbers.
TWO STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER

I like what the Cadets have done this year, and predicted Coach Ellerson would return Army to prominence. He is on his way with his team's bowl invitation.
But, Navy is still the better team, and I LOVE the fact the best player on the field is probably the QB of Navy, Ricky Dobbs. He's a senior, and, I think he goes out in style in this utmost of rivalry matchups.
ONE STAR PLAY ON NAVY

USC AT UCLA: CONTINUED:

2010-12-04T21:49:00.002-05:00

My computer went batty while writing the USC-UCLA summary, so read what you can below, and go with these two recommendations in the last game of today's schedule, and the next to last game in what's been a nice season. See you next week with Army-Navy, and then stay tuned for our big Bowl Offer:

ONE STAR PLAY ON UCLA, AND THE OVER IN THE SAME GAME.

IF YOU CAN GET A SECOND HALF LINE ON THE OKLA- NEBRASKA GAME, TAKE THE OVER IN THE SECOND HALF OF THAT GAME. MARTINEZ APPEARS HEALTHY.

USC AT UCLA: A NIGHTCAP TO A NICE SEASON

2010-12-04T21:22:00.003-05:00

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHow in the heck is USC favored in this game? Their defense is, untypically, in a shambles. They had no starters return this year in their defensive backfield, and, they've recently suffered injuries to that already depleted corps. But, not even considering the sad shape of their fdefensive backfield, their interior line has played very little perceptible defense as well. Offensively, USC lost QB Barkley to injury, and, since that injury, have done almost nothing in the air.
UCLA has played almost equally bad defense. Offensively, believe it, or not, I like UCLA's starting QB Breuhart a little. He's had some pretty decent games since being installed as the starter, and, yes, I think his QB play will be better than USC's tonight.eeeeeeeeeeeee
There is the Army-Navy game nexteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

OKLAHOMA VS. NEBRASKA

2010-12-04T20:07:00.002-05:00

I don't think Nebraska can beat Okla. w/o Martinez. Even with him, the bottom line he is a freshman, and I will always go against a freshman QB In these spots.
OKLAHOMA IN A ONE STAR PLAY OVER NEBRASKA.

I would take the over, but, I just don't know Martinez's physical status.

PLEASE RETURN AT 10:00P.M. FOR USC-UCLA

UCONN VS. USF

2010-12-04T19:53:00.002-05:00

UConn has the best offensive weapon on the field in RB Todman. I believe he will lead his team to a win. Both QBs will produce almost nothing tonight(USF going with a walk-on freshman). So, TWO, ONE STAR RECOMMENDATIONS ON UCONN AND THE UNDER IN THE SAME GAME.
RETURN AT 8:10P.M.

ALERT!

2010-12-04T19:50:00.001-05:00

PONDER'S OUT FOR FSU. I'D CANCEL ANY INVESTMENTS IF ANY WERE MADE. IF NOT, QB MANUEL IS NOT THAT BAD. HE JUST DOESN'T HAVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF PONDER

FSU VS. V.T.IN ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

2010-12-04T19:26:00.002-05:00

Two good Qbs in Ponder and Taylor; two good running attacks; two experienced offensive lines.
All that adds up to a pretty high scoring game and a ONE STAR RECOMMENDATION ON THE OVER.

I'm leaning to FSU, but, it takes a lot for me to against one of my favorite coaches of all time, Frank Beamer, who also happens to be one of the best in big games. I'll sit, and enjoy the points getting racked up on the scoreboard!

SEE YOU AT ABOUT 7:50P.M.

AUBURN- SOUTH CAROLINA OVER: THE REASON

2010-12-04T15:51:00.002-05:00

Both teams have played very sub-par pass defense this year within the SEC. If South Carolina played better pass defense, I would have recommended the Gamecocks. Bottom line is I was surprised how porous Carolina's pass defense has been this year.
On the other side of the ball, South Carolina has been strong passing the ball, which is convenient for us since Auburn has been poor against the pass. I also like the fact the Gamecocks will offer a nice rushing threat in freshman sensation RB Lattimore.
Since I don't think Auburn will have two consecutive sub-par offensive games, I think this will be a pretty high scoring game. As a result, we gave the over a one-star recommendation.

AUBURN VS. SOUTH CAROLINA

2010-12-04T15:49:00.001-05:00

ONE STAR RECOMMENDATION ON THE OVER IN THIS AUBURN-GAMECOCK CONTEST.

REASON COMING

RETURN 1/2 HOUR BEFORE START OF NEXT SCHEDULED GAME.

OREGON AT OREGON ST.: THE REASON

2010-12-04T15:25:00.002-05:00

Rivalries are fine when one of the teams can compete with the other team. Oregon St. will not compete with Oregon today. Oregon St cannot: run, pass( new QB has replaced inj. QB), play run defense, play pass defense. And, by the way, THEY LOST TO WSU!!!!!!!!
This line should've been in the 20s. O regon, I think, will win big!

RETURN AT 3:50P.M. FOR AUBURN VS. SOUTH CAROLINA

OREGON AT OREGON ST.

2010-12-04T15:23:00.001-05:00

TWO STAR RECOMMENDATION ON OREGON

COME RIGHT FOR MY REASONINGS ON THIS PLAY

OREGON VS. OREGON ST. AT 3:25P.M.

2010-12-04T15:16:00.000-05:00

NEVADA AT LATECH

2010-12-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

ONE STAR RECOMMENDATION ON THE OVER IN THIS GAME BETWEEN NEV. -L.T.

YOUR 12:00P.M. RECOMMENDATIONS

2010-12-03T23:29:00.002-05:00

PITT AT CINCY: Let me keep this simple: how the heck is Cincy favored in this game? Pitt WILL run the ball and pass the ball on a porous Cincy defense. Cincy will have difficulty rushing the ball on a tough Pitt rush defense. I'm guessing if somebody out there thinks Cincy should be favored, it might be because of the QB play of Cincy's Collaros. The trouble is Pitt has played very good pass defense this year. Look, one of the fears I have is Pitt is so disappointed by last week's loss that they come with nothing. I just don't see that happening. If they can win, Pitt is still theoretically alive in the Big East race.
PITT IN A ONE STAR PLAY

RUTGERS AT WEST VIRGINIA: This is one of the worst Rutgers teams in years. West Virginia is still alive in the Big East, and I see no reason why they can't blow out a team that is now bad in every facet of the game. My one fear in this game is coach Schiano,in whom I have a great deal of respect. But, even his good coaching cannot overcome his horrible team.
WEST VIRGINIA IN ONE STAR PLAY
The totals line, in my opinion, is ridiculously low(approx. 44.5), mainly because of the involvement of a team in Rutgers that has an absolutely bad defense. I'll take the over in this situation every time.
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE OVER IN THE W.VA-RUTGERS CONTEST

ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER IN THE SMU-UCF GAME.
PLEASE CALL AT 11:50AM FOR POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL 12:00P.M. PLAYS

ILLINOIS AT FRESNO ST.

2010-12-03T21:39:00.002-05:00

Fresno St. lost two defensive starters in the last two weeks, including a CB, and a defensive lineman. That doesn't bode well for a team that has to face a very strong running game in the Illinois team. Illinois should be able to move the ball freely vs. Fresno St.
I believe Fresno St. will come to play tonight, and if they do, they will have to lead with their offense. They do have a decent QB, and a decent running game. Illinois' defense has been good at times this year, but, in the last 3 games, they've given up 67, 38, and 27 points. I think Fresno's Bulldogs will score on the Illini.
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE OVER

I'm leaning slightly to Fresno St. in the game. I just can't see a Ron Zook-coached team as a 6 point favorite on the road in a non-conference game. The trouble is coach Pat Hill of Fresno St. has been surprisingly horrible as a home underdog(1-6 in the last five years). What the heck has happened to Pat Hill teams since that heart-breaking loss to USC some years back?
So, a slight lean toward Fresno St., but, no recommendation.

CALL 11:50A.M., SATURDAY MORNING FOR OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE 12:00 GAMES.

Miami,Oh vs. Northern Illinois

2010-12-03T18:56:00.002-05:00

I gave you No.Illinois early in the week as a two-star play.

Miami, Oh has a freshman starting at QB, and an average running game against N.I.'s pretty tough defense. Miami has a pretty decent defense.

Under the total in a ONE STAR PLAY.

RETURN AT 9:45P.M. FOR ILLINOIS-FRESNO ST.

ASU AT ARIZONA: 8:00P.M.

2010-12-02T18:45:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I look at a game, and think that the pick in the game is too obvious. Sometimes that obviousness scares me, but, I rarely let that deter me from making the pick. Tonight's game between ASU and Arizona, to me, falls into the obvious category. I will not let that obviousness deter me.
This is a rivalry game in which one team is already bowl eligible( Arizona), and the other needs a win tonight to become bowl eligible(ASU). Just because a team needs a win to become bowl eligible, does not mean I'll automatically go with that team as a recommendation. If the team that needs to win is clearly worse than the bowl eligible team, the must-win scenario means less to me. I don't consider ASU as the clearly worse team.
Consider that ASU played Wiscy(19-20) tough; they lost to Oregon by only 11. Arizona lost to the Ducks by 19;each lost to Oreg.St. by three or less; and ASU lost to USC and Stanford by a cumulative 4 points. ASU has played well, for the most part,this year.
I would also guess that Arizona expended a lot of heart and soul in last week's loss to Oregon. After all, they were actually ahead at halftime. Rivalry game, or not, I feel some kind of let-down may be in order tonight for the Wildcats, particularly since they know going into the game they have a bowl spot clinched. Again, if they felt this way against a WSU-type team, I'd say they'd be okay. But, they are playing a decent team in the Dennis Erickson-led Sun Devils. The spread is currently at -5.5 points, Arizona favored. I would buy the .5 point and make ASU a +6 pick.

TWO STAR PLAY ON THE ASU SUN DEVILS

In the last five years of this game, all five have gone under the present posted totals of 56. I won't fight that trend. No recommendation on the totals, but a lean to the under in this contest.

IDAHO AT FRESNO ST.

2010-11-27T21:35:00.002-05:00

Idaho has one thing going for it, and that's the QB Enderle. Everything else about the Vandals has been horrible this year: they can't run the ball; they can't stop the run; they can't stop the pass; and, despite the fact they have a decent QB, the passing offense has been sub-par this year as well.
Fresno St., and their coach, Pat Hill, has been no bargain at home as conference favorites(3-10 in last 5 years), but, they have been much better offensively and defensively than Idaho, and, they have defeated similar teams to Idaho pretty decisively( average winning margin of 15 points). I'm counting on RB Rouse returning to the form he showed prior to Boise, when he ran for 100 yards 4 games in a row, including over 200 yards the two games prior to Boise St.

ONE STAR PLAY ON FRESNO ST.

OKLAHOMA AT OKLAHOMA ST.

2010-11-27T19:38:00.002-05:00

Oklahoma St. has the slightly better offense. Oklahoma has the better defense. I like taking the better defenses when I'm presented with that option. Include in the mix the fact that the Sooners are very rarely road, conference underdogs, and, when they are, coach Bob Stoops is 3-0 in that role in the last five years.
I believe it will be a high scoring, close game, but, I think the 68+ points for the total is too high.

ONE STAR PLAY ON OKLAHOMA OVER OKIE ST. IF SPREAD IS 2.5 POINTS, I WOULD BUY THE 1/2 POINT, AND MAKE IT +3 OKLAHOMA. I DO THINK IT WILL BE A CLOSE GAME

NO PLAYS AT 7:00P.M.: COME BACK AT 7:20P.M.

2010-11-27T18:52:00.001-05:00

I'M NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN, BUT.............

2010-11-27T15:37:00.002-05:00

I gave out the over in the MSU-PSU contest. The Nits scored a TD, and were setting up for the extra point. The holder botched the hold, and the extra point. Totals were 50.5. Final score totaled 50 points.

I gave out the over in the UCONN-Cincy contest. Totals were 55.5. Final score totaled 55 points!

Are you kidding me? I missed going 4-0 by 1 stinking point total. OH, WELL.

3:30P.M. PLAYS

2010-11-27T15:25:00.002-05:00

TWO STAR RECOMMENDATION ON FLORIDA ST.

ONE STAR PLAYS ON:

MARYLAND
THE UNDER IN THE N.C.ST - MARYLAND GAME
BYU OVER UTAH

12:00P.M. RECOMMENDATIONS - PLUS - MY TWITTER USERNAME IS EDGYSAM!

2010-11-27T11:55:00.002-05:00

THESE ARE ALL ONE STAR PLAYS:

MICHIGAN ST. OVER PSU
MSU-PSU OVER THE TOTALS
OHIO ST. OVER MICHIGAN
CINCY-UCONN CONTEST TO GO OVER THE TOTALS

RETURN AT 12:17P.M. FOR SOME POTENTIAL 12:21 STARTS

ARIZONA AT OREGON

2010-11-26T18:52:00.002-05:00

Oregon had two low-scoring games in a row vs. Wash., and Cal. I think they return to their high scoring ways against Arizona. I've thought from the beginning of the year that Arizona's defense would have trouble this year. They gave up 42 points(Stanford) to the other high powered offense they've faced this year. Oregon will be high octane tonight.
ONE STAR PLAYS ON OREGON AND THE OVER IN THE SAME GAME.

REMINDER: MY TWITTER USERNAME IS EDGYSAM

ARIZONA AT OREGON: 6:55-6:58P.M.

2010-11-26T18:44:00.000-05:00

UCLA AT ASU: REMINDER: EDGYSAM MY TWITTER USERNAME

2010-11-26T15:17:00.002-05:00

ASU is in a good spot in this game. They are still bowl eligible; they are home; coach Erickson is good as a home, conference favorite( 5-3), and ASU is a stellar 9-2 vs. the spread this year; UCLA has injuries-galore, including potential starting QB Breuhart; in games where these teams have played the same PAC-10 opponents, ASU is +91 points in score differential over UCLA in the six games in which they've played the same opponents; finally, ASU romped over the two teams they were clearly better than this year. I think the SunDevils are clearly the better team.

ASU IN A ONE STAR PLAY OVER UCLA

AUBURN AT ALABAMA

2010-11-26T14:20:00.002-05:00

Auburn's defense is not overpowering in any sense of the word. The trouble is, Bama's defense is not overpowering either. They gave up 159 and 225 on the ground to Tenn., and LSU. What will Auburn do to that defense? Remember, the Tigers ran for 400+yards against LSU! That's a stat worth looking at.
If Alabama went by any other name, Auburn would be the favorite. Auburn should be the favorite in this game. OC Gus Malzahn will move this offense too fast for the very young Bama defense.

TWO STAR PLAY ON AUBURN

ONE STAR PLAY ON THE OVER.

WESTERN MICHIGAN AT BOWLING GREEN

2010-11-26T13:49:00.002-05:00

I like that Western Michigan did not throw in the towel in their last two games, winning by scores of 45-30, and 38-3 vs. E.M. and Kent St., respectively. This has now put them in position to become bowl-eligible with a win. So, incentive to win exists.
In the game itself, Bowling Green has shown no ability to run or pass. This will be my major reason to go with W.M. They do have a pretty prolific offense, particularly against MAC competition. I just don't see how the Green can keep up. It doesn't hurt that their defense has played pretty horribly as well.
B.G. is home, and that's a little scary, but, I'm going with the more talented and more incentivised squad.

ONE STAR PLAY ON WESTERN MICHIGAN

REMINDER: MY TWITTER USERNAME IS "EDGYSAM"

POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS AT 1:55P.M.

2010-11-26T13:43:00.000-05:00

WEST VIRGINIA AT PITT: REMINDER: MY TWITTER USERNAME IS EDGYSAM

2010-11-26T11:53:00.002-05:00

Pitt has been very good to me this year, and, I see no reason to change today. The two defenses today are both solid. I give a lean to Pitt QB Sunseri over W.Va.'s Smith, but, only slightly. The key difference is the two-headed running game of Lewis and Graham of Pitt, vs. the oft-injured, one -man show of the Mountaineers Noel Devine. And, Devine is hurting today, too.

PITT IN A ONE STAR RECOMMENDATION

THE UNDER IN THE SAME GAME IN A ONE STAR RECOMMENDATION.

COME BACK AT 1/2 HOUR BEFORE NEXT SCHEDULED GAME.

EDGY SAM IS MY TWITTER USERNAME

2010-11-26T11:03:00.002-05:00

My nephew taught me how to twitter, so, I hope to tweet all day today. My username is edgy sam(edgysam?), so please tell everyone you know to check "Edgy Sam" out. Thanks.

LOUISVILLE VS. RUTGERS

2010-11-26T10:59:00.001-05:00

ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER: lOUISVILLE HAS A HURTING QB, AND A HURT, BUT DECENT RUSH "O"... RUTGERS HAS NO OFFENSE.

LOUISVILLE VS. RUTG: 10:55-10:58 RELEASE

2010-11-26T10:51:00.000-05:00

TEXAS VS. TEXAS A&M: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

2010-11-25T19:00:00.002-05:00

If there were no outside intangibles involved in this game, Texas A&M would be my pick because they are hot, they are home, and they are simply the better team over their rivals, Texas. But, a factor in this game I cannot ignore is the simple fact one of the premier programs in the country, that of the Texas Longhorns, has to win this game to avoid a losing season. That is enough to offset the advantages A&M brings to the game, and in my opinion, is enough to keep me from making a recommendation on a side in this 8:00p.m. ESPN contest.

What I do like in the game is the under play. Texas has a slightly above average running game, and they've just lost the leading RB from last year, Tre Newton. That running game will not be helped at all by an ATROCIOUS Longhorn passing attack. It's hard to believe a Texas QB(Brantley) can be this bad. A&M has an underrated defense that should give Texas trouble.Conversely, A&M also has a slightly above average running game, and, they too have just lost their leading rusher from last year. QB Tanneyhill has done a good job for the Aggies, but, his experience level is still low, and I believe the Longhorns can restrict him, to a degree.
Finally, I believe Texas will come to play , for the reasons written above, and, If they do, they will have to lead with their defense. This bodes well for a lower scoring game. Therefore,

ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER IN THE A&M-TEXAS RIVALRY GAME

JOIN US EARLY TOMORROW. REMINDER: TWO GAMES START AT 11:00A.M.!!!!!!!!

SAM'S COLLEGE EDGE...EDGES: HANDICAPPING, AND GAMBLING HIGHLIGHTS(LOWLIGHTS) FROM LAST WEEK'S ACTION

2010-11-23T19:52:00.003-05:00

Sharp Edges: My first, and, last recommendations on the week were probably the most obvious ones as well, at least that's what my handicapping uncovered. Washington was in its last home game of the year. Not that big a deal, but, it became a big deal with the realization it would be Jake Locker's, an NFL QB Prospect, last home game. It didn't hurt that the Huskie offense was far superior coming into the game than the Bruins offense.
At the other end of the weekend, I decided to make a recommendation almost totally in my belief that Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is a very good coach. If he was a good coach, Kelly would use the Navy loss as a learning tool in playing the option. It has always been my opinion that many teams have trouble with the service academy option because those squads simply do not see that type of offense that often. Kelly saw the option against Navy, and I was very confident he'd get his superior athletes to defense it well. Kelly did, and I proceeded to win my biggest recommendation of the weekend...

I'm not a big believer in "the line's telling me something," but, in the Rutgers-Cincy game, the line was telling me something. Cincinnati was playing horribly coming into the Rutgers game, and, Rutgers was playing everyone close, even in losses. So, how could Cincy be favored by 12.5 points? The line seemed so messed up, I decided to stay away from the game. Final Score: Cincy 69, Rutgers 38...Another pretty easy handicap was deciding Michigan would not be able to stop Wisconsin. They couldn't...Believe it,or not, in the Pitt-USF game, I had more confidence in Pitt's freshman QB Sunseri, than I had in the more experienced Daniels of USF. Pitt's loss to Uconn notwithstanding, I just thought the Panthers were the better team. Just looking at the Gold Sheet from last week, and noticed they liked both Army and USF. C'mon, Gold Sheet, you should have consulted with the Edge!

I have to pick up my daughter so will return with the second half of "EDGES," featuring the Dull Edges of the week!

TEMPLE OWLS VS. MIAMI,OHIO REDHAWKS

2010-11-23T18:51:00.002-05:00

Before my recommendation on the Temple-Miami contest, please come back at halftime of the Owl-Redhawk game for a possible halftime recommendation. Also, check out my highlights, and lowlights, from last week's handicapping, and gambling experiences.

Temple's best offensive weapon, Bernard Pierce is out. Their second best weapon, Matt Brown is hurting. Miami's best offensive weapon, QB Zac Dysart, is out. A freshman is starting in his place. For those reasons, I like the under in this game in a ONE STAR PLAY.

No recommendation on a side in the game. GO OWLS!

TEMPLE AT MIAMI,OH

2010-11-23T18:33:00.001-05:00

PLEASE RETURN AT 6:55P.M. FOR A POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION ON THE OWLS VS. REDHAWKS GAME.

TWO EVENING PLAYS

2010-11-20T18:20:00.002-05:00

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I believe coach Brian Kelly of Notre Dame is a very good coach. His athletes are at least twice the athletes of Army. The big equalizer for Army is the dang option, which I love to watch. Coach Kelly has seen the option this year in their loss to Navy. I believe Coach Kelly learned A LOT from that loss, and will teach his superior athletes what to do this time. Also, Army has already clinched a bowl bid. Kelly, who has made a bowl bid a top priority for this team, needs one more win to become bowl eligible. They play USC next week, so, I believe they pounce all over the Army tonight.

NOTRE DAME IN A TWO STAR PLAY OVER ARMY

Syracuse and UConn have gotten really rotten play from the quarterback position. Syracuse doesn't run the ball particularly either. UConn does run the ball well with RB Todman, but, Syracuse plays good pass defense. This should be a low scoring game.

THE UNDER IN THIS GAME IN A ONE STAR PLAY.

CALL AT 9:30P.M. FOR A POSSIBLE PLAY ON THE UTAH-SDSU GAME, WHICH STARTS AT 10:00P.M.

3:30p.m. PLAYS

2010-11-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

ONE STAR PLAYS ON THE FOLLOWING:

VIRGINIA TECH OVER MIAMI

THE UNDER IN THE ILLINOIS/NORTHWESTERN

THE UNDER IN THE STANFORD/CAL GAME

PLEASE RETURN AT 3:32P.M. FOR OSU/IOWA( IN EVENT I HAVE A RECOMMENDATION)

MORE ON FRESNO ST.-BOISE ST. AND, MORE ON HOT STREAKS!

2010-11-19T21:25:00.003-05:00

LaTech scored 20 points at Boise St. They did it with a nice running game that night, and, a mediocre passing game. Okay, they did lose 49-20, but, they played the Broncos fairly tough. Fresno St.'s defense is at least equal to LaTech's defense, but, the Bulldog running game, and QB play is superior to LaTech's. Factor in coach Pat Hill's teams playing well in road-dog situations(20-14 in that role coming into this year), and a recommendation on Fresno St. is justified.
I gave out an over the totals recommendation, because I believe Boise St. will score on Fresno St., and as I mentioned earlier, if LaTech can score 20 points with less offensive weapons than Fresno St. has( RB Rouse of Fresno has gained 100 yards four games in a row, including over 200 yards his last two games), I believe Fresno can put up at least 24 points, and, that should be enough to get us the over. I know Boise St. will put points on the board.

Other hot streak stories: I was having a particularly good year some years back, prior to the start of the College Edge, and as I was prone to do, I'd give my picks out to those who'd ask me for them. Well, it turned out one of guys I was giving my picks to, was in turn, giving my picks out to a bunch of his friends. One day, one of the neighborhood bookies called me to his "place of business" and calmly asked me to sit down. Now, I didn't owe the guy any money, and, I didn't think I had anything to fear. During the course of our "friendly" conversation, it was brought to my attention that the local neighborhood bookie was getting killed by that guy I was giving my picks to,and,unbeknownst to me, he was also getting trounced by a bunch of this guy's friends. I was asked in a " friendly manner, " if I could stop giving my picks out to the neighborhood guys. His urging would probably have been enough for me to stop giving out my picks, but, it didn't hurt when I was also offered a fee for each of my college picks for the rest of the year. Let's just say I didn't give my picks out to the neighborhood guys the rest of that year.

TOMORROW: Call 267-752-3343 at 11:50p.m. for my 12:00p.m. recommendations.

FRESNO ST. AT BOISE ST.- PLUS - WHEN YOU ARE HOT, WRITE ABOUT IT

2010-11-19T21:04:00.002-05:00

FRESNO ST. AT BOISE ST. at the end of this article, but, first, the little hot roll we're on brings back memories of hot streaks past:
The best streak I can remember having was one from about five years ago when I hit 14 bowl games in a row. The great part about it was it came pretty much at the of the year, and I never had a chance to give any of those winnings back. It made me a nice chunk of change for the year, and it's pretty much cash that stayed in my pocket, because, as some of you may know, college football is the only sport I do serious wagering on...
One year I got off to a fantastic start, and decided I wanted to expand my horizons. I contacted the Gold Sheet people( I have Gold Sheets going all the way back to 1980) because I have always respected the information they offer, and the honest way they seem to present it. I offered to send them my picks for the balance of the year, bragging to them how great a year I was having(I'm sure they believed every word I told them), and hoping they'd see my talent, and offer me a position as a handicapper. Well, I proceeded to have probably the worst five week stretch I've ever had in my life. I never heard from them again. By the way, I don't use the Gold Sheet for their picks. The publication is just a tremendous source of information...
I'm out of time,but, more stories on hot streaks to come.

FRESNO ST. AT BOISE ST. : REASONINGS TO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW THIS ARTICLE, so please come back for more stories on hot streaks past, and my reasons for the folllowing recommendations:

ONE STAR PLAYS ON FRESNO ST. AND THE OVER IN THE SAME GAME

FRESNO ST. AT BOISE ST.

2010-11-19T20:56:00.002-05:00

C'mon, you guys didn't really think I'd be ready at 9:00p.m., did you? I only had all day to work on this game.
Well, it's the only game on the schedule tonight, so, I'm sure taking MY TIME.
I'll be back at 9:20p.m.!

AIR FORCE AT UNLV

2010-11-18T21:11:00.002-05:00

I lean to UNLV in this game. They showed they are still playing when they beat Wyoming last week. Also, in last two games at home vs. Air Force, they've covered. Still, UNLV is a bad team, and I just can't bring myself to make a recommendation on a team that lost to CSU by 33 points!

I lean to the over in the game, but, at the present posted number of 56-57, these two teams have gone under that number 9 out of 13 times. I don't want to go against that trend.

The bottom line is I don't feel comfortable making a recommendation on this game. UNLV isn't that good, but, they are home. Air Force is pretty good, but, they've already clinched a bowl and they are on the road. I'll just tune in, and, enjoy watching the Falcon option.

REMINDER: 1/2 hour before the start of Fresno St-Boise St. game, call for our recommendation (s?) on the game.

UCLA AT WASHINGTON - PLUS - SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE PART II

2010-11-18T19:34:00.002-05:00

UCLA AT WASHINGTON at the end of this article, but, first:

SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE, PART II: put Nebraska at near the top of the list of "most over-rated" teams in the BCS standings...Credit to Alabama for not letting down to Mississippi St. last week. The Tide had every reason to let-down after being eliminated from the championship picture the week before. Another reason why Saban's such a great coach...Is the Notre Dame win over Utah an indication that Brian Kelly's team is starting to respond to the new coach's system(which I know they will, eventually), or, an indication that Utah was vastly overrated? I suspect it's more the latter...Another indication of how difficult it is for teams to defense the service academy options: Kent St. had, I believe, the best defense against the run in the NCAA(okay, I know, they are from the MAC). They play Army, they can't stop the option, and they lose. Love those service academy options!!!MORE COLLAGE TO COME......

UCLA AT WASHINGTON:
This is assignment Thursday, just like it was in the Ohio-Temple game Tuesday evening. If QB Jake Locker of Washington is starting( right now, he's listed as probable), the Huskies are a recommendation over UCLA. With Locker, I just believe Washington has too much offense, and UCLA just will not be able to keep up. UCLA's QB Breuhart will be good. He's just not there yet.
Also, check in to see if the wind will be a problem. Even if it's raining, no problem. But, if it's windy, no totals recommendation. So, our recommendations, based on my assignments:

ONE STAR PLAYS ON WASHINGTON AND THE OVER IN THE SAME GAME.( by the way, this is Locker's last game at home. Extra incentive exists).

UCLA AT WASHINGTON AT 7:50P.M.

2010-11-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

BOWLING GREEN AT TOLEDO- PLUS - SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE( A MADCAP REVIEW OF LAST WEEK'S COLLEGE ACTION)

2010-11-17T19:02:00.003-05:00

East Carolina plays crappy defense,but, they sure can score. QB Davis, the transfer from B.C., I believe started out as a wide receiver with the Eagles. He has been phenomenol at the QB spot for the Pirates. We gave out E.C. last week vs. UAB. They trailed early in the 4th qtr., 34-42. I was not worried because I knew E.C. could put points up in a hurry. Final score: E.C. 52 UAB 42. An interesting note about new Pirate coach McNeil. Even though he was a defensive coordinator at his last job, maybe the team he was on wore off on him, offensively. McNeil was the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech under offensive genius, Mike Leach...West Virginia pounced on Cincy last week.TOO LATE MOUNTAINEERS! You and the Pitt Panthers each had a chance to bring respectability to the Big East, and each of you lost to UConn. Your conference stinks, and, you all should turn down a BCS Bowl invite. In fact, accept the bid. Anything that makes the BCS playoff system look bad is FINE WITH ME...Can you imagine Syracuse in one of the Major BCS Bowls? It can happen. The Orange are having a nice comeback year, but, wouldn't that be embarrassing???

Northwestern had one of the more dynamic QBs in the Big 10, if not the NCAA in Dan Persa. The Wildcats clinched a bowl bid with their win over Iowa. The trouble is Persa had a season-ending injury, and the Wildcats must now turn to a probable freshman to finish the season. I think that's one bowl game I look forward to handicapping...I will reiterate what I wrote the other day: it was a disgrace that the linemakers posted Michigan as a 13-point favorite at Purdue. The Wolverines have one of the worst defenses in the country, and there is no way they should have been that big a favorite in a conference road game. It is funny what pisses me off...Good old Ron Zook of Illinois. Just when you thought he might be actually coaching up in a pretty decent way, he jars you back to reality. His team should have trounced a horrible Minnesota team at home. Instead, he probably had his team needlessly overconfident, and they somehow lost. Good old Ron Zook...
Part 2 of Sam's College Football Collage tomorrow.

BOWLING GREEN AT TOLEDO:

Bowling Green has had little success running, or, throwing the ball this year. Toledo starts a freshman in only his second start since Toledo's starting QB Dantin was lost for the season to injury. In a rivalry matchup, Bowling Green will probably come to play, and if they do, they'll have to lead with their defense, which is better than their offense. So, because B.Green's offense is very sub-par, and, I believe Toledo plays it close-to-the-vest with its freshman QB, my recommendation is:
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER
I lean to Bowling Green in the rivalry matchup, but, their offense has been so putrid this year, I will stay away from a side in the game.

MIAMI,OH AT AKRON: NO PLAY

2010-11-17T17:48:00.002-05:00

I tried to find out if Miami QB Dysart was playing tonight. He was listed as questionable. Without knowing for sure if he is playing, I can't make a sound recommendation tonight.

BOWLING GREEN AT TOLEDO: RECOMMENDATIONS AT 7:30P.M.

MIAMI,OH AT AKRON AT 5:50P.M.: THIS GAME STARTS AT 6:00P.M.

2010-11-17T17:21:00.001-05:00

With last night's two winning recommendations, WE ARE NOW ON A 14-3 ROLL SINCE LAST TUESDAY, NOV. 9th!!!!!!!
Take the time to read my Ohio-Temple synopsis. It was right on.

OHIO AT TEMPLE

2010-11-16T17:57:00.002-05:00

You will need to do some work tonight. If QB Boo Jackson is playing tonight(Ohio), then I have two recommendations. If he is not, and his status is questionable, then there is no recommendation on either the total or side. If Jackson is playing:

ONE STAR RECOMMENDATIONS ON:

OHIO
THE OVER IN THE OHIO-TEMPLE GAME

Ohio's coach Solich has a good team this year and tonight's game, which I will attend, will be a good one, whether Jackson plays or not. With a good team, his very good record as a road, conference underdog comes into play. That record is a stellar 10-3 the last 4 years. AGAIN, MAKE SURE JACKSON IS PLAYING BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS.

SAM'S COLLEGE EDGE...EDGES: HANDICAPPING AND GAMBLING HIGHLIGHTS(LOWLIGHTS?) FROM LAST WEEK

2010-11-15T17:40:00.003-05:00

The College Edge recommendation on tonight's Skins-Eagles game at the end of this article, but, for the first time ever, our new feature, Sam's College Edge...Edges:

Sharp Edges: My best recommendation last week didn't win me one dime. What it did, was keep me from losing one dime. In the 3:30p.m. recommendations, I gave out Rutgers. I commented that if the spread was +2.5 points, I would recommend buying the .5 point, making the spread Rutgers +3 against Syracuse. I got a very nice push. Why? Final Score: Syracuse 13, Rutgers 10...I did the same with the South Carolina Gamecocks, buying a half point and making my pick, South Carolina, a +7 recommendation instead of a +6.5 pick. Didn't need the extra point. We won easily...I said on my phone line that I thought Indiana was due to get romped. They had played pretty horribly in their prior two games, but, somehow, kept those games close, and were due to get killed. But, 83-20? Just a note on that game, or, more to the point, on coaches like Bret Bielma of Wisconsin. My non-handicapping side says Bielma was a rotten dude throwing the ball for a TD with a 59-point lead. My handicapping side tells me Bielma will normally not let up when he has a big lead. I might now be more willing to lay big points with Wisconsin, and Bielma, knowing he will be less likely to allow an opponent a chance for a back-door cover. Nice guy, coach Chris Petersen of Boise St., almost cost us an easy win Friday night. He took starting QB Moore out at the end of the third quarter. The new QB almost immediately fumbled a ball into the end zone for a TD, and then, after his continued futility, Idaho almost scored again from inside the 15, with less than a minute in the game, causing heart palpitations from yours truly, and my trusty followers. Where do you fall in the discussion? Do you want your coaches to be ruthless(ala Steve Spurrier when he was at Florida), or gentlemanly(like JoePa has been at Penn St.???

We won both the totals and side recommendations on that clash of the Titans Wednesday night, Miami of Ohio vs. Bowling Green. That game went almost exactly as predicted. The next day, one of my friends who follows me, said I was lucky. If the game wasn't played in the fog, he said, it would've gone way over the total. WHAT A JOKE! Do you have any idea( I'm sure you do), how many games I've lost because of a goofy bounce, or, a goofy call, or, a goofy injury? Win, or lose, I give a completed game a couple of minutes of thought, I consider what I might learn from the results, and I move on. If I was lucky, and I don't agree I was in that game, so what. It just makes up for the times I was unlucky, and lost...I was actually pissed at the audacity of the linemakers posting Michigan as a 13-point favorite in a conference road game at Purdue. And, I'm just as baffled the supposed wise guys didn't drive that line down. On principle, I will recommend against a team that has one of the worst defenses, not only in the Big 10, but in the whole darn NCAA. Okay, the Wolverines did win by 11, making the pick dangerously close to going down, but, I assure you, if I had to do again, I WOULD. Michigan's defense is absolutely atrocious!!!

I left my house early Saturday afternoon thinking I had gone 3-2 in my 12:00p.m. games. Later that night, I was talking to another friend who follows my games. He congratulated me on my 12:00 picks. I thanked him, and said 3-2 in the early games was nice after going 5-1 on my weekday games. My friend corrected me, and said I had gone 4-1. Here's what happened: I left my house with the score in the KSU-Missouri at 14-38 in the 4th quarter. I was so sure it was a loser, I never even checked the final. At about 10:00p.m. Saturday night, I found out from my buddy, that what was once a loser, was, in fact an ego-inflating, comeback win. My favorite coach, Bill Snyder, and his team, the Kansas St. Wildcats, scored 14 late points and gave me, and my followers, a 12-3 record on the week, instead of 11-4. I love Bill Snyder! Final score KSU 28, Missouri 38( yeah, I wish KSU would've won outright, but..........)

Dull Edges:I picked Pitt over UConn Thursday evening, figuring one of these goofy Big East teams would step to the front, and pridefully try to represent their floundering conference. NOT! I should just realize the conference stinks, and no one has the ability to step up. I again went against coach Randy Edsall for the second time in three weeks, in situations where Edsall had very good records against the spread( prior to the Pitt game, Edsall was 8-3 as a conference, home-dog). I chose to overlook Edsall's spread success, and paid the price...I would probably pick the South Carolina-Florida again to go over( the totals spread was 51.5; the final score was 36-14) again. I'd probably stubbornly believe that QB Brantley of Florida had to play better than he did in the game. It's hard to get through this thick skull that this isn't the Florida squad we've been used to seeing. I have to admit, it is fun watching perennial powers Florida and Texas struggling like we've never seen!

Rich's NFL Recommendation Tonight:
REDSKINS

SOUTH CAROLINA AT FLORIDA

2010-11-13T18:10:00.001-05:00

ONE STAR PLAYS:

SOUTH CAROLINA

OVER IN THE SAME GAME

HAVING A GOOD DAY SO FAR. HOPE YOU ARE A PART OF IT!

3:30p.m. Plays:

2010-11-13T15:18:00.002-05:00

ONE STAR PLAYS:

RUTGERS
THE UNDER IN THE RUTGERS-SYRACUSE GAME
THE OVER IN THE AUBURN-GEORGIA GAME

N.B. Syracuse has been a favorite one time on the road in the last five years!

CHECK IN AT 3:20P.M. FOR 3:30P.M. GAMES

2010-11-13T14:13:00.001-05:00

Last night's Boise St. win puts us at 5-1 going into today's games for the week. Let's hope we can keep it going. See you at 3:20p.m.

BOISE ST. VS. IDAHO

2010-11-12T20:33:00.002-05:00

Idaho has shown no propensity to run the ball, AT ALL. They also have a sub-par passing attack. Without at least a threat to be able to run the ball, I just don't see how Idaho will have any consistency in their attack, and that will be disastrous against a very good defense in Boise St., and a defense that will probably play the entire game in search of valuable style points. Idaho's defense has also been poor , at best, and that's another bad omen for the Vandals, as they are playing one of the best offenses in the country.
Add all these to the fact Boise St. is still in search of style points in their quest for a national championship bid, and we like the Broncos tonight.

ONE STAR PLAY ON THE BOISE ST. BRONCOS

BOISE ST. VS. IDAHO AT 8:50P.M.

2010-11-12T20:30:00.001-05:00

EAST CAROLINA AT UAB - PLUS - SAM'S MUSINGS ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2010-11-11T19:30:00.002-05:00

East Carolina at UAB to come, but, first, some thoughts: No, I would not vote for Newton for Heisman right now...Kellen Moore gets my vote right now... I want TCU or Boise in BCS championship, so I hope Auburn is distracted by all the hulabaloo...Just keep in mind Iowa plays good defense, but, their pass defense has let them down at times this year. They play a good passing offense in Northwestern...How about another high totals recommendation on Baylor/A&M? That game may go into the 80s... Did I write here that one mistake coach Hawkins made at Colorado was establishing his own son as the starting QB three years ago. BIG MISTAKE!!!My buddy, Ant, told me at the beginning of the year to bet against Memphis every week. Not sure how bad they've been, but this week they play Marshall. See how my buddy does...Cal has played horribly on the road, but, great at home. This week they play Oregon at home. They can't beat Or ahhhh, no way....How about a bubble-burst for PSU this week...CUSA 100 point total alert: Tulsa vs. Houston.

East Carolina at UAB:

East Carolina has the much better offense, and though the Pirate defense stinks, UAB's defense isn't much better, and the UAB offense simply can not score with the EC productive offense. E.C. was embarrased last week, and I think their offense responds.

EAST CAROLINA IN A TWO STAR PLAY OVER UAB

PITT AT UCONN

2010-11-11T19:15:00.002-05:00

Dangerous going against UCONN when they are playing home, but, I just think Pitt is the better team, and the team on a potential roll(they've won and covered their last 3 games, they've covered their last 5 games). Pitt is very good against the run; that's the only thing UConn does fairly well on offense. On offense, Pitt has a two-headed monster at RB, and UConn has played sub-par defense against the run. QB Sunseri of Pitt is also playing better at his position than his counterpart at QB at UConn.
TWO STAR PLAY ON PITT

EAST CAROLINA AT UAB COMING AT 7:45P.M.

PITT - UCONN AT 7:25P.M.

2010-11-11T19:13:00.000-05:00

MIAMI,OH VS. BOWLING GREEN - PLUS - SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE

2010-11-10T17:00:00.003-05:00

The Miami-Bowling Green game will be discussed later in this article,but, first, what you've been waiting for: Sam's College Football Collage( a madcap review of last week's college football week).

We should have known college football would be in for an unusually high-scoring, goofy week when Air Force outscored Army in a normally low-scoring series, 42-22. Oh yeah, I did give out that game as an under play...Isn't it nice having the over in one of the highest scoring games of all time. Final score: Michigan 67, Illinois 65. Geez!!! I will again make the point that one of the handicapping factors you look for at this time of year is which teams are on a roll, and which teams are on a negative roll. Teams in the former category may be: Pitt, UCF, PSU, OkSt.(yeah, I know, I picked the 'Boys as one of my worst teams of the year. It's not my fault the other Cowboys decided to take that lead), BYU, TEMPLE, and V.T.
Teams on a possible negative roll may be: Wake Forest, Minny, COLORADO. Yo, things could change this week. The challenge is trying to figure which will or won't.

Syracuse gets on a possible roll. Then they face Louisville at home, with a great opportunity to stay in Big East contention. What do they do? They lose. Teams like Syracuse and Louisville simply need to get that winning culture back. In both cases, it hasn't happened yet...I didn't even get a chance to be amazed that PSU scored 35 straight points to get the win and cover vs. Northwestern, when Kansas scored 35 points in the FOURTH QUARTER to defeat Colorado 52-45. This bears repeating: Kansas trailed Colorado 17-45 with 13:30 left in that game. A Jayhawk team, that up to that point in the season showed no propensity to score, scored 35 friggin' points! IN THE FOURTH QUARTER! Colorado coach Dan Hawkins, who once did a great job at Boise St., was, SURPRISE, fired on Monday. By the way, what the heck happened to Hawkins' coaching ability???

I have no idea what the line on the Fla-South Carolina is, but, I'll guarantee you the line is out of whack. South Carolina went into the Arkansas game knowing no matter what happened, they still had to beat Florida to win the SEC East. Conversely, Florida blew out a bad Vandy team. That line is probably more in favor of Florida than it should be. It'll be fun doing the game to see if I'm right...How does a team that runs the option manage to score 76 points? Navy did it this past Saturday vs. East Carolina. The only way that could have happened is if the Pirates had absolutely no clue how to stop the service academy option attack. Believe me, they had no clue...My worst nightmare is Oregon and Auburn both losing( don't think Oregon St. can't beat the Ducks), and TCU plays Boise St in the championship game. I want TCU, or, Boise St. to play Oregon or Auburn, and I want the Frogs, or, Broncos to kick BCS BUTT...I thought Nebraska's strength this year would be their defense. You don't give up 30 points to ISU, and, 41 points to Ok.St., and still deserve the title of "good defense." They now must count on a freshman QB, and the offense he leads, to take the Huskers to its zenith this year. I don't think it will happen. By the way, my bad. I gave out Nebraska last Saturday. I did not know QB Martinez would be out. Very painful when I found out that news...

I thought A&M might have the best QB in the Big 12 in senior Jerrod Johnson. Man, was I wrong. He just couldn't help turning the ball over. They turned to a former wide receiver, Ryan Tanneyhill( didn't Ok.St do that with last year's QB Zac Robinson), and now the Aggies are on a roll. Who would've figured???Texas' kids must've just quit, just like their pro counterpart down the road. No way a team with the best recruited athletes IN THE COUNTRY should lose like they're losing. Down 0-39 to KSU? As you all know, I love coach Snyder of KSU, but even I think 0-39 is ridiculous...No gloating here, but, I did write that Alabama would not survive the loss of so many starters on defense. I was VERY HAPPY( and surprised) to see the Tide go down vs. LSU...Finally, I hope TCU doesn't take SanDiego St. lightly. Any team that has Rocky Long on its coaching staff is dangerous. Long is the former coach of New Mexico, and, presently is the defensive coordinator of the Aztecs. He is one of my favorite coaches.

MIAMI,OH. VS. BOWLING GREEN

Both teams have shown almost no ability to run the ball. In 15 games between them, in only two of those games did either team average even 3.6 y.p.c. Bowling Green has shown almost no ability to throw the ball. Miami, thank goodness, will provide some offense tonight with a marginally successfully passing attack. Both teams have played decent defense, at least in games in conference. All of this adds up to a nice recommendation on the under. By the way, in MAC games these two teams have played in this year, the totals have gone under the present posted number (51) seven out of ten times!

TWO STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER

Bowling Green is weak in almost every category of offense, and defense I look at. The one area in which they are marginally good is pass defense. Miami has the better overall defense, and the better pass offense. Combine these factors with the fact Miami is still in MAC, and Bowl contention, and Bowling Green now has no chance at a bowl( 7 losses), and I make the following recommendation:

ONE STAR PLAY ON MIAMI, OH.

TOLEDO AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS

2010-11-09T18:51:00.002-05:00

Northern Illinois runs the ball well(Look out for fantastic RB Spann, and running QB Harnish); passes the ball well; plays good defense; Toledo's starting QB Dantin out, and I don't think the freshman QB will produce enough to stay with a team that beat Temple handily. And, oh yeah, N.I. Huskies are home.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS IN A ONE STAR PLAY. IT'S THAT MAC TIME OF YEAR!

TOLEDO AT N.I. AT 6:55P.M.

2010-11-09T18:36:00.000-05:00

4 TWO STAR PLAYS AND 2 TWO STAR PLAYS AT 3:30P.M.

2010-11-06T15:12:00.003-04:00

I love Navy in underdog roles when they play a team that plays bad defense, and rarely sees the option.
TWO STAR PLAY #1

Not sure how ISU can stop Nebraska's offense, particularly the Husker rushing attack. And, Nebraska in major revenge mode, after '09 loss to ISU.
TWO STAR PLAY #2 ON NEBRASKA

Northwestern 10-5 in road dog, conference role, and I have them rated higher than the favored team in this game.
TWO STAR PLAY #3 ON NORTHWESTERN

Utah's toughest opponent was Pitt to date, and, they played a Pitt team whose starting QB was a freshman starting his first game on the road. TCU is simply the better team and should be at least a 7-point favorite.
TWO STAR PLAY #4 ON TCU

ONE STAR PLAYS ON LSU..... AND THE OVER IN THE TCU-UTAH CONTEST.

UCF VS. HOUSTON

2010-11-05T19:20:00.002-04:00

Notwithstanding last week's unusually high scoring win vs. East Carolina(49-35), I just like UCF's defense, and 63+ points in the totals is just a bargain for me considering how good UCF's defense plays. Houston's 3rd string QB has done a nice job to date, but, hasn't faced a defense like the Golden Knights. On the other side of the ball, I believe UCF will have its greatest success rushing the ball, and, I'm hoping that kills clock and keeps the score lower. Incidentally, UCF's starting QB Godfrey is also a young starter, and, I don't expect great(modest, maybe) success in the passing game vs. a pretty decent pass defense in Houston.
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER

I love UCF, but, even coach O'Leary, one of my favorites, is only 3-4 as a road, conference favorite. I think this is a tough spot for a road favorite, so, I'll sit out a side in this game. Should be an interesting CUSA matchup.

G.T. vs.V.T.- PLUS - BREEDER'S CUP CARD

2010-11-04T19:07:00.003-04:00

You can sign up for our Breeder's Cup Special right now! It includes Friday's Philly Park card, and Friday's and Saturday's Breeder's Cup Cards. Here is a list of Friday's, and Saturday's Breeder's Cup Races from historic CHURCHILL DOWNS:
Friday, November 5, 2010
Race 5: Breeder's Cup Marathon: Post Time 4:10p.m.
Race 6: Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Post Time 4:50p.m.
Race 7: Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Sprint: Post Time 5:30p.m.
Race 8: Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies: Post Time 6:10p.m.
Race 9: Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf: Post Time 6:50p.m.
Race 10: Breeder's Cup Ladies' Classic: Post Time 7;30p.m.

Saturday, November 6, 2010
Race 4: Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf: Post Time 1:50p.m.
Race 5: Breeder's Cup Sprint: Post Time 2:30p.m.
Race 6: Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint: Post Time 3:15p.m.
Race 7: Breeder's Cup Juvenile: Post Time 3:55p.m.
Race 8: Breeder's Cup Mile: Post Time 4:40p.m.
Race 9: Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile: Post Time 5:20p.m.
Race 10: Breeder's Cup Turf: Post Time 6:00p.m.
Race 11: Breeder's Cup Classic: Post Time 6:45p.m.

I'm Pumped!!!!

GEORGIA TECH VS. VIRGINIA TECH:
Coach Johnson of Georgia Tech is a stellar 3-2 as a conference road-dog with G.T., and 6-2 in the road dog role at Navy. Because of that, I think his team will come to play tonight vs. V.T. The way they will have to stay with V.T. is from the offensive side of the ball. The Hokies lost another starter on defense, and they now have only 3 starters back on defense. G.T. should score on V.T.
Conversely, G.T.'s defense has been far from stellar this year, and V.T. should be able to score easily tonight as well.
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE OVER
A lean to G.T. tonight, but, not willing to make a formal recommendation on that because of G.T.'s poor defense to date.

RUTGERS- USF

2010-11-03T18:38:00.002-04:00

Neither team runs the ball well; neither team passes the ball well, notwithstanding USF's minor passing break-out game vs. Cincy; both teams play pretty decent defense.
ONE STAR PLAY ON THE UNDER

Coach Schiano a stellar 8-3 in last five years as road, conference, underdog. USF played one decent game this year in its win over Cincy, and suddenly, USF's a 10 point favorite over a very comparable Rutgers team. I don't buy it.

ONE STAR PLAY ON RUTGERS

BREEDER'S CUP SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! ONLY $10.00!

PHILLY PARK: RACE 4 THRU RACE 10

2010-11-02T12:24:00.002-04:00

BREEDER'S CUP SPECIAL COMING: STAY TUNED. MORE PICKS FROM PHILLY PARK:

Race 4: 4-1-2-5
Race 5: 6-3-5-7
Race 6: 1-3-4-5
Race 7: 8-5-6-9
Race 8: 5-6-2-1
Race 9: 9-1A-6-7
Race 10: 5-2-8-6

GOOD LUCK!

TODAY'S PICKS FROM PHILLY PARK - AND OUR BREEDER'S CUP OFFER

2010-11-02T12:18:00.002-04:00

Enjoy today's picks from Philly Park compliments of the College Edge, and our expert, DAN!
Also, we will offer the full BREEDER'S CUP CARD( FRIDAY AND SATURDAY), PLUS FRIDAY'S PHILLY PARK CARD FOR ONLY $10.00. STAY TUNED FOR OUR OFFER POSTED RIGHT HERE BY 12:00P.M. TOMORROW. NOW, TODAY'S PICKS:
Race 1:4-3-6-7
Race 2: 3-7-2-4
Race 3: 11-1-6-5

RACE 4 THRU RACE 10 IMMEDIATELY TO COME

TODAY'S PICKS FROM PHILLY PARK WILL BE HERE AT 12:20P.M.

2010-11-02T12:13:00.000-04:00

MICHIGAN-PENN ST.

2010-10-30T19:31:00.002-04:00

Too many injuries for the Nits( with the loss of DL Crawford this week, returning starters on defense are now at 4), particularly on defense, and this defense will face a very potent offense with the Darnell Robinson-led Michigan team.
Defensively, Michigan is by no means spectacular, but, the problem for the Nits is they do not have any real threat at the QB position to score with the Wolverines. That would have been the case whether freshman starter Bolden was injured, or, not. Bolden is injured, and I don't think his replacement will produce enough points to stay with Michigan.
MICHIGAN IN A THREE STAR PLAY OVER PSU

YOUR 3:30P.M. PLAYS FOR OCT. 30TH

2010-10-30T15:21:00.001-04:00

GEORGIA IN A TWO STAR PLAY OVER FLORIDA, AND, THE OVER IN THE SAME GAME IS A ONE STAR PLAY.

Tulsa-Notre Dame

2010-10-30T14:26:00.000-04:00

Notre Dame in a ONE STAR PLAY over Tulsa.

PART II: SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE - PLUS - W.VA.-UCONN

2010-10-29T18:56:00.003-04:00

I want to think Mich. St. is for real. It's always nice to have new blood in the Top 10. But, for the second week in a row, MSU's rush offense was stopped in its tracks . The Spartans need a well balanced offense to offset their "okay" defense, and to stay in the rankings...What did I say(write)about the Syracuse defense? That defense has already made them a player in the Big East with wins over USF, and West Virginia...Texas and Florida are showing you how hard it is to replace a 4-year starter at QB. I'm still surprised Gabbert and Brantley, starters at QB for the 'Horns, and Gators, have performed at less than expectations. Both came into their programs as top 5 recruits at the QB position...

Have you seen the numbers the Baylor offense has produced under spectacular QB Griffin? He's a player, like Chase Clement of Rice, and Joe Webb of UAB, who is having a Heisman-type year, but, will never be considered because of the program he plays for. So, since he will never win the coveted Heisman, take the time to check out Griffin's performances the rest of the year...I think Turner Gill will eventually do a good job at Kansas, but, as his team continues to perform horribly this year, remember the great job the previous coach, Mark, "Jabba The Hut," Mangini did at Lawrence. Mangini left under questionable circumstances last year(was he the villain or the victim?),but his turning around of a program that may have been the worst in the Big 12 was not questionable...

Good job by Houston's coaching staff. After the loss of Heisman cand. Case Keenum, and the second string QB, the third string QB has received enough great coaching to keep the Cougar offense humming...I commented that the two Okla. teams were over-rated, undefeated teams. Both lost last week. Missouri, at 7-0, now assumes the title of Most Overrated Undefeated Team...I thought Nebraska's defense would help make them contenders in the championship race. They gave up 41 points to Ok.St. Forget that notion...The Huskies of Wash. continue to be one of the biggest disappointments of the 2010 season...Is Cal a Jekyl and Hyde team this year? They lose big on the road, they win big at home. It was nice having the Golden Bears last week. Incidentally, they were one of our 8 winners last week, against our 2 losses...What an intriguing prospect it will be watching Auburn's high octane, complicated offense going against 'Bama's young defense. The score in that November game could be 52-50...It hurts me to do this, but, my Top 3: 1)Oregon...2)Auburn...3)Boise St.

WEST VIRGINIA - UCONN:
UConn has RB Todman, but, little else. Their defense has been sub-par, and they are playing their third string QB, after the suspension of Cody Endres, and the demotion of Zach Frazer. The QB play, whether it's Frazer or 3rd stringer, Box, is just not good enough to off-set the more balanced offense West Virginia presents.
What will keep this from being a higher recommendation is coach Edsall's success over the last five years as a home, conference dog(8-2).
I will go with the present condition of that UConn team, with its sub-par defense and QB play, and make a ONE STAR recommendation on West Virginia.

W.Va-UConn Synopsis AND Sam's Collage at no later than 7:50p.m.

2010-10-29T18:44:00.000-04:00

FLORIDA ST.-N.C.ST.- PLUS - SAM'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLAGE:A MADCAP REVIEW OF LAST WEEK'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL ACTION- PART 1

2010-10-28T19:07:00.002-04:00

My first impressions of last week's action: Most impressive part of last week's romp of UCLA by Oregon was how the Ducks shut down the UCLA rush game. Look out if Oregon plays good, consistent defense...One of the challenges of handicapping the season is trying to figure which teams are ascending and which are declining. Louisville and UConn are examples of each. Was Louisville's romp of the Huskies a clear indication of a team hitting its stride, or, did they simply play a team that has no mo-jo, a-la UConn... I was very happy to see North Carolina get busted up in the second half of their loss to Miami. I just want to see the TarHeels go away...Question: is the option best run by the service academies, who bring a special discipline that offense needs to succeed? Georgia Tech's version is hitting some snags this year, and, I wonder if the better athletes who run that offense for the Yellow Jackets, feel more restricted by the rush-oriented aspects of the option? Just wonderin'...Surprise team of the year may be the East Carolina Pirates. I believe they only have 8 starters back from last year's team(only 3 back on defense), and yet, they just beat N.C.St. and have dominated their CUSA competitors. Great jobs by new coach, Mcneil, who came from Texas Tech, and new QB, Dominique Davis... More Collage tomorrow night.

Yes, I fear N.C.St. as an ESPN, Thursday night home dog, but, FSU has the better team and is worthy of my recommendation:
FSU IN A ONE STAR PLAY OVER N.C.ST.

RICH'S BASEBALL PICKS FOR RANGERS-GIANTS

2010-10-27T18:19:00.001-04:00

IN SERIES: GIANTS

IN TONIGHT'S, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2010 MATCHUP: GIANTS AND THE OVER

N.B.:WE HAD A WINNING DAY YESTERDAY WITH DAN'S PHILLY PARK PICKS. NICE JOB, DAN!

HANDICAPPING AND GAMBLING INSIGHTS-PLUS-LaTECH-BOISE ST.

2010-10-26T19:11:00.002-04:00

Each week I log almost all the stats from the previous week's games in my 200 page, 5-subject composition book. I enjoy writing out all the stats, because it gives me an immediate feel for how well a team is playing. I immediately get a feel for how well a team is rushing the ball, or playing pass defense, or if a coach's defense is working.
I started handicapping college football in a serious manner in 1976. I have every one of those composition books in my college football library: from 1976 to the present. I have always said that if my house were ever in danger, after getting my family to safety, I'd go into a burning house for my football books!
With that as a background, even I was amazed last week when I approached the logging of my college stats in a different manner . Usually, I handicap the games chronologically. I start with the 12:00p.m. games and work my way through the schedule. I log the stats at the same time I handicap each game. So, normally, I log the stats, work the game, decide if a game is worthy of a recommendation, and then move on to the next game on the schedule.
Last week, I decided to try something different. I started logging the games on the Sunday right after the games ended on Saturday, with no interest in handicapping each game I was logging, but, simply trying to get the logging of the games done early. On Wednesday, I started handicapping the scheduled games for the upcoming week, but, with the logging of the stats already completed. It was tremendously more relaxing. I had a very good week. It's just one week's results, so I won't jump to any conclusions. But, it does illustrate that no matter how long you've been doing something, it's never too late to learn, or, try something new. I've said( or wrote) this before: one of the things that makes handicapping so much fun, and challenging is the necessity to be willing to change or adjust your techniques, and that includes something you've been doing the same for 34+years!

LaTech has played two pretty decent games in a row vs. Utah St. and Idaho, and, believe it, or not, I believe it helped make this line lower than it should be. LaTech is stepping up in very serious class tonight against a Boise St. team that needs as many beauty points as necessary to stay in BCS contention, and is 13-7 the last five years as an in-conference, home favorite.
Against the decent defenses of A&M and So.MIss, LaT only gained 61, and 47 yards on the ground. Expect similar results tonight against a very good Boise defense.
LaTech has played rotten defense to date. A bad track record when facing one of the most potent, and experienced, offenses in the country, and doing so on that Bronco Blue Carpet!
ONE STAR PLAY ON BOISE ST. OVER LaTECH