4* Big-12 Play of the Day

Iowa State is a solid 5-1 ATS away with conference revenge, and 4-1 ATS as dogs of less than 10 points. Meanwhile, the deflated Sooners have the look of “bubble burst” written all over them after falling to the Baylor Bears, and we’ll look for the Clones to stick another pin in their balloon today, especially since Oklahoma is 0-5 ATS at home in this series when coming off a SU favorite loss. The Sooners are also 6-10 ATS in games when coming off their first loss of the season, including 2-7 ATS versus foes who allow fewer than 23 PPG. ISU head coach Matt Campbell going against teams coming off an upset loss, is 6-0 ATS as a dog when facing an opponent that was upset as a favorite, as well as 8-2 ATS in games when his team was upset. Also, playing against any unrested college football favorite from Game Eight or later who allows 13.3 or more PPG on the season coming off its first loss of the season if they were favored by 4 or more points in the loss and lost to the spread by 14 or more points, if they are facing an opponent coming off a loss is a perfect 22-0 since 1980.

5* MWC Game of the Week

The Wolf Pack is yet another team that appears to have hit the wall, going 2-2 the past four games following a 5-1 start to the season. Nevada is also 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS as a dog or as a favorite of fewer than 4 points versus military teams. Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun checks in with a 10-4 ATS mark as a dog against foes with an identical record. Consider as well, that .700 teams playing in Game 11 pretty much have their holiday bowl plans in the making, it is also a major letdown time for these teams dressing up without rest as contented home favorites in these contests. That’s confirmed by the fact that these chalk artists are just 74-82-1 ATS (47%) in this role since 1980. And when these teams are coming off a loss and facing .500 or greater opponents, they fall to 11-26 ATS. Worse, these teams tumble to 1-14 ATS as favorites of 6 or fewer points.

Rating: 5 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin brings is a 13-23 SU and 16-20 ATS career mark into games against opponents with a better win percentage, including 5-11 SU and 4-12 ATS versus .875 or greater foes. This will mark the fourth time in the last five years these two teams will meet as ranked teams, so neither side should find the stage too large. However, to Michigan’s credit, the Maize-and-Blue did not buckle beneath the weight of the “bubble burst” following the contested loss against Sparty, methodically grinding out a 29-7 win over Indiana last Saturday, holding the Hoosiers to just 195 total yards. The feeling here is the Wolverines are the better team, and they’ll be out to avenge a season-ending home loss to the Lions last year, one that denied them a .500 campaign. Consider that Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is 40-8
SU and 30-18 ATS when coming off a win and owning the better record, including 10-1 SUATS when facing greater than .600 opponents.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

OU is still unbeaten but not ATS under Riley, instead they’re a middling 9-14 in that category. There is one Jimmy the Greek style checkmark in the Sooners column, a powerful 14-2 ATS mark as road chalk of 8 or fewer. BU is coming off a surprise loss to TCU last week but in their series with OU, Da Bears are 3-0 ATS in the last three and 7-1 ATS as a home dog when coming off a loss. In conference revenge games, Baylor is a sturdy 10-2 ATS, plus, BU is 20-5 SUATS in Waco since 2011 against foes coming off a win, including 8-0 ATS as the dog. It’s only the eighth time in this long series both teams have been ranked, all of them since 2011, and OU is 4-3. Consider that since 1980, undefeated College Football teams playing on the regular season road from Game Nine out facing .700 or greater opponents are just 49-50 SU and 40-57-3 (41.2%). Say hello to Oklahoma. Worse, these same guys have seen their necks snap like they’re swinging from the gallows pole when they’re installed as road favorites of 4 or more points, falling to 14-31 ATS. And when installed as favorites of 4 or more points when coming off a win of 20 or more points, they drop to 16-13 SU and SU and 7-22 ATS in these games, including 6-7 SU and 1-12 ATS against foes that were favored by more than 7 points in their last game

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Upset of the Day

UTEP battled back from a 28-10 4Q deficit to fall, 28-25, at Florida Atlantic last week, but at 6-2 this season, the Miners will be bowling for the fi rst time since 2014. Why, you ask? Because they are 7-1 ITS (In The Stats), winning the stats by +100 YPG, and are 4-2 ATS as double-digit pups over the past two seasons. Will another double-digit dog pull an upset this week? A total of 34 FBS games have fallen into that category this season and this has a strong possibility of being another.  Consider as well that playing against any 7-0 or greater college football dog road favorite coming off a week of rest if they are facing a .444 or greater opponent that is not coming off a win of 7 or more points is 12-0 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

The 5-3 Boilermakers are 6-2 ITS (In The Stats) this season, winning the stats by an average of 72 net YPG. They beat a Top 10-ranked Iowa team three weeks ago, and are looking to do the same here today. Consider this: the Spartans are 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS in post-Michigan meetings in which they managed to score 30 or more points, including 0-4 ATS in games in which MSU allows more than 20 PPG. They are also 1-5 SUATS after taking on UM in games in which they coughed up 30-plus points. Can you spell L-E-T-D-O-W-N? Also consider that playing against any college football road favorite who won SU as an underdog against a 5-0 or better opponent in its last game is o 4-20 ATS in this role from Game Seven out. And if this is a conference game, they drop to 3-18 ATS.

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Mismatch

On the heels of back-to-back wins, call this a crucial game for the 3-5
/ 2-3 Bears, who have fared quite well as a visitor under head coach
Justin Wilcox, going 7-0 ATS on the highway when coming off a win. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have been dominated by the Bears in this series, at just 7-19 ATS, including 1-9 ATS when the Bears own a losing record. Zona is 0-8 on the season in Jedd Fisch’s first year, and while they hung tough at USC last week, losing 41-34, they have surrendered season-high yardage in two of
their last three games.

Rating: 5 UnitCFB Game of the Week

The 44-37 defeat was the first loss of the season for SMU, and Dykes now runs into another prolific passing attack in Memphis, ranked 18th in the nation (296 YPG). He is also 4-11 ATS as conference road chalk, including 0-4 ATS versus greater than .333 opponents. Meanwhile, Memphis had covered six straight times in this series until getting nipped last season, 30-27, on a field goal at the final gun. That sets up a conference revenge situation for the Tigers, a role in which they are 4-1 ATS at home. In addition, at 4-4 on the season, Ryan Silverfield’s squad is battling to earn a bowl bid for the eighth year in a row. A win today will help, and so does the fact that SMU is 2-9 ATS as a conference road favorite of 17 or fewer points, including 0-4 ATS from Game Nine out. Better yet, playing against any CFB favorite who started the season 7-0 or better, coming off its initial loss (as a favorite) in which they scored 28 or more points if they are facing a conference opponent is 10-1 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

The Huskies have taken care of business in this series, going 4-1-1 ATS off a win when Stanford is coming off a loss of 3 or more points. Washington is also 4-1 ATS as a conference dog coming off a SU win and a double-digit ATS loss. Those situations were all set up by an embarrassing first half (65 total yards and zero points) against Arizona, one of the very worst teams in the nation. This, very irritated Washington fans have been calling for back-up QB Sam Huard, but the truth is Dylan Morris got his act together just in time to pull out the win over the Cats. Still, this year’s 3-4 SU record indicates that Jimmy Lake is not the answer in Seattle. With the Huskies looking to avenge a pair of losses to Stanford over the past two seasons as double-digit favorites, we hand it off to the clincher where playing on any 17 or more returning starter college football dog with revenge coming off consecutive ATS losses if they are facing a sub .450 opponent coming off consecutive losses is 19-1 ATS since 1990.

Rating: 5 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Kentucky is 1-4 ATS coming off a bye week, and after this Starkville trip, they must still face Tennessee and Louisville, so any hopes of a Top 10 finish after that 6-0 start (last accomplished in 1977) are quickly fading away. As for the Starkville Bulldogs, last year’s horror show in Lexington came in the midst of a 4-game losing skid, as the Dogs dropped a 24-2 decision to the Cats, the second-lowest point production by a Mike Leach team in his career. Revenge is tasty, but so is the Halloween candy that the Mad Professor munches on yearly,
so there’s no doubt he should wake up to a plastic pumpkin full of candy corn and gummy bears tomorrow morning if he can pull off this upset. MSU has held four foes to season-low or second-low yards this season, but here’s what to consider that Leach is 4-2 SUATS at home off two previous home losses, including 3-0 SUATS if .500 or greater.

Rating: 4 Units

Don't look now, but we've got another non-Power Five squad attaching itself to a Top 25 ranking, these Roadrunners, who are just 20 pts from a 20-3 spread run (actually 17-6-1). Dog is 13-4 (5-0 this year) ATS in Bulldog games, but Tech can't run (#99), & Kendall just 10 TDs with 8 INTs

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Play of the Day

Mississippi is just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games with conference revenge, and 3-9 versus the number as SEC chalk of less than 10 points. Meanwhile, LSU is 4-1 ATS as road dogs of less than 10 points and has covered the spread 4 of the last five meetings in this series. Consider that  LSU coach Orgeron is 27-11 ATS in conference games against foes with a better record, including 11-0 ATS after allowing more than 30 points in his previous game.

Rating: 4 Units

Rice was expected to wake up this season but hasn’t followed the script, entering today’s game at 2-4 on the season. And don’t get too excited about that pair of victories, since they came against the likes of Texas Southern and Southern Miss (1-6). Meanwhile, the host in this series is 8-1 ATS with the Blazers 5-0 ATS at home. In addition, Bill Clark is 25-5 SU and 18-7 ATS at home as the head man with the Blazers, including 21-1 SU and 15-2-1 ATS versus .600 or less foes. We’re defi nitely not about to step in front of that with these sleepy visitors

Rating: 5 Unit CFB Game of the Week

Army Head Coach Jeff Monken is very comfortable as the point man in this role, going 11-4 ATS as a dog of 4 or more points coming off back-to-back defeats, including 4-0 ATS under Monken. Wake has never shone against military schools, going just 7-18 SU and 8-16 ATS, including 4-6 SU and 2-8
ATS as favorites. They’re also 0-3-1 ATS as road chalk when they are carrying the weight of being undefeated. Consider also that  5-0 or greater road favorites
coming off a week of rest are only 17-30 ATS since 1997, including 1-9 ATS in games in which they allow 20 or more PPG in a season. The Black Knights own the nation’s 2nd-ranked rushing offense while the Demon Deacons allow 171 rushing yards on the ground. The clincher:  Army HC Moken has been a gift in games against undefeated opposition, going 7-2 ATS, including 6-0 ATS when his troops have at least one loss on the season.

CFB 5* Upset

That's a lot for the Midshipmen to prep for after its latest loss last Thursday. The defense gave up four touchdowns on Memphis' first five drives in a 35-17 defeat. Navy made the most of its first possession against Memphis, piecing together a methodical, 21-play touchdown drive that lasted 11:50. The Midshipmen scored only 10 points the rest of the day. Consider that playing on any college football military team if they are a dog of 20 or more points coming off a loss of 16 or more points if they allow fewer than 41 points per game and are facing a .666 or greater opponent before Game Eleven of the season is a perfect 20-0 since 1980.

Rating: 5 Unit NCAAF Mismatch of the Week

It was a big “W” for the Utes last week in a double revenge matchup with USC, with a solid performance from new QB Cam Rising, but Utah is dragged down in this tilt with a 4-9 SUATS mark in games when coming off upset wins. Meanwhile, Arizona State is an ITS (In The Stats) darling this year, winning the yards in all six games while averaging +141 YPG. As a result, they are dominating the stat rankings this season, including No. 2 on the defensive side of the ball. With it, the overall yardage winner is 2-22 SU in the last 24 Utes games. ASU lost 21-3 at Utah in their most recent meeting in 2019, Herm Edwards’ worst loss with Arizona State since taking over the program four seasons ago. The Clincher: The Sun Devils are 14-4 ATS with revenge against an opponent coming off a SU underdog win, including 10-0 ATS against foes who allow 23 or more points per game.

Rating 4 Unit Big-10 Play of the Day

Purdue is one of only 10 teams in the nation that have out yarded every opponent they’ve faced this season, and besides a 5-1 spread record on the road versus conference revenge (plus 5-2 ATS with rest), they have covered 3 of the last four meetings in this series. Jeff Brohm is also 20-9 ATS as a dog, including 8-0 ATS when coming off a loss, so get out your crayons and color them dangerous. As for the sky-high Hawkeyes, they are 1-4 ATS at home with Big Ten revenge (lost to Purdue 24-20 in last season’s lid-lifter). While they knocked QB Clifford out of the PSU game last week, we’re banking they won’t do the same to the Boilermakers’ starting signal caller this week. The Clincher: Ferentz is 2-7-1 ATS as a favorite in conference games after defeating an undefeated foe, including 0-4-1 ATS at home, as well as 0-4-1 ATS versus winning opponents.

Rating: 5 Unit ACC Game of the Week

Playing on (Virginia Tech) any college football mission team (missed bowl game last year after having been a bowler the previous three seasons) if they are a home dog with revenge who allows fewer than 19.5 PPG if they are facing a foe that did not lose its last game by more than 3 points provided the foe rushes the ball for less than 288 YPG on the season is a perfect 18-0 ATS since 1990.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Play of the Day

After losing 33 of its previous 35 battles with the Gators, you would think Mr. Mo-Mentum would stick around Lexington for another week, but his reputation is to bail on the Cats, who are 14-27 SU after games with UF, including 2-7 ATS as a favorite. The Tigers make things more difficult for the hosts with their 17-4 ATS as dogs when coming off a SU favorite loss, including 13-1-1 ATS versus greater than .700 opponents. And for what it’s worth, Kentucky’s finest is 0-3 SUATS since 1980 in Game Six after opening the season 5-0, plus Big blue is a weak 13-33 SU and 17-29 ATS in SEC games after winning any game SU as an underdog. The clincher: College football home favorites coming off a SU home win as an underdog of 7 or more points are 1-13 ATS the last six years when facing .600 or fewer opponents. Playing on any 3-2 conference dog in Game Six coming off a SU conference favorite loss if they scored fewer than 30 points in the loss (LSU) and are facing an opponent that was not favored by 6 or more points in its last game is 12-0 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 5 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

Penn State is 3-0 ATS on the road with conference revenge (they got drubbed by the Hawkeyes in Happy Valley last year, 41-21, to drop them to 0-5), while Iowa is just 1-5 ATS at home against a vengeful opponent. The Lions are also 10-1 ATS in Game Six of the season versus a foe coming off a win, including 6-0 SUATS in the last six. Meanwhile, Kirk Ferentz is 2-6-1 ATS as a favorite in games when both teams are undefeated and the opponent is seeking revenge. The clinchers: when a 5-0 favorite is laying points into a 5-0  dog – as Iowa will be doing this week against Penn State – the 5-0 favorite is 6-14 ATS.

Rating: 4 Units

The Cats own a Top 10-ranked defense and are outgaining opponents by 183 yards per game this campaign. In addition, HC Mark Stoops is 12-5 SU and 12-2 ATS when the Wildcats are undefeated, including 8-0 ATS against foes coming off a SUATS win. His stop unit came up with a big effort in a 16-10 win over South Carolina on Saturday, while the rushing attack rolled up 230 yards on the ground.

Rating: 5 Unit

Nevada has had a week off to lick their wounds from a 21-point loss to Kansas State, and should be raring to go in the high country today. It makes sense considering the Broncos are just 1-3 ‘In The Stats’ this year, outgained by 49 yards per game this season. Nevada head coach Jay Norvell (no relation to Mike) is 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS coming off a bye, and we’re choosing to forget about the blowout loss to KSU. Consider also that Nevada is 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS in games when coming off a SU favorite loss, including 7-0 ATS versus a foe coming off a win.

Rating: 5 Unit Cash Play

Playing on any college football home dog of fewer than 4 points (Notre Dame) from game five out if both teams are undefeated and the home dog was either a dog or a favorite of 7 or fewer points in their last game is a perfect 14-0 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 5 Units

HC Riley is 4-0 SUATS in the next contest after OU scores 28 or fewer points in their previous game. Additionally, the Sooners overall are 29-2 SU and 21-10 ATS in conference games after failing to score 27 or more points. Battles against arch-rival Nebraska seem to give OU a kick in the pants as well – a 3-0 SUATS mark after playing the Huskers, with an average score of 60-19. After last weeks lethargic win means the Sooners need to make an impressive win in order to keep their place in the CFB Playoff chase, and they get it here. Consider also that West Virginia is 13-43-1 ATS in games they lose SU as a conference dog.

Rating: 5 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Iowa State has won three of the last four meetings with Baylor. The Cyclones needed to work for a 38-31 home victory over the two-win Bears in 2020, as Hall rushed for 133 yards on 31 carries and scored three total touchdowns but Purdy threw three interceptions along with three TDs. Purdy has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 736 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions while going 2-1 against Baylor. Though the Bears (3-0, 1-0) have outscored their first three opponents 140-34 and beat league-foe Kansas by 38 last weekend, this will be their first true test of the 2021 campaign -- a challenge that coach Dave Aranda and his Baylor squad hope they are prepared to meet. Baylor quarterback Gerry Bohanon is 51-for-70 for 664 yards with five touchdowns, without being intercepted or sacked. Meanwhile, receivers R.J. Sneed and Tyquan Thornton have combined for 27 catches, 440 yards and hree touchdowns. Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner have totaled 683 rushing yards, with the former posting five touchdowns.  Consider that playing on ay .750 or more college football home dog off consecutive wins if they scored 40 or more points in both games if they allowed 12 or fewer point in their last game (Baylor) is a perfect 17-0 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 4 Units

SEC dogs of 7 or fewer points are 8-18 SU and 9-17 ATS in battles with the Big Ten, including 3-10 ATS of late. Also, HC Bryan Harsin, in his first season in Auburn after leaving Boise State, has a shaky 1-5 SUATS mark versus non-conference foes coming off a SUATS win. Penn State is on a 6-0 SUATS win skein since starting the 2020 season on a 0-5 skid. James Franklin is also 8-4 ATS at home versus SEC opponents – he beat Auburn, 17-13, in his only meeting from his days with Vanderbilt. In addition he is 8-2 SU at home versus undefeated opponents, including 6-1 SUATS when his team is coming off a win.  But also consider that Nittany Lions’ head coach James Franklin is 17-4 SUATS in his career when coming off consecutive SUATS wins, including 12-0 ATS over the last twelve games.

Rating: 5 Units

Indiana HC, Allen stands 15-7-1 ATS when coming off a win, including 9-1 ATS the last ten. Not many good ATS numbers for Cincinnati here as the Bearcats are a surprising 3-6 ATS as road chalk. With Top 10 teams dropping like flies the last two weeks, we’ll take the Hoosiers to spring yet another upset today. Also consider that Cincinnati HC Fickell is 1-5 SU on the Big Ten road in his career, including 0-5 when his team sports a winning record.

Rating: 5 Units

Liberty HC Freeze is 8-3 SUATS as a favorite in his college football head coaching career against opponents with an identical record, including 6-0 SUATS in non-conference contests. On the flip side, the Trojans have hit a rough patch, going just 8-13 SU and 9-12 ATS the last two-plus seasons, including 2-7 ATS in games when coming off a win. With both teams loaded to the gills with returning talent, look for these numbers to continue here today.

Rating: 5 Units

Arkansas State is 8-1 ATS as a nonconference home dog and now move forward with new head coach Butch Jones (popular Blake Anderson left in the off-season for Utah State) and Red Wolves cruised past Central Arkansas, 40-21, in Jones’ first game last week as a -13.5-point favorite. ASU has assumed the role as a “mission team” this season, suffering its first losing season last year after having been a bowler the past ten seasons. Today, they will look to avenge a 37-24 loss at Memphis to start last year’s campaign knowing that Red Wolves head coach Butch Jones is 18-3 SU at home in his career when coming off a win of more than 8 points. Consider that any college football non-conference home dog of 3 or more points in Game Two with 17 or more returning starters if they are seeking revenge against a foe off a win of 7 or more points is a perfect 11-0 ATS since 1990.

Rating: 3 Unit Upset of the Week

The Owls seem to have taken on a different demeanor under HC Mike Bloomgren, who has improved his team’s defense each year since coming aboard. Also, Bloomgren is 15-10-1 ATS as a dog with the Owls, including 11-4-1 ATS with revenge. Consider that Game Two dogs returning 17 starters and coming off a SUATS loss of 15 or more points, are 18-2 ATS when facing a foe coming off a loss.

Rating: 10 Unit NCAAF Game of the Year

While the Cyclones are the choice of many to meet Oklahoma
in a rematch of the Big 12 title game again his season, they are coming off
another close-call with Northern Iowa (aren’t they all – last 9 games with
the Panthers have resulted in 3 losses and 4 wins of six of fewer points).
Still, they are 9-3 ATS in games after tackling Northern Iowa when facing
foes coming off win, so look for more of the same today. In closing, if
you want some numbers, be aware that Iowa is just 2-9 ATS as a nonconference dog of less than 13 points, while the Cyclones are 6-1 ATS as
non-conference home favorites of less than 18 points. Additionally, the
host team in this series has covered four straight contests.

Rating: 4 Units

ND HC Kelly is 0-4 ATS in his career versus .500 or greater MAC foes when his team is not coming off a double-digit win, and 4-8 ATS Game Two since 2008, and 5-9 ATS as a double-digit favorite when coming off a win-no-cover. Coach K must also take a closer look at an anemic Notre Dame ground game that averaged a feeble 1.9 yards per rush against FSU. Jason Candle’s Rockets just happen to be 10-4-1 ATS when undefeated and coming off a win of 28 or more points, including 5-0-1 ATS the last six away. And when the Irish find themselves favored by less than 20 points in Game Two of the season, they have no luck at all, currently standing 5-18 ATS in that role of late. And just when you thought we couldn’t heap any more abuse on Kelly? Also consider that the Irish head coach is 0-5 ATS as a favorite of more than 6 points when coming off a win before facing a Big Ten opponent.

Rating: 5 Units

Jeff Traylor came to San Antonio with strong credentials, but he blew the roof off the Alamodome in his first season with the Roadrunners in 2020 – leading them to seven wins and a bowl game. The former associate head coach at Texas, SMU and Arkansas was also a four-time Texas High School Coach of the Year, and led his squads to five state championship game appearances, three state titles and a dozen district crowns. Whew! Safe to say UTSA hit a home run with the hire of this legendary high school coach. It’s paid off at the recruiting window, too, where UTSA moved up 31 spots this season. Behind a team loaded to the gills with experience, it only looks to get better. Las Vegas oddsmaker and Power Rating guru Kenny White pegged the Roadrunners as the deepest team with the most returning experience in 2021. We’re all-in with Kenny. Since joining the FBS, UTSA is 18-12-1 ATS as a non-conference dog, including 6-0 ATS when taking fewer than 8 points, and 3-0 ATS versus foes coming off a SU underdog win.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Play of the Day

Will Josh Heupel be the answer for the Vols, who've not only hit the skids (245-118 point deficit 7-of-last-8, & must overcome transfer losses). But if there ever was a tonic, the Falcons provide it, with 0-9 ATS road record, ceding 43 point per game in their last 24 tilts

Rating: 5 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

What a way for the bowl season to wind up! Of course, the main sidebar to this one is the Texas A&M Aggies' snub from the playoff committee, denying them a shot at all the marbles. A&M not only has a superb QB/RB combo in Mond (2,050 yards, 19/3) & Spiller (986 yards & 7 TDs in just 8 games), but rank 14th & 3rd in total & rushing "D". However, that unit had better be at its best if it is to slow down the Tar Heels of North Carolina, who field RBs Carter & Williams (combined 2,385 yards & 28 TDs, & NCAA record 544 rushing yards in season-ending rout of Miami), as well as QB Howell: 6,993 passing yards, & 65 TDs with 13 INTs the last 2 years. Barnburner, despite Ag "D".

Rating: 8 Unit College Bowl Game of the Year

They meet again. For the 3rd time in the last 4 years, the Tigers of Clemson take on the Buckeyes of Ohio State in a National Playoff game, with CU winning & covering the first 2 such encounters: 31-0 (+1½) in the '16 Fiesta, & 29-23 (-2) in last year's Fiesta. As a matter of fact they also met in the '13 Orange Bowl, also won by the Tigers (+2), 40-35. As can be seen above, the Buckeyes have played only six games, due to Covid, but have been rightly included in this powerhouse quartet. They are led, of course, by QB Fields, who is a superb 56 TDs with only 8 INTs the past 2 years, although that may be a bit misleading, as he was 41 TDs with 3 INTs last season (2 interceptions in loss to these Tigers). So 5 picks this year, compared to last year's 40 TD and 1 INT regular season log. The not so hidden gem on OSU's team has to be running back Sermon, who set a school record with 331 rushing yards (11.4 yards per rush) in their 22-10 Big Ten Title win over Northwestern. Shades of Ezekiel Elliott in Ohio State's '14 Championship run? Well, maybe, but note that the Bucks took Wisconsin, 59-0, in that Big Ten Title game. A quick peek at the above stats shows OSU with a +8 turn over edge in just its half-dozen contests. If there were any doubts as to this year's Tiger edition, they were erased with their complete throttling of Notre Dame in the ACC title match, with a 541-263 yard edge behind 322 passing yards from Lawrence, & 124 rushing yards from Etienne (12.4 yards per rush), who was held to 1.6 yards per rush in their first meeting. Lawrence is at his best in the big game, while Fields not necessarily so in such important contests: two 2nd half picks in last year's tilt with Clemson; three INTs in this year's 42-35 win over Indiana, & just 12-of-27 & 2 more picks in Big Ten title win over Northwestern. CU didn't have the answers to LSU last year (who did?), but have otherwise been simply superb plays. Again!

Rating: 5 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

No, not the 1st time that the Cowboys of Oklahoma State have faced off against the Hurricanes of Miami, but the 2nd, as UM (-36) nosed out Ohio State, 40-3, in 1991. By the way, UM went 12-0 that year (National Champion). From '86 thru '92, Miami finished 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, & 3rd in the nation. Wow!! Fifteen straight bowls for Oklahoma State, under Gundy (9-5 SU & ATS). Have had to replace last year's top rusher (Hubbard, who opted out), although Jackson a decent 5.7 yards per rush, while QB Sanders an anemic 10 TDs with 8 INTs, but WR Wallace 16.5 yards per catch. 'Canes brought in QB King from Houston, & he delivered: 2,573 passing yards (22 TDs with  only 5 INTs), with 520 rushing yards. But UM was mauled, 62-26, by North Carolina, in finale, allowing school-record 778 yards & 554 rushing yards!

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Championship Game of the Week

No doubt, some of the glitter has come off this one, with last week's incredible Gator loss to Lsu (57-yard field goal off penalty in L0:23), but still another 609 yards. Trask now 3,717 yards & 40 TDs with only 5 INTs, but Florida 100th in rushing. 'Tide: 41+ points in L10 games. Jones 27 TDs with 3 INTs, 3,321 yards, 76%. We don't jump this ship.

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Mismatch of the Day

Rematch Tigers, losing in 2 OTs 6 weeks ago, with a 205-32 rushing yard deficit. No Lawrence, though Ugalaleilei threw for 439 yards (2 TDs with 0 INTs). Etienne: 1.6 yards per rush. Three Clemson turn overs were key. ND: 511-262 point edge L14 games, & a 254-125 point edge L6 outings. Tigers post-season kings, but tight.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Championship Game of the Week

What a thorn in the side of the Sooners, have these Cyclones been (5-0 ATS, +85 points). On a 7-1 ATS run, behind QB Purdy (5 TDs last year), & RB Hall (#1 in land). Sooners always get this one (8-0 SU in Big12 title games), & a 48-16 points per game edge in their L4 games. Could be an epic.

Rating: 5 Unit ACC Game of the Month

We're well aware of the fact that the Hokies are 15-1 SU in this series. But 4 straight losses for Tech (-52 points ATS) who've allowed 30+ points in 16-of-21 games. Cavs are just the opposite: 4-0 lately, & at 39.3 points per game in L3 lined games. Armstrong: 287 passing yards & 130 rushing yards in last week's rout of BC.

Rating: 3 Unit Conference Play of the Day

The respective records of these two, are hardly indicative as to their true worth. For the Deacons, only slips have come vs the likes of Clemson, North Carolina State, & North Carolina, the latter 2 by scores of 45-42 & 59-53, both on the road, with Wake posting 32 & 30 first downs vs those powers, who've accumulated a combined record of 15-6. Cardinals' 7 losses have also come vs upper tier squads, succeeding only vs the likes of Western Kentucky, 2-6 Florida State, 1-10 Syracuse. Revenge for last year's 62-59 wrenching loss.

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

All is right in Tiger world with the return of Lawrence (403 passing yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs), with 581-246 yard edge vs Pittsburgh, which had held 380-312 yards per game edge. Hokies fading fast: 3 straight losses (-52 points ATS), allowing 29, 26, & 30 first downs. And they've ceded 30+ points in 15 of their last 20 contests. No other way to go.

Big-10 Game of the Week

Illini overland game seems a hidden gem, as only Wisconsin has contained it: 472, 181, 338, & 285 in their 4 games since that opener (319 rushing yards per game). Four straight wins for Hawkeyes, but just 34 & 19 yard edges & a 16-yard deficit in their last 3 games. And a 192-79 Illini rushing yard edge last year.

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

Dog continues to come through in Texas games, now standing at 29-12-1 ATS. Texas never trailed Iowa State until L1:24 in 23-20 loss. Ehlinger just 1 TD with 0 INTs, but he's 23 TDs with only 5 INTs for the season. Home team is 4-1 ATS in Wildcat games (+81 points). Kansas State needs it for .500 campaign, & is 12-5 ATS lately.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

What an offense! 'Tide now at 49.5 points per game & Jones at 347 passing yard per game (18 TDs with only 3 INTs). So 35+ points in every game since start of '19, & that "D" is finally coming around. "Iron Bowl" has provided innumerable shockers thru the years, but can't see pedestrian Tiger "O" keeping this one close. Lay it.

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

From the frying pan into the fire for Kentucky, who had held 8-of-13 foes under 18 points, before L2, in which they were stung for 49 points per game, including last week's 63 points by Alabama. Offensively, try 10, 3, & 3 points 3-of-last-4. Florida's Trask now 31 TDs with only 3 INTs, with Florida topping 35 points last 9 games. Gator call

Rating: 4 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

Wow! Check Badgers' 343-47 rushing yard edge at Michigan, so now a 94-18 point edge this year (+50½ points ATS), & 11-1 as road favorites (37-21, 38-17, 49-11 wins L3 road games). 'Cats 5-0 ATS lately, with 3½, 4½, & 4 point covers L3, & Ramsey just 6 TDs with 4 INTs for the season. When Wisky is cookin', jump in.

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Game of the Week

What a match! Knights rank 17th, 1st, 10th, & 1st in run, pass, scoring, & total "O", behind Gabriel's 417.7 passing yard per game (21 TDs 2 INTs). Bearcats have been our "meal ticket", with 1,096-379 rushing yard edge in their L4 games: 31½, 32½, 15, 12½ point covers! Defensively, it's all Cincinnati, ranking 10th in total "D", compared to Central Florida's 110th spot. No, not off this horse.

NCAAF Play of the Day

Explosive 'Runners in sweet bounce back effort vs Utep: 600-246 yard edge in 24½ point cover. Ten points from 13-1 ATS run, while Eagles -136½ points ATS L10, allowing 35.2 points per game in L9 outings. Revenge!

CFB Game of the Week

What? Get off this horse? Never. Check 897-173 Bearcat rushing yard edge L3 games: 31½, 32½, 15 point covers. Edging up the polls, & +224 points ATS since '18. Pirates out of Tulane tilt early (31-7 in 3rd), with a 277-35 rushing yard deficit. Sure, Central Florida looms for Cincinnati, but still the play.

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Game of the Week

Bearcats were a pleasure, with their annihilation of Memphis last week, & with much to prove, following last season's late season collapse, they are hardly in a "letdown" state of mind for the rest of the year. Consecutive 31½ & 32½ covers, while climbing to the #6 spot in the polls, has their enthusiasm at an all-time high, with QB Ridder passing for 5 TDs LW, while Cincy's overland game has posted a 555-80 yard edge the past 2 weeks. Cougars have allowed 35 points per game over their last 22 lined affairs. Spot bit light.

Rating: 4 Unit Mismatch of the Week

Dog continues to bark in Steer contests. Now 27-12-1. Took Oklahoma State in OT, despite negative stat dominance, with another 3 TDs with 0 INTs from Ehlinger (now 20 TDs with 5 INTs). Mounties have outgained all six foes, ranking 10th, 5th, 17th, & 4th in rushing, passing, scoring, & total "D". We take the TD.

Rating: 4 Unit Mountain West Game of the Week

That Aztec "D" was again front-&-center in its rout of Unlv (424-186 yard edge). Giving up just 11.2 points per game in 8 outings. Should continue vs Aggies, who are in off a 203-450 yard deficit (12 first downs), & have allowed 31+ points in 5 of last 8 outings. Aggies pay for last year.

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Play of the Day

The visitor has covered 7 straight games involving North Carolina, but can't see bucking this consistent outfit. Check out UNC's last 3 games: 31, 27, & 34 first downs; 656, 558, & 585 yards. Virginia got Armstrong back last week: 2 TDs with 0 INTs. North Carolina allowed zero TD passes from Miami's King, after he burned them for 43-yard TD pass in game's first 0:28. But Virginia giving up 927 yards last 2 weeks.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Extremely tight series, & obviously we expect more of same. The dog is now 26-12 ATS in Steer games. Texas held a 159-64 rushing yard edge over Baylor, & another 3 TDs from Ehlinger, now 17 TD with only 5 interceptions. Oklahoma State perfect balance (236 rushing yards, 235 passing yards) in win over Iowa State. Best game of the week?

Rating: 5 Unit CFB Game of the Month

The Bearcats have been as solid play for the past decade, with six double-digit win seasons since '07, & eight years with at least 9 wins, routing BC, 38-6, in last year's Birmingham Bowl. Returning 15 starters, including QB Ridder, who is in off a brilliant display in last week's rout of previously unbeaten SMU (4 TDs with 0 interceptions, & 179 rushing yards) has elevated them to the 7th spot in this week's polls. Memphis sure can score, but field the worst defense in the land. Cincinnati has been pointing to this one all year, since losing to the Tigers twice last year.

Rating: 3 Unit CFB Play of the Day

The Falcons can run, & can stop the run, while the Spartans can't run, & can't stop the run. Thus, it's all up to whoever replaces the productive Love at QB for San Jose State (5,886 passing yards L2 years). A huge gap to fill. Air Force took Navy apart in its only other game. Again.

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

The addition of QB King (transfer from Houston) has done wonders for the 'Cane offense, which ranked 98th in the country a year ago. He is in off tossing 4 TDs vs stellar Pitt defense, 3 of them of the long range variety: 35, 38, & 45 yards. That only opens it up for UM's overland game, which has come from #121 in '19, to #21 in '20. Eliminating its game with Clemson, the 'Canes have averaged 35.3 ppg. That goes nicely with the fact that the Cavs have allowed at least 27 points in 10 of their last 11 games (40 pts & 483 yards vs Wake.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

What an "O". Alabama 2nd in passing & scoring "O", behind Jones' 379.5 passing yards per game (12 TDs with only 2 INTs). In off posting 567 yards vs Georgia's previous 236 yards per game "D", & turning 24-20 deficit, into 41-24 win. Tennessee 7 points from 10-2 ATS, but have been outscored, 61-7 since 0-27 windup at Georgia. Romp!!

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

No Thompson at QB for Wildcats (209 passing yards per game & 4 TDs with 0 INTs), but with, or without him, this is one that Kansas State always gets, & gets impressively. Line moved more than a TD with Thompson's absence, but can't see KU competing, allowing 38, 47, 47, 38 points, & only Vanderbilt a worse "O".

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Texas A&M took Florida at the gun (10 points in L4:30), behind 338 Mond passing yards (656 L2 outings). And check 174 rushing yards from Spiller vs Gators. Mississippi State's Costello has come from 623 passing yards (Lsu), to 313 (Ark), to 232 with no TDs and 4 interceptions (Ky). From 44, to 14, to 2 points. Momentum squarely A&M's.

Rating: 4 Unit Blowout of the Week

This is the only game scheduled by the Minutemen this season, as they were among the first schools to bow to the germ. Cannot imagine the lack of proper preparation they bring to the table. Even if everything was normal, the fact that they were bottom rung occupants in scoring defense in '19 (53 points per game), cannot be overstated. The Eagles of Georgia Southern are always an overland threat, and again this year, ranking 4th in the land, at 272 rushing yards per game.. UMass was also last in rushing containment last year. Eagles have a rare chance to explode, & despite the Minutemen hopes, we can't  envision them staying in it

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Upset of the Week

Roadrunners are an "under-the radar" squad, despite their vast improvement under new head coach Traylor. They've been a spread dream, covering 8 of their last 10 games, & are just 8 pts from a 10-0 ATS run, with the latest coming in last week's narrow 27-20 to a BYU squad which entered with a 148-24 point edge for the year (+84 points ATS). The dog as covered all 4 of their games so far, by 54½ pts. The Cadets are overland giants again (#2), but are anything but a road play, as host in Army games 5-0 ATS lately (+87½ pts).

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

Bulls in off ultimate downer, being taken apart by East Carolina. Now a 124-31 point deficit in lined games, while rushing for 106, 83, & 92 yards. And QB McCloud is just 1 TD with 4 interceptions for the year. Owls 9-1 ATS as AAC chalks, & in off a 106-yard edge over Navy, losing on 50-yard FG & 2 missed PATs.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Mismatch of the Week

First game for the always dangerous Owls, who are on a spectacular 34-15 ATS run, including 3 straight vs the Middies. Navy is always a standard as a rushing "O" elite (#1 last year). Not this year, with 301-119, 265-204, & 369-90 rushing yard deficits. And note visitor is 22-13 ATS in Navy games

Rating: 3 Unit CFB Play of the Day

Third straight home game for Eagles, who still can't run (84, 87, 40 rushing yards), although Jurkovec in off 310-passing yard effort vs North Carolina. BC had tying 2-point try run back in L0:45. Solid dog play, & Pitt "D" allowed 29 first downs & 336 passing yards in L0:23 loss to NC State, offsetting Pickett's 411 passing yards. To wire

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

Call reversal of LY's 42-14 Sooner win. Oklahoma in off shocking 38-35 loss to Kansas State, after leading 28-7 (24-0 windup), as Frosh QB Rattler tossed 3 key picks, thereby offsetting 387 passing yards (4 TDs). Sooners are now on a 2-9 ATS run by 126½ points. All that despite a 900-683 point edge in their last 22 lined games. Cyclones in off wrenching win over Tcu, despite a sweetly balanced 212 rushing yards & 213 passing yards, with steady Purdy 18-of-23, & 154 rushing yards from Hall (3 TDs & 8.6 yards per rush). All the trends are in favor of the Cyclones..

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Mike Leach is an offensive god. His acquisition was a stroke of genius by the Bulldogs, who came in at #111 in passing "O" last year. Not only that, but ex-Stanford QB Costello has just the right tools to take full advantage. A spectacular 623 passing yards & 5 TDs (31, 43, 75, 9, & 24 yards) set new SEC records. And against LSU, no less. Arkansas is now 2-22 SU of late, allowing 45 points per game over their last 8 outings. Note an unanswered 32 points to wind up their 37-10 loss to Georgia. Won't slow this train down a bit...

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Mismatch of the Week

Well, the 'Tide let us down in 38-19 win over Mizzou, allowing the backdoor cover, after taking a 35-3 lead in the 3rd. Thus a 15-3 deficit over the final 16:09. A closer peek shows 'Bama with just a 92-yard edge. However, QB Jones, who filled in ably for the injured Tagovailoa, was an effective 18-of-24 ( TD's with 0 picks). Aggies aren't the best of plays in this situation (1-14 ATS as an SEC dog), & enter off a sloppy win over Vandy (25½ point ATS loss), with only 2 TDs vs last year's 92nd-rated "D". 'Tide covers every other week.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

This is one that the Bears always get, & get in style, covering the last 8 vs the always struggling Jayhawks, with last year's rout just the latest. No letup the rest of the year for BU, so the getting is good vs this vulnerable squad which has allowed 38+ points in 7 of its last 9 outings, with the only misses coming in 31 & 34 allowances. Only caveat is fact that the Jays did cover vs bowl-bound BC, Oklahoma, Texas, & Iowa State last year. History call.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

What a nice display that the Vols presented in last year's stretch, covering 6-of-8 (7-1 SU: Alabama), & only 7 points from an 8-0 spread run. They return 16 starters, including their top 3 QBs, & their entire "D" line. A year ago, they took the 'Cocks apart, with a 24-0 2nd half edge, & the series visitor is a profitable 18-5 ATS. Carolina is just 26-30 SU of late, ranking 104th in scoring & 97th in total "O" last year. Revenge won't work here

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

Okies' only road spread slip came at the hands of these Wildcats, featuring a 41-6 point run! 'Cats return only 3 offensive starters, which is crucial in staying with OU, which owns a mere 865-645 point edge in it last 21 games. Only 2-8 ATS (-96½ pts). The fact that the dog is 8-2 ATS in Kansas State games seems applicable, as well. However, we can't dismiss the history of this series, which shows home dominance. Okies

Rating: 4 Unit Mismatch of the Week

We go to the well again, with the Mountaineers, who had trouble getting started in their eventual 35-20 win over Charlotte (1½ point spread setback), despite 29-16 first down & 512-286 yard advantages. Note holding the 49ers to just a pair of field goals & a 97-yard kick off return TD over the last 50 minutes. As per  usual, the Mounties posted a nicely balanced attack (308 rushing yards, 204 passing yards), which meshed nicely with last year's 216 rushing yard & 213 passing yards per game. Nine returning offensive starters, with the 'Herd losing 7 defensive starters. Marshall isn't the best of homers, with current 1-6 ATS host run, coupled with Appalachian State's 13-7 ATS road favorite run.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

Devils did themselves proud, in tight loss to Notre Dame, & despite managing just 75 rushing yards (QB Brice: 259 passing yards) trailed 17-13 in the 4th, before 27-13 final. That moved the dog to a super 16-7 ATS run in Duke tilts, but have allowed 38+ points in 4-of-last-7 contests. Eagles rarely non-competitive (current 19-9-1 ATS run), & have been a profitable road dog (covered their last road game by 34 points). New HC Hafley & QB Jurkovec rewarded

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

The Tigers have had to live with that national title loss to LSU for 8 long months, and are chomping at the bit to get things going.   An incredible SU record of 111-16 since '11, including 4 national title games.  They couldn't contain the unstoppable, in last year's 42-25 loss to LSU & Joe Burrow, being outscored 35-8 to wind it up.  This team has it all, & the fact the irrepressible Etienne has foregone the NFL to stay with this team speaks volumes.  Clemson has outscored its last 25 lined opponents, 1,104-322, with a 353-61 point edge in its last 7 regular season tilts.  Wake "D": 36.2 points per game in its last 5 games

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAF Play of the Day

They're off a running once again.  ASt has to be one of the top "under-the-radar" squads in the land.  Note 5 consecutive bowl seasons (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS in holiday contests), reaching 31 pts in all five, & ranking 9th in scoring for the '19 season.  Returning 9 offensive starters, including duel-threat QB Thomas, ensures a continuance of this school's brilliance, despite the departure of first-year HC Drinkwitz (to Missouri).  A year ago, the 49ers were stung for 47.3 points per game in their first 6 games.  Lambs to slaughter

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Mismatch of the Month

The Wave normally rests up during the bowl season, with last year's 41-24 Cure Bowl win (-3½) over La-Lafayette just its 3rd such game since 1998. Thus, this marks their 2nd straight bowl season, something which hasn't happened in Tulane link history since '79 & '80. And the Greenies have won 3 of their last 4 bowls ('98, '02, '18). 'Wave is 5-1 ATS as the chalk this year

Rating: 3 Unit Bowl Game of the Day

For the 'Cats, they've played in 17 bowls, with an 8-9 SU record, with this one making it 16 in the last 23 seasons. Hardly competitive in '13 Belk, '14 Military, & '15 Hawaii, before last year's thrilling 35-31 win over Virginia Tech, also in the Military, which featured 7 lead changes. Accolades to their defensive front 7, holding 6 opponents to 14 points, or less. Offensively balanced behind QB Ridder (25 touchdowns and 9 interceptions), with 545 rushing yards, & RB Warren (14 TDs), they should continue vs lacking Eagle defense.

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

From 1996-2009, BU suffered through 14 straight losing seasons. But the arrival of QB Robert Griffin, & head coach Art Briles did wonders, with seven straight winning seasons, including 4 double digit victory campaigns, ranking 1st in both scoring & total "O" in '13 & '14. But then a scandal resulting in a 1-11 record in '17. However a quick recovery, & a 45-38 win over Vandy in '18 Texas Bowl (30 first downs, 668 yards). This year, they've tasted defeat only twice, both to Oklahoma, in similarly tight 34-31 & 30-23 (OT) finals. But a closer look shows the Bears with 34-18, 21-8 first down & 228-113, 239-116 rushing yard deficits. And QB Brewer is still questionable (concussion). Can the Bulldogs learn from last year's Sugar Bowl loss, as well last month's embarrassing 37-10 rout vs LSU in the SEC title game? Note that Georgia has allowed just 1 rushing TD all year, ranking 3rd, 2nd, & 4th in rushing, scoring, & total defense. Stats favor the 'Dawgs.

Rating: 3 Unit Bowl Game of the Day

Fifth straight bowl for Wolves, since the arrival of Harbaugh, 9th in the last 10 years, & 48th overall. The downside shows UM losing its last 3 bowls: 33-32 in '16 Orange (89 rushing yards vs Florida State), 26-19 in '17 Outback (led South Carolina, 19-3 in 3rd), & 41-25 in '18 Peach (257-77 rushing yard deficit vs Florida). Ranking 6th in total "D" this year didn't prevent their normal wipe out loss to Ohio State (56-27), with a 264-91 rushing yard deficit. Wolves 6-15 SU in bowls after ending the regular season with a loss.

Rating: 5 Unit Bowl Game of the Year

For the Middies, it's the same old thing: rushing. They lead the nation in the run, after finishing at #5 in last year's embarrassing 10-loss campaign. QB Perry, of course, is the key, with 1,804 rushing yards, 6.8 yards per rush, & 21 TDs. In Mids' showdown games with Houston, & Army, he guided Navy to 447-134, 395-123 rushing yard edges in 56-41 & 31-7 wins, personally rushing for 304 yards vs the Cadets. Defensively, Navy has improved, dramatically, coming from 89th in rushing "D", to 17th this year, & from 111th in total defense, to 20th this time around. The spread on this game has moved about a FG, after Middies dominated Army. Tenth bowl for Niumatalolo, who has made drastic changes, paying off with this year's 21st-ranking in the polls. SU winner pays off

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

This season, Gators only missteps came in 42-28 & 24-17 losses to top-ranked LSU, & 5th-ranked Georgia. Not bad company. In both games, Gators' top defensive performer (LB Greenard) was either out, or under the weather. In that loss to LSU, the Gators (+14) led 28-21 halfway thru the 3rd, (3 QB Trask TD passes), before an 0-21 windup, & eventual push. Loss to Georgia featured an anemic 119-21 rushing yard deficit, reflective of Gators' 121st ranking in overland production. However, QB Trask is at 67.8%, with a sweet 24/6 TD to INT ratio. Defensively? Try 14th, 17th, 7th, 10th, in run, pass, scoring, & total.  Two months have passed since Florida's last loss, while the Cavs demoralized by 62-17 loss to Clemson in ACC title match, allowing 619 yards. Defensive comparisons, & history favor Gators.

Rating: 3 Unit Championship Play of the Day

Not too many could have envisioned such a heavy spot in this one, especially when the Badgers got off to such an awesome start, behind the rushing of Taylor, who has reached the 200 rushing yard mark 12 times in his career. But it all came crashing down for Wisconsin, vs the best defense in the nation, with Bucks coming in at 4th, 2nd, 4th, & 1st in run, pass, scoring, & total "D". And, offensively: 4th, 1st, & 5th in run, scoring, & total. Passing? Just 45th, although Fields ranks 4th, with amazing 37 touchdowns and 1 interception. And never forget the ever-present Dobbins, with his 19 TDs & 6.6 yards per rush. Last 2 weeks vs Penn State & Michigan? Try 229-99 & 264-91 rushing yard edges. Buckeyes have won & covered all 3 of their Big Ten title matches, including '14's 59-0 romper over the 10-2 Badgers. The best team in the land? Goes a long way in finding out. Only way to go here

Rating: 4 Unit Championship Game of the Week

Oh, how the Tigers can perform. Twenty-seven straight wins, while ranking among the leaders in all categories: 10th, 25th, 4th, 3rd, 11th, 1st, 1st, 2nd, & 1st, to be exact. They sputted a bit out of the gate, spread wise, including that narrow 21-20 escape at North Carolina, as 27-point chalks. But fully focused since, with a 358-61 point edge in their last 7 games (+66.5 points ATS). Lawrence has shaken his early season doldrums (compared to last year's exploits, of course), but now ranks 9th in passing efficiency (30 touchdowns and 8 interceptions), while the irrepressible Etienne is sputtering along at 8.25 yards per rush. Cavs seem lost in the shuffle, but trying to take down such a formidable foe isn't in the Cards. So, we are not about to disembark from this unstoppable train. Regardless the spot, it's Clemson.

Rating: 4 Units NCAAF Game of the Week

Buffs need this for bowl eligibility, so a decent play, right, especially when in off a 192-yard edge vs Washington? Hardly. The Utes are a marvel. Seven straight wins & covers, ranking 1st, 4th, 3rd in run, scoring, total "D". Huntley 5th in passing efficiency & host 6-0 ATS in CU games.

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

There was a time in the not too distant past, when the outcome of this contest pretty much depended on the Vols' bowl status. If Tennessee was already bowl bound, then the money went with the Commodores, as UT's urgency was already satisfied. That being the  case, this one should be a Vandy call. Hardly, as the Vols are among the hottest teams in the land, completely turning their season around, turning from a 1-4 SU start (0-4 ATS), by winning 5 of 6 SU, covering ALL SIX (+86 points), including a 91-38 point edge in their last 3 home games. 'Dores the pits with current 1-10 spread run, with a 118-21 point deficit in their last 3 games. Momentum!

Rating:  3 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

Beavers evolving into a legitimate force, especially in the guest role, covering L4 as visitors by 23, 15, 23, & 9½ points. OU got just 2/2 from Herbert in killer loss at Arizona State. Herbert (30 touchdowns with 5 interceptions) vs Luton (28 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions)

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

Obviously, we could fill this column with Tiger exploits, so why not. The Tigers are now on a 26-game winning streak (98-11 since '12), with a 950-237 point edge in their last 21 lined games, & 315-58 point advantage last 6 games. Lawrence, who wandered, unimpressively through the early part of the season, has moved up to 8th in the nation in passing efficiency (28 touchdowns with 7 interceptions) while Etienne is more than holding his own with amazing 8.7 yards per rush for the season. The 'Cocks rank 100th in scoring, & there is no loved lost in this instate rivalry..

Rating: 4 Unit Conference Game of the Week

Five straight losses for 'Cats, both SU & ATS, while allowing 44.6 points per game, & ranking 126th in total "D". However, they rank 17th in total "O". We've missed the Utes as a high choice for the last time. Stand at 9-1 SU & 6th in the polls, while ranking 1st, 4th, 3rd in run, scoring, & total "D"

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

Falcons smoking. Are +70½ points ATS 4-of-last-5, & at 313 rushing yards per game, with Hammond clicking on 31, 50, 28 yard TD passes vs Colorado State. Lobos are 2-13 ATS, with the worst passing "D" in the nation. Romper!

Rating: 3 Unit Big-10 Play of the Day

Finally an ATS loss for the Bucks, in 56-21 romp over Rutgers (49-7 in 3rd). Fields a nice 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, & now 31 touchdowns with 1 interception for the season. So Ohio State has a 621-161 point edge in L11 regular season games. Nits in off 462-371 yard deficit vs Indy, with 2 of their 4 covers this year coming by 1 & 2 points. By the book

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Play of the Day

- A 3-0 turn over deficit did the Cards in at Miami, losing 52-27, despite a nicely balanced 496-449-yard edge. On 5-15 ATS run, while ranking 28th in total "O". Horrid 'Pack run continues: 1-6 ATS by 83 points, with a 144-44 pt deficit L3 games. Can't see a change

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Game of the Week

Coogs comfortable at home (58, 63, 41 points L3 hosters). In off embarrassing showing at Cal (despite yet another 402 passing yards from Gordon). Faltering Card being mauled for 39.3 points per game in its road games this season. Only TD vs defenseless Colorado last week: 79-yard Costello aerial.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

Ags in off snapping 2-game slide with L0:00 win over Fresno, behind 388 Love passing yards: 267 passing yards per game, but just 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Ags rank 102nd & 103rd in total & passing "D". Wyoming has out rushed all 9 foes, & on 10-3 SU run (3, 4, 3 point losses), while ranking 15th & 10th in rushing "O" & "D".

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Play of the Day

Sure, such as heavy spot has to be respected, & surely it is.  However, the Tigers have shaken their so-so attitude (weekly spread sqeakers) following their near disaster at North Carolina, when they stopped the 'Heels from converting a 2-point try in the L1:17, for the 21-20 win.  Since then, they've outscored their opponents, 149-31, in lined games (902-238 point edge in last 20 games).  For the Wolfpack, it's been straight downhill, with a 1-5 spread streak, allowing 44+ points in 3 of last 6 games: 89-34 point deficit L2 (50½ points ATS L2).

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Wow!  Wildcats sure have turned it all around past 3 weeks, with upsets of Tcu & Oklahoma, & romper over up-&-coming Kansas (342-61 rushing yards & 471-241 total yard edges).  Steers' Ehlinger tossed for another 321 yards vs Tcu, but also threw 4 picks (now 23 touchdowns with 7 interceptions).  Dog is 21-8 ATS in 'Horn tilts.

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

Buckeye superlatives just continue to mount.  A 492-126 point edge in L9 regular season games, with 386-63 point margin this year: 24-9 first down, 264-83 rushing yard, 431-191 total yard edges in rout of mighty Wisconsin.  Dobbins: 139 rushing yards per game (7.2 yards per rush), Fields 69% (24 touchdowns with 1 interception), etc, with the top-ranked "D" in the nation. Quite a mountain for Terps to climb.  Have already been stung for 59 & 52 points

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Tigers stayed with LSU, despite 508-287 yard deficit.  Still an overland force (#20 run "O", #16 run "D"), & taken likes of Mississippi State apart (ala Ole Miss?).  Reb "D" stung for 28+ points 11-of-last-15, but note rushing for more than 220 yards 5 times, & covered L2 road games (barely).  Whatever AU wants