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**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:20 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

NCAA Football Predictions: Week 13 Opening Line Report and Picks
by Alan Matthews

Can't believe how fast the 2016 college football season has flown by as this is the final full weekend of the year, and that means some of the sport's best rivalries are being played. Yet the biggest story around the nation today is that of Charlie Strong.

Somehow, Texas managed to lose at pitiful Kansas on Saturday night in overtime, the Jayhawks' first win in the series since 1938 and their first win over an FBS opponent since 2014. Strong was on very shaky ground as it was, but I think we all knew that loss had to be the final straw for the Texas administration. On Sunday, multiple reports said that Strong was being fired, yet the school would only put out a statement saying he would be evaluated after the regular season. Thus Strong will coach this week's home game vs. TCU, which the Horns need to get bowl eligible at 6-6 (some teams might get an invite at 5-7 if there aren't enough eligible teams).

At Strong's rather uncomfortable weekly press conference Monday, he said that he speaks with school president Gregory L. Fenves after every game and it’s his understanding “that we will be evaluated after the TCU game.” Strong also said he hasn't been told he's fired. I don't understand why the school is leaving him out to dry here. According to a report from the Austin-American Statesman, Texas players are threatening to boycott the team's game against TCU because Strong is being fired. When asked that Monday, Strong said it won't happen.

It's the right move for Texas as Strong just was never a fit there. I'm sure some of the sportsbooks will release a prop on the next Texas coach this week -- unless it's such a foregone conclusion that it's going to be Houston's Tom Herman. Sounds like it's his job to lose and that Herman will take it. I'm sure Texas will at least call Nick Saban again, but he's not leaving Alabama. If Herman opts to take the LSU or possibly the Oregon job instead, that's really going to make UT look bad. A rumored second choice is Clemson's Dabo Swinney, but I don't believe he's leaving that job until Alabama opens as that's Swinney's alma mater.

I actually think Texas is good value on Friday at -2 against the Horned Frogs as Strong's players will want to win for him.

Here are a few Week 12 opening lines that caught my eye. Rankings from the last College Football Top 25 (will change Tuesday). These are all games before Saturday as I will address Saturday games on my Friday update story.

No. 16 LSU at No. 25 Texas A&M (+5), Thursday: It's the only NCAA action on Thanksgiving. It could be that both these coaches are gone from their respective programs -- and both schools would certainly want to speak with Herman. Any shot interim LSU coach Ed Orgeron had of keeping the job full-time evaporated in Saturday's 16-10 home upset loss to Florida, which ended with the Tigers stopped on fourth down at the UF 1-yard-line. That loss also likely cost LSU a trip to the Sugar Bowl, although it would have had to win here as well. Will LSU have star running back Leonard Fournette? He wasn't going to play vs. Florida with an ankle injury but got into a skirmish pre-game with some Gators and then did play, although he wasn't effective. Texas A&M has a shot at a major bowl if it can win this game. However, I do believe Kevin Sumlin is in trouble with a loss as the Aggies enter having dropped three of five in yet another late-season fade. It's the final home game for Aggies superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who probably is the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft. He had 4.5 sacks in Saturday's 23-10 win over UTSA. Keep in mind that Aggies QB Trevor Knight is out for the season. The Pick: Texas A&M.

Toledo at No. 21 Western Michigan (-9), Friday: I thought the Broncos were set up for a major trap game Saturday vs. Buffalo as 35-point favorites, but they won 38-0. Corey Davis had 13 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the Mid-American Conference record for career receptions. Davis also holds the MAC records for career yards receiving and touchdown catches. Davis also moved closer to the FBS career receiving record. His 4,987 yards ranks second behind Trevor Insley's 5,005. This will be Davis' final home game and probably as well for head coach P.J. Fleck, who is going to be in demand at some Power 5 programs this offseason. The Broncos are still the only other unbeaten team in the country, and the winner of this one plays in the MAC Championship Game against either Ohio or Miami of Ohio. It will be Ohio if it beats visiting Akron on Tuesday. There is no opening line on that yet because the Zips' starting QB is in question. Miami also plays Tuesday and is -8 vs. Ball State. The RedHawks are trying to become the first team in college football history to start 0-6 and finish 6-0. The Pick: WMU.

No. 6 Washington at No. 22 Washington State (+5.5), Friday: This game lost a bit of luster with Wazzu losing to Colorado on Saturday and probably falls out of the new College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday. But the Apple Cup victor still plays in the Pac-12 title game against either Colorado (if it beats Utah) or USC (if Colorado loses). The Huskies should move up to No. 5 in the new CFP Top 25 with Louisville's loss last week. I guarantee you Washington would like another shot at the Trojans, who dominated UW in Seattle two weeks ago. Washington has won the past three in series. It was 45-10 last year, but Cougars star QB Luke Falk was out injured. if Washington loses here, the Pac-12 will miss the playoff -- and it opens the door potentially for Oklahoma if it wins out. Or perhaps two Big Ten teams. The Pick: Washington.

No. 18 Nebraska at Iowa (-3), Friday: The Huskers will play in the Big Ten title game if they win this game and Wisconsin loses on Saturday at home to Minnesota, which I rather doubt. If the Huskers lose here, Wisconsin is in no matter what. Who will NU start at quarterback? Tommy Armstrong Jr. missed Saturday's win over Maryland with a hamstring injury. Coach Mike Riley said backup Ryker Fyfe broke a bone in his non-throwing wrist against the Terps. Zack Darlington, who moved to receiver in the spring, could be pressed into emergency duty for the Huskers. If Nebraska wins at Iowa, Riley is eligible for at least a $250,000 performance bonus per his contract. Must be nice. The Pick: Iowa.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:20 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

ACC Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 5-6 1-6 4-6-1 4-7
Clemson 10-1 7-1 5-6 5-6
Duke 4-7 1-6 7-4 3-8
Florida State 8-3 5-3 6-4 5-5
Georgia Tech 7-4 4-4 5-4-1 5-4-1
Louisville 9-2 7-1 5-5-1 7-4
Miami (Fla.) 7-4 4-3 7-4 5-6
North Carolina 8-3 5-2 7-4 4-7
North Carolina State 5-6 2-5 7-4 4-6-1
Pittsburgh 7-4 4-3 5-6 10-1
Syracuse 4-7 2-5 4-7 2-9
Virginia 2-9 1-6 4-6-1 3-7-1
Virginia Tech 8-3 5-2 5-6 6-5
Wake Forest 6-5 3-4 7-4 5-6

North Carolina State at North Carolina (Fri. - ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Wolfpack and Tar Heels do battle at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill Friday afternoon. It's an important game, too, as Carolina is looking to secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game, but they need a little help. N.C. State would not only like to derail those hopes, but they're also in need of a win if they want to become bowl eligible. The Wolfpack are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 against teams with a winning record, and 1-4 ATS in their past five road games against a team with a winning home record. UNC has covered four of the past five overall and they're 5-2 ATS in their past seven in the month of November. The underdog has cashed in 13 of the past 18 meetings in this series. If you're interested in totals, the under is 4-0 in the past four overall and 4-0 in the past four ACC games. The under is 6-1 in the past seven for UNC, 4-0 in their past four against teams with a losing record and 5-1 in their past six league games.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:20 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Big 12 Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Baylor 6-4 3-4 2-8 3-7
Iowa State 3-8 2-6 7-4 7-4
Kansas 2-9 1-7 5-6 4-7
Kansas State 6-4 4-3 4-6 5-5
Oklahoma 9-2 8-0 5-6 6-5
Oklahoma State 9-2 7-1 7-4 7-4
Texas 5-6 3-5 6-5 4-7
Texas Christian 5-5 3-4 2-8 5-5
Texas Tech 4-7 2-6 7-4 6-5
West Virginia 8-2 5-2 4-6 4-6

Texas Christian at Texas (Fri. - FOX Sports 1, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Someone is going to become bowl eligible with a win, and someone is going to be super disappointed with a loss. TCU has struggled against the number lately, covering just once in their past six games while going 1-6 ATS in their past seven conference battles. TCU is also 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. For Texas, they're coming off an embarrassing loss at Kansas last week which might have been the final straw for the administration at Texas as far as the Charlie Strong era is concerned. A loss at home and no bowl game would likely cinch the end. Texas has been a disaster on the road, but they're 4-1 SU/ATS in five games in Austin this season. Total bettors might like the 'under' in this one. The 'under' is 4-1 in TCU's past five overall, 4-1 in their past five road games and 5-2 in their past seven against teams with a losing overall record. The 'under' has hit in six straight for Texas, 24 of their past 33 confernce tilts and the 'under' is 35-17-3 in their past 53 at home.

Baylor at Texas Tech (Fri. - ESPN, 6:00 p.m.)
Baylor lost their starting QB Seth Russell to a gruesome injury Nov. 5 against TCU, the second game in a four-game losing streak. After starting out 6-0 SU, the Bears have droped four in a row and they haven't covered in any of the outings, either. Overall Baylor is just 2-8 ATS. Texas Tech is in the midst of a three-game skid, and they have dropped six of the past seven to fall out of contention for a bowl game. However, the Red Raiders are 3-2 ATS and 6-3 ATS in the past nine. The Red Raiders are 3-3 SU/4-2 ATS in six games at home. The Bears are 1-6 ATS in their past seven against teams with a losing record, while Texas Tech is 8-3 ATS in their past 11 conference games. The favorite has hit in five of the past six in this series, while the 'over' has connected in all six of these outings.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:21 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Pac-12 Report - Week 13
By Joe Williams

2016 PAC-12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Arizona 2-9 0-8 1-10 6-5
Arizona State 5-6 2-6 6-5 6-5
California 4-7 2-6 4-7 8-3
Colorado 9-2 7-1 10-1 5-6
Oregon 4-7 2-6 2-8-1 7-4
Oregon State 3-8 2-6 8-3 5-6
Southern California 8-3 7-2 7-4 2-9
Stanford 8-3 6-3 7-4 4-7
UCLA 4-7 2-6 4-7 4-6-1
Utah 8-3 5-4 6-5 6-5
Washington 10-1 7-1 5-6 8-3
Washington State 8-3 7-1 6-5 7-4

Washington at Washington State (Fri. - FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET)
It's time for the Apple Cup, and the Pac-12 North Division title remains on the line despite Washington State's slip-up at Colorado. In fact, with a Cougars win, and a Colorado win in their game, those two sides could potentially meet in a rematch in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Huskies have struggled against the number lately, going 1-4 ATS in their past five games overall and 1-4 ATS in their past five conference games. Washington State failed to cover last week, but they're 9-2 ATS in their past 11 home games, 9-2 ATS in their past 11 against a team with a winning record while going 15-6 ATS in their past 21 games overall. The Huskies have dominated the Apple Cup recently, at least against the number, as Washington is 6-2 ATS in their past eight trips to the Palouse and 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The favorite is also 5-2 ATS in the past seven in this series.

Arizona State at Arizona (Fri. - ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET)
Arizona State becomes bowl eligible with a victory in Friday's game in Tucson, and they're a field goal favorite as of Wednesday morning. AZ State has struggled against the number against good teams, but they're 7-3 ATS in their past 10 games against teams with a losing record. However, they're 1-4 ATS in their past five road outings. The Wildcats have shown well on Fridays, going 8-2 ATS in their past 10 appearances. However, they're just 7-19 ATS in the past 26 overall and 1-5 ATS in the past six at home. The Wildcats have failed to cover their past seven conference battles and 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a losing record. Arizona State is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 trips down Interstate 10. The 'over' has hit in each of the past four in this series.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:21 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Friday's Pac-12 Action

College Football Betting Preview – Apple Cup
Washington Huskies at Washington State Cougars

Odds: Washington (-6.5)

The Apple Cup rivalry game between Washington and Washington State is a heated battle on a yearly basis, but this year's meeting has even more significance given that both sides come into this contest ranked in the Top 25.

Furthermore, the winner of this game will win the Pac-12 North division and get a date in the Pac-12 Title game next week. Throw in the fact that the 5th ranked Washington side is also playing for their opportunity to get into the College Football Playoff (they'll need help along the way), and the stakes haven't been this high in the Apple Cup for decades.

So does Washington State have an upset in them or will Washington make the necessary statement to sway the playoff committee to further their case towards a playoff berth.

Neither of these programs have even sniffed the Pac-12 Championship game since its inception in 2011 and it will be a huge accomplishment for whomever comes out on top. The Huskies obviously have bigger goals in getting to the playoffs, but this will be one of their toughest road tests to date this season and it will be interesting to see if they thrive or fold under the pressure.

QB Jake Browning has been solid all year in leading Washington to a 10-1 SU mark so far, but four INT's in his last two outings is cause for concern, especially when he and the Huskies are likely going to need 30+ points to come out on top.

Washington State can score with the best of them when they are rolling, and the seniors on Washington State would love to finish their collegiate careers with one win over their in-state rival. Washington has won the last three Apple Cups – all by double digits – and with this being the strongest Huskies team during that span, Washington State will have to be at their best to get that W.

However, this is also Washington State's best team over the past four years as well and eliminating their hated rival from the Conference Championship game and the playoffs in one big swoop would be a tremendous accomplishment. Cougars QB Luke Falk is the architect behind mastermind HC Mike Leach's air raid offense, and the points they've put up at home this year have been huge.

In six home games, Washington State has scored 42, 56, 51, 27, 69, and 56 points, good for an average of 50.1 points per game. Washington's defense is as stingy as they come in the Pac-12, but facing a tough Colorado unit last week in 38-24 road loss was a good tune up for the Cougars.

Washington State isn't likely to threaten their home average of 50 points here, but it's not out of the realm of possibilities either, especially when you consider that four of the five times Washington has allowed 20 or more points this season came away from home.

Washington hasn't been great to bettors either lately as they are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall, and on a 1-5 ATS run after winning by 20+ points. As good as they are, the last thing the Huskies want is this game to turn into a shootout and you know that's what the Cougars will be looking for here.

On the flip side, Washington State is 6-0 ATS when coming off a SU loss, and have gone 9-2 ATS in their last 11 at home. This is by far the most meaningful game the program has had during the Mike Leach era and with it being on their own field, the Cougars will not want it to go to waste.

Quite frankly, this is a contest that could very well come down to who has the ball last and if that's the case, grabbing the points with the home dog is the way to go here. Washington State has much less pressure on them with the CFB playoffs out of reach and being on their own field, I expect them to be free and loose from start to finish.

Asking Washington to come on the road in the most hostile of environments they see in conference play and win by a touchdown is too much to ask given all the ramifications they've got on the result of this contest and I'm sure the Huskies would gladly take a three or four-point victory here and move on from there.

Best Bet: Take Washington State +6.5

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:21 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Friday's NCAAF Game of the Day: Washington at Washington State

(No. 5) Washington at (No. 23) Washington State (6, 64)

It has been a long time since the Apple Cup packed such importance and No. 5 Washington and No. 23 Washington State square off in a duel for the Pac-12 North Division crown when they meet on Friday in Pullman. The last time the two rivals were both ranked when they met was in 2001 - a 26-14 win for the Huskies - and visiting Washington's national championship hopes hang in the balance as well as attempting to secure a spot in the Pac-12 title game.

The Huskies are thriving in Chris Petersen's third season at the helm and the coach expects his team to handle the ferocious atmosphere on game day. "I just think they've really been invested this whole year, every game, and I think that's what you've kind of seen, but it'll be exciting," Petersen said during a press conference. "They get the rivalry. They get that we're playing a heck of a team in a really hostile situation." The Cougars had an eight-game winning streak halted with a 38-24 road loss to Colorado on Saturday and are itching for the opportunity to rebound with a huge victory. "This is a feeling we haven't had in a while, and we don't want it again," senior defensive back Parker Henry said. "We've got no choice but to flush it."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE HISTORY: The Huskies opened as 5.5-point road favorites, that spread was bet up early in the week to 6.5, the line faded down to 6 and has held firm. The total hit the board at 66 and has yet to move.

INJURY REPORT:

WASHINGTON - WR Brayden Lenius (questionable, undisclosed)

WASHINGTON STATE - LB Isaac Dotson (questionable, undisclosed)

WEATHER REPORT: The playing conditions at Martin Stadium are expected to be rainy. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40’s with winds coming out of the Southeast at 9 mph.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Despite a strong season by both teams, going a combined 18-4 SU, these squads are just 11-11 ATS overall. These two teams are a combined 15-7 to the Over this season as both offenses have been strong. The Huskies are averaging 50.5 points and 571 total yards per game (8.3 yppl) on the road, while the Cougars are averaging 50.2 points and 550 total yards per game (6.6 yppl) at home this season." - Steve Merril.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (10-1 SU, 5-6 ATS, 8-3 O/U): Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning fueled the Huskies' rise with his superb play that includes a school-record 37 touchdown passes to go with 2,870 yards and only seven interceptions. Two junior big-play wideouts have certainly aided his production as both John Ross (64 receptions for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns) and Dante Pettis (46 for 701, 12 scores) are enjoying solid campaigns, as is sophomore running back Myles Gaskin (1,130 yards, nine touchdowns). The defense has lost key players in linebackers Azeem Victor (67 tackles) and Joe Mathis (five sacks) with season-ending injuries while junior inside linebacker Keishawn Bierria leads the nation with five fumble recoveries.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (8-3 SU, 6-5 ATS, 7-4 O/U): Junior quarterback Luke Falk is enjoying his own splendid season with 35 touchdowns passes (three off the school record he set last season) and he ranks third nationally with 3,935 passing yards. Senior receiver Gabe Marks (74 catches, 12 touchdowns) became the 13th player in FBS history to top 300 career receptions - he stands at 301 - and his 36 career touchdown catches are five shy of the Pac-12 record held by USC's Dwayne Jarrett (2004-06). Senior free safety Shalom Luani has a team-best four interceptions and junior middle linebacker Peyton Pelluer has a team-leading 80 tackles for a defense allowing 25.5 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
* Cougars are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
* Cougars are 9-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 8-2 in Huskies last 10 conference games.
* Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 59 percent are taking the road favorite while 70 percent favor the over in this battle of top 25 teams.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:21 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Texas playing with extra motivation Friday night against TCU
By ROB HANSEN

On Friday night the Texas Longhorns will take on the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in a seemingly innocuous matchup between two teams hovering around the .500 mark for the season.

Other than the two teams playing out the string in the regular season, and perhaps qualifying for a low-level bowl game, this game holds extra meaning for the Longhorns and their millions of fans across the country. This game is all about Texas head coach Charlie Strong.

When Coach Strong was brought in from Louisville he was supposed to be the guy to turn this program around and guide them to another National Championship. Instead, he's led them to a 16-20 record over three seasons and will, most assuredly, be fired once this season comes to an end.

The Longhorns (who opened the season at 100/1 to win the National Championship) are going to play this game against TCU for Coach Strong. Not to save his job, but give him a little sense of pride on his way out the door. We see this situation often and teams will generally step up for their coach - the man who recruited them and helped mould them from high school kids into men.

With this motivation on their side, Texas opened as 2-5-point favorites and the public has bet them up to -3.

If all of this wasn't motivation enough, Hollywood big-shot (and Texas Longhorns super-fan) Matthew McConaughey will be there and will, most likely, give the team one of his famous pep talks before the game. McConaughey was asked about this game outside of a convenience store earlier this week and this video is a must watch. He didn't want to talk to the camera in the middle of the night, but once Texas football was mentioned he couldn't resist.

"We're gonna go out and whoop TCU's ass Friday."

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:22 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-2) at Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Nebraska goes into its final game of the regular season on Friday at Iowa with several questions to be answered.

The big one on every Nebraska fan's mind is who will be healthy enough to start at quarterback.

Senior Tommy Armstrong Jr. missed last Saturday's 28-7 win over Maryland with a hamstring injury. Backup Ryker Fyfe took Armstrong's place, but come to find out he broke a bone in his left wrist and had surgery on Sunday to repair it.

Armstrong said Tuesday after practice that he will be able to play. Coach Mike Riley said Fyfe might be available. If neither can go, Nebraska is left with No. 3 quarterback Zack Darlington.

"We have a good feeling that Tommy's going to be able to do something," Riley said. "We have a good feeling that Ryker is going to be able to do something."

Riley would feel even better if any of the quarterbacks could help the 16th-ranked Cornhuskers (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) come away with a victory at Iowa (7-4, 5-3) in Kinnick Stadium (3:30 p.m., ABC). That would give Nebraska 10 wins -- a significant turnaround from a 5-7 record in Riley's first season in 2015.

Nebraska is also playing for a chance at a Big Ten West Division co-championship and an outside shot at the conference championship game next week in Indianapolis. To get there, the Cornhuskers need to take care of business against Iowa and hope for a Minnesota upset of Wisconsin, leaving them alone atop the standings.

If Nebraska and Wisconsin win this weekend, they tie for the division title. But the Badgers get to advance based on their 23-17 overtime win over the Cornhuskers on Oct. 29.

"I think it would be awesome to get the 10th win. It's not that common," Riley said. "There's not going to be that many people in the picture of double digit wins during the season.

"There's lots of reasons to win this game. It's Iowa, it's a rival game, it's a chance to win the division to get to the Big Ten championship game. It's 10 wins. It's a better bowl game. There's a bunch of reasons."

Nebraska's record against Iowa since it joined the Big Ten in 2011 is 3-2. The road team has won the last four games, including the Cornhuskers' epic rally to beat Iowa 37-34 in overtime two years ago in Kinnick Stadium.

"It seems like a really great natural rivalry that will just do nothing but grow and become bigger and bigger," Riley said. "I mean, just the proximity, kind of the like-mindedness, I just think it's a perfect fit that way."

Last year, the Hawkeyes won 28-20 in Lincoln to cap a perfect 12-0 regular season. Iowa is nowhere near that level this year, but they still could tie for the Big Ten West title with a win and a Wisconsin loss, which would create a four-team logjam at the top.

"At the end of the day, it's what happens at game time," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of the rivalry game. "Doesn't matter if you've been playing for the last hundred years or haven't played. It's about what happens at game time and how that thing goes."

Iowa seems to have found its identity the past two weeks by relying on an airtight defense and a run-heavy offense. The Hawkeyes claimed their first Big Ten shutout since 2009 with a 28-0 victory at Illinois last Saturday.

Iowa followed a similar formula the week before against Michigan in the stunning 14-13 upset that handed the Wolverines their first and only loss of the season. A pride-bruising, humiliating 41-14 loss to Penn State three weeks ago seemed to jolt the Hawkeyes into suddenly playing their best football of the year at the tail end of the schedule.

"We've got our work cut out, and we'll see what we can do this week," Ferentz said. "It's going to be a big challenge for us."

Nebraska can expect to see play of Iowa's two running backs. Senior LeShun Daniels Jr. and junior Akrum Wadley are taking turns leading the Hawkeyes in rushing.

Two weeks ago, Wadley carried Iowa against Michigan with 112 yards rushing. Last week against Illinois, Daniels ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

Both backs are closing in on 1,000 yards for the season. Wadley has 861 yards and Daniels is right behind with 855. With Friday's game and a bowl game remaining, both could get there.

"We've got two guys that we have confidence in," Ferentz said. "The best thing is they complement each other. They're different, yet they can kind of play off each other a little bit, and there is certainly room for both."

Iowa is surviving on nothing more than simple, straight-ahead, power football. In November when the temperatures turn colder and the snow sometimes flies, ground and pound can often be a winning strategy in Big Ten country.

Good defense also wins games this time of year in the cold north country. Iowa's defense has played lights out the past two weeks. After giving up 599 yards in the debacle at Penn State, Iowa has regrouped and allowed only 399 the past two weeks.

"(We) just came together and told ourselves that can't happen anymore," Iowa linebacker Bo Bower said of the defensive effort against Penn State. "Some teams can go down the drain. Some teams can pick themselves up."

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:22 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Preview: Boise State Broncos (10-1) at Air Force Falcons (8-3)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Boise State faces a must-win situation in order to keep its Mountain West title hopes alive.

One of the pesky problems is that Air Force is the opponent.

The No. 20 Broncos have experienced issues with the Falcons while losing each of the past two seasons. They badly need a victory this time around when they play on the Air Force Academy grounds on Friday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network).

Boise State (10-1, 6-1) is tied for first place in the Mountain Division with Wyoming and that also rates as an issue. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos earlier this season and control their own destiny.

Even if Boise State defeats the Falcons, Wyoming will claim the title if it upends New Mexico on Saturday.

And if the Broncos don't reach the Mountain West title game, they are no longer in the running for a possible Cotton Bowl berth.

"This is a big game for us, there's no doubt about it," Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said during a press conference. "It's the last game of the year and it's against a team we haven't beat the last two seasons.

"And make no bones about it ... we want to win this game."

Air Force (8-3, 4-3) enters on a four-game winning streak and is brimming with confidence when it comes to facing the Broncos.

Two seasons ago, the Falcons forced seven Boise State turnovers while producing a 28-14 victory. Standout strong safety Weston Steelhammer intercepted three passes to tie the school single-game record.

Last season, Air Force rolled up 607 yards -- including a stunning 279 passing for the run-oriented team -- while posting a 37-30 victory in Boise.

Who knows what will happen in this meeting but the Falcons are averaging 38 points during their four-game winning streak -- and had to overcome double-digit deficits in three of the games.

"Our strongest muscle is the one that's inside of our chest cavity," coach Troy Calhoun said, "and that's what we rely upon is the heart and soul and character of our guys."

Nobody personifies the Air Force mentality more than Steelhammer, who had two interceptions in Saturday's 41-38 victory over San Jose State.

Steelhammer decided to attend Air Force when his only college scholarship offers were from McNeese State and Central Arkansas. He has gone on to stamp himself as one of the top defensive players in school history.

Steelhammer has six interceptions this season and 17 in his career, the latter tying Tom Rotello (1983-86) for the school mark.

"Many of them have been pretty splendid grabs, too," Calhoun said. "You look over the course of his career, I bet eight or nine of those have been where he really had to leave his feet to get. That's hard to do."

Steelhammer has a team-leading 71 tackles for a unit that ranks 19th in rushing defense at 121.1 yards per game.

Boise State junior running back Jeremy McNichols will test the Falcons as he ranks third nationally with 1,575 yards while leading the country with 26 total touchdowns (22 rushing, four receiving).

McNichols rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns in last Friday's 42-25 win over UNLV and he ranks seventh in school history with 3,071 career rushing yards.

He was passed over as a Doak Walker Award finalist on Monday, and that didn't sit well with Harsin.

"He's one of the best backs in the country," Harsin said. "He's the most productive player. He's put up touchdowns more than anybody else.

"I don't know what else from an offensive standpoint a guy can do to not have his name thrown in there with all those other backs."

McNichols is carrying the Boise State offense as the attack has become more dependent on him and less on sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien.

Rypien passed for just 109 yards against UNLV but has thrown for 3,025 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season.

The Broncos' defense will be down two starting linebackers. Senior strong-side linebacker Tanner Vallejo will undergo season-ending wrist surgery and junior middle linebacker Joe Martarano is surely done for the campaign after breaking his left fibula against UNLV.

Senior middle linebacker Darren Lee will be counted on after stepping up with a career-best 11 tackles against UNLV. Lee has 56 tackles on the season -- including 6 1/2 for losses.

Air Force averages 323.5 rushing yards per game with its triple-option offense and sophomore quarterback Arion Worthman will make his fourth consecutive start in place of injured senior Nate Romine (ankle).

Worthman threw the winning 22-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Jalen Robinette (team-leading 30 catches for 790 yards) with 32 seconds left against San Jose State and rushed for 215 yards and two scores.

The rushing yardage was the fifth-best for a quarterback in Falcons' history.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:22 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Preview: Washington Huskies (10-1) at Washington State Cougars (8-3)

Date: November 25, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

It will be an Apple Cup like few others.

No. 6 Washington will play at No. 23 Washington State on Friday, with the Pac-12 North title on the line for both teams. The game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET in Pullman, Wash., will mark just the sixth time since the AP poll debuted in 1936 that both teams are ranked.

For the Huskies (10-1 overall, 7-1), there is more than just a berth in the conference title game on the line. They could have a spot in the College Football Playoff with two more victories.

"I just want them to prepare like they have and go over and compete like they have, which I know they will," Washington coach Chris Petersen said of his team.

"We know it's like, 'All this hard work kind of comes down to this.' But it's really hard for me to say, like, 'OK, now we're really all-in on this.' I just think they've really been invested this whole year, every game.

"But it'll be exciting. They get the rivalry. They get that we're playing a heck of a team in a really hostile situation."

Washington bounced back from its only loss, to USC, with a 44-18 win over Arizona State on Saturday. Washington State (8-3, 7-1) had its eight-game winning streak snapped with a 38-24 loss at Pac-12 South-leading Colorado.

There hasn't been so much on the line for both teams since 1981. Washington won that Apple Cup 23-10 to deny Washington State the Pac-10 title, which the Huskies won when USC beat UCLA on the same day.

Both Petersen and Cougars coach Mike Leach put their players off limits to the media this week.

"There's a lot of distractions. I don't want them distracted," Leach said. "I want them focused in on just playing."

As for that stuff on the field, Washington will try to draw inspiration from last season's 45-10 win over Washington State, although that comes with a caveat. The Cougars didn't have quarterback Luke Falk.

"That always frustrated me (that Falk didn't play), because all the Cougar fans, they're like, 'Oh, if we had Luke Falk ...,'" Huskies defensive tackle Elijah Qualls told the Seattle Times. "Come on, man. I'm not going to lie: The dude is good. But 35 points? I don't know about that."

It will be a battle of two brilliant quarterbacks.

Falk has 3,935 passing yards this season, fourth-most in Washington State single-season history. Falk, directing Leach's prolific Air Raid system, tops the nation in completions per game (34.6) and completion percentage (71.4).

Leach said Monday he expects Falk to return for his senior season.

Washington quarterback Jake Browning leads the Pac-12 with 37 touchdown passes -- one more than Falk -- and is fourth nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 180.7.

"He does a really job from the neck up," Leach said of Browning. "Him and Luke are very similar that way, I think."

Both quarterbacks have elite receivers. Washington State's Gabe Marks is the Pac-12 career leader with 301 receptions, including 74 this season, with 12 going for touchdowns. Ross has all kinds of speed, with 64 catches for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Ross has a sidekick in Dante Pettis, who has four 100-yard receiving games this season. Marks lost his main sidekick two games ago when receiver River Cracraft suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Washington's offense is more traditionally balanced, as the Huskies have gone over 200 yards on the ground seven times this season, led by running back Myles Gaskin.

Washington State is 114th nationally in rushing at 132.5 yards per game, but the Cougars can run the ball more effectively than most Leach teams behind the trio of Jamal Morrow, James Williams and Gerard Wicks. They have combined for 1,515 yards.

Washington has lost two of its top defenders to season-ending injuries -- linebackers Joe Mathis and Azeem Victor -- but still managed to limit USC and Arizona State to 128 rushing yards on 63 carries in the past two weeks.

The Huskies are often able to generate a pass rush without blitzing, which would give them ample numbers in the back end to defend against Washington State's spread attack. Cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Kevin King, and safety Budda Baker, are postseason award candidates in one of the nation's best secondaries.

Washington State is no slouch defensively. The Cougars, led up front by defensive end Hercules Mata'afa, are first in the Pac-12 against the run, allowing 129.7 yards per game. WSU also got back senior nose tackle Robert Barber last week. He had missed three games following legal entanglements.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:23 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

Preview: Toledo Rockets (9-2) at Western Michigan Broncos (11-0)

Date: November 25, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

Since his arrival at Western Michigan in December 2012, coach P.J. Fleck urged everyone associated with his program to "Row the Boat" - and the philosophy has brought the No. 14 Broncos into uncharted waters.

Western Michigan hosts Toledo on Friday (5 p.m. ET, ESPNU) in what amounts to the Mid-American Conference West Division title game. The winner advances to the MAC championship Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit.

The stakes are much higher for the Broncos (11-0, 7-0), though, who are also in the driver's seat to play in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2 and reap the rewards of the $6 million payday that comes with being the highest-ranked Group of Five conference team in the country. Western Michigan is one of two undefeated teams in the nation (No. 1 Alabama) and 11-0 for the first time in school history.

But the 35-year-old Fleck continues to keep his team focused on the next task at hand, which is to defeat Toledo (9-2, 6-1).

"I had 'Row the Boat' a long time ago, but I never brought it out,' Fleck told Mlive.com in 2013. "It's very simple when you break it down. There are three parts to rowing the boat. There is the oar, which is the energy behind rowing the boat. There is boat, which is the actual sacrifice, either our team or the administration or the boosters or the audience or whoever is willing to sacrifice for this program. There is also the compass. Every single person that comes in contact with our football program, fans or not, they are all going for one common goal and that is success.

"When you literally talk about rowing the boat, you're facing the opposite direction the bow of the boat is actually going. You're not able to see the future. We've set sail and we've set our direction from point A to point B, whether it's right now to win a MAC Championship, or be the first person in your family to get a college education or to beat cancer.

"We're making it global and community-based. Everyone can relate to this. The boat is set in a direction and we're rowing. We can't see the future but we can see our past. Our past is the program. It's the people. That's what we're looking at and we're learning as we go. We don't know if there's a waterfall ahead of us, rocks, smooth seas or sunsets. We have no idea. We just have to keep rowing."

The Broncos' magical run continued with a 38-0 victory over Buffalo on Saturday, extending a school-record 13-game winning streak that began with a 35-30 victory over Toledo to end the 2015 regular season.

Since Western Michigan's previous game was 11 days earlier (a 37-21 victory at Kent State on Nov. 8) and with a short week further abbreviated by Thanksgiving, Fleck and his coaching staff had the luxury of using a couple days to start preparing for the Rockets.

"When you start (preparations) and are ahead of time, you only do that as a coaching staff," Fleck told Mlive.com. "That really never gets to our players. We've never brought up anything about Toledo in weeks past.'

The Broncos boast the MAC's top scoring offense (43.8 points per game) and defense (17.7) with the Rockets second in both categories at 39.2 and 22.5. The teams own the top two total offenses in the conference with Toledo also possessing the top passing offense (338.2 yards) and Western Michigan averaging a MAC-best 247.1 yards on the ground.

Western Michigan's plus-15 turnover margin is tied for the best nationally with No. 6 Washington and Old Dominion, and it all starts with quarterback Zach Terrell. The senior completes 71.3 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns and one interception.

Terrell passed for a career-high 445 yards and four touchdowns against Buffalo, drawing incredibly high praise from Fleck: "Zach Terrell is the finest football player and finest man I've ever met in my entire life.'

Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis is on the verge of becoming the career FBS receiving yards leader after recording 173 on 13 catches with two touchdowns Saturday. Davis, who already has the most receptions (310) and receiving TDs (49) in MAC history, is 19 yards shy of breaking the FBS record of 5,005 yards set by Nevada's Trevor Insley in 1999.

Davis's 16 touchdowns share the national lead with Louisiana Tech's Carlos Henderson.

Western Michigan also features junior running back Jarvion Franklin, who boasts a MAC-best 1,228 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Rockets, who reached nine victories for the third consecutive season with a 37-19 win over Ball State on Nov. 16, have a few weapons of their own.

Quarterback Logan Woodside leads the country with 40 touchdowns against only seven interceptions while completing 70.1 percent of his passes. His 3,653 yards rank fourth nationally.

Woodside's targets include wide receivers Cody Thompson (20.1 yards per team-best 56 catches, 10 touchdowns) and Jon'Vea Johnson (19.8, 38, 10). Tight end Michael Roberts has a team-best 12 TDs.

Toledo is far from one-dimensional as running back Kareem Hunt's 1,155 yards and seven scores attest.

Woodside must be on the lookout for Broncos defensive end Keion Adams (5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries) while Terrell hopes to avoid defensive tackle Treyvon Hester (five sacks, seven hurries) and defensive end John Stepec (4.5, 13).

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:23 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

NCCAF Tech Trends - Week 13
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, November 25

BUFFALO at BOWLING GREEN ...Bulls 3-8 vs. line TY, 3-13 last 16 on board for Leipold. BG only 1-4 vs. line at Doyt-Perry Stadium TY but Falcs closing fast with SU wins last two and covers 4 of last 6.

BG, based on recent trends.

TOLEDO at WESTERN MICHIGAN ...Both similar spread records TY (Toledo 6-3-1, WMU 7-3). Rockets 6-0 last six as dog (2-0 TY) and 12-1 vs. line last 13 away from Glass Bowl. Broncos no covers last two at home TY and only 4-7 vs. line last 11 at Waldo. WMU has covered last 2 meetings after UT covered previous two.

Toledo, based on team trends.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS at KENT STATE ... NIU 5-1-1 vs. line last seven TY as Huskies close fast.

NIU, based on recent trends.

ARKANSAS at MISSOURI ...Mizzou 1-6 vs. line last seven TY. Tigers 6-16 last 22 vs. spread since LY. Bielema 10-3 vs. spread last 13 as visitor (not counting neutral games past few years).

Arkansas, based on team trends.

NEBRASKA at IOWA ...Even after Michigan upset, Iowa only 2-7 vs. spread last 9 at Nile Kinnick Stadium. Riley on 10-4-1 spread run last 15 since late LY. Note the underdog side has covered last four meetings.

Nebraska, based on recent trends.

CINCINNATI at TULSA ...1-8 vs. line last 9 TY after Memphis loss and 3-12 last 15 on board since late 2015. Tulsa on 450-1 spread uptick and 4-1 vs. line at home TY.

Tulsa, based on team trends.

TCU at TEXAS ...Patterson has run up score on Texas last two years, combined score 98-17. Though Frogs only 2-8 vs. line TY.

Slight to TCU, based on recent series trends.

BOISE STATE at AIR FORCE ...Force has upset Boise last two years and covered last three in series. Falcs 9-4 as dog since 2014. Overvalued Broncs 3-7-1 vs. line TY, though 6-1-1 vs. spread last eight away from blue carpet.

Air Force, based on series trends.

LA TECH at SOUTHERN MISS ...Big revenge for Skip after USM dropped 58-24 bomb LY. But Golden Eagles now just 1-9 vs. spread last ten TY, and scorching Skip six straight wins and covers.

La Tech, based on recent trends.

NC STATE at NORTH CAROLINA ...Road team has won and covered last three meetings. But Fedora 9-5 vs. line last 14 at Chapel Hill, 11-6 last 17 as chalk.

Slight to NC, based on team trends.

HOUSTON at MEMPHIS ...Cougs had failed to cover six straight prior to ‘Ville upset. Before dropping last two on road, Cougs were 12-0-1 vs. line previous 13 away from home. UH has won close games last two years vs. Tigers and has won last three vs. Memphis since 2013. Memphis has covered 2 of last 3 TY after Cincy romp but still 2-6 vs. spread last 8 on board.

UH, based on extended trends.

WASHINGTON at WASHINGTON STATE ...Apple Cup! Cougs haven’t won Apple Cup since 2012 and Huskies have won and covered big last two years vs. Leach. But Cougs 9-2 last eleven as dog and Leach 15-6 last 21 vs. spread since early LY. Huskies only 1-4 vs. line last 5 TY.

WSU, based on team trends.

TEXAS TECH vs. BAYLOR (Friday, November 25 at Arlington, TX)... Grobe only 2-8 vs. line TY, and Baylor 4-13 last 17 on board. Six straight “overs” in series, with last five scorelines all hitting 94 or more!

Texas Tech, based on recent trends.

ARIZONA STATE at ARIZONA ...Territorial Cup! This was once a visitor-dominated series, though home sides have won and covered last three meetings. Arizona not covering much at all lately, 1-12 last 13 on board! Though Sun Devils 1-4 vs. line away TY.

ASU, based on recent Arizona woes.

**TheGame** · 11-25-2016, 08:23 AM

Re: NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

NCAAF

Weekend’s best 13 games

Nebraska has injury ?’s at QB, check status on Armstrong. Home teams lost last four Nebraska-Iowa games; Cornhuskers won 37-34/13-7 in last two visits here. Underdogs covered four of last six series games. Huskers are 2-2 on road, losing at Wisconsin/Ohio St in last two; they’re 1-1 as home underdogs. Iowa lost three of last four home games, with win over Michigan, loss to I-AA North Dakota State; Hawkeyes are 1-2 as home favorites. Big 14 home favorites are 12-15 vs spread. Eight of last nine Nebraska games, three of last four Iowa games stayed under total.

Home side won last two Arkansas-Missouri games; Razorbacks lost 21-14 in last visit here in ’14. Favorites won three of last four series games. Arkansas allowed 139 points in three road games, losing 56-3 at Auburn, winning 41-38 in OT at TCU; they’re 0-4 vs spread in game following their last four wins. Missouri won/covered once in last seven games; they lost 63-37 at Tennessee last week. Tigers are 2-3 in I-A home games, 1-5 vs spread as an underdog this year- they allowed 287+ passing yards in five of last seven games. SEC home underdogs are 13-7 vs spread.

TCU crushed Texas 50-7/48-10 last two years; this is Longhorns’ last game and Strong’s last game as Texas HC- am guessing Longhorn players will try hard to send him out a winner. TCU is 5-5, still needs a win to be bowl eligible; they’re 3-1 on road, with loss 34-10 at West Virginia but also a shaky 24-23 win at lowly Kansas, which beat Texas LW. Horned Frogs won 43-10/20-13 in last two visits here. Texas is 2-5 this season games decided by 7 or less points. Big X home favorites are 10-11 vs spread. Under is 4-1 in last five TCU games, 5-0-1 in last six Texas tilts.

Air Force upset Boise State 28-14/37-30 last two years; underdogs covered last four series games. Broncos lost 28-14 in last visit here, two years ago. Falcons won last four games, are 8-3, winning last two 49-46/41-38; they’re 3-1 at home with an OT loss to Hawai’i. AF covered its only game as an underdog this year. Boise is 1-5 vs spread in its last six games but 3-1-1 as a road underdog this year, with only SU road loss 30-28 at Wyoming. Mountain West home underdogs are 12-6 vs spread. Over is 6-1 in last seven Air Force games, 3-0 in last three Boise games.

Washington is 4-0 on road, 2-2 as road favorites, scoring 50.5 pts/game in wins by 7-49-7-39 points; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five games, with home loss to USC in there. Huskies won six of last seven games with Washington State, winning last three (45-10/31-13 last two years); favorites covered five of last seven series games. Washington is 6-3 in last nine visits to Pullman, 6-2 vs spread in last eight. Wazzu had 8-game win streak snapped at Colorado LW; they’re 3-1 vs spread as an underdog this year. Pac-12 home underdogs are 9-10 vs spread.* Over is 6-2 in last eight games for both teams.

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NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

NCAA Footba Betting Info 11/25

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