May 21 COFFEE CLUB

[Thomas]

WHAT'S BREWING TODAY Saturday, May 21 On Today's Scorecard Let The Sparks Fly

Per ESPN, Alabama head coach Nick Saban singled out Texas A&M for "buying" its top-ranked signing class and threw a spotlight on the unintended effect of name, image and likeness rights on recruiting during an event with local business leaders Wednesday night in Birmingham. "I mean, we were second in recruiting last year," Saban told the audience. "A&M was first. A&M bought every player on their team - made a deal for name, image, likeness. We didn't buy one player, all right? But I don't know if we're gonna be able to sustain that in the future because more and more people are doing it. It's tough." Saban said Alabama players made $3 million "doing it the right way" last year and that only 25 players were able to leverage NIL opportunities. Even Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffinjumped on the pile, stating, "Texas A&M was going to incur a luxury tax in how much they paid for their signing class." To which Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisherretorted, calling Saban's comments "irresponsible as hell." Let the games begin.

Trending Today Commonality

The Chiefs, Dolphins, Eagles and Packers have one big thing in common this year: They're the only teams in the league that have to play three consecutive road games. Although that's not ideal, NFL teams that get stuck with a three-game road trip on the schedule are 22-11 overall on those trips since 2018.

Grinding Out The Profits Hamming It Up

After 'UNDERS' had their way cashing 8 of the first 12 USFL games this season, 7 of the next 8 games went 'OVER' the total and now stand 11-9 to the 'OVER' season-to-date. The best trends that has evolved in the USFL so far have been betting Philadelphia Stars games to go 'OVER' (5-0), and backing the best team in the league – the 5-0 SUATS Birmingham Stallions – with its home field advantage every game. FYI: the Stallions face the worst team in the loop, the Michigan Panthers (1-4 SUATS) today. Birmingham is -6.5 with a 37.5 Over/Under. The entire 2022 USFL Regular Season is being played at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama (UAB's stadium), with neighboring Legion Field (Auburn) also an option. With it, Birmingham is the only team in the USFL with any home field edge.

[Chamblin]