James Patrick from James Patrick Sports

Michigan vs. Michigan State 1:00 p.m. est. (CBS)
The two Michigan powerhouses take the stage for the second time this season, but this time in East Lansing as the No. 9 Michigan State hosts No. 23 Michigan. From 1998-2010, No. 22 Michigan never won back-to-back games against rival Michigan State. The Wolverines, though, have a chance to sweep the season series for a second consecutive year against the No. 10 Spartans, who had won six of seven prior to this most recent stretch. The Wolverines eked out a (60-59) victory against the Spartans earlier in the year for a two-point cover. Draymond Green, Michigan State’s senior forward, is expected to play against the Wolverines. At (14.9) points per game, Green is the Spartans’ leading scorer. Tom Izzo is (18-11) all-time against the Wolverines. The Home team is (4-1) ATS in the last (5) meetings and the Spartans are (5-1) ATS in their last (6) games following a ATS loss and (4-0) ATS in their last (4) home games. Spartie to tough at the Breslin Center and Michigan hasn’t won consecutive games since defeating Wisconsin and Northwestern in early January. While the Wolverines are a perfect (13-0) at home, they’ve struggled on the road, losing four of five since conference play began.
3* #808 Michigan State Spartans

Memphis vs. Georgetown 7:00 p.m. est. (ESPN 2)
The Hoyas lost (41.5) percent of its scoring when stars Chris Wright and Austin Freeman left, but is getting double figures from four players, including versatile 6-foot-9 freshman small forward Otto Porter, who could be NBA bound. The Hoyas are (4-9) ATS in their last (13) home games and already own a victory against Memphis earlier this season at Maui Classic in which G’town survived in OT. Memphis returns five starters and their top six scorers from last season's (25-10) team. HC John Pastner's Tigers will be ready here and the Hoyas have undefeated Louisville on deck in a look ahead. The Memphis backcourt tandem of Joe Jackson (20 points) and Will Barton (23) can be nearly unguardable when clicking. Josh Pastner moved G Chris Crawford into starting lineup, removing some of the playmaking burden for natural 2-G Joe Jackson (13.4 ppg). No holding that Tiger this timeas Memphis upsets Georgetown.
5* Pot of Gold #563 Memphis Tigers

Jaguars vs. Falcons 8:25 p.m. est.
The Jaguars try to maintain their sudden offensive firepower when they visit the hard-charging Falcons on Thursday night. Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert is also playing better lately, with (412) passing yards, (4) TD and (3) INT in the past two games. This season's schedule was brutal for the Jaguars with nine games against teams with winning records in 2010 (Colts twice, Jets, Saints, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, Buccaneers and Falcons). Jacksonville has surpassed six wins in six of the past seven seasons, but with a subpar offense and a defense that allowed the most yards per play last year (6.3). The Over is (4-1) in Jaguars last (5) games in December, (13-6-1) in Jaguars last (20) games following a SU win of more than (14) points and (4-1) in Jaguars last (5) games in Week 15. Like Jacksonville, the Falcons also had a huge offensive outburst in Week 14. QB Matt Ryan threw for (320) yards and four touchdowns in a (31-23) victory over Carolina, successfully erasing a (23-7) halftime deficit. Since the start of November, Ryan has thrown for (299) YPG, (14) TD and (4) INT in six games. The Black Birds have had trouble stopping the run at times. HC Mike Smith was hospitalized this week and if his conservative approach to the Falcons Offense isn't on the sidelines for the opening kick-off, it should bode well for Matt Ryan and his talented receivers in the passing game. This is the year Atlanta was to make a deep run into the playoffs, they better get their offensive act in gear.
3* #301 Jacksonville - Atlanta Over the Total

Long Beach State vs. North Carolina 7:00 p.m. est.
Long Beach State sent shockwaves through the college basketball world earlier this season with an upset victory at Pittsburgh on Nov. 16, but since, the 49ers’ challenging schedule has taken its toll. The Tar Heels have already lost two games this season, but this is part of an easier, seven-game home stretch before ACC play begins on Jan. 7. After making it to the Elite Eight last season, the Tar Heels return five starters in Tyler Zeller, Harrison Barnes, John Henson, Dexter Strickland and Kendall Marshall. But, they will have to find some playing time for two of the nation’s top recruits in power forward James McAdoo and shooting guard P.J. Hairston. The Tar Heels were dominant at home last season (15-0) under the always successful head coach Roy Williams, and are a top contender nationally. The Tar Heels have won (50) straight non-conference games at the Smith Center with the Tar Heels are (5-2) ATS in their last (7) games as a home favorite.
3* #596 North Carolina Tar Heels

Cal Poly Slo vs. San Jose State 10:00 p.m. est.
Spartans HC George Nessman’s contract was extended after the 6th year coach led the Spartans to their first winning season and a berth in the College Basketball Invitational. Three starters are amongst (11) returning players. Cal Poly already throttled Spartans once this season on Nov. 12 at Mott Gym, with HC Joe Callero’s vexing Mustang matchup zone limiting SJSU to (28.6%) FG shooting in eventual (27) point Polyromp. Payback Time for th Spartans as at home the Spartans are averaging (64.3) scoring, and holding teams to (64.3) points scored on defense. The Cal Poly Mustangs are (1-4 )ATS in the last (5) meetings.
3* #626 San Jose State Spartans

UNLV vs.Wisconsin 2:00 p.m.est.
This battle at Madison vs. revenge-minded Wiscy bunch that lost by (3) in Vegas early last season. Wisconsin has only two returning starters from last year’s squad, but one of them is senior guard Jordan Taylor, who averaged (18.1) PPG last season. The Badgers also made it to the Sweet 16 last March before an embarrassing season-ending blowout loss to Butler. Wisconsin has been one of the most consistent programs in the nation, even if has not led to deep tournament runs. Wisconsin doesn’t turn the ball over and had the fourth best defense in the land last year. The Rebels are a long ways from home and the Big Red at the Kohl Center is lethal for non-conference visitors.
3* #554 Wisconsin Badgers

Iowa vs. Nebraska 12:00 noon est.
This should be the start of a great Big Ten rivalry between these neighboring states as these schools dubbed this “The Heroes Game” when NU joined the B10 and they’ll play for the Corn Bowl trophy. NU is (4-9) ATS as a conference HF under Pelini and the Big Red is (3-9) ATS in their home finale. The Hawkeyes have historically been outstanding underdogs and Nebraska has not been a great home favorite in recent years. It’s hard to imagine these evenly matched teams will establish much of a lead as the Hawkeyes are (5-1) ATS in their last (6) games as an underdog of (3.5)-(10.0) and (8-3) ATS in their last (11) games as a road underdog. The Huskers have played the day after Thanksgiving for (21) straight seasons and they are (1-7-1) ATS in their last (9) games in November, (1-6) ATS in their last (7) home games and (4-11) ATS in their last (15) Friday games. Wat to many points t lay a Kirk Ferentz coached team.
3* #125 Iowa Hawkeyes

Houston vs. Tulsa 12:00 noon est.
This determines the CUSA West Champ. The Cougars are the highly ranked team with the perfect record and the great chance for a BCS bowl but the three Tulsa losses for the Golden Hurricane came against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State,and Boise State and this team has been dominant in Conference USA. Houston has played one of the weakest schedules in the nation and this will be by far the toughest game. Houston has struggled in a few road games with narrow wins over Louisiana Tech and UTEP and the Cougars have not played a quality road game since September. The Golden Hurricane are also undefeated in Conference USA play, so this will determine the winner of the West Division and decide who gets to host the Conference USA Championship Game on Dec. 3. This matchup pits the league’s two best quarterbacks in Houston’s Case Keenum and Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne. Kinne trails only Keenum — the NCAA’s career record-holder in every major passing category — in passing yards per game, pass efficiency and total offense. Tulsa has won seven straight, and six have come by at least (17) points and the Golden Hurricane are (12-2) ATS in their last (14) conference games. The Home team is (4-1) ATS in their last (5) meetings and the Underdog is (5-0) ATS in their last (5) meetings. Houston Cougars are (5-13) ATS in their last (18) games as a road favorite. Hurricane Warning in Tulsa this Friday, Cougars take cover !
3* #124 Tulsa Golden Hurricane

UTEP vs. Central Florida 7:00 p.m. est.
UTEP is still technically in the hunt for a bowl bid at (5-6). The Miners have struggled on defense but the offense can score however, topping (21) points in seven of the last eight games. The Miners are (4-0) ATS in their last (4) games as a road underdog and (6-2) ATS in their last (8) games as an underdog of (3.5)-(10.0). Central Florida has been tough at home but it is a lost season at this point with problems at QB and they are not running the ball well. Remember that UCF team was the preseason favorite in CUSA and they have dropped (3) straight. UCF which has struggled on offense at times and this team has fallen off the map as UCF has just two wins in the last nine games both S/U and ATS. Miners strike it rich in Orlando !
3* #135 UTEP Miners

Indiana vs. Michigan State 12:00 noon est.
MSU only (8-8) as home chalk since ‘09, and (2-4) last six laying DD. IU has covered its last two as Big Ten dog for their HC Wilson. The MSU Spartans take the Legends bracket of the Big Ten with a win here and next week at Northwestern, but Spartans have only covered spreads this big against FAU & C. Michigan. Not quite sure Indiana playing down at that level, expecially considering pair of road covers at Ohio State and Iowa. Important week off will give Hoosiers their best shot to rest the wounded and prepare a gameplan for Spartans.This is familiar territory for the Hoosiers, who have been underdogs of (20+) plus against Big Ten opponents seven times since 2008 (4-3 ATS). They gave Ohio State a run for their money in Columbus in Week 10 before falling (34-20) and covering a (+27) point spread. In Week 8, they just covered a (+23) point spread at Iowa, losing (45-24). The Spartans, meanwhile, are (0-3) ATS as favorites of (-20) plus against Big Ten opponents over the past two seasons. That included a near disaster two weeks ago against Minnesota, winning only (31-24) despite being (-27.5) point favorites. Hoosiers hang around in East Lansingon Saturday.
3* #325 Indiana Hoosiers

Toledo vs. Central Michigan 8:00 p.m. est.
The CMU Chippewas have had a very difficult first half of the schedule with MAC favorite Northern Illinois and four road games, including three against quality BCS schools in Michigan State, Kentucky and NC State. Seventy-percent of CMU’s fall roster is made up of freshmen and sophomores. CMU QB Ryan Radcliff (3,358 yds, 17 TD, 17 INT) has had his moments, but is no Dan LeFevour, the legendary QB he replaced. Radcliff’s offensive unit returns (8) starters but he now has had to work with an O-Line that lost two All-MAC players. The ground game is also suspect as the lack of a running attack has put too much pressure on QB Radcliff and an injury-plagued defense. Toledo’s defense has only been a rumor the last two games, as the Rockets yielded (126) points in pair of spread losses. With UT still alive for MAC West title and berth in the conference championship game, this young Central Michigan will play their game of the yearin their season finale. The Chips are averaging (31.2) scoring at home in Kelly Shorts Stadium in Mt. Pleasant. The Home team is (4-0) ATS in their last (4) meetings and CMU owns a (5-2-1) ATS in their last (8) games as a home underdog of (10.5) or greater.The Toledo Rockets are (1-3-1) ATS in their last (5) meetings in Central Michigan and just (2-7) ATS in their last (9) games as a road favorite. Upset in Mt. Pleasant.
5* Pot of Gold #316 Central Michigan Chippiwas

Pacific vs. Nevada 10:00 p.m. est.
Wolfpack HC Dave Carter returns all (5) starters from a very young team which features just (2) seniors. Last season was the worst for the "Pack" in a decade but they'll be at full strength to start out this season as Duke transfer, Olyk Czyz, will be in the line-up from the start this time which should make a difference in Nevada's non-conference portion of the schedule. The Pacific Tigers are reloading after the departure of their entire club from last season. Gone are (5) of the (6) top scorers which are being replaced by (8) newcomers including (50 junior college transfers. The Tigers are win-less at (0-6) ATS in their last (6) games overall and just (2-5) ATS in their last (7) non-conference games. Reno Wolves get it done on home court.
3* #546 Nevada Wolfpack

Southern Miss vs. UAB 8:00 p.m. est. (CBSC)
With a victory Southern Miss can clinch the C-USA East and the (9-1) Eagles are also eager for revenge after upstart UAB edged USM (50-49) in an unlikely double-OT victory last season in Hattiesburg the last meeting. This year, the Eagles catch the Blazers with their defense down (37 ppg) and with USM QB Austin running HC Fedora’s uptempo spread to near perfection. The USM Golden Eagles have been Golden with a (7-1) mark vs. line last (8) this season. The Golden Eagles are (20-8) ATS in their last (28) games as a road favorite and (16-5) ATS in their last (21) games in November, always a trait of HC Larry Fedora’s teams- Strong Finishers.The UAB Blazers are (1-7) ATS in their last (8) games in November and (2-5) ATS in their last (7) home games. So Miss seniors have wanted a shot at the Conference Title for four years and don't expect they'll let the Blazers to clip their wings as we look for the Eagles to remain Golden for us here.
5* Pot of Gold #313 Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Saints vs. Falcons 1:00 p.m. est.
The top spot in the NFC South is up for grabs when the streaking Falcons host the Saints on Sunday. Atlanta has come on strong in recent weeks, outscoring opponents (85-40) during a three-game win streak. New Orleans is (1-4) ATS on the road this year, while the Falcons are (13-6) ATS (68%) in regular-season games at the Georgia Dome since the start of 2009. Black Birds QB Matt Ryan is coming off a tremendous game against the Colts, throwing for (275) yards and (3) TD with a strong (11.46) YPA. He’s also been solid against the Saints, throwing for (246) YPG, (7) TD and (4) INT in five career meetings. New Orleans has been riddled with inconsistency, most notably in a loss to then-winless St. Louis two weeks ago. The Saints haven't won back-to-back games in a month. Atlanta's QB Ryan is(8-1) in home games against division opponents, and the Falcons are (18-0) when Ryan has a quarterback rating of (100) or better. Road Woes continue for the Saints as they are (1-5) ATS in their last (6) road games.
3* #232 Atlanta Falcons

Bills vs. Cowboys 1:00 p.m. est.
The Bills offense ranks tied for 4th in the NFL in points (27.8 PPG) and a respectable 12th in total yards (345 YPG). The Bills have shown the ability to move the ball in a variety of ways this year, and the Cowboys secondary can struggle. The Bills are looking to avoid losing consecutive games for the first time this season. Buffalo failed to score (20) points for the first time this season and committed a season-high three turnovers against the Jets. Bills HC Chan Gailey went (18-14) and helped Dallas to two playoff appearances in two seasons (1998-99) and this game will have some extra importance to him personally. The Bills are (5-1) ATS in their last (6) games following a ATS loss, (9-4-2) ATS in their last (15) games in Week 10 and (3-0-1) ATS in their last (4) games as an underdog. The Cowboys are the most overrated team in all of professional sports and they own a (2-10-1) ATS in their last (13) games as a favorite. This is the first of three games in 11 days for Dallas.
3* #223 Buffalo Bills

Arizona State vs. Washington State 10:30 p.m. est.
Two coaches on the hot seat meet Saturday when Arizona State visits Washington State with both teams coming off tough losses. Washington State has lost five in a row and coach Paul Wolff is (8-38) in his fourth year. Sun Devils coach Dennis Erickson likely needs to win his final three regular season games to secure a contract extension. Erickson took plenty of heat this week after he took responsibility for poor clock management in a loss to UCLA last week. Arizona State leads the series (23-12-2) and has won seven straight and the Favorite is (10-4) ATS in their last (14) meetings. The Sun Devils are (7-0-2) ATS in their last (9) games following a straight up loss. After showing signs of really competing early in the season the Cougars have been less competitive in recent weeks. Losing to Stanford and Oregon is understandable but unimpressive Oregon State and Cal teams have also beaten the Cougars soundly in the last month. Arizona State won (42-0) last season when these teams met and another lopsided result looks to be in place this season.
3* #187 Arizona State Sun Devils

Ohio State vs. Purdue 12:00 noon est.
The Boilermakers have been blown out the last two weeks but both games were on the road. In its last two home games Purdue delivered a blowout win against Minnesota and an upset over Illinois. The Buckeyes have a very limited passing game. Head coach Danny Hope does return a conference-high (16) starters. It’s only the third year of HC Danny Hope’s regime, and his Boilermakers have risen up with spunky efforts on occasion over the past two seasons (including a memorable upset over Ohio State in 2009). The Home team is (7-3) ATS in their last (10) meetings with the Boilermakers (5-2) ATS in their last (7) games as a home underdog of (3.5) -(10.0) and (16-7-1) ATS in their last (24) games in November. The Buckeyes are (1-4) ATS in their last (5) meetings in Purdue. Buckeyes will be dodging the Boilers all day long in an exciting Big Ten Showdown in West Lafeyette.
5* Pot of Gold #120 Purdue Boilermakers

Pitt vs. Louisville 12:00 noon est.
The young Cardinals, picked in the preseason to finish near the bottom of the Big East, have recorded three straight victories entering their final home game, against Pittsburgh. The Panthers, meanwhile, need two victories in their final three games just to become bowl eligible. Pitt has owned the last three matchups, winning by an average of (25.3) points. Louisville hasn’t topped more than (10) points in any of those losses. Pittsburgh has covered the last four meetings in this series and catching Louisville off a big win over West Virginia may be a favorable set-up.
3* #117 Pitt Panthers

Packers vs. Chargers 4:15 p.m. est.
The Packers’ defense is giving up yards (391.0) ypg – 28th in league and this may be the toughest game on the schedule for Green Bay, facing long travel and a quality San Diego team. Statistically San Diego is the vastly superior defensive team and this could be one of the few defenses to present some problems for Aaron Rodgers. San Diego has the potential to keep up and the Chargers are (5-0) ATS in their last (5) games as a home underdog, (22-7-3) ATS in their last (32) games as an underdog and (7-0) ATS in their last (7) games in November. Bolts stop the red hot Packers.
5* Pot of Gold # 428 San Diego Chargers

Jets vs. Bills 1:00 p.m. est.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick looks to break through against a New York Jets defense which has giving him fits in four previous meetings. New York, on the other hand, enters the most crucial part of its schedule in its best form of the season. The Jets have won five of their last six games against the Bills. Look for Mark Sanchez to move the ball against Buffalo like he did in his last game, when he threw three touchdown passes to Plaxico Burress. Sanchez has thrown two or more scoring passes five times this season, and New York finally got a solid running game going as Shonn Greene rushed for a season-high (112) yards against the San Diego Chargers. The Jets are (9-3-1) ATS in their last (13) games in Week (9) and (8-1) ATS in their last (9) games as a road underdog of (0.5-3.0). The Road team is (6-1) ATS in their last (7) meetings and the Jets are (4-1) ATS in their last (5) meetings in Buffalo. Buffalo has not won its first five home games of the season in (16) years.
3* #411 New York Jets

Troy vs. Navy 3:30 p.m. est. (CBSC)
Both teams in midst of highly-discouraging campaigns, but would rather not buck sliding Navy squad in their home finale. Troy’s gunslinging soph Corey Robinson (5,708 YP L1+Ys!) tough assignment for immature Middie secondary. These are two perennial bowl teams that are usually threats for a couple of solid upsets each season but this year things have not gone well. Both Troy and Navy have just two wins and the defensive numbers have been very poor on both sides. Navy still rushes the ball with ease but the Midshipmen have now lost six games in a row. Troy is (1-3) in Sun Belt play and the two wins came at home against very light competition, winning by a combined margin of just four points. Given the competitive efforts against quality teams Navy seems to have a bit more promise here. Anchor's Away !
3* #396 Navy Midshipmen

Oregon vs. Washington 10:30 p.m. est.
While Washington turned heads with a (5-1) start, the Huskies came crashing back to Earth in their biggest game of the season, a humiliating (65-21) loss at Stanford. Keith Price and Washington have another shot to prove their mettle when they face No. 6 Oregon in the final game at Husky Stadium. The Ducks have won the last seven games in the series, most of them one-sided affairs. The Huskies are (5-0) at home on the season and would like to close out Husky Stadium with a huge victory before it undergoes major renovations. A number of ceremonies are planned but emotions aside, it will still come down to whether the Huskies’ defense can find a way to slow down the Ducks. Washington is ranked 117th in the nation against the pass and 96th in total defense. Those aren’t good numbers, especially when facing an explosive team such as Oregon. The Ducks’ offense is too good to be shut down by a porous Huskies' defense. The Over is (5-1) in Huskies last (6) games as an underdog of (10.5) or greater. The Over is (19-9) in Ducks last (28) games overall with the Over ( 8-1) in Ducks last (9) games in November. Let the scoring begin in a Shoot-Out in Seattle.
3* #361 Oregon - Washington Over the Total

Utah vs. Arizona 7:00 p.m. est.
Two teams that have been disappointments in the Pac-12 face off when Arizona hosts conference newcomer Utah. The Utes notched their first conference victory since joining the league when they defeated Oregon State last week. Utah was predicted to be one of the better teams in the Pac-12 South prior to the season. Arizona has underperformed so badly that coach Mike Stoops was fired after the squad’s fifth consecutive loss. The Wildcats are (1-1) under interim coach Tim Kish after losing to Washington last week. Senior quarterback Nick Foles has been the bright spot with (2,934) yards and (20) touchdowns. Foles has a (70) percent completion rate while being intercepted eight times, and has thrown for (378) or more yards six times. The Utes are just (4-10) ATS in their last (14) games overall. Utes first contest in the desert heat and QB Foles will rack up big numbers in his 2nd last home game for the Wildcats.
3* #374 Arizona Wildcats

Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan 12:00 noon est.
Third-year head coach Ron English.has the Eagles eyeing their first winning season since 1989 when they were known as the Hurons. The Eagles will need a pair of wins in their final four games to become bowl eligible for the first time in over 20 years. The Eastern Michigan Eagles are (4-0) at home this season while averaging (25.0) scoring, and holding teams to (12.2) points scored on defense. The Eagles are (6-1) ATS in their last (7) games after scoring less than (20) points in their previous game. Green Eagles flying high and keep their home faithfull very happy as they down the Red Birds from Muncie.
3* #318 Eastern Michigan Eagles

Rice vs. Houston 8:00 p.m. est. (FSN)
No. 18 Houston enters this battle for the Bayou Bucket a perfect (7-0) and looking to equal the best start in program history. The Cougars’ spread passing attack is clicking once again, as they’ve scored at least (35) points in every game and (49) or more in the last four contests. The road team only has to travel (6.1) miles in this inner-city rivalry, but Rice’s last trip to Robertson Stadium in 2009 didn’t go so well. The Owls were pummeled (73-14), giving up the third-most points in school history and most since a (77-0) loss to LSU in 1977. The Cougars QB Case Keenum has won (19) consecutive home starts and boasts (66) touchdown passes with only nine interceptions. Houston leads the all-time series (26-11), dating back to 1971, including a (5-1) mark at Robertson Stadium. The Owls, who had to face one of the nation’s toughest non-conference schedules, rank 115th nationally in total defense, giving up (472) yards per game, and their 96th-ranked pass defense isn’t a good matchup for Houston’s fast-paced attack. The Owls won’t be able to slow down Keenum and the Cougars and with Rice’s recent troubles at QB, look for Houston, Which has more wins against Rice (26) than any other school in its 66-year history, to stay on the short list of undefeated college football teams.
5* Pot of Gold #108 Hoston Cougars

Steelers vs. Cardinals 4:05 p.m. est.
The Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers are less than three years removed from one of the more thrilling Super Bowl games in history. When the teams face off in Arizona on Sunday for the first time since that epic matchup. The Cardinals (1-4) are reeling from four consecutive defeats that have put them on the verge of playoff extinction. Pittsburgh looks the part of a contender if judged solely by its (4-2) record but the Steelers have played a soft schedule and have floundered on the road thus far. Pittsburgh has only outscored opponents by (17) points and both losses for Pittsburgh came on the road. The Steelers started three backups in their OL last week, plus three backups on defense, and then saw Troy Polamalu suffer a possible concussion versus Jacksonville. Steelers are (0-4) ATS in their last (4) road games. Red Birds are (9-4) as a home dog the last (5+) years and the Home team is (3-0-1) ATS in their last (4) meetings. With Arizona historically been a solid home underdog and this is a do-or-die game for the Cardinals, plus the fact that HC Ken Whisenhunt was bypassed for the Steelers Head Coaching job in favor of Mike Tomlin, we'll take the points with Arizona here. Pittsburgh is (10-18) as road favorites since ’06 – Arizona is (22-13-1) as home dogs since ‘03
3* #418 Arizona Cardinals

Colts vs. Saints 8:30 p.m. est.
It’s a Super Bowl XLIV rematch when New Orleans plays host to Indianapolis on Sunday night. Saints QB Drew Brees continues to pile up record numbers becoming the first quarterback to throw for more than (350) yards in four straight games. The Over is (10-4-1) in Saints last (15) games in Week (7). New Orleans HC Sean Payton is (9-0) ATS Over off (2) straight division games.The Colts’ nightmare season rolls along even with Curtis Painter playing better than expected, Indianapolis has been unable to generate enough offense to compensate for a defense that’s among the league’s worst, giving up (23+) points in all six defeats. Painter is certainly making strides this year, as he has thrown five touchdowns and only one interception in his three starts. Although Indianapolis has shown signs of life on offense, its defense cannot stop anyone. The Colts are tied with Carolina for the most points allowed with (163). The Over is (13-3) in Colts last (16) road games with the Over (7-1) in Colts last (8) games following a ATS loss and (5-1) in Colts last (6) games in Week (7). Scoring not a problem in the Superdome on Sunday Night Football.
5* Pot of Gold #423 Indianapolis - New Orleans Over the Total

New Mexico State ve. Hawaii 12:00 a.m.
The Rainbow Warriors won’t be in a generous mood after gifting San Jose St. (9) points on a fumble return and blocked PAT in very disappointing (1) point loss on the road last Friday night. The Rainbow Warriors have been particularly inhospitable to mainland visitors the last couple of seasons, covering (9) straight regular-season games at Aloha Stadium. The Rainbow Warriors are (9-1) ATS in their last (10) home games and they are (6-1) ATS in their last (7) games following a straight up loss. At home the Warriors are averaging (45.0) scoring, and holding teams to (15.5) points scored on defense with the series Favorite (4-1-1) ATS in their last (6) meetings.
5* Pot of Gold #394 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Rangers vs. Cardinals 8:05 p.m. est. (Game Two)
The Game 2 starter for St. Louis will be lefty Jaime Garcia (13-7, 3.56 ERA in regular season). Garcia has had a roller coaster postseason. He threw a quality start in the NLDS (7 IP, 3 ER), then was bombed in Game 1 of the NLCS (4 IP, 6 ER) before settling down in Game 5 (4.2 IP, 1 ER). Garcia is (0-2) with a (5.74) ERA in three postseason starts but he went (9-4) with a (2.55) ERA in (15) regular-season home starts. The Game 2 starter for the Rangers will be righty Colby Lewis (14-10, 4.40 ERA in regular season). Lewis was hit hard in Game 3 of the ALCS, throwing (5.2) innings and allowing four runs on eight hits and was tagged with the loss. Lewis is (1-1) with a (3.86) ERA in two postseason starts but he handled postseason pressure well last season when he went (3-0) and notched Texas’ only win in the World Series matchup with the San Francisco Giants. These two clubs are managing tight baseball and neither the weather nor Thursday’s umpire will do anything to help over bettors. Meteorologists are expecting another cold one for Game 2 with temperatures hovering in the mid (40s) to go along with winds blowing from left field to first base. But maybe more importantly, Greg Gibson is expected to be behind the plate calling balls and strikes. Gibson has watched the under to go a ridiculous (21-9) this season with an average of (7.62) runs scored per game. Each of his last three games calling balls and strikes have played under and the under is (42-13-6) in his last (61) games. The Under is (5-1) in Cardinals last (6) World Series home games and (6-2-1) in Cardinals last (9) home games. The Under is (36-16) in Lewis' last (52) road starts, (6-0) in Lewis' last (6) Thursday starts and (5-1) in Rangers last (6) interleague road games versus a left-handed starter. Garcia is just (25), but he has already put together back-to-back (13) victory seasons for the Cards. With his Texas trailing, the pressure will be greater for Lewis, but he has done some of his best work in the playoffs. He is (4-1) with a (2.37) ERA in six postseason starts. We'll ride cold weather and strong winds, Umpiring tendencies and a pair of solid starters and strong bullpens and step up to the Under the Total window in this Fall Classic match-up.
3* #953 Texas - St. Louis Under the Total

West Virginia vs. Syracuse 8:00 p.m. est. (ESPN)
This is a Syracuse team that shocked WVU in Morgantown last season. The Mountaineers are loaded offensively, and are a nearly perfect fit for Dana Holgorsen’s playbook. Geno Smith has already thrown for (2,159) yards and (16) TD’s halfway through the schedule, far ahead of the pace that got him to (2,763) and (24) a year ago. The Orangemen are an alarming #112 in the nation in passing yards allowed, a problem because the schedule has not exactly had them up against major air shows. Four of the five lined opponents have thrown for (300) or more, and the only team that did not reach that plateau was Rutgers, which got to (297). A team starting five underclassmen on that side of he ball now faces their biggest challenge of the season, and having already allowed five TD passes of more than (40) yards already, there is plenty of big play potential for the Mountaineer offense. Don't see Dana Holgorsen holding back at all in front of the national cameras on the fast surface in the Carrier Dome which is ideal for the West Virginia speed – the Mountaineer 5th year SR’s have been here twice, winning by a combined (89-27), and covering the spread by (25) points in the process. The visitor has covered last six meetings and WVU has won and covered last five at Carrier Dome.The Cuse has only covered (2) of last (8) at home. Mountaineers win the battle for the coveted Schwartzwadler Trophy.
3* #309 West Virginia Mountaineers

Rangers vs. Cardinals 8:05 p.m. est. (Game One)
Rangers become the first team in (20) years to get an immediate shot at reversing a World Series loss. History gives the Rangers an even better shot than the odds: AL teams simply aren't in the habit of dropping consecutive Series, none having done so since the 1963-64 Yankees lost to the Dodgers and Cardinals in succession.The Red Birds Chris Carpenter has been tabbed as the likely starter for the St. Louis Cardinals and will be opposed by Texas Rangers lefthander C.J. Wilson in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night. The Rangers Wilson is (0-2) with an (8.04) ERA in three postseason starts. The Over is (5-1) in Wilsons last (6) starts with (5) days of rest, (6-2) in Rangers last (8) games following an off day and (4-1) in Rangers last (5) playoff games. The Red Birds Carpenter has been the best of a bad bunch for the Cardinals in the post-season. Their starters have a (5.43) ERA, forcing manager Tony La Russa to rely heavily on his highly effective bullpen and this Rangers' offense finished the season ranked first in the AL in batting average, second in home runs and third in runs. The Over is (6-1-1) in Cardinals last (8) interleague games as a favorite and (4-1-1) in Cardinals last (6) overall. If Texas can knock of Carpenter in Game One this World Series could be short and sweet as with the Rangers having been to the World Series just one season earlier and carrying that big-game experience with them into this year's Fall Classic, we look for them to CRUZ their way to the Championship and give GM Nolan Ryan the trophy he invisioned when he bought the franchise and built this team which, if it's kept together, could be a three or four time World Series participant before they are finished. Offenses come to play and set the tone in Game One action.
3* #951 Texas - St. Louis Over the Total

Panthers vs. Falcons 1:00 p.m. est.
Black Cats rookie QB Cam Newton continues to put up big numbers as his (1,610) passing yards rank third in the NFC but they haven't translated into many victories. Developing a rapport with veteran WR Steve Smith has helped the rookie to his prolific start. Smith leads the NFC with (609) receiving yards and leads the NFL with four receptions of (50) or more yards.Newton is the first player in NFL history with five or more pass touchdowns (7) and five more rushing touchdowns (5) in his first five games. The Over is (3-0-1) in the last (4) meetings in Atlanta with the Over (11-4-2) in Falcons last (17) games overall. The Over is (18-7-1) in Falcons last (26) games following a S.U. loss, (7-0) in Panthers last (7) games as a road underdog of (3.5-10.0), (7-2-2) in Panthers last (11) games following a S.U. loss.
Atlanta HC Mike Smith still looking for upgrades to the Atlanta secondary allowing nearly (70%) completions and his Black Birds are Over the Total at a (13-7-1) rate in the past (20) while Cam Newton has delivered at a (4-1) ATS rate to the Over's this season.
5* Pot of Gold #209 Carolina - Atlanta Over the Total

Eagles vs. Redskins 1:00 p.m. est.
The Eagles are staring at an early-season must win when they visit division rival Washington on Sunday. A month ago, many experts would’ve guessed this would be a matchup of the NFC East leader versus the division cellar-dweller, but with the reverse scenario in mind. The Eagles are coming off four straight losses as their defense struggles and their offense turns the ball over. The Redskins are coming off a bye week with a (3-1) record thanks to a surprisingly strong defensive unit. First-year coordinator Juan Castillo, who previously served as offensive line coach, has come under fire for failing to get much out of a unit that imported stars like Nnambi Asomugha, Jason Babin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the offseason. The Eagles defense ranks 26th in scoring (26.4 PPG), 30th in rushing (140 YPG) and 30th in passing touchdowns allowed (11). Eagles QB Michael Vick torched the Skins in D.C. last November, en route to a (59-28) victory. Philly’s offense should be able to put points on the board, and finally put a stop to its losing streak. Andy Reid is (99-63) ATS against conference opponents as the coach of the Green Birds and Philadelphia has never lost five straight in (13) years under Andy Reid. The Eagles are (8-3-1) ATS in their last (12) games in Week 6 while the Redskins are (0-4-2) ATS in their last (6) games in Week 6. The Road team is (4-0) ATS in their last (4) meetings with the Underdog (6-2-1) ATS in their last (9) meetings.The Redskins are (7-15-2) ATS in their last (24) home games.
3* #205 Philadelphia Eagles

Brewers vs. Cardinals 8:05 p.m. est. (TBS)
Friday's Game 5 features a rematch of the Game 1 starters -- Jaime Garcia for the Cardinals and Zack Greinke for the Brewers. Milwaukee won the opener, 9-6, at Miller Park. The Red Birds starter Jaime Garcia had better numbers at home this season as he was (9-4) with a (2.55) ERA in 15 starts at Busch Stadium, as opposed to (4-3), (4.61) ERA on the road. The Cardinals are (11-5) in Garcias last (16) home starts and (9-1) in Garcias last (10) Friday starts. Thr Red Birds own an incredible (45-21) mark in their last (66) Friday games, (11-4) mark in their last (15) home gamesand they are (5-0) in their last (5) games following a loss. Brew Crew starter Zack Greinke is (1-0) but with an (8.18) ERA in his two postseason starts this October, the first postseason starts of his career. Greinke allowed six runs over six innings in his last trip to the hill. The Brewers are (1-4) in Greinkes last (5) starts as a road underdog and the Brewers are (3-8) in the last (11) meetings, going just (1-5) in their last (6) playoff road games. Milwaukee picked up the franchise’s first postseason road victory since 1982 on Thursday to even the series at two games apiece. The St. Louis Cardinals have one more home game to regain control of the series. Take the Red Birds under the Arch as a loss here and the season is all but finito for MGR Tony LaRussa and his birds.
3* #920 St. Louis Cardinals

Breweres vs. Cardinals 8:05 p.m. est.
Brewers starter Randy Wolf is making his second start of the 2011 postseason and fourth overall. He started Game 4 of the NLDS on Oct. 5 at Arizona and allowed seven runs on eight hits over three innings en route to suffering the loss. The Over is (9-2-1) in Brewers last (12) overall. The Red Birds send starter Kyle Lohse will be pitching on extended rest -- 11 days and he'll have to shake off the rust.
The Over is (8-2) in St. Louis' last (10) overall, (9-2-1) in Milwaukee's last (12) overall, (5-1) in Cardinals last (6) Thursday gameand (10-4) in Cardinals last (14) games versus a left-handed starter. Let the scoring begin under the Arch.
3* #915 Milwaukee - St. Louis Over the Total

Rangers vs. Tigers 4:15 p.m. est. (FOX)
The Rangers are well aware that Detroit shouldn't rank highly on their list of favorite road cities. In fact, they own the worst record at Comerica Park of any American League team since the building's gates opened in 2000. Texas is an AL-worst (23-34) (.404) within Detroit's city limits since the Tigers abandoned old Tiger Stadium to move into their new digs on Woodward Avenue. Detroit’s offense has great numbers and may be undervalued a bit given that Comerica Park is a clear pitcher’s park. The Tigers are batting (.274) on the season, third best in baseball and the lineup takes a great deal of walks. Detroit also seems to have a lot of late season momentum at home and with Jim Leyland on the bench Detroit could be a team that makes one of those special runs as they have the stars and storylines to make a fitting end. The Tigers beat Texas six of nine times this year, and that was with ace Verlander losing his only start against the Rangers, back on April 11 (Verlander is a traditionally slow starter). Detroit can nearly match the Rangers’ offense, and Verlander gives them an almost automatic wins in the Motor City. Texas will start southpaw CJ Wilson and the Tigers hit (.281) against southpaws (third-best in the majors) and scored six runs in (8.2) innings off elite lefty CC Sabathia in the ALDS. The Tigers are (6-2) in Verlanders last (8) starts versus the Rangers, (50-23) in Verlanders last (73) starts, (39-12) in Verlanders last (51) home starts, (4-0) in Verlanders last (4) Thursday starts and (22-8) in their last (30) home games. The Rangers are (4-17) in the last (21) meetings in Detroit and (6-13) in Wilsons last (19) road starts versus a team with a winning record.
5* Grand Slam #918 Detroit Tigers

USC vs. Cal 9:00 p.m. est. (ESPN)
Lane Kiffin has USC off to a (4-1) start but the Trojans are (4-10) ATS in their last (14) games as a road favorite. During California head coach Jeff Tedford’s final four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Fresno State (1994-97), USC HC Lane Kiffin played quarterback and worked as a student assistant coach for the Bulldogs. Tedford’s (8-4) ATS mark at home off loss of more than (7) points is very inviting in this match-up to b played at AT&T Park in San Francisco. California. The Trojans crushed the Bears at home last year, leading (42-0) at half and winning (48-14), as Matt Barkley threw for (352) yards and (5) TD's. The Cal Bears are a solid (17-5) ATS (77%) at home since 2007, and junior QB Zach Maynard (11 TD, 3 INT) should be able to take advantage of a USC passing defense that ranks 98th in the nation, allowing (267) passing YPG. Cal hung with Oregon for a while last week, leading at the half, but then was outscored (29-0) after halftime in the (43-15) loss. The Golden Bears are (9-4) ATS in their last (13) games after allowing more than (40) points in their previous game.
5* Pot of Gold #104 California Golden Bears

Brewers vs. Cardinals 8:05 p.m. est. (TBS)
The St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers scored (30) runs in two games at Miller Park. Postseason averages were padded. Postseason ERAs suffered. Now comes the real possibility of something more like an October classic. The Cardinals and the Brewers will send out their best starters in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, Chris Carpenter and Yovani Gallardo. The NLCS had to wait for Carpenter and Gallardo, because they each had to pitch in a decisive Game 5 for their teams to win their respective NL Division Series. The Red Birds Carpenter has a track record of postseason success. He is now (6-2) with a (2.94) earned run average in (11) postseason starts. Carpenter came to the postseason pitching at a high level. In three of his last five starts he allowed no earned runs, finishing his regular-season work with a two-hitter in Houston. Coming off a defining game, Carpenter will take the ball in the first Cardinals home game of the series. His ERA was (.80) better at home than on the road, and he allowed just five homers at Busch Stadium all year. The Under is (15-4-3) in the last (22) meetings in St. Louis, (4-1) in Carpenters last (5) Wednesday starts and (6-1) in Carpenters last (7) home starts. In four postseason appearances, three of them starts, Gallardo has compiled an ERA of (0.86). That includes a (1.29) ERA in the 2011 NLDS. Gallardo limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on four hits over eight innings in his Game 1 NLDS start, and then held them to one run in six innings as the Brewers went on to win Game 5. The Under is (5-1) in Gallardos last (6) starts overall, (9-4-1) in Brewers last (14) Wednesday games and (5-2-1) in Brewers last (8) games following a loss. A change in venue to a less hitter-friendly park, the two best starters available to these two clubs working the same game. The pendulum should be swinging back toward the pitching direction for Game 3. During the season, these two clubs averaged (9.67) runs per game in their meetings at Miller Park. But at Busch Stadium, they scored only (5.33) runs per game. While neither of these parks is wildly tilted toward offense or pitching, there is little doubt that Busch is the more pitcher-friendly facility. Pitchers Duel Under the Arch.
5* Grand Slam #911 Milwaukee - St. Louis Under the Total

Jets vs. Patriots 4:15 p.m. est.
Bitter AFC East foes go at it when the Jets travel to Foxboro to clash with the Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Last January the Jets halted the momentum of Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Tom Brady’s production came almost exclusively in garbage time in the (28-21) playoff loss, and it was just (41) days after the Patriots had embarrassed the Jets on Monday Night Football, (45-3). The Jets have been shaky on defense while Brady is hitting on all cylinders. Mark Sanchez hasn’t usually played well in this rivalry (5 TD, 7 INT in regular season), but he did throw three touchdowns and no picks in the playoff upset last year. However, Sanchez is coming off a brutal performance in Baltimore, where he completed just (11-of-35) passes for (119) yards (3.4 YPA), (0) TD and (1) INT. The absence of C Nick Mangold (ankle) is a big reason for the decline. The Jets find themselves a little banged up and playing the Pats in what is the third straight road game for the New Yorkers. Tom Brady is (13-5) all-time against the Jets during the regular season, with (219) passing YPG, (22) TD and (9) INT in these meetings. Brady has also thrown for (1,553) yards (388 YPG) and (13) touchdowns in four games. Belichick sends Rex a message in Foxboro on Sunday.
5* Pot of Gold #424 New England Patriots

Saints vs. Panthers 1:00 p.m. est.
Cam Newton, who is acting as if he has been in the NFL for years while passing for (374) yards or more in three of four starts. Only two quarterbacks have passed for more yards through four games than Carolina Panthers rookie Cam Newton, but this year's No. 1 draft pick will get a close look at one of them Sunday when the Panthers host Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in an NFC South matchup. It's a meeting of the top two offenses in the NFC in terms of total yards, though the Panthers have turned their prolific output into only (22.3) points per game (17th in the NFL) while the Saints average (31.8) points (fifth in the NFL). New Orleans can keep pace with anyone with some of the best offensive numbers in the league but the defense has surrendered big passing games this season. Carolina has also developed the running game with (169) yards on the ground last week. The Over is (24-9-1) in Saints last (34) games following a ATS win and (5-2) in Saints last (7) road games. The Over is (5-0-1) in Panthers last (6) games as an underdog of (3.5-10.0).
5* Pot of Gold #413 New Orleans - Carolina Over the Total

Eagles vs. Bills 1:00 p.m. est.
Philadelphia will try to end a three-game losing skid when it travels to (3-1) Buffalo on Sunday. The Eagles have scored as many points as they have allowed Buffalo was thoroughly out-gained at Cincinnati last week and the Bills have allowed (405) yards per game. The offense that made a lot of noise against lousy defenses in the first three weeks was very quiet last week. The Eagles have the ability to turn the Bills into a one-dimensional offense, as they have the talent and depth at cornerback to shut down Ryan Fitzpatrick and Buffalo’s receiving corps. Philadelphia has the firepower to keep up. Expect the Bills’ high-powered offense be affected by the loss of starting LT Demetrius Bell who is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. Buffalo’s defense has been equally as bad in both facets of the game, ranking 25th in the NFL in both passing (276 YPG) and rushing (130 YPG). Offensively, Philly is averaging (445) YPG during its losing skid, but has three giveaways in each of those defeats. The Eagles lead the NFC in rushing (164 YPG). The Bills are (3-10-1) ATS in their last (14) games as a home underdog. Green Birds get their act together in Buff-a-lo Shuffle !
3* #409 Philadelphia Eagles

Air Force vs. Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. est. NBC
Irish HC Brian Kelly now (2-4-3) vs. line at South Bend. Apesky opponent comes calling on Saturday as the Air Force Falcons are in town. The Falcons continued their ascent under Troy Calhoun, going (9-4) to run his four-year win total to (34). QB Tim Jefferson has developed into a legitimate dual-threat QB (1,459 pass yds, 10 TD, 6 INT; 794 rush yds, 15 TD) and his O-Line allowing very few sacks to date. TB Asher Clark (1,031 rush yds) helped AFA rank second in the nation rushing offense (307 YPG)last season and will be a key performer here as the AF triple-option can be annoying to say the least. Brian Kelly is not the most reliable of favorites (26-28-3) ATS in his career and we expect the Falcons to Fly High in South Bend and make the Irish work for this win. The Road team is (6-0) ATS in their last (6) meetings. Fighting Irish are (5-20-1) ATS in their last (26) games as a home favorite of (10.5) or greater.
3* #357 Air Force Falcons

Eastern Michigan vs.Toledo 3:00 p.m. est.
The rough ride continues for EMU, whose (2-10) record last year gives it a (10-50) record since 2006. The Eagles lost by an average score of (44-19) in 2010 and EMU has been brutalized the last four years vs. Toledo, which has won and covered all handily. Rockets (4-1) last (5) as Glass Bowl chalk. The Rockets offense returned (9) starters with stars of the show, senior TB Adonis Thomas (1,098 rush yds, 6.3 YPC, 372 rec yds, 10 total TD) and electrifying junior WR Eric Page (99 rec, 1,105 yds, 8 TD, 3 kick ret. TD) hanging tough against some strong early competition. The Rockets are strong with lots of playmakers in the mix. In addition to the (34) forced turnovers, Toledo’s defense only allowed (5.3) yards per play last season and has (8) starters returning. The Rockets are a great home bet, going (24-15) ATS in the Glass Bowl the past (10) seasons and they celebrate Homecoming.
3* #342 Toledo Rockets

Bowling Green vs. Western Michigan 2:00 p.m. est.
The WMU Broncos allowed UConn’s marshmallow offense a season-high (451) yards in last week’s (38-31) win. Bowling Green's (HC) Dave Clawson came from Richmond and loves to throw it. The BG Falcons’ last four SU wins against FBS opposition have all come as underdogs. Broncos HC Bill Cubit is (1-9-1) ATS home vs. an opponent seeking revenge and this Homecoming favorite is hereby put on Upset Alert as BG thrives in this role as a double-digit dog. The Falcons are (20-7-1) ATS in their last (28) road games and (11-4-1) ATS in their last (16) games as a road underdog. The Road team is (4-1) ATS in their last (5) meetings.
3* #333 Bowling Green Falcons

Connecticut vs. West Virginia 12:00 noon est.
New UCONN head coach Paul Pasqualoni's return to the Big East, where he coached Syracuse from 1991-2004, has been rocky to say the least as his Huskies are struggling. Real tough assignment here in Morgantown as the Mountaineers will be in a foul mood following last season's hard-to-swallow (16-13) OT loss at UConn costing them the opportunity go to a BCS bowl because of it. If West Virginia can pass all over LSU’s defense, think what they can do against the Huskies’ 83rd-ranked pass defense. In the past five seasons as an OC at Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State, Holgorsen’s teams racked up (2,617) points and he’ll have the services of (8) returning offensive starters to work with in Morgantown. QB Geno Smith (24 TD, 7 INT) and WR Tavon Austin (787 rec. yds) should reap the benefits from this pass-happy attack against a weak Husky defense. Another huge loss for UCONN against a solid West Virginia team.
3* #316 West Virginia Mountaineers

Nevada vs. Boise State 2:30 p.m. est. (VER)
One of the seasons biggest.Revenge Games here for Boise after wild (34-31) loss LY at Reno. The Reno Wolfpack only (11-19) vs. line last (30) on road. Nevada is the only team to beat Boise State in the last (30) games and while no longer conference foes this will be always be a big game. The kicking game was a big issue for the Broncos in that game last year as moving the ball was not a problem. Boise State has been dominant through three games and Nevada has a lot of inexperience. QB play for the Wolf Pack won’t match last year and this is one of biggest home field advantages in country.The Broncos offense is in good hands led by QB Kellen Moore (3,845 pass yds, 35 TD, 6 INT) and TB Doug Martin (1,260 rush yds, 12 TD). Brent Pease is the new offensive coordinator and he benefits from (7) starters returning to the offensive side of the ball. Since 1999, the Broncos have been the best bet in college football, going (89-50-3) ATS. They’re the consensus favorite to win the Mountain West in their first season and, according to oddsmakers, a top-10 favorite to win the national championship at (+1,800).
5* Pot of Gold #144 Boise State Broncos

Texas vs. Iowa State 7:00 p.m. est.
The ISU program looked headed in right direction last year with wins at Texas and versus Texas Tech, and an overtime loss to Nebraska. This line might look low at first glance but Iowa State is (3-0) and the Cyclones won in Austin last season. Both teams were off last week so the defenses will be well prepared. Last year these teams grinded out a (28-21) Iowa State upset. The Longhorns have used three
QBs this season but the Ash and McCoy combo is only in play now with Garrett Gilbert’s injury. Texas is (3-0) as well but the offense has been inefficient though the defense has been very impressive at times. Iowa State is catching the Longhorns atthe right time as Oklahoma is on deck for Texas making this is a challenging gamefor a struggling offense.
3* #152 Iowa State Cyclones

Northwestern vs. Illinois 12:00 noon est. (ESPN 2)
Northwestern could be a sleeper team in the Big Ten with QB Dan Persa under center. Persa ranked among the nation’s top (10) players in total offense (310 YPG) and passing efficiency (159.04). He’ll be even better with a more experienced offensive line that will surely improve upon (40) sacks and (91) TFL allowed. Persa also has a sound supporting cast of (9) returning starters led by senior WR Jeremy Ebert (62 rec, 953 yds, 8 TD) and sophomore TB Mike Trumpy (530 rush yds, 4.6 YPC). Northwestern has had two weeks to shake off a tough loss to Army and more importantly there has been time to possibly get QB Dan Persa back into the lineup. The Purple Cats had covered (4) of last (5) and (8) of last (10) versus Illini prior to getting pounded in last season’s game at Wrigley Field. Illinois has not proven that it can make a lot of plays in the passing game. With two weeks to prepare while catching Illinois off back-to-back nail-biters the underdog Wildcats team is our selection here.
3* #111 Northwestern Wildcats

Rays vs. Rangers 5:05 p.m. est. (TBS) (Best of 5):
After a dramatic run to the AL Wild Card, the Rays open the playoffs against second-seeded and defending AL champion Texas. It's a rematch of the 2010 ALDS, which Texas won in five games. The Rangers also won the 2011 regular-season series, (5-4). The Rays are used to the do-or-die pressure at this point, making up a nine-game deficit in the Wild Card race to make the playoffs. This team has some familiar faces from their run to the 2008 AL pennant and 2010 playoff appearance, but gone are stars like Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and Matt Garza. The Rays come into the series having won five consecutive games and owning a (32-17) record since Aug. 8 to make the postseason. Texas has been equally hot, winning its final six games to claim home-field advantage.This series opener features Rays rookie sensation Matt Moore vs. C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.94 ERA). The Rays top pitching prospect has done nothing but wow since he joined the team in September. He made his first Major League start on Sept. 22 at Yankee Stadium. He came away with his first win after holding the Yankees scoreless in five innings. The rookie sensation Matt Moore, who has a total of (9 1/3) innings in the Major Leagues under his belt. The eighth-round selection of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft joined the Rays in September and allowed just three earned runs in three appearances down the stretch. These two teams are built similarly, with strong defenses backing up solid starting rotations and question marks in the bullpen. Tampa’s bullpen is anchored by journeyman Kyle Farnsworth. The 35-year-old was 25-for-31 in save chances in his first full season as a closer.
3* #951 Tampa Bay Rays

Reds vs. Mets 1:10 p.m. est.
Needing a spot starter, the Mets will turn to Batista, who has worked out of the bullpen since his last start on Sept. 11. Batista faced the Reds three times in relief this season while with the Cards, allowing five runs over two-thirds of an inning. The Reds starter Volquez's latest start on Friday vs. the Bucs mimicked his previous two since being recalled from Triple-A in being so-so. He threw (95) pitches over five innings, giving up three runs on six hits, with two walks and five strikeouts in a no-decision. The Over is (4-0) in the last (4) meetings, (61-29-7) in Mets last (97) Wednesday games, (21-4-1) in Mets last (26) games as an underdog and (7-1) in Mets last (8) overall. The Over is (5-1-2) in Reds last (8) games versus a right-handed starter.
3* #901 Cincinnati - New York Over the Total

Nationals vs. Marlins 4:10 p.m. est.
The Fish starter Volstad, a South Florida native, will make the final start of the season and the last game for the team as the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium. At home, he's (3-7) (5.04 ERA). The Marlins are (17-37) in their last (54) home gamesand (1-4) in their last (5) Wednesday games. Florida has struggled with a mark of (2-7) in Volstads last (9) starts and they are (0-4) in Volstads last (4) home starts. In his worst start of the year, Strasburg found himself in trouble in the first inning, throwing (38) pitches and allowing three runs -- two earned. Strasburg settled down, retiring nine out of the last (10) hitters he faced. The Nationals are (13-3) in their last (16) overall, (8-0) in their last (8) road games versus a right-handed starter and (7-2) in Strasburgs last (9) starts following a team loss in their previous game.
3* #905 Washington Nationals

Blue Jays vs. White Sox 2:10 p.m. est.
Brandon Morrow hasn’t allowed a run in (15) consecutive innings and baffled the Tampa Bay Rays last week, shutting them out over seven innings with nine strikeouts. Philip Humber was originally expected to be relegated to the bullpen once Jake Peavy was healthy, Humber solidified his spot in the rotation with an impressive first half. He has just one win in his last (10) outings, however. The Blue Jays are (6-1) in their last (7) Wednesday games, (5-0) in Morrows last 5 Wednesday starts and (8-1) in Morrows last (9) starts during game (3) of a series. The White Sox mailed it in weeks ago.
3* #917 Toronto Blue Jays

Rockies vs. Giants 10:15 p.m. est.
MGR Bruce Bochy held a team meeting before Monday's game to remind his players to play hard for the home fans over the final three games of the season. San Francisco has defeated Colorado (12) times this season. Rockies starter Alex White gave up five runs and was hit hard by the Astros in his last outing Thursday. He's been hampered by an inability to throw quality pitches consistently in the strike zone and plans on taking advantage of the opportunity to show off his command Tuesday. White allowed six runs on nine hits, including two home runs, and issued three walks in (5 2/3) innings in his previous start against the Giants this season. He also struck out three batters. Putting his pitches in quality strike zone locations has been a problem for White, who joined the Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. Giants starter Madison Bumgarner's durability has been a key to his success on the mound, and his control has been admirable, especially for such a young pitcher. The left-hander has racked up (182) strikeouts to just (51) walks (five intentional) this season. Bumgarner needs (2 1/3) innings to reach (200) for the season. He would join Matt Cain (2007), Mike McCormick (1959-61) and John D'Acquisto (1974) as the only starters in the Giants' San Francisco era to pitch that many innings at age (22) or younger. Overall, the Giants are (16-16) when Bumgarner pitches this season, including victories in (12) of his last (17) starts. His run support average of (3.55) should be enough in this game.
5* Grand Slam #966 San Francisco Giants

Patriots vs. Bills 1:00 p.m. est.
Head coach Chan Gailey brought an aggressive spread passing game to Buffalo in his first season as head coach in 2010, going four-wide early and often. They lost three overtime games last year to playoff teams (Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Kansas City), and dropped three other contests by eight points or less. The Bills offense will continue to improve under Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo offense has its share of playmakers. The Bills are a surprise at (2-0) and Tom Brady and company looked unstoppable again last week although the game with San Diego was close at times and the Patriots benefited from turnovers. We still feel that the Patriots are suspect on defense as nine times opponents scored (20) or more points against the Patriots last season. If the Bills can limit turnovers, they can score enough to make this a great old school AFL contest.
3* #398 Buffalo Bills

Oregon vs. Arizona 10:15 p.m. est.
The Wildcats were eager to forget the five straight losses to conclude the 2010 season but not much has changed to date in the desert as the Wildcats are the Wildcats are(1-9-1) ATS in conference play. On the defensive front, UA lost three DEs to the NFL Draft which doesn't help when your about to entertain HC Chip Kelly and the Ducks from Eugene, Oregon. Oregon lost the opener against LSU and has breezed through the last two weeks with big numbers. The Oregon has a very dangerous team and the Cats are only (2-10) versus the line last (12) since mid 2010 against FBS foes. Although Oregon lost (5) of the starters from last year’s (12-1) offensive team, nobody in the country has a better QB-RB duo than Darron Thomas (2,881 pass yds, 30 TD, 9 INT; 486 rush yds, 5 TD) and LaMichael James, the FBS leader in both rushing yards (1,731) and total TD (24). Both are Heisman contenders and were the main reason Oregon led the nation in points (47.0 PPG) and yards (531 YPG). It’s tough to go against the Ducks anywhere. Oregon has had only one losing ATS season in (10) years and is (20) games above (.500) against the spread).
3* #381 Oregon Ducks

Braves vs. Nationals 7:05 p.m. est.
The National League Wild Card was all but guaranteed to the Braves. They had a nine-game lead, and there was talk -- with good reason -- that Atlanta might even be the second-best team in the league, behind just the NL East-leading Phillies. Now they must try to stop their freefall against Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals' ace is still searching for his first victory this season, but Strasburg's last outing was his best since returning to the Majors. He allowed one run on four hits over six innings against the Marlins on September 17. Tim Hudson will take the ball for Atlanta, bringing with him strong career numbers against the Nationals, including a (13-3) record and (1.95) ERA in (22) starts. Tim Hudson changed the position of his heel on the pitching rubber before his last start, and it helped the righty shut out the Mets over eight strong innings. He had been (1-3) with a (5.06) ERA in four starts before making the adjustment. The Bravos are (7-3) in Hudsons last (10) startswith the Braves (6-2) in Hudsons last (8) starts versus the Nationals.
3* #951 Atlanta Braves

Rockies vs. Astros 8:05 p.m. est.
Houston starter Brett Myers has been terrific in his past four starts, going (3-0) with a (1.19) ERA. He's allowed (19) hits in that span and struck out (22) batters, but most importantly is the fact he's allowed only one home run in (30 1/3) innings. His career (7-1) record with a (4.31) ERA are impressive against Colorado and his Astros are (8-2) in Myers' last (10) home starts versus a team with a losing record. The Rockies send rookie Drew Pomeranz, the key component in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade, whom has shown promise in his first two Major League starts but for the fisrt time in his short Major League career he'll get the starting nod on the road. Coloradois (8-25) in the last (33 )meetings in Houston with the Rockies (1-6) in their last (7) Friday games and the Rockies are (0-7) in their last (7) overall.
5* Grand Slam #958 Houston Astros

A's vs. Angels 10:05 p.m. est.
The Halos make the long trip back to the west coast from Toronto after their recent road trip to face Oaklnd. The A's send lefty Gio Gonzalez to the mound and he allowed just one earned run over seven innings in Saturday's win over the Tigers, giving up eight hits while walking two and fanning four. He's (1-1) with a (4.73) ERA in two starts against the Halos this season with a career record of (6-2) with a (2.72) ERA. The Athletics are (5-1) in Gonzalezs last (6) starts versus the Angels. Even though the Halos send their ace Weaver to the mound we have a very live underdog arm with Gonzalez working for us here.
3* #979 Oakland A's

Giants vs. Dodgers 10:10 p.m. est.
As the Giants frantically fight their way back into the National League Wild Card race, the rival Dodgers have been a thorn in their side. The Giants will continue the fight to defend their World Series championship when they send lefty Madison Bumgarner to the mound in the series finale against the Dodgers on Thursday. Bumgarner has won his last five starts, giving up four earned runs in that span. One of those starts was a five-inning, one-run performance against the Dodgers on Sept. 11. He pitched seven shutout innings against the Rockies on Sept. 16. Bumgarner allowed a single unearned run over seven innings to earn his fifth straight win last weekend, a (9-1) decision over the Colorado Rockies. His ERA is just (1.04) over those five games and he now has his season WHIP at (1.22). San Francisco has won nine of (10) games and the Giants are (4-1) in Bumgarners last (5) starts versus the Dodgers and (7-3) in Bumgarners last (10) road starts. LA Starter Hiroki Kuroda has been dealing with a stiff neck for his last four starts, but if he pitches one more inning, he will earn a $175,000 bonus. The Dodgers are (0-4) in Kurodas last (4) home starts versus a team with a winning record.
5* Grand Slam #907 San Francisco Giants

Toledo vs. Syracuse 12:00 noon est. (ESPN)
Toledo is (7-0) SU and ATS in games off a loss of (20) plus points under Tim Beckman. The Cuse only (2-5) vs. points last (7) at the Carrier Dome and the Orange traveled to "Tinsel Town" to compete against Southern California last weekend. With the Rockets pass offense very effective under the QB combo of Dantin & Owens producing (826) YP & (8) TDPs in first (3) games, we look for Toledo to get it done against a Syracuse defense that lost six starters including both defensive tackles, both cornerbacks and leading tackler Derrell Smith.
3* #309 Toledo Rockets

White Sox vs. Royals 2:10 p.m. est.
Royals starter Bruce Chen was excellent on Tuesday, holding the Twins to two hits in eight shutout innings. He struck out eight and walked one, throwing a season-high (119) pitches. Chen is 7-2 against AL Central teams this season, and (2-0) with a (0.90) ERA against Chicago. White Sox starter John Danks was hit early and often in his last outing against the Tigers, giving up eight runs, seven earned, in just five innings. In his last three starts, the southpaw is (0-3) with a (10.90) ERA. The White Sox are (2-6) in the last (8) meetings in Kansas City and (0-5) in their last (5) overall. KC's Royals are (5-0) in their last (5) overall. Chicago gets the Royal Treatment in KC. Ozzie Guillen is heading to Miami to take charge of the Marlins and his is a team that has cashed it in for this season.
5* Grand Slam #926 Kansas City Royals

Astros vs. Cubs 2:20 p.m. est.
Houston starter Brett Myers has been terrific lately, going (2-1) with a (1.19) ERA in his last three starts. He's allowed just one earned run in each of those starts, including Monday against the Phillies when he allowed one run in eight innings. Myers Career numbers are impressive against the Cubbies with a (12-3) record with a (2.29) ERA. The Astros are (7-0) in Myers' last (7) starts versus the Cubs. Chicago's Ryan Dempster threw (128) pitches in his last start, the third highest total in his career. He didn't get the win and is (0-4) in his last six starts. He'll get a chance at (200) innings this season. His Career mark of (6-11) with a (4.34) ERA against the Stros aren't impressive and his Cubs are (3-8) in Dempsters last (11) starts versus the Astros. The Chicago Cubs are (9-25) in their last (34) Sunday games. Houston gives the Cubs a problem at Wrigley Field.
3* #907 Houston Astros

Buffalo vs. Ball State 7:00 p.m. est.
Former Elon head coach Pete Lembo is the new Head Coach at Ball State, looking to turn around this program that suffered two long years under his predicessor. Lembo brings a no-huddle, pass-happy offense to Muncie, orchestrated by sophomore QB Keith Wenning (14 TD, 14 INT) who started the final (10) games. Plenty of skill positions return to help move the ball for the Red Birds who return (8) starters on Offense. Bulls HC Jeff Quinn saw his team score the fewest points in the land (14.2 PPG) including a dreadful (10.6) PPG during a season-ending, seven-game losing streak. His Bulls were the worst bet in all of college football last season, going (2-10) ATS. Red Birds get a home win in Muncie.
3* #166 Ball State Cardinals

West Virginia vs. Maryland 12:00 noon est. (ESPN)
West Virginia won (31-17) last year when these teams met and statistically the game was not even that close. West Virginia has actually produced a decent track record on the road as the Mountaineers are (9-2) in West Virginia’s last (11) as an underdog. . In the past five seasons as an OC at Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State, new WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen’s teams racked up (2,617) points and he has the services of (8) returning offensive starters to work with in Morgantown. QB Geno Smith (24 TD, 7 INT) and WR Tavon Austin (787 rec. yds) should reap the benefits from this pass-happy attack. This is a WVU team that has the talent to reach double-digit wins and claim the Big East Title this season. New HC Randy Edsell will have his Turtles playing with reckless abandon and they will be tough beat , even in their new Black Uniforms they'll feature here. Look for the Mountaineers to win a high scoring affair in College Park.
3* #108 West Virginia Mountaineers

Yankees vs. Mariners 10:10 p.m. est.
The Yankees enter the series with a (3 1/2) game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the American League East and need to take advantage of a sub (.500) opponent before heading to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays for three games. It won't be easy against Hernandez, the American League's Cy Young Award winner a year ago and a pitcher who usually does well against the Yankees. The Mariners are (6-0) in Hernandezs last (6) starts versus the Yankees, (17-7) in Hernandezs last (24) starts against the American League East and (9-2) in Hernandezs last (11) starts during game (1) of a series. In his career, Hernandez is (6-3) with a (2.82) ERA in 10 career games against New York and is (1-0) with a (3.21) ERA this season in two starts versus the Yankees. Since 2009, he's owned the Pinstripes with a (5-0) record with a (1.29) ERA in six starts against the Yankees. In his last outing, Hernandez beat the Angels in Anaheim, giving up one unearned run on four hits in eight innings while striking out seven. The Yankees are (3-7) in Hughes' last (10) road starts
5* Grand Slam #922 Seattle Mariners

Royals vs. Mariners 10:10 p.m. est.
Mariners starter Vargas has struggled through the second half of this season after three solid months to begin the year. The 28-year-old Vargas is (1-8) with a (6.49) ERA over his last (11) starts. He was (6-6) with a (3.49) ERA before the break. The Royals hand the ball to starter Luke Hochevar, who went first overall in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, has struggled to consistently fulfill the promise that led many to believe he was a sure-fire top-of-the-rotation starter. But there have been flashes of potential, and the Royals have been particularly happy with what they've seen out of Hochevar since the All-Star break. Hochevar has worked at least six innings in all but one start since the All-Star Game, the one exception a (5 1/3)-inning outing back on July 22, and six of his (10) outings since the break have been quality starts. The right-hander was superb on Saturday against Cleveland, working eight excellent innings in a (5-1) win. Hochevar gave up just three hits and one unearned run, which was the result of his own errant pickoff throw in the first inning, while striking out eight and walking one. KC is (7-3) in the last (10) meetings and (9-4) in Hochevars last (13) starts.
3* #911 Kansas City Royals

Arizona vs. Oklahoma State 8:00 p.m. est.
The Cowboys Senior QB Brandon Weeden (4,277 yds, 34 TD, 13 INT) and junior WR Justin Blackmon (111 rec, 1,782 yds, 20 TD) form one of the best tandems in the country. This dynamic duo was the biggest reason the Cowboys ranked second in the nation in passing offense (346 YPG) and third in points (44.2 PPG). They also did nice job rushing the football to protect their many leads, averaging (174) rush YPG on (5.0) yards per carry. All five starters on the offensive line are back and Sophomore Joseph Randle is the top rusher. Oklahoma State will put up monster points again, even as they transition into new offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. The Pokes defense also ooks to be be vastly improved. The Wildcats are eager to forget the five straight losses to conclude the 2010 season including the Bowl Game loss to OK State (36-10). The Wildcats defense has too many question marks to expect to stop all these powerful Cowboy weapons. Cowboy's put the Wildcats down for the second year in a row in Alamo Bowl Repeat as the Wildcats have lost (12) straight road games to Top-10 teams by an average of (18.5) PPG. They have also not been a strong road team recently, going (6-12) ATS (33%) in the past three seasons away from home. In this same span, OSU is (13-8) ATS (62%) at home and (9-5) ATS (64%) in non-conference games.
5* Pot of Gold #302 Oklahoma State Cowboys