Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-19-20 | Manchester City v. Southampton OVER 2.75 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -119 | 6 h 47 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200013 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southampton vs Manchester City @ 10 AM ET - I am well aware of the fact that Manchester City has struggled to score goals on enemy pitch this season but they are priced as a large money line favorite in this game for a reason. In other words, the odds makers don't make a lot of mistakes per se and for Manchester City to win this game they will likely have to be quite aggressive on the attack. That's because Southampton is off to a very strong start to this campaign and scoring an average of 2 goals per match! Even if they get held to only 1 goal here but Manchester City wins (as expected) that means we are talking about a 2-1 final score here. I expect even more than 3 goals but, the point is, Southampton is playing with a lot of confidence but Manchester City very hungry for a road win. Man City not happy coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw in a game in which they should have earned all 3 points in the table. The point is that they will go hard for the victory here but Southampton has the firepower to "force the issue" in this one and I look for plenty of goals in this one as a result. 10* OVER the total in Southampton |
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12-18-20 | Nebraska v. Rutgers +7 | Top | 28-21 | Push | 0 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #208 Friday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 7:30 ET - Rutgers QB Noah Vedral would love to face his former team but is dealing with an ankle injury. Though I do expect him to go here, Artur Sitkowski has played well this season and helped lead the way to an overtime victory at Maryland last week. The key for me here is that the Scarlet Knights continue to fight hard and give strong effort week after week. Conversely, the Cornhuskers are off an inexcusable home loss to Minnesota last week as an 8 point favorite. Now Nebraska is on the road and this line has risen as high as a 7 and that means it is go time with Rutgers here. The Scarlet Knights have won 3 of their last 4 games ATS and two of those were outright upset wins. Even though Rutgers has been giving strong efforts of late they still sit at 0-4 SU on the season in home games. Undoubtedly they will give it their all for coach Schiano in their home finale here and I fully expect them to improve to 6-2 ATS under Schiano as an underdog. Note that the Cornhuskers have dropped 11 of last 15 under coach Frost as a favorite. Statistically these teams are trending very close on the season and I look for them to build off the big road win last week while the Huskers have proven already that they are merely looking ahead to next season. Last week's home loss to the Golden Gophers says a lot. The home dog is the play here. 10* RUTGERS |
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12-18-20 | Loyola-Chicago +3.5 v. Richmond | Top | 73-75 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #855 Friday 10* Top Play Loyola Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Richmond Spiders @ 6 PM ET - This is a neutral site game being played in Indiana but that location still favors the Ramblers plus lets not forget they have an extra day of rest compared to the Spiders heading into this game. Also, I like the fact that Richmond is off a win that saw them bounce back from their first loss of the season while Loyola now enters this game off their first loss of the season. Also, even though they lost at Wisconsin, Loyola Chicago played quite well and the key difference was 3-point shooting. The Badgers shot a ridiculous 56% from beyond the arc in that game. The Ramblers played well overall and, had they shot the same percent from 3 point land that Wisconsin did, they would have won the game outright and they were a 7 point dog in that one. Here Loyola is a much smaller dog but I sense an upset is coming in this one. Richmond really misses guard Nick Sherod (out for the season - knee). Of course the Spiders are still a very talented and experienced team but so too are the Ramblers. Also, Loyola is shooting better from three point land than Richmond is plus they are allowing only a 39.4 field goal percentage while the Spiders are allowing 44.4% from the field so far this season. With this line having gone from a 2 to as high as a 3.5 in early market activity, there is even more value in a game I am expecting the Ramblers to win outright. 10* Loyola (IL) Chicago Ramblers |
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12-17-20 | Chargers v. Raiders OVER 53 | Top | 30-27 | Win | 100 | 18 h 54 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #301 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers @ 8:20 ET - Look for a back and forth shootout here. Not only are the Raiders dealing with injuries on defense, the Chargers passing attack is averaging 270 yards per game this season and threw for 312 yards in their first meeting with Las Vegas this season. This is a revenge game for LA as they lost the first meeting despite a yardage edge of 120 yards. The reason I am on the over here is because I just don't trust the Chargers defense enough against a Las Vegas team that has averaged 267 passing yards and 29 points in their home games this season. I know the Chargers have some solid defensive numbers on the season but their road games have included facing weak offenses such as Cincinnati, Denver, and Miami. Also, in their 5 most recent road games Los Angeles has allowed 31 points per game. As for the Raiders defense, they have had one strong showing at home (against Denver) but have been throttled in their other 5 home games to the tune of 35.6 points per game. The Chargers most recent road game resulted in an under but, prior to that, it was a streak of 4 straight overs in Chargers away games! As for Las Vegas, only 1 of their 6 home games has resulted in an under. This is a big total posted on this game but don't let that big number scare you away. Both teams should move the ball well here as the Chargers offense also is looking a little healthier for this game and I have no doubts about the Raiders potent attack on offense at home but their defensive injuries will hurt them (literally) in this one as well. 10* OVER the total in Las Vegas |
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12-17-20 | St. Joe's v. Drexel OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-81 | Win | 100 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Saint Joseph's Hawks vs Drexel Dragons @ 6 ET - Both of these teams rated poorly last season in terms of defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks rated very high nationally in adjusted pace. St Joseph's likes to apply pressure on defense and then get quick looks on offense. That said, I am looking for a high-scoring game between these two Philly foes as they try to outdo each other playing for Philly pride in this one. Saint Joseph's has had a lot of cancellations in this pandemic-impacted season. That said, the Hawks could be a little off on matching up properly defensively and defensive switches and problems like this will lead to plenty of open looks and drives to the basket for the Drexel. The Hawks first two games both flew over the total and St Joseph's allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two. Saint Joe's did average 81.5 points per game in those two and they should have no trouble against the normally porous defense of the Dragons. I know that Drexel is off a low-scoring game and has played a stretch of low-scoring contests that easily stayed under the total. However, that has had a lot to do with the level of competition they were facing. Their only game against a quality opponent saw the Dragons lose 83 to 74 at Pittsburgh. That said, there is great value with this total posted in the mid-140s in my opinion. This game should have plenty of open looks and a good tempo and the shooters will take advantage. Should be a rather wide-open game with the Hawks struggling some due to all the time off so it will play out a little more like 'playground basketball' and again this Philly guys will be looking to outdo each other on the offensive end in what should be quite the entertaining game. That is why the spread on this game is nearly a pick'em as it will be a back and forth game that could go either way in terms of the side but look for points aplenty based on all of the above. 10* OVER the total in Drexel |
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12-17-20 | Manchester United v. Sheffield United OVER 2.5 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200165 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Sheffield United vs Manchester United @ 3 ET - The good news for Manchester United in this one is that they are on the road. They are perfect 5-0 this season on enemy pitch. Amazingly, in all 5 away matches this season, Manchester United has surrendered the 1st goal but has come back to win every game. If that pattern holds true here we certainly get our over as that would mean a 2-1 final. Either way I do expect this match to fly over the total as Manchester United road matches have averaged 4.6 goals this season. Although Sheffield United is having a miserable start to the season, Manchester United has allowed an average of 1.5 goals this season and I would not be surprised to see Sheffield give a valiant effort at home and that should mean they should tally at least once in this one. Also, Manchester United could easily end up getting this total all by themselves. Sheffield has surrendered nearly 2 goals per match on the campaign and Manchester United has averaged 3.2 goals per match as travelers this season. A lot of value with this total at 2.5 goals and I won't hesitate to go to my highest level with this one. 10* OVER the total in Sheffield United |
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12-16-20 | Duke v. Notre Dame +4 | Top | 75-65 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #694 Wednesday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 9 ET - Duke blasted Notre Dame again last season and has now won the last two meetings by an average margin of 28 points per game. Additionally, the Blue Devils are a ranked team heading into this game while the Fighting Irish are projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC again this season. That said, this line opened up at a 3.5 and appeared to be a gift to those wanting to back Duke, right? Well you know what that usually means and, in this match-up there is definitely more than meets the eye. First off Duke big man Jalen Johnson is out with an injury. He was leading the teams in blocks, tied for team lead in rebounds, and one of the top scorers for the Blue Devils. That holds even more significance here because Notre Dame has been getting big games from 6'10 Nate Laszewski both on the boards and in terms of scoring. He should have a big game here and I also like the fact the Blue Devils have had a lot of recent cancellations and will be playing for the first time in over a week. Also, the Fighting Irish have played the tougher schedule early this season. Revenge game and the home team wants this one badly. Grab the points. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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12-16-20 | Butler v. Villanova OVER 131.5 | Top | 66-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #677 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs @ 7 ET - The Bulldogs always seem to surprise no matter their talent level. But in this particular match-up they have had far too much time off without games this season and it will make them a little sloppy here. I don't expect a very structured game and expect a lot more up and down fast-paced run and gun type style here. The Wildcats will force the tempo here as they look to get revenge for losing the most recent match-up between these teams. That was last season and both meetings last season did go over the total and this one should as well. Villanova is averaging 77.2 points per game game this season and shooting quite well. As for Butler we don't have much to look at yet for this season but we know what this team likes to do historically and expect them to surprise some people in hanging around in games many don't expect them to. They are a scrappy team and if they hang tight in this one (close to the spread posted on this game) and Nova finishes close to their scoring average you are looking at a 77 to 64 game and that puts this game about 10 points over where the total is set at. That is what I expect here as Villanova has averaged 77 points per game in the last 4 meetings between these teams plus is averaging 77 points per game this season. Also, as per usual, the Bulldogs will put up a fight against the Wildcats here. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-16-20 | Tottenham Hotspur v. Liverpool OVER 3 | Top | 1-2 | Push | 0 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Total of the Week - The Hotspur have tallied 14 goals on enemy pitch this season. That is one of the best marks in the league. Liverpool is a perfect 6-0 on their home pitch this season thanks in large part to having tallied 18 goals in those matches as that is the best mark in the league. I realize fully that this is a key 1 versus 2 match in the table but I simply can not foresee this being a tight low-scoring game. Tottenham has been playing so well and with so much confidence that they are very likely to be on the attack against a Liverpool defense that has been hurt (literally) by some injury issues. So look for the Hotspur to enjoy some success in this one but I highly doubt that Liverpool is going to be clamped down. They are known for dominating particularly when on their home pitch. Combining last season with this season's results they have 24 wins, no losses, and one draw in their last 25 matches as a host and they have averaged scoring nearly 3 goals per game in those matches. The Hotspur have totaled 39 goals in their last 25 games on enemy pitch. In other words a 3-2 type game would not at all be a complete surprise here and I like the fact we can get the over 3 at plus money in this one. I'll take it. 10* OVER 3 goals in Liverpool |
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12-15-20 | Indiana State v. St. Louis OVER 140 | Top | 59-78 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 38 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #629 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs Indiana State Sycamores @ 8 ET - The Billikens are playing with a ton of confidence and scoring plenty of points and that continues here as they are at home against Indiana State Tuesday evening. St Louis games are a perfect 4-0 to the over this season thanks in part to the Billikens averaging 92.2 points per game and having never been held under 85 points in a game this season. While it is true that St Louis is known for solid defense, they have faced a lot of weaker teams this season. When they stepped up in class and faced LSU they did allow 81 points and Indiana State has scored an average of 74 points per game and shot 45% from the field this season. The Sycamores will be able to do some damage in this one on the scoreboard but they'll struggle to stop a Billikens team that is on fire from both inside and outside the arc. St Louis is averaging about 10 of 21 from three point land in their games this season. Indiana State is allowing an average of about 9 of 19 from three point land plus nearly 50% from the field overall so this one sets up well for the Billikens to have another huge game in the offensive end. Keep in mind, St Louis is a 13 point favorite here so if the line is correct that puts this game at about a 77-64 final. But, again, the Billikens have not been held below 85 points this season. You can see why I am expecting this one to get well into the 150s and I see solid value with this low total. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-15-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Manchester City OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -116 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200181 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester City vs West Bromich Albion @ 3 ET - Manchester City is off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Saturday. So what happens next after not getting on the board against their rivals? They will take advantage of facing a very bad West Bromich team that is capable of allowing goals in bunches. The Albion have allowed 2 goals per match this season but could allow double that against a potent Manchester City team that has scored an average of 2 goals per fixture when at home in this season and that needs to take out their frustration on a lesser foe. Keep in mind, even if they only score 3 here, Manchester City is unlikely to produce a clean sheet here so we should still get our over in that case. West Bromich has averaged about a goal per match this season and Manchester City has allowed an average of 1 goal per fixture. Look for a 3-1 or 4-1 type game here and, either way, this one should find it's way over the total. The total is posted at a lofty 3.5 here for good reason. The odds makers know what is to be expected here. 10* OVER the total in Manchester City |
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12-14-20 | Ravens -3 v. Browns | Top | 47-42 | Win | 100 | 18 h 5 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #179 Monday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (-) @ Cleveland Browns @ 8:15 ET - This is a contrarian play and, as long-time followers know, going contrarian is something I often do in the NFL. The fact is that the Browns are 2 games in front of the Ravens in the standings plus they are at home where they are 5-1 on the season. Also, Cleveland has revenge from getting hammered at Baltimore in their season opener. Additionally the Browns have the rest edge here since they have been playing Sunday games for weeks on end whereas the Ravens had the recent scheduling problems with their game against the Steelers. As a result, Baltimore will be playing for the 3rd time in a span of 13 days when they take the field tonight. However, considering all of the above, when the markets look at this game they will wonder how in the world it can be that it is the Ravens who are favored by a field goal on the road in this one? My response to that is...exactly! In other words, don't be fooled by the line here or the situation. The odds makers are telling you all you need to know here and that is that Baltimore is the better team and favored for a reason. I like the fact that they have allowed a total of just 36 points their last two games whereas the Browns allowed 35 points at Tennessee last week and 25 at Jacksonville the week before. Also, I like the fact that other than the win over Titans and a win over the Colts, the Browns other 7 wins have come against 6 teams (beat Bengals twice) with a combined record of 21-55-2 on the season! Now they take on a Ravens team that, though they've underperformed at times this season, are still a Baltimore team that is off a 14-2 season last year. Also, in road games this season when Lamar Jackson is under center, the Ravens have gone 4-1 this year. Give the Browns some credit for getting tight wins when they have needed to but also they have been blasted by a combined 92-19 in their 3 losses this season and I sense another one here. Off the big confidence-boosting win over the Cowboys last week, the Ravens are back in the saddle again and I fully expect a dominating road performance here and the better defense keys the victory here. 10* BALTIMORE |
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12-14-20 | Rutgers v. Maryland -2.5 | Top | 74-60 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
TV Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #814 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 6 ET - The Terrapins certainly are NOT on the level of last year's team. However, coming off an embarrassing loss at Clemson in which the Terps were never in it on the road, they will respond in a big way at home here. Maryland has revenge here against Rutgers as the Scarlet Knights beat them last season. Keep in mind that followed 8 straight wins for the Terrapins in his series. Also, though Rutgers is improved this season, they have a couple injury issues. Caleb McConnell is out indefinitely with a back issue and he is a key player. Also, one of their biggest stars, Geo Baker, is doubtful for this game because of an ankle injury. He had hope to go but he has actually been downgraded in terms of his injury status. That said, note that Rutgers is ranked and they are undefeated on the season and yet they are an underdog here against a Terrapins team that already has a loss and that everyone knows is a step down from where they once were. Looks funny doesn't it? Exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am on the perceived "wrong side" of what looks a little off here and will gladly lay it with Maryland given all of the above. Note that the Terps simply had an awful game at Clemson in their most recent game and also had an awful shooting night the last time they faced the Scarlet Knights which was at Rutgers in March. This one is at College Park and it is payback time. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-13-20 | Steelers v. Bills -130 | Top | 15-26 | Win | 100 | 15 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #178 Sunday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bills (-) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:20 ET - This is a tough spot for the Steelers. I know many will be jumping on them here as they expect them to bounce back off their first loss of the season and because Pittsburgh does have the better defense in this match-up. However, due to that strange scheduling quirk with the Steelers match-up with the Ravens being played almost a full week later than originally scheduled, Pittsburgh is now playing their 3rd game in 12 days! That is tough on a team plus they faced a Baltimore team that is a physical rival of theirs plus they faced a tough Redskins defense. How much will the Steelers have left in the tank here? I feel it won't be enough to get past a strong Bills team. Keep in mind, Pittsburgh's road wins have included beating the Titans (but only by a field goal) and the Ravens (but Steelers were significantly out-statted). But the other Pitt road wins were against teams that are a combined 9-27 on the season. Now they travel to face a Buffalo team that is 5-1 SU at home this season with the only loss coming against the world champion Chiefs. Overall the Bills enter this game having covered 4 straight while the Steelers are now off back to back ATS losses. I know Pittsburgh has revenge from last year's home loss to Buffalo as well but this is simply a very bad spot for them. 3 NFL game in a dozen days and especially when facing physical teams in the 2 prior games...it is just not a good set up. The home team holds the edges here. Also, the Bills have scored an average of 34 points their last 4 games while the Steelers have averaged just 18 points their last 2 games. The home team playing with a lot of confidence right now and will be executing better on offense than Pittsburgh given the circumstances. 10* BUFFALO |
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12-13-20 | Jets v. Seahawks OVER 47.5 | Top | 3-40 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Non-Conf Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #169 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs New York Jets @ 4:05 ET - We are getting a little lower total here because the 0-12 Jets are involved and because the Seahawks have been trending under for many weeks now. I'll take advantage of the lower number and go with the over here based on the situation. The Jets have some confidence from scoring 28 points last week even though they still ultimately fell short to the Raiders. As for the Seahawks, they are angry about losing at home to the Giants but that was a tougher defense they faced and they still managed 21 first downs in the game but just didn't have the points to show for it. The Seahawks are now angry coming off a loss and Russell Wilson and Company won't hold back against a New York defense that ranks as one of the worst in the league. Not only that, the Seahawks defense is just as bad and Sam Darnold and Company will take advantage. Seattle is a huge favorite here for a reason. They will score a ton of points. The thing is that the Jets also could get a late backdoor cover here because their offense will score some points too. New York has scored at least 27 in 3 of their last 4 games. The Seahawks, before scoring just 12 points last week, had scored an average of 33 points per game in their first 5 home games this season. Now in a back to back home game situation, the high-scoring ways resume here. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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12-13-20 | Liverpool v. Fulham OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200113 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Fulham vs Liverpool @ 11:30 AM ET - Liverpool has a big game on deck with Tottenham on Wednesday. Could this be a distraction to their focus on defense? Absolutely and, though Fulham is scoring an average of only 1 goal per match on the season, Liverpool is allowing 2.2 goals per match when on enemy pitch. Indeed, Liverpool's form in away fixtures has not been good this season. However, Fulham allows 2 goals per match this season and won't be able to stop a potent Liverpool attack here. That is why, though this total may seem 'steep' at 3.5 goals, don't let the big number keep you away. This one has a great shot at getting to 5 goals given the situational aspects and match-ups in this fixture. I certainly expect it to get to at least 4 goals given the potency of the Liverpool attack and the weak defense of Fulham coupled with the fact that the Reds have struggled defensively in away fixtures. 10* OVER the total in Fulham |
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12-12-20 | Oklahoma State v. Baylor +6 | Top | 42-3 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Game of the Month - 10* Baylor Bears @ 3:30 ET - The Bears have struggled on offense this season, particularly their ground game. However, Baylor has the better defense in this match-up and they are 2-1 SU at home this season. There is a reason that a ranked Oklahoma State team is favored by less than a TD against a Bears team that has a 2-6 SU record on the season. In other words, don't be fooled by the line here. It is set this way for a reason and I have a strong feeling about an upset win here. Baylor has won 4 of the last 5 meetings both SU and ATS. Also, the Bears are allowing just 355 yards per game and their defense keeps them in games. Conversely, the Cowboys have allowed an average of over 500 yards per game their last 3 games plus they enter this game on an 0-5 ATS run. The home dog is going to give Oklahoma State all they can handle here just as they seem to do every year in recent meetings. I am expecting an outright upset as this Bears defense has played motivated football all season long and the Baylor offense does have a veteran QB and a decent passing game. They'll find a way in my opinion for the outright win but I am grabbing the points for added insurance here. 10* BAYLOR plus points |
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12-12-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Newcastle United OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 120 | 7 h 52 m | Show |
10* Top OVER in Newcastle @ 10 AM ET - I know that West Bromich hasn't scored much at all this season but no team has surrendered more goals than the Albion as they have allowed 23 in 11 matches on the campaign! That said, the reason I am siding with the over here as I would not be surprised to see Newcastle United get this game over the total on their own. Yes, they could score 3 here! But, at the same time, Newcastle had coronavirus concerns last week and that forced cancellation of their game. They have not scored well this season but West Bromich will provide the perfect remedy for that. At the same time, taking advantage of a strange period for Newcastle due to the covid interruption, don't be surprised if the Albion find the back of the net at least once, if not twice. It just has to do with Newcastle being a little "off" after the break in action and possible making some costly mistakes with some personnel potentially out for this game or simply "off" in terms of their level of play. At the end of the day I see more goals being scored here than most are expecting. 10* OVER the total in Newcastle |
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12-11-20 | Nevada v. San Jose State OVER 58.5 | Top | 20-30 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 43 m | Show |
MWC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #309 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Jose State Spartans vs Nevada Wolf Pack @ 10 ET - Both of these teams have trended under this season but that is merely helping to give us line value here as neither team's defense is as good as their O/U record this season would suggest. We are now getting late into the season to where these unusual records that were not commensurate with what happened on the field start to reverse. In other words, a high-scoring game is likely here at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Yes, this game is being played a neutral site due to covid restrictions in California. The Spartans passing attack this season has been strong with 270 yards through the air per game on average. The Wolf Pack passing attack has been even stronger with 334.4 yards per game on the season. Both teams have been solid against the run away from home this season so these teams will go to the air early, often, and throughout this game and that will lead to big yardage and less stoppages of the clock than a run-based game. We're looking at a lot of fireworks through the air in this one. San Jose State has scored an average of 34 points per game its last 4 games. Nevada's only low-scoring effort was at Hawaii. In their other 6 games this season they have averaged 33 points per game. This total is in the upper 50s but you can see why I am expecting at least upper 60s in this one given those numbers. These teams combined for 79 points in last year's match-up and the Spartans have scored 34 points or more in back to back games and the Wolf Pack scored 37 points in their most recent game. 10* OVER the total in San Jose State |
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12-11-20 | Villanova v. Georgetown OVER 142.5 | Top | 76-63 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Hoyas allowed only 48 points in their most recent game but that was against Coppin State. Georgetown is a young team with a lot of new players and that means struggles in the defensive end. This is particularly true in a covid year as teams couldn't practice like they normally would leading into the season. Prior to their big win over an out-classed Coppin State team, the Hoyas allowed an average of 79 points per game. That means the set up here is ideal for an over because Georgetown is averaging 73 points per on the season but won't be able to stop Villanova here. Also, the Wildcats are off a tight rather low-scoring win over Texas that stayed under the total. Will they repeat that defensive intensity in a 2nd straight game? I really don't think so and the fact is that the Cats have allowed 73 points per game in their last 3 games against the Hoyas. As for the Villanova offense, they should excel here. The Wildcats will take advantage of a Georgetown team with so many new faces in the playing rotation and note that Nova was averaging 80 points per game prior to the low-scoring win over the Longhorns. Both teams are coming off unders here but had gone 2-0 to the over entering their respective contests. That said, great line value here with this total in the low 140s. The Hoyas should get into the 70 range and, of course, the Wildcats are a double digit road favorite here for a reason. Look for this one to get in the 150s. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown |
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12-10-20 | San Diego State v. Arizona State OVER 142 | Top | 80-68 | Win | 100 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona State Sun Devils vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 10 ET - My first thought when looking at this match-up was Arizona State because the line looks a little funny considering the Aztecs are now 34-2 the past two seasons combined while the Sun Devils have a dozen losses over this same time period. As many of you know already, I am a contrarian capper so I was considering ASU based on the team with the much better record and similar ranking being the underdog here. However, the total looks like the best value here. Why? Well it dropped to a 142 for one thing. Additionally, the key reason that is attractive is because Arizona State's defense can not be trusted in my opinion. So I like the Sun Devils here and expect them to put up plenty of points but I just can't trust their defensive level of play. As for San Diego State, they are not giving up many points per game this season but a lot of that has to do with level of competition. Now the Aztecs face a Sun Devils team which is averaging 84.5 points per game. Arizona State is shooting 48.1% from the field and play at a good pace but, on defense, they are allowing 45% from the field including 37% from three point land. San Diego State is making 9 three pointers per game and averaging 74.5 points per game and this one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Arizona State |
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12-10-20 | Patriots v. Rams -5 | Top | 3-24 | Win | 100 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #102 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (-) vs New England Patriots @ 8:20 ET - The Patriots are off a huge 45-0 road win over the Chargers. However, don't jump to conclusions based on that one performance. For one thing, New England only had a yardage edge of 33 yards in that game. Secondly, the Patriots entered that game having lost 4 of 5 road games SU and ATS. So New England is off a rare road win. As for the Rams, their most recent home game was a rare loss. Yes, Los Angeles was a perfect 4-0 SU at home before they lost hosting San Francisco two weeks ago. The Rams responded by blasting the Cardinals at Arizona last week. Unlike the Pats, LA actually had a big yardage edge that justified the big win. Los Angeles dominated their division rival to the tune of a 463-232 edge in yardage. Not only that, the Rams have big time revenge here because they lost in the Super Bowl in an embarrassing performance against Tom Brady and the Patriots two years ago. Will they get their revenge? I feel strongly that they absolutely will as Brady is now in Tampa Bay and Cam Newton has struggled badly in his time with the Patriots. New England enters this game off back to back wins but has averaged just 235 yards of offense in those two victories. The Patriots will prove to be no match for a revenge-minded Rams team that has the much better offense plus one of the best defenses in the NFL. This line may seem set in a strange range considering it is a -5 but don't let that scare you away on this one. It is bigger than a 3 or 4 for a reason and I see LA pulling away for a victory by a double digit margin in this one. Look for the Rams to improve to 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games while the Patriots drop to 2-5 SU and ATS in road games this season. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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12-10-20 | Pittsburgh v. Georgia Tech OVER 54 | Top | 34-20 | Push | 0 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #111 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Pittsburgh Panthers @ 7 ET - The OVER is 7-0 in the Panthers last 7 games. The Yellow Jackets are coming off an under but, prior to that, the over was 6-1 in their last 7 games. Also, though their most recent game did result in an under, there actually was over 800 yards of offense in the game as Georgia Tech totaled over 400 as well. That was an unusually low-scoring game because the Jackets were stopped on downs on 4 separate occasions. That won't happen again here. The Panthers can't just focus on stopping the GT ground game here because now Tech QB Sims actually has an 8-3 TD-INT ratio over his last 6 games. The Yellow Jackets are a little more dual threat than they have been in the past when it was all about the run. That said, the Pitt defense (which also has not been as dominant this season) will face a different challenge than they have in recent meetings. The Panthers D got thrashed by Georgia Tech in their most recent game. Prior to that, the Pitt defense had a strong road game but it was against a Florida State team that has already "mailed it in" on this season. In their two prior road games this season the Panthers allowed 31 points in each game. As for the Yellow Jackets defense they allowed 13 points in the first game this season but have since allowed an average of 40 points per game their last 8 games. The Pittsburgh offense had averaged 44 points per game in their two games preceding the Clemson debacle and, overall, the Panthers are averaging scoring 30 points per game in road games this season. 10* OVER the total in Georgia Tech |
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12-09-20 | Oklahoma v. Xavier OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-99 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET - The O/U is 2-0 in Sooners games this season and 3-1 in Xavier's last 4 games. Both teams are shooting the ball very well and willing to 'run and gun' in terms of their pace. Oklahoma has averaged 93.5 points per game this season and that included games against UTSA and TCU so not super tough competition but certainly not 'cakewalk' games in terms of the level of the opposition. That said, I look for plenty of points here because the Musketeers have only had one low-scoring win and that was a real grinder against Bradley. Other than that one outlier, Xavier has averaged 90.4 points per game in their other 5 games and has not been held below 76 points in any of those games. Coming off a big win over city-rival Cincinnati, this also could be a flat spot for the Musketeers in terms of the level of their defensive intensity. That said, other than the grinder with Bradley and easy wins over out-classed competition - Oakland and Tennessee Tech - Xavier has allowed 79.3 points in their other 3 games. Certainly Oklahoma fits the bill as a high-quality opponent that can also put up big numbers against the Musketeers defense. That said, the over is the way to go here especially considering the situation and the fact that the Sooners have allowed an average of 72 points per game in their two games and now face a surging opponent that is loaded with confidence thanks to a 6-0 start to the season. 10* OVER the total in Xavier |
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12-09-20 | Maryland +2 v. Clemson | Top | 51-67 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Wednesday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ 5 ET - Both of these teams are playing solid defense early this season but it is the production on the offensive end that is going to be a difference maker in this one. The Tigers are scoring 69.7 points per game on 43.9% shooting from the field including just 30% from three point land. The Terrapins, on the other hand, are scoring 84 points per game on 56% shooting from the field including 42.5% from beyond the arc. When Maryland needs a bucket, they have guys who have been able to consistently get it. I do not believe that the same holds true for Clemson in terms of the number of scoring options. I also like the line here as, of course, it looks easy to take the small home favorite in a match-up of undefeated teams early this season. Another edge to the road dog here is the fact that the Tigers have not played in a week and this will be only their 2nd game since November 26th! Conversely, the Terrapins just played on December 4th plus will be playing their 4th game since November 27th. Big edges for the road dog in this one and I expect them to get the win in convincing fashion. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-08-20 | Cowboys v. Ravens OVER 45 | Top | 17-34 | Win | 100 | 16 h 17 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #483 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:05 ET - Decent weather expected in Baltimore this evening as it will be chilly but no precipitation and winds will be subsiding by the evening hours after a little bit of breeziness in the afternoon. That means both offenses should be fully functional here and I expect a huge effort from the Ravens offensive unit as they get QB Lamar Jackson back for this one. He will give the Cowboys defense fits in this one. Dallas has struggled on that side of the ball all season and has allowed 32.6 points per game on the year! The offense for the Cowboys has had struggles but they faced adversity with losing starting QB Dak Prescott to season-ending injury and then also being without QB Andy Dalton some too (covid-19). Dalton will be under center for this one and, interestingly, he has had some big games in his career against the Ravens. As a member of the Bengals, Dalton would face division rival Baltimore twice a year. Can he recapture some of that magic here? The Ravens have allowed 28 points or more in 3 of their last 4 home games. Each of Baltimore's last two home games have gone over the total. Look for that to go to 3-0 L3 after this one is in the books as the Cowboys also move to 3-0 to the over their last 3 games overall. Dallas is off that ugly effort versus the Redskins and will respond here (scored 31 in most recent road game) but won't be able to stop a Ravens team that is also fired up to play better on offense with coming off a loss but now getting Jackson back. Plenty of points in this one. 10* OVER the total in Baltimore |
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12-08-20 | Creighton v. Kansas -3.5 | Top | 72-73 | Loss | -102 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #794 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (-) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 5 ET - At first glance it might seem enticing to take Creighton here. After all, the Bluejays have had blowout wins in each of their first 3 games. However, the Jays have faced much weaker competition than Kansas has. So even though these teams are very close in the rankings right now and even though Creighton is certainly a strong team, only the Jayhawks have been truly battle tested early this season. Kansas has faced Gonzaga and Kentucky already this season. Also, while the Jayhawks have only Nebraska-Omaha on deck, Creighton has instate rival Nebraska on deck. Of course the Bluejays won't overlook playing a highly ranked Kansas team but the point is that another big game does loom for the Jays while that is not the case for the Jayhawks. Traditionally Creighton relies heavily on their 3-point shooting but they are only making 33% of their threes this season while the Jayhawks, despite facing tougher competition, are making 39% of their three-points so far this season. Don't be surprised if that is a difference maker in this game. The Bluejays are a strong team but they are a little over-rated and un-tested early this season and that is giving us excellent line value here with a short number to lay on a high-quality favorite. Lay it! 10* KANSAS |
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12-07-20 | Bills v. 49ers OVER 47 | Top | 34-24 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #485 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Francisco 49ers vs Buffalo Bills @ 8:15 ET in Glendale, AZ - This game being played in Arizona because of the covid issues in California and that fact is crazy and I expect this game to be a little crazy as well. The 49ers are off a huge upset win against the division rival Rams and that could leave the defense a little flat for this one. Also, San Francisco had allowed an average of 32.7 points per game in its 3 games preceding the win over the Rams. Now the Niners take on a Bills team that has won 4 of its last 5 games and scored an average of 31.3 points per game in its last 4 games overall. Buffalo's defense was supposed to be its strength heading into this season but they have underachieved a bit this season and, as a result, are a little over-rated. That is helping to keep this total lower than it should be. The Bills are off a solid win over the Chargers in which they allowed just 17 points but that was preceded by a stretch in which Buffalo allowed 27.6 points per game over their 9 preceding games. San Francisco is not known for their offensive production but they have scored at least 23 points in 4 of their last 6 games and have scored an average of 27 points per game in non-conference action this season. The Bills have averaged scoring 36.3 points per game in their non-conference match-ups this season. All 3 of Buffalo's non-conference games went over the total while 2 of 3 for the Niners went over the total. All signs point to a high-scoring match-up here based on the long-term trending too and we'll take advantage of the lower total that has been helped by last week's results as each game stayed under the total. This match-up has much different dynamics in terms of being a non-conference match-up. 10* OVER the total in San Francisco |
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12-07-20 | Washington Football Team +6.5 v. Steelers | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
Non Conf Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #487 Monday 10* Top Play Washington (+) @ Pittsburgh @ 5 ET - This set up favors Washington in a big way. While they have not played since Thanksgiving and are well rested here, the situation is much different for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were supposed to play on Thanksgiving but the game got postponed multiple times because of covid-19 issues and did not get played until the following Wednesday. That means Washington has a rest edge of nearly a full week in comparison with Pittsburgh's situation. Also, it is simply hard to envision the Steelers finishing the season with an undefeated record. Pittsburgh is now 11-0 on the season and you know that a defeat is imminent. I am not necessarily forecasting that this happens here but I do feel the points will prove to be well worth the taking. 4 of the Steelers last 6 wins have come by a margin of 5 or less points. We're getting a solid 6.5 across the board in this one as of early Monday morning. Many don't realize this but Washington does have a very solid defense. Look for that to be a key in terms of them hanging around in this game. In Washington's last 6 games they had one bad game defensively but allowed an average of only 14.2 points per game in the other 5 games. Washington has scored a solid average of 26.6 points per game its last 5 games and Alex Smith has thrown for 1,030 yards in his 4 games since taking over after the injury to Kyle Allen. Look for the Steelers to drop to 4-9 ATS in their last 13 as a non-divisional home favorite as Pittsburgh is off a divisional win and this is a non-conference match-up on short rest. Also, the Steelers have a tough road trip at an AFC opponent, Buffalo, on deck. 10* WASHINGTON |
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12-07-20 | Southampton v. Brighton & Hove Albion OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200069 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brighton & Hove vs Southampton @ 3 ET - Southampton is known for playing well on the road. Last season they lost only 6 of 19 on enemy pitch. Their matches away from home averaged 3 goals per game. This season, Southampton is having trouble defensively and that is part of the reason their matches have averaged 3.5 goals per fixture on the campaign thus far. Southampton has struggled to hold onto leads and Brighton & Hove has the ability to challenge them here and fully realizes their defensive backfield has been susceptible this season. Southampton likely to be on the attack as that is their style and particularly as travelers. The issue here is, though they would love to produce a clean sheet, Southampton just makes too many mistakes in covered in front of their own net. Brighton & Hove will take advantage. With this total at 2.5 goals and the expectation of at least a 2-1 final here, I am going with the over in this one. The odds are about even across the board in this one in terms of home, road, or draw and that is with good reason. Southampton has earned respect on the road and this will be a good one that should see plenty of attacking and at least 3 goals scored. 10* OVER the total in Brighton & Hove |
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12-06-20 | Broncos +13.5 v. Chiefs | Top | 16-22 | Win | 100 | 14 h 5 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #475 Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Denver Broncos (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:20 ET - The Chiefs are over-valued here. What many are looking at here is that the Broncos looked so bad last week against the Saints but, keep in mind, they were without any of their quarterbacks. Those guys are back this week including Drew Lock and I expect a much better performance on offense as a result. The other thing many are looking at here is that the Broncos lost the first meeting to the Chiefs with an ugly final score of 43 to 16. However, Denver actually outgained Kansas City by 125 yards in that game and the difference in the game was the turnovers as the Broncos had 4 of them! Even penalties played a role as Denver had 5 compared to KC having just 1. Each of the last 3 meetings have been blowout wins for the Chiefs but that is helping to give us line value here because the Broncos already proved in the first meeting (despite the final score) that they can compete with Kansas City. The Chiefs have won 6 straight but each of their last 3 wins have come by a margin of 4 or less points. That is part of the reason that KC enters this game on an 0-3 ATS losing streak. As for the Broncos, they are 3-1 ATS in AFC road games this season. The Chiefs have the better offense in this match-ups but the better defense (despite ppg averages) belongs to the Broncos as they are allowing 19.3 yards per game less than Kansas City is. Look for another strong effort from the underdog in this one just like we saw statistically in the first game. The difference in this one is that it equates to a cover. 10* DENVER |
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12-06-20 | Washington State +13 v. USC | Top | 13-38 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #489 Sunday 10* Top Play Washington State Cougars (+) @ USC Trojans @ 7:30 ET - This is a much a play against USC as it is a play on Washington State. Going to keep this one short and sweet but the fact is that the Trojans are very fortunate to be 3-0 on the season as they barely escaped against Arizona and Arizona State. Though the Trojans did pull away for a big win over Utah, they were fortunate in that they caught the Utes playing their first game of the season and USC took full advantage of that. However, that is certainly not the case here and the Cougars have the firepower on offense to hang around in this one. That is particularly true with QB Jayden De Laura upgraded to probable for this one. Washington State has struggled on the defensive side of the ball but they faced Oregon and Oregon State (when the Beavers QB was healthy). Look for the Cougars to fare better on that side of the ball in this one as the Trojans have been a little inconsistent on offense. As for the Cougars offense, they have scored well and moved the ball well and I certainly like that combo here with them catching nearly two full td's in this match-up at Southern Cal. 10* WASHINGTON STATE |
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12-06-20 | Eagles v. Packers OVER 49 | Top | 16-30 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #471 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles @ 4:25 ET - The Eagles allowed just 9 points in their game against Dallas when the Cowboys were already without Prescott and did not have Dalton either. In their other 10 games this season Philadelphia has allowed 27 points per game and they are most certainly going to struggle to stop Green Bay here. The Packers have scored an average of 31 points per game their last 6 games and have recorded just one under during this stretch. Look for the over trend to continue here. The Eagles Zach Ertz is a key target for Carson Wentz and he is listed as probable for this one (ankle). The Packers have allowed 29.5 points per game the last two weeks and are in a divisional sandwich here as they just knocked off the Bears and now have the Lions on deck. The Eagles are scoring 21.5 points per game on the season and have not been held under 17 points in any game this season. Given those facts plus the big line on this game - Packers favored by nearly double digits - it comes as no surprise that the over is the play in this one! The Eagles are allowing 27 points per game on the road this season and the Packers are averaging 32 points per game at home this season. Philly won't get many stops in this one but the Pack D has been a little shaky of late and I look for that to continue here as well. 10* OVER the total in Green Bay |
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12-06-20 | Arsenal v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 54 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200093 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tottenham vs Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - These are fierce rivals and, as such, I expect Arsenal to bring their A game after struggling so far this season in league action. Both these clubs are coming off high-scoring games in Europa group qualifying action and I look for that to carry right into this fixture. Tottenham is off a 3-3 draw and Arsenal off a 4-1 win. The Hotspur are having a great start to the season and are averaging 2.1 goals per match. The fact that Arsenal has struggled early this campaign has them a little undervalued here and I feel certain they are going to put forth a strong effort here as they would love nothing more to prevent Tottenham from moving back into the top spot in the league table. Based on form so far this season this one has the makings of a 2-1 Tottenham win and I can not argue with that result and am expecting at least that in terms of goals scored. That said, there is great value with the over in this one as this total is set at just 2.5 goals for this match and seeing 4 here would not surprise me in the least. 10* OVER the total in Tottenham |
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12-05-20 | BYU v. Utah State +1 | Top | 67-64 | Loss | -111 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #666 Saturday 10* Top Play Utah State Aggies (+) vs BYU Cougars @ 9 ET - I love when lines flip like this as Utah State has gone from being a 2.5 point favorite to now being a 1 point dog. When you have a core nucleus of leadership in guys like Bean, Queta, and Miller you are in good shape. That said, those guys weren't even the leading scorers in the Aggies most recent game which also was their first win of the season. Utah State has played a tougher schedule than BYU early this season but now has some momentum with their win over a solid Northern Iowa team in which the leading scorers were Anthony and Worster who combined for 39 points while the aforementioned 3 key guys combined for 39 points as well. Great team effort and this is a quality team that is looking for revenge against a BYU team that has defeated them in each of the last two meetings. The Cougars lost a lot of key senior leadership from last year's team. Though they are 4-1 SU so far this season, BYU has played a softer schedule. There were two challenges among the 5 games as Brigham Young faced USC and St John's. In those two games the Cougars scored an average of 63.5 points per game and allowed 73.5 points per game game. Look for a similar deficit here as the Aggies, building off their first win of the season and having already endured their early season growing pains, pull away as this game goes on. 10* UTAH STATE |
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12-05-20 | Colorado v. Arizona OVER 57 | Top | 24-13 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #381 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 7 ET - Well aware of the injury situation with Grant Gunnell for the Wildcats and the fact he is listed as a game-time decision. I feel strongly that he would have been shutdown for the season already if the injury was more serious and I expect him to play in this one. Even if he does not, look for freshman QB Will Plummer to be much better this week than he was last week. Now he will have had a full week of practice with the first team offense and be prepared to make a start and this game is at home which is a big plus for Arizona. The Wildcats scored 30 points on 444 yards of offense in their only home game this season. Colorado is enjoying an undefeated start to the season but off a low-scoring win over a San Diego State that is having major issues on offense. That said, look for the Buffaloes defense to return to their typical performance levels this week and that is good news for over players. Colorado allowed an average of 37 points per game in their first two games as each game went over the total. By the way, Arizona allowed an average of 39 points per game in its first two games this season. Don't look for much defense in this one! In fact, when these teams meet there is almost always a ton of offense. The over is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings between these teams. This is precisely the type of situation I like to look for in terms of a big play as both of these teams are off low-scoring games but this followed 2 very high-scoring games for each team to begin the season. The Buffaloes first two games totaled an average of 78.5 points per game and the Wildcats first two games totaled an average of 67.5 points per game. Look for that type of high-scoring action to resume in a series that has been marked by its high-scoring results. 10* OVER the total in Arizona |
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12-05-20 | Indiana v. Wisconsin -13 | Top | 14-6 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #402 Saturday 10* Top Play Wisconsin Badgers (-) vs Indiana Hoosiers @ 3:30 ET - The Hoosiers are ranked higher than the Badgers and are also an undefeated 6-0 ATS on the season and yet they are nearly 2 TD underdogs in this match-up! See anything funny about that? Exactly! Don't fall for the attractiveness of what markets will say is a phony line here. The fact is that the Hoosiers would be in trouble here even if they had QB Michael Penix here but he is now out for the season. Indiana is facing a Wisconsin defense that has allowed only 11.7 points per game this season. Now the Hoosiers face them with a lot of question marks at the QB position too as they now have an unproven signal-caller stepping in. The Badgers are still angry off their loss a few weeks ago against Northwestern and haven't played since. Wisconsin is rested and ready to respond and lets not forget that their only two games besides the loss to the Wildcats were a pair of wins by a combined score of 94-18. The Hoosiers lost their most recent road game and that was the only other time they have been a road dog this season. Though Indiana only lost the game by 7 at Ohio State, they actually were getting blasted in that game and down huge at the half. The Hoosiers rallied in the 2nd half as the Buckeyes took their foot off the gas courtesy of a big lead and then Penix took over with big plays for the offense. Again, Penix is now out for the year and also the Badgers are angry and won't let up here and have a fantastic defense and they are at home. Wisconsin will win the battles in the trenches on both sides of the ball and when you dominate the line of scrimmage plus have the better QB situation (Mertz has been great and Coan is available now too if needed) you generally dominate the game! Look for that to be the case here and my projections have the Badgers winning this one by a margin of at least 3 touchdowns. Lay the big points as the home team improves to 11-0 SU L11 and 6-0 ATS L6 in meetings with Indiana. 10* WISCONSIN |
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12-05-20 | Leeds United v. Chelsea OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200077 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chelsea vs Leeds United @ 3 ET - Chelsea ranks among the top scoring teams in the Premier League this season with 2.2 goals per match on average. Leeds United has scored more on enemy pitch than in their home fixtures this season as they are averaging a solid 1.8 goals per match as travelers this season. This match is at Chelsea and should be a very entertaining one with plenty of goals. For this total to move past the even number of 3 and move up to as high as a 3.5 you know where the sharp money is in this one and that is where we are putting our sharp money as well! 10* OVER the total in Chelsea |
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12-04-20 | Oregon v. Seton Hall +3.5 | Top | 83-70 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
TV Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Friday 10* Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Oregon Ducks @ 9 PM ET @ CHI Health Center Omaha in Nebraska - The Pirates are just 1-2 SU on the season but their first loss came by just a single point to a solid Louisville team. Now, off a loss by double digits to Rhode Island - a respectable Atlantic 10 team in their own right - I expect a huge response from Seton Hall here. Keep in mind, the Pirates game prior to that was a big win by a 22 point margin over a well-coached Iona team as Rick Pitino is one of the, if not the, best in the business in terms of college hoops coaches. I feel Seton Hall has an edge over the Ducks here because the Pirates have 3 games under their belt already while Oregon has played only 1 game. For the Ducks that was a loss to a Missouri team likely to finish near the bottom of the SEC. Oregon came into this season highly regarded but the fact that Will Richardson is out for 6 to 8 weeks is a big loss for their backcourt. They opened up as nearly a pick'em in this game and, as usual, the betting markets 'took the bait' and this line has risen to as high as a 3.5 as of early Friday morning. I'll gladly grab the value with the underdog Pirates in this one. 10* SETON HALL |
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12-04-20 | UL-Lafayette +3 v. Appalachian State | Top | 24-21 | Win | 100 | 13 h 11 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #327 Friday 10* Top Play UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (-) @ Appalachian State Mountaineers @ 8:30 ET - The Mountaineers have won 8 straight meetings with UL-Lafayette. Also, the Ragin' Cajuns have locked up the Sun Belt West Division. Those factors would lead one to believe that there is no way that Appalachian State, at home especially, is only a 2.5 point favorite in this one. My comment to that...exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am taking the underdog in this one. Yes ULL has lost 8 straight to App State but that is actually a key to their motivation here. Even though they have locked up the SBC West, the Ragin' Cajuns are highly motivated to end their 8-game losing streak to the Mountaineers. The fact that ULL has allowed an average of only 330 yards per game their last 4 games is a good sign. Teams that control the defensive stats are a good team to bet on (particularly when a dog) and the Mountaineers dominated Troy in their most recent game but allowed 34 points in a loss in their game just prior to that one. On the season, the Ragin' Cajuns have played the tougher schedule. Also, ULL lost to Appalachian State twice last season including the SBC Championship Game and that was despite having 31 first downs compared to just 20 first downs for the Mountaineers in that game. Finally, on Friday night in Boone, NC the Ragin' Cajuns get their shot at revenge. Look for them to make the most of it. 10* UL LAFAYETTE |
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12-03-20 | Connecticut v. USC +1.5 | Top | 61-58 | Loss | -106 | 20 h 18 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #752 Thursday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (+) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena @ Uncasville, CT - The location of this game would seem to favor Connecticut of course. However, USC is the play here. Not only do the Huskies have a couple guys banged up, I also feel we have some value here in terms of who these teams have played so far. The Huskies haven't really been tested yet as they faced overmatched foes in Central Connecticut State and Hartford. Conversely, USC faced a tough BYU team in its most recent game. In fact, the Trojans were an underdog in that game and yet they dominated and won the game by 26 points. Whenever I see a line like this (UConn playing what is, in essence a home game and yet hardly favored) it grabs my attention. Upon closer inspection I see the contrarian value here given the situation. Having already been tested by Brigham Young, the Trojans will be better prepared to handle a challenging game. Also, the way Southern Cal played against the Cougars, they showed they came to Uncasville, CT to compete at the highest level and I expect that to lead to another convincing win in this one. 10* USC Trojans |
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12-03-20 | Louisiana Tech v. North Texas OVER 66 | Top | 42-31 | Win | 100 | 20 h 23 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #323 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in North Texas Mean Green vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs @ 6 ET - I am well aware that the Mean Green scored just 17 points in last week's loss but they did have over 400 yards in that game. Also, teams make mistakes in terms of defensive assignments after a long layoff and the Bulldogs enter this game having not played since Halloween! Look for the rust to lead to problems containing the North Texas offense in this one. Also, the Mean Green are out for revenge after getting thrashed 52-17 last season by Louisiana Tech. Though I do expect North Texas to have a huge game on offense I expect that if they prevail it will be on the strength of that O because I do not trust their D here. The Mean Green have allowed less than 31 points in a game just once in 7 games this season. In the other games they have allowed an average of 45 points per game and that included a game against Houston Baptist (an FCS school). Similarly, the Bulldogs have allowed less than 27 points in only one of their games. In the other 6 games they allowed an average of 34.8 points per game. This game is a strange set up for Louisiana Tech and I could easily see them playing it with an aggressive "whatever happens" style which means that we could see plenty of points in this one. Based on the averages, this one should get into the 70s at least. Look for a wild one at Denton, TX on Thursday. 10* OVER the total in North Texas |
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12-02-20 | Ravens +10.5 v. Steelers | Top | 14-19 | Win | 100 | 29 h 11 m | Show |
*NOTE: I am aware that Lamar Jackson (among others) is now out for this game and Robert Griffin is likely getting the start at QB for the Ravens in this one. I am also aware that this game has been moved yet AGAIN - this time to WEDNESDAY. I still like this play plenty as it is a contrarian play offering huge value. Don't be surprised when the rest of the Baltimore team steps up in this huge rivalry (and revenge) game. Here is the original write-up:* AFC North Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #125 Thursday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (+) @ Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:20 ET - Tremendous line value here because the Steelers are undefeated on the season, come into this game on a 7-1 ATS run while the Ravens are on a 1-4 ATS run and off B2B SU losses. Plus Pittsburgh won the first meeting this season and that was at Baltimore. As a result of all those factors, a line that was as low as a -2.5 is now up as high as a -5.5 on the Steelers and I love the value being offered to the road dog in this one. The Ravens lost in a rain storm at New England two weeks ago and then they were looking ahead to this rematch game when they lost in OT versus Tennessee last week. That said, Baltimore is very under-valued right now. Keep in mind, they actually outgained the Steelers by over 200 yards (including a positive edge of 217 on the ground!) when they faced them of the first of this month. The Ravens were simply done in by turnovers in that game and that is what the betting markets seem to be overlooking here. This is a very strong Baltimore team and they are in a preferred role here as well! Why is that? Well, the Ravens have only lost the money ONCE the last DOZEN times they have been a road dog! I know the Steelers are having a great season. Everyone knows that. But their highly unlikely to go 16-0 and certainly this looks like a great spot for an upset win. Either way, grabbing the points should absolutely prove to be the ATS winner. 10* BALTIMORE |
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12-01-20 | Kentucky +5 v. Kansas | Top | 62-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kentucky Wildcats (+) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 9:30 ET @ United Center in Chicago, IL - Each team has an early season loss but the Jayhawks lost to Gonzaga and Kansas was an underdog in that big match-up. Converesely, the Wildcats lost to Richmond and they were favored by a half dozen points in that game. As a result, there is some anti-Kentucky sentiment impacting this line as it has risen from near a 3 to as high as a 5 as of gameday morning and I like the value with the underdog in this one as I fade the line move. Kentucky took the last meeting between these teams in January of 2019 and the Wildcats did it with physicality. The Cats shot poorly from three point land but won the game because they got to the free throw line more than the Jayhawks plus they dominated the glass. Don't be surprised if we see a similar approach here and I'll grab the aggressive (and highly talented) underdog in this one. There is a reason this line was priced so low despite Kansas having a much higher ranking. I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here and am happy to grab all the points I can get with this one. 10* KENTUCKY |
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11-30-20 | Seahawks v. Eagles +6.5 | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #276 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 8:15 ET - Too much value with the home dog to pass up on here. Keep in mind the Eagles are 2-1-1 SU in their last 4 game at home and the only loss came by just two points. The Seahawks are 0-3 SU in their last 3 road games and allowed 104 points in those 3 games. Seattle certainly has a talented offense but the Eagles have allowed a respectable 20.8 points per game in their last 4 home games. Also, Seattle's defense is certainly not a strength and the Eagles offense may surprise some people here. Philly has won only 3 of it's last 8 games but those other 5 games were decided by an average margin of 5.2 points per game. This line is up to nearly a full TD on Seattle and it is simply too much with them on the road for this one. Philadelphia lost in the regular season and in the playoffs last season to the Seahawks and each defeat came by exactly the same score: 17-9. Payback time here. There were very few outright upsets in Sunday's NFL but you know there are shockers nearly every week in NFL and this one has the makings of one. Double revenge spot for the Eagles and note that the Seahawks are off a big divisional revenge win over Arizona. Situational spot favors the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-30-20 | Aston Villa v. West Ham United OVER 2.75 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 50 | 5 h 41 m | Show |
Total Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200061 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in West Ham United vs Aston Villa @ 3 ET - This play has a lot to do with sharp betting action. I am seeing books go to a 3 on this total and that means anything below a 3 is certainly offering solid line value. Keep in mind, Aston Villa has been a great road club this season and they have averaged 2.3 goals on enemy pitch so far in this campaign. West Ham United should perform well on their home pitch and they have averaged 1.7 goals per match as a host this season. Last season West Ham also averaged a similar amount of goals on their home pitch. Last campaign, Aston Villa allowed an average of 2 goals per match on enemy pitch. I just can't see this particular match-up ending with anything less than 3 goals. Look for at least a 2-1 final in this one. 10* OVER the total in West Ham United |
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11-29-20 | Bears +10 v. Packers | Top | 25-41 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #273 Sunday 10* Chicago Bears (+) @ Green Bay Packers @ 8:20 ET - This is just too many points. The Bears could actually get a boost with Mitchell Trubisky returning at QB. The fact is that Nick Foles had not been playing that well. Also, the last 4 meetings between these teams have all been decided by 8 or less points. The Bears have lost 4 straight games but each of the last 3 defeats have been by 7 or less points. The Packers are off a loss at Indianapolis Sunday in overtime while Chicago has the benefit of entering this game off a bye week. The Packers have played 10 games this season and only 4 of those have resulted in a win by a double digit margin. The Bears are still a proud team and they have had extra time to sort some things out courtesy of the bye week. Chicago actually piled up a lot of passing yardage in their two match-ups with Green Bay last season and Trubisky was the QB for both of those. Don't be surprised if they do some damage through the air in this one. They absolutely need a spark and Trubisky could provide it. The Packers are on a 2-4 ATS run and continue to be over-valued in my opinion. The defenses in this match-up are equal or even slightly favor in of the Bears. Of course Green Bay holds the edge on offense but I have a feeling Chicago is going to look much different this week on offense and will do enough damage here to stay inside this inflated number. This is a rivalry game and we're getting plenty of points when you consider that factor as well. This is a huge game for the Bears to try and close the gap on the division lead that Green Bay has. Don't be surprised when they put up a major fight in this one and stay close throughout this game as they seek the big upset win to stay in the division race. 10* CHICAGO |
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11-29-20 | Washington v. Baylor OVER 139 | Top | 52-86 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baylor Bears vs Washington Huskies @ T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV @ 6 ET - The Bears opened their season with a 112-82 win against UL Lafayette yesterday. As for the Huskies, this will be their first game of the season but they wrapped up last season by averaging 78 points per game their last 5 games. The Bears, including yesterday's result, have average 78.6 points per game their last 5 games (includes last 4 games of last season for Baylor). Look for plenty of offense in this one as the Bears showed yesterday that they are happy to 'run and gun' and Washington is looking at this as almost a "warm up" game to get ready for the season. They face Utah this coming week. Baylor wants revenge here as they blew a 7 point halftime lead and lost to the Huskies last season. That said, the Bears will not hesitate in keeping their foot on the gas throughout this contest as they are in revenge mode and are favored by a double digit margin here for good reason. Baylor is highly ranked for a reason and ready to put on a scoring display here but the Huskies also have a talented backcourt and are quite solid in terms of scoring depth and I look for them to surprise by hanging around in this one and putting up plenty of points. Washington may fade late as the Bears are simply 'that good'. That is why I am avoiding the side here but the total looks like a solid bet in expectation of a very high-scoring game. 10* OVER the total in Baylor |
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11-29-20 | Saints v. Broncos OVER 35.5 | Top | 31-3 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 57 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #267 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints @ 4:05 ET - As long-time followers know I am a contrarian. That means when situations like this come up you know I'll be taking a look and, if I like the value going against the move, I am all over it. That is most definitely the case here. This total opened up around 45.5 and now is as low as 35.5 points. It is because the Broncos QB situation is a complete mess as all the QBs on their roster are out due to Covid and related contact tracing. That said, they have only a pair of options at QB as Hinton and Freeman would be the guys. Hinton started out as a QB at Wake Forest before converting to RB. Freeman would be more of a wildcat QB. Either way, I still love the value with this total because Denver most definitely will have some trick plays dialed up here and they catch the Saints defense off a dominating divisional win. On the road and after crushing the rival Falcons, don't be surprised if the New Orleans defense is a little flat here. Also, the weather is going to be very nice in Denver with light winds and clear skies and temperatures possibly reaching into the 40s. Keep in mind, long field goals have a better chance in the thin air of Denver when the weather is like this. I just feel this total is way too low. I know the Broncos defense had a strong game last week but Taysom Hill and the Saints offense are a much better combo than the over-rated Dolphins team that Denver just faced. Also, prior to holding Miami to just 13 points, the Broncos allowed at least 26 points in 7 of last 8 games including an average of 36 points in their last 4 games. Keep in mind that is roughly what the total is on this game for BOTH teams combined and I certainly do expect the Broncos to score some points. They will run some trick plays to keep the defense off balance and, again, you don't have to move the ball a whole lot to get into field goal range in Denver! Broncos kicker Brandon McManus is having a fantastic season as he has made 20 of 21 field goals this season including 14 of 15 from 40+ yards (6 of 7 from 50+ yards). The Broncos ran for nearly 200 yards last week and will find a way to move the ball some and get some points in this game but the Saints offense should light them up too. After all, why do you think New Orleans is favored by 15 points here? Yes that has to do with Broncos problems at QB for this one but also this Saints team can put up some points even without Drew Brees under center. Hill was 18 of 23 for 233 yards passing last week plus ran for 2 touchdowns. Considering all the factors as noted above, there is simply phenomenal line value here with this low total. Flat spot for the Saints defense in a divisional sandwich and the Broncos defense feeling a little too good about themselves after dominating Miami last week plus the Denver D has the hated division rival Chiefs on deck. Neither defense will be on top of its game here in my opinion and we have a very low total to work with in nice weather conditions. I will take it. 10* OVER the total in Denver |
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11-29-20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Arsenal OVER 2 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 4 h 39 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200053 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arsenal vs Wolverhampton @ 2:15 ET - Enough is enough already. We saw a lot of goals early this season in the Premier League and you knew it would not last forever but now it has gone so far the other direction that you know the pendulum will swing back toward more goals soon. I look for this to be one of those games and I like the fact that we get the over at an even 2 goals in this one. Yes these two teams have both been low-scoring this season but the season is still young and we must be careful to put too much weight into that. Last season Arsenal's home matches averaged 3.2 goals per game and they scored nearly 2 goals per game on their home pitch. Wolverhampton actually was known for being a solid team on enemy pitch last season and their away matches averaged 2.4 goals. The Wanderers averaged scoring 1.3 goals on the road last season. My forecast here is a 2-1 win for Arsenal based on the above and based on the situation. In games played outside the Premier League Arsenal has scored well but they have not been getting it done in Premier League matches. This is an anomaly and will not last. Wolverhampton puts up a fight on the road in this one too so we see more scoring than most expect as both teams work hard for the full 3 points to move up in the table. Neither finds a draw an attractive result in this one. 10* OVER the total in Arsenal |
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11-28-20 | Memphis v. Navy OVER 62 | Top | 10-7 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 8 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #285 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Navy Midshipmen vs Memphis Tigers @ 7 ET - A pair of bad defenses here. Navy will be even worse than normal here as this is their first game played since Halloween! The Midshipmen are allowing 37 points per game this season and the over is 6-1 in their 7 games this season. Memphis saw their offense truly struggle in only one game this season and that was against the very tough defense of Cincinnati. Other than when they faced the Bearcats, the Tigers have scored an average of 41 points per game this season. Their defense is certainly not a strength however and they will struggle again here versus the Navy option attack. Memphis is off a dominating win over an FCS school as they thrashed Stephen F Austin. However, prior to that, they allowed an average of 40 points per game their 4 preceding games - all against FBS schools. With very nice weather expected at Annapolis, MD today, both offenses will be able to thrive in this one. Memphis likes to play fast and is averaging 80 plays per game on offense this season. The Tigers make the most of those plays too as they are averaging 530 yards per game. I expect another big game from their offense here but Navy has only truly been stopped by BYU and Air Force this season. That is because BYU is having a great season and has a solid defense and because Air Force knows plenty about the option attack. As for their other 5 games, the Midshipmen scored an average of 28.6 points per game. Look for a 42-28 type game here and, no matter how it gets there, I am expecting this game to get to at least the 70 point mark. That means we have excellent line value with this one, especially as the total has dropped to 62 heading into gameday. 10* OVER the total in Navy |
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11-28-20 | Rhode Island +1 v. South Florida | Top | 84-68 | Win | 100 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #723 Saturday 10* Top Play Rhode Island Rams (+) vs South Florida Bulls @ 5:30 PM ET in the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT - The location of this game certainly favors the Rams and I also love the situation here. While Rhode Island is 0-2 this season they faced Arizona State and Boston College and they lost those games by an average margin of just 5.5 points. While the Bulls won their only game so far this season, it was against Florida College and South Florida actually trailed that game at half time! The Bulls were facing a much tougher battle-tested team here as they take a major step up in class for this one. South Florida is seeing Alexis Yetna and Xavier Casteneda both try to battle through injuries. They may not be 100% here. As for Rhode Island, they have played tough in each of their first two games even though they have been without starting forward Jermaine Harris but they could get him back here. Either way, I look for them to get the big win as, off back to back losses but having played much tougher competition, the Rams respond in a big way here and take it to South Florida. The Bulls have only played 1 game and that was 3 days ago and they will be a little rusty here and are facing a tough Rams team that is hungry for a win. 10* RHODE ISLAND |
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11-28-20 | Coastal Carolina v. Texas State +17.5 | Top | 49-14 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #226 Saturday 10* Top Play Texas State Bobcats (+) vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 3 ET - I fully understand that Coastal Carolina is a ranked team, undefeated on the season, and that they need to not only win but win by big margins to move up the standings. However, this is a horrible spot for them in many ways. For one thing they are off a key win over an Appalachian State team that was undefeated in conference action plus entered the game with an overall 6-1 record on the season. Secondly, the Chanticleers have an 8-1 Liberty team on deck and the Flames have also been a ranked team this season. In the middle of these two games is a 2-9 Bobcats team. I just can't see Coastal Carolina being able to fully focus here and also this game is at Texas State. The weather is expected to be very rainy in San Marcos for this one. Nasty weather generally favors big dogs as it can complicate things for offenses. I still expect Coastal Carolina to win this game but not by a huge margin and this line is up to a 17.5 as of early gameday morning. Yes, the Bobcats defense is an issue but this is a team that can score well and that means they also have backdoor cover potential should it be needed. But I am not expecting it to be necessary as I look for them to hang in tough throughout this game. I also like the fact that Texas State has played a tougher overall schedule and, outside of the SBC, they faced some bigger schools like SMU, Boston College, and BYU. The Bobcats lost by only a single score to the Mustangs and Eagles! By comparison, Coastal Carolina's schedule has been a cakewalk. Texas State enters this game on a 4-0 ATS run. The Bobcats also are scoring an average of 34 points per game in home games this season. 10* TEXAS STATE |
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11-28-20 | Sheffield United v. West Bromwich Albion OVER 2 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -124 | 5 h 15 m | Show |
Total Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200041 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in West Bromich Albion vs Sheffield United @ 3 ET - A match-up of bottom dwellers in the table. It has been a tough campaign for both West Bromich and Sheffield. That said, there are two ways to look at this one. The first would be that both struggle to score goals and therefore it could be an ugly low-scoring match. However, I see it the other way. These two clubs are both desperate for a win and need to go all-out in trying to notch 3 points in the table. Not only that, these clubs both have had issues with surrendering too many goals this season. That said, I think we'll see more goal-scoring here than many would expect. Sheffield United is allowing 2.3 goals in road matches this season. West Bromich Albion have allowed 18 goals (2 goals per match) this season. No team has given up more goals thus far this season than they have. Given the above, would it really be a shock if each club got to two goals here? Not really which is also why I am going to my highest rating level on this play as the over is available at just 2 goals and I am expecting at least 3, if not 4, goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in West Bromich |
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11-27-20 | Notre Dame v. North Carolina +6.5 | Top | 31-17 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #136 Friday 10* Top Play North Carolina Tar Heels (+) vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 3:30 ET - When this line opened up near a -3 on Notre Dame I fully expected the line might move to near a -7 and that is exactly what happened. It just looks too easy, right? An undefeated team that also has beaten Clemson this season and they are coming off a bye week and facing a 6-2 team with a questionable defense. Of course you know what happens when things look too easy, right? Exactly! I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here. The Tar Heels are off an embarrassing effort on defense versus Wake Forest in their most recent game. However, North Carolina still found a way to win thanks to their dynamic and balanced offense. I feel strongly that the UNC defense is going to be much better in this game as they bring their 'A game' in this rare opportunity to host one of the top teams in the nation. At Chapel Hill on Saturday, look for the Tar Heels to find a way in this one. North Carolina is averaging 43 points per game this season and has scored more than 40 in 4 straight games. More of the same expected here. The vaunted Notre Dame defense has allowed 35.5 points per game their last two games and will be heavily tested in this game. Don't be surprised if the Irish are handed their first loss of the season in this one. Even if not an outright upset, I expect the Tar Heels (only 2 losses by 3 points each this season) to stay inside the number here. 10* NORTH CAROLINA |
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11-27-20 | Newcastle United v. Crystal Palace OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-0 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 42 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200025 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals +135 in Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United @ 3 ET - Both clubs off disappointing results. They each know they must start finding the back of the net and can't sit back. That said, I know that over 2 goals is available out there but I am going for the over 2.5 goals which is available at plus money as high as +135. This is a great value. Off disappointing results and, with Newcastle United failing by trying to play a defensive-minded approach in their most recent match, look for more goals than many are expecting here. They are expected to get a big boost with the return of goal-scorer Callum Wilson in this one. Each of these clubs has seen 25 goals totaled in their 9 games this season. Of course this is an average of nearly 3 goals per contest. Crystal Palace has averaged scoring about 2 goals per match on their home pitch this season and Newcastle United has averaged scoring about a goal per contest this season. The road dog here knows they must be stronger on the attack if they hope to upset Crystal Palace here and I expect a much more entertaining contest than most are expecting as a result. Crystal Palace is favored here for a reason and they have scored an average of 3 goals per win in their last 2 victories. When these clubs meet the trend has been for low-scoring matches. But the odds makers know what they are doing and based on the opener they used for this total and how the markets have reacted, we have a contrarian sharp line value here in my opinion. 10* OVER 2.5 goals +135 in Crystal Palace |
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11-27-20 | Pepperdine +7.5 v. UCLA | Top | 98-107 | Loss | -108 | 4 h 43 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #621 Friday 10* Top Play Pepperdine Waves (+) vs UCLA Bruins @ 3 ET - The Waves get a shot against the big boys here and I expect them to make the most of it. Pepperdine comes from a smaller conference of course but they returned 4 starters from last season's team and I feel strongly that they are on their way up this season. Already the Waves looked strong with a win over UC Irvine Wednesday. The Bruins entered the season ranked but lost their season opener Wednesday. Granted they played a strong San Diego State team but it was certainly not impressive that they lost by 15 points to the Aztecs as a 3 point favorite. Johnny Juzang was expected to be a contributor for UCLA this season and he is out with a foot injury. Also, big man Jalen Hill is a starter but he is dealing with a knee injury right now and is questionable for this game. I like the fact the Waves are coming off a big win by a double digit margin to start the season and they want this game against their "big brother" whose campus is very nearby. This game played at a neutral site and the scrappy underdogs get the win here. If not an outright upset win look for them to at least stay inside the number. 10* PEPPERDINE |
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11-26-20 | Washington Football Team v. Cowboys OVER 45.5 | Top | 41-16 | Win | 100 | 25 h 12 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #123 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Dallas Cowboys versus Washington @ 4:30 ET - I had been watching this total and with the move from upper 40s to mid 40s I am now pulling the trigger on a top play with the over here. Washington is off a low-scoring win but they were struggling to stop Cincinnati until Burrow got knocked out of that game. The Redskins only ended up scoring 20 points as the Bengals were unable to stay in the game once Burrow got hurt. Washington's offense had been surging though and that resumes here. Since Smith took over at QB the Redskins passing attack is much more dangerous. He is going to take advantage of a Dallas defense that has allowed 32 points per game this season! The Cowboys have allowed 36.8 points per game at home this season. The Dallas offense, with Dalton back under center, is also much more dangerous again and they proved that again last week with a big 31-28 win at Minnesota. The Redskins have some good overall defensive numbers this season but have allowed 28.5 points per game on the road this season. Based on all of the above and the fact that the Cowboys are out for revenge after an embarrassing loss at Washington a month ago, this game is going to have plenty of fireworks! 10* OVER the total in Dallas |
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11-25-20 | Villanova v. Boston College OVER 140.5 | Top | 76-67 | Win | 100 | 13 h 30 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #721 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston College Eagles vs Villanova Wildcats @ 9:30 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT in the 2K Empire Classic - The Wildcats are highly ranked, like to play fast, and feel like they have unfinished business of the way the pandemic prevented March Madness 2020 from happening. I feel strongly that this very strong Villanova team is going to come out like they were shot out of a cannon and play that way for the full 40 as well as they do have great team depth too. The key here is the Eagles are adding some solid players to their backcourt for this season as they get a guy back who missed last season due to injury. Plus Boston College has added some veteran experience through transfers. That said, the over is the way to go here. Having a strong backcourt is a key early in the season and the Wildcats will force the Eagles to play a fast tempo and Boston College has the guard play to be successful in doing so. That said, plenty of points expected here. The Eagles defensive play was a weakness last season and Villanova is a very strong shooting team from beyond the arc and should get plenty of open looks in this one. Boston College allowed 74.3 points per game when away from home last season. The Wildcats allowed 68.7 points per game away from home last season. Considering that plus plenty of tempo for this game and some breakdowns on the defensive end (early in the season and coming in off tough off-season with limited practice time). 10* OVER the total in Boston College |
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11-23-20 | Rams v. Bucs OVER 48 | Top | 27-24 | Win | 100 | 22 h 11 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #473 Monday NFL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Rams @ 8:15 ET - The Rams are on a long streak of unders but this looks like the perfect spot for it to snap. Los Angeles is off a big divisional win over Seattle. The Rams also have another divisional game on deck. Could there be a little lacking in defensive intensity here for Los Angeles? At the same time, Tom Brady is fired up for a much better performance in this one. Why? Well he and his Buccaneers teammates were just recently involved in a primetime game hosting the Saints and they were thoroughly embarrassed as they scored just 3 points. It is put up or shut up time in terms of the Bucs proving they can play with the best teams in a primetime match-up and Brady and company will be raring to go here! The Rams defense is strong and so too is that of the Buccaneers but this one is about the situation. I do feel the Tampa Bay defense is susceptible here. TB has allowed an average of 28 points in its last 3 games. Also, at home this season the Bucs have allowed more than 30 points in 2 of 4 games. The over is 3-1 in the Buccaneers last 4 games and when they met the Rams at LA last season the game totaled 95 points! The Rams are averaging 428 yards per game on the road this season and scored at least 30 points in each of their first 3 road games. As for the Buccaneers, before their debacle versus the Saints, they averaged scoring 35.7 points per game in their first 3 home games. With losses in each of their last two road games, the Rams are going to come out aggressive in this one. In other words, they'll be aggressive in their play-calling and I expect plenty of points from the road side in this one as a result. But don't be surprised if Tom Brady has a big game too and this could turn into more of a back and forth shootout then many expect. We'll see some field goals too but we'll see enough touchdowns for this one to get over the total which has come down from its opener - another thing I like here. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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11-23-20 | Southampton v. Wolverhampton Wanderers OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 52 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200021 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Wolverhampton vs Southampton @ 3 ET - I know the Wolves haven't been scoring a lot this season but they are at home where they have been a little better in that regard. Also, Southampton is going to dictate the pace in this one and their road games have averaged nearly 4 goals per game this season. Last season the Saints were among the best travelers in the league and they are known for scoring well on enemy pitch. As a result, I feel strongly that they will force the issue here and that means we have got great line value on a low total as this one absolutely should end up with at least 3 goals. I know Wolverhampton may want to slow this game down but Southampton won't allow that. Look for another high-scoring road contest involving the Saints as that is now a multi-year trend with them. Yes I am aware of Danny Ings being out for Southampton but others like James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams have picked up the offensive production in his absence. 10* OVER the total in Wolverhampton |
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11-22-20 | Packers v. Colts -120 | Top | 31-34 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #462 Sunday 10* Top Play Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay Packers @ 4:25 ET - The Colts have been looking forward to this one. Why? They lost their most recent home game and this will be their first game since then. Indianapolis lost to a strong Ravens team in their most recent game as a host. That defeat came despite a 10-7 lead at the half and despite holding Baltimore to just 266 yards in that game. In other words, don't be fooled by the final score and that is merely serving to give us line value here. Speaking of line value, the Colts did open up at a -3 and now this line has moved so low (-1 -115) in some spots that there is even more value on the money line (-120) in my opinion. This is as of 9 AM ET on Sunday and I am pulling the trigger here on this one. The Packers are getting all the market attention but I feel the better defense prevails here. In Green Bay's only 4 games against stronger teams this season (Minnesota twice and Tampa Bay and New Orleans), the Packers allowed an average of 32.5 points per game! To put that in proper perspective, the Colts have only allowed more than 27 points once this season when they gave up 32 at Cleveland. That was also a turnover-filled loss. With the way Indy QB Philip Rivers has played last 4 games (7 TD and only 2 INT), I look for the Colts to avoid the turnover issues that had plagued them earlier this season. Rivers has averaged 292 yards passing last 4 games and only thrown 1 INT in his last 3 games. Indianapolis was firing on all cylinders in their win at Tennessee and that was a Thursday night game too so they have the rest edge over Green Bay heading into this one as well. I certainly respect Aaron Rodgers and the Packers but feel strongly that the better defense prevails in this game and we don't even have to lay points (thanks to the line move) to have the home team and the better defense and this is when they also lost their most recent home game after starting the season 3-0 at home. Great situation! 10* INDIANAPOLIS |
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11-22-20 | Cowboys v. Vikings OVER 48 | Top | 31-28 | Win | 100 | 7 h 47 m | Show |
NFC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #469 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - The Vikings are off a hard-fought win over the Bears on Monday Night. Even though Minnesota scored only 19 points in that game they did have nearly 400 yards of offense and certainly should have scored more. I know their defense looked good in that one but the Bears have major issues on offense. Also, off of that big divisional win and on a short week, the Vikings defense will not have the same intensity for facing this Cowboys team in a down season. At the same time, Dallas will get a boost on offense with the return of Andy Dalton at QB. Look for the rejuvenated Cowboys, also coming off a bye week, to surprise many by putting up plenty of points in this one. The Vikings have allowed an average of 33.5 points per game at home this season and the over is a perfect 4-0 in their games as a host this season. Speaking of struggling defense, the Cowboys have allowed an average of 32.2 points per game this season and that includes 3 games against NFC East opponents too and everyone knows how bad the NFC East has been this season. In other words, the Dallas defense is simply atrocious and the Vikings, with Kirk Cousins playing well of late, will have a huge game here at home. This total has been kept in the upper 40s because of the Cowboys poor numbers on offense of late. With Dalton coming back, we'll take advantage of the low total as this is an ideal situation for both teams to put up plenty of points. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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11-22-20 | Arsenal v. Leeds United OVER 2.75 | Top | 0-0 | Loss | -112 | 14 h 49 m | Show |
TV Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200009 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Leeds United vs Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - Leeds United enters this game off back to back 4-1 losses. Arsenal is off a 3-0 loss. Both teams are currently down in the table and certainly not where they want to be. The reason I like the over here is neither team will want to sit back here and Arsenal, despite struggling to score goals early this season, actually does like to play a high octane style per se. Neither team will sit back because they want those 3 points in the standings and remember Leeds United has proven they can raise their game as they already have earned a draw with Manchester City and they defeated Liverpool 4-3 in their first match of the season. I do expect Leeds to play well here but Arsenal is absolutely going to challenge them and Leeds has shipped 9 goals already in 4 matches on their home pitch this season. Leeds has impressed with some big efforts at the other end of the pitch and that is what I am expecting here as they are off back to back losses. Look for Leeds to get 2 and Arsenal to get 2 as well. I am expecting 4 goals in this one and certainly expect at least 3. The situation warrants strong attacking efforts from both clubs as Arsenal was on the wrong end of a clean sheet in their most recent game. 10* OVER the total in Leeds United |
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11-21-20 | Oklahoma State v. Oklahoma OVER 60 | Top | 13-41 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #401 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma Sooners vs Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 7:30 ET - I am well aware of the fact that each of these teams are producing some solid defensive numbers. However, I am also well aware of the fact that Oklahoma has a scary good offense and the Cowboys are ultra talented on offense that should have WR Wallace back for this one as well. Prior to struggling to score without Wallace in their most recent game, the Cowboys had averaged 33 points per game in their 4 preceding games. Yes, the Sooners are off a strong effort on defense but their 5 preceding games saw them allow 32.4 points per game. Other than games against a bad Kansas team and an FCS school, Missouri State, Oklahoma's defense has not been that impressive. As for the Cowboys defense I know they have some good numbers this season but the Sooners always seem to give them a ton of trouble and OU comes into this game on an extreme surge on offense. Oklahoma has scored 62 points in each of their last 2 games and they are averaging 46 points on the season. The Sooners are loaded with confidence right now and both teams are coming off bye weeks too. That means extra time to work in a few extra wrinkles on offense for this massive annual rivalry game. You know Oklahoma State will have a few trick plays up their sleeve as per usual. We are getting a lower total on this game this season (compared to this same match-up in recent seasons) because each team has some better numbers on defense but I just can not see OSU getting many stops in this one. I also don't see the Cowboys going down without a fight in this one. That said, the over is the way to go here as they allowed 28 points or more in 4 of their first 5 games against FBS teams this season and have scored at least 30 points in all of their games. You can see why I am expecting these teams to get well into the 60s and likely even 70s in this one. The last time they met in Norman, the teams combined for 95 points! Look for another wild one here. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma |
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11-21-20 | Cincinnati v. Central Florida +5.5 | Top | 36-33 | Win | 100 | 8 h 33 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #344 Saturday 10* Central Florida Knights (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 3:30 ET - The Bearcats have a fantastic defense and are having a great season. With an ultra-talented defense like Cincinnati has it is going to take a very special offense to do any damage against them. That said, welcome to Central Florida! Not only do the Knights play very fast on offense they also are extremely dangerous with tremendous big play capabilities. Also, UCF should have beaten the Bearcats last season but they were done in by 4 turnovers. The Knights put up 423 yards of offense but lost by 3 points and that game was at Cincinnati. The turnovers were the difference in the game. Clearly UCF has played the tougher schedule so far this season and that is why we're getting line value here too with the Knights as a home dog. Everyone sees the undefeated Bearcats on the road and having obliterated teams but this is a match-up that will give them issues for sure. Cincinnati's friendly schedule thus far includes the fact that they have been on the road only one time this season. Though the Bearcats won big at SMU in their lone road game, they actually had just 17 first downs in that game while the Mustangs had 22. Cincinnati is absolutely a very good team but they have had it quite easy so far this season with scheduling and all the breaks seeming to go their way too. That ends here on Saturday and the Knights return the favor after losing at Cincinnati last season in a game they should not have lost - UCF outgained them by 82 yards. Payback time here. The Knights are averaging an insane 619 yards of offense per game. 10* CENTRAL FLORIDA |
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11-21-20 | Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 3 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 52 m | Show |
TV Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200069 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 3 goals in Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City @ 12:30 PM ET - Last season no club scored more goals in away fixtures than Manchester City. In 19 league games away from home Manchester City scored 45 goals! That is an average of 2.4 goals per match on enemy pitch. Tottenham averaged nearly 2 goals per game on their home pitch last season. The Hotspur also are off to a red hot start this season with already finding the back of the net 19 times in 8 matches. That is an average of 2.4 goals per fixture. Everything I am seeing here indicates each club will get to at least 2 goals in this one. The lone concern in this one is that Manchester City is off to a sluggish start this season in terms of their goal scoring. But I fully expect this to change and right after the international break is the perfect time. Another sign to point to is no other club has scored more than 9 goals in 3 Champions League matches and that is the tally that Manchester City has as they have averaged 3 goals in those matches. This club can, and will, score with authority and they are staring up in the table at Tottenham as the Hotspur are near the top. This is the perfect spot for Manchester City to make a statement and I expect a very aggressive game from them as this match-up features a pair of managers, Mourinho and Guardiola, with quite a history so look for the clubs to feed off each others aggression. The result will be an entertaining and high-scoring affair the way I see it. 10* OVER 3 goals in Tottenham |
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11-20-20 | Purdue -116 v. Minnesota | Top | 31-34 | Loss | -116 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #327 Friday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers Money Line (-115) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers @ 7:30 ET - This line (ATS) was a -3 on Purdue earlier this week but has dropped down to as low as a 1.5 as of early Friday morning and that is why I am recommending a play on the money line because that is now available in the -115 range after this line move! I understand the move as there are rumors that QB Aidan O'Connell is a game-time decision for this one. Keep in mind the Boilermakers still have former starting QB Jack Plummer available and O'Connell barely beat him out for the starting job heading into this season. Also, O'Connell is coming off a rough game with some poor decision-making and did not have great touch on some of his throws. In other words a QB change here wouldn't even be the worst thing in the world. Teams can run all over the Golden Gophers so they don't throw much against them as a general rule but that doesn't mean their pass defense is great. In fact, Minnesota is next to last in the Big Ten in yards allowed per completion at 8.8 yards and also rank in the bottom half of the Big Ten for pass defense efficiency. As for the rush defense, it is horrible. Yes Purdue doesn't tend to run a lot but don't be surprised if you see a little extra from 6'5 230 lb Zander Horvath. He struggled against Northwestern last week but also gained 129 yards on 21 carries (6.1 ypc) against a very tough Iowa defense a few weeks prior to that. Purdue is averaging 307 yards per game through the air and will enjoy success both on the ground and with the aerial attack against a very bad Minnesota defense which, other than when facing a team with a 4th string QB (Illinois), has allowed 43 points per game this season! The Boilermakers are allowing just 23.7 points per game this season. The Golden Gophers are scoring an average of only 15.5 points per game at home this season. Minnesota just lost by 28 to the same Iowa team which Purdue defeated last month. This is also a revenge game for the Boilermakers as they lost at home to the Golden Gophers last season and got blasted in their last visit to Minnesota. Also, while the Boilers have "only" Rutgers on deck, the Gophers have a revenge game against rival Wisconsin up next. Last season, the Badgers beat Minny in the regular season finale which cost the Golden Gophers a spot in a chance in the Big Ten Championship Game and ultimately a potential shot at a Rose Bowl berth. Both teams enter this game off a loss here but you can see why I feel the road team is not only the better team but also will be the more focused team in this match-up. 10* PURDUE money line -115 |
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11-19-20 | Cardinals v. Seahawks OVER 57.5 | Top | 21-28 | Loss | -107 | 59 h 33 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #321 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals @ 8:20 ET - This total is a big one but don't let that scare you. The weather forecast is typical for Seattle this time of year. Chilly, but not too cold. Rainy, but rather light. The good news is no significant winds expected Thursday evening. In other words, both offenses should be able to have the playbooks fully open for this one. The Cardinals last 3 games have all totaled more than 60 points. Not only that, the Cards have allowed at least 30 in all 3 games plus scored at least 30 in all 3 games! As for the Seahawks, they are off a rare low-scoring loss but that was at LA against a tough Rams defense. Now they are back home and Seattle had scored 27 or more in all of their first 8 games and they reached 31 points or more in all but one of those. The Seahawks are allowing an average of 30.4 points per game. With the Cards surging with momentum after their dramatic last-second win on a Hail Mary pass last week, the offense feels it could do no wrong. But don't be surprised if the Arizona defense continues to struggle here as winning has a way of masking the problems and then teams think things are okay but really this Cards D has issues. The Seahawks will be looking to exploit those again in this revenge game as they did lose at Arizona in their meeting less than month ago. The Cardinals also beat the Seahawks in their last visit to the pacific northwest. That said, you know Russell Wilson and company are out for big-time revenge here but their defense has been a major weakness all season. That is why I expect a ton of points in this one. The over is 3-1 in Seahawks home games this season and the Cardinals recent over trend (3-0) is destined to continue here as well. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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11-19-20 | Tulane v. Tulsa OVER 53.5 | Top | 24-30 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #425 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Tulane Green Wave @ 7:30 ET - Tulsa is in a flat spot here. They are off a big win over SMU and have another huge game on deck at Houston. Also, the Golden Hurricane are now a ranked team for the first time in ten years! As a result of being flat for this one don't be surprised if a surging Tulane team does plenty of damage on offense in this one against a Tulsa defense that could be "going through the motions" a bit. On the flip side though, I just can not trust this Green Wave defense. I know that they have appeared strong in the last 3 games but those were against struggling offenses. In the 3 games that preceded those 3 Tulane allowed an average of 49 points per game. The good news for Green Wave fans is their offense is averaging 40 points per game the last 7 games! Tulsa will struggle to slow down a confident Tulane group but, at the same time, the Golden Hurricane passing attack is strong and the Green Wave are not good against the pass. It is forecast to be a windy afternoon in Tulsa but the winds are supposed to start laying down some by kickoff this one. There will still be some breeze but it should be more in the range that does not cause a problem in terms of the passing attack. The Golden Hurricane have allowed an average of 27 points in their home games and, in this flat spot, their defense could prove even more susceptible against what has become a very balanced Tulane offense this season! Look for the over to improve to 3-1 in Tulsa's last 4 games and 7-2 in the last 9 games for the Green Wave. 10* OVER the total in Tulsa |
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11-18-20 | Toledo -6.5 v. Eastern Michigan | Top | 45-28 | Win | 100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #311 Wednesday 10* Top Play Toledo Rockets (-) @ Eastern Michigan Eagles @ 7 ET - Toledo has dominated this series in recent years in terms of SU wins. However, Eastern Michigan has actually covered 4 straight games in this series. The last 3 meetings have all been decided by 5 or less points. Given the above, this line might seem too high. But this is where I use history like that to my advantage because it is helping to keep this line lower than it should be actually. Toledo is the much better team on both sides of the ball and the Rockets very motivated after an unreal loss at Western Michigan last week. In that game the Broncos scored 13 points in the final 45 seconds to miraculously win the game. The Rockets looked like the better team for nearly the entirety of that game. Toledo is averaging 512.5 yards per game and allowing only 352 yards per game. The Eagles are averaging just 389.5 yards per game and allowing a whopping 483.5 yards per game. The last time these teams met here in Ypsilanti, MI the Rockets fell behind 28-3 at the half in the 28-26 loss. That rally fell short but Toledo has been reminded of that game coming into this one. It is the only loss the Rockets have in the last 13 meetings with Eastern Michigan! It is payback time on Wednesday. 10* TOLEDO |
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11-17-20 | Buffalo v. Bowling Green +31.5 | Top | 42-17 | Win | 100 | 11 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #304 Tuesday 10* Top Play Bowling Green Falcons (+) vs Buffalo Bulls @ 7 ET - Buffalo lost to Northern Illinois in the 2018 MAC Championship Game. What does that have to do with this play? Bear with me for a minute here. The Bulls began this season with a revenge win over the Huskies two weeks ago. Then last week Buffalo beat Miami (Ohio) and on deck after this game is Kent State and then Ohio University. What do the Redhawks, Golden Flashes, and Bobcats have in common? They were the teams that handed the Bulls their only 3 MAC losses last season. The point is that of the Bulls first 5 games in this compacted MAC season, 4 of them are revenge games. The only one that isn't is this game against a Falcons team they have pummeled by an average margin of 36 points per game in the last two meetings. That said, this line is about where I would expect it to be considering the Bulls won by 30 in their last visit here. However, given the circumstances, this point spread is likely to prove to be too much. Buffalo wins big here but not big enough! Bowling Green is off back to back embarrassing losses to start the season. But the fact the Falcons are at home and off an absolute stinker in their home opener for this season means you can expect a big response from Bowling Green here. This is a flat spot for the Bulls whereas the Falcons are off a beating by a 38 point margin at Perry Stadium. In other words, embarrassment in your own house. They'll still struggle here because the Bulls are certainly the much better team. But I could see Buffalo "going through the motions" in this one while I have no doubt the Falcons "come to play" after the way their season has started. 10* BOWLING GREEN |
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11-16-20 | Vikings v. Bears +3.5 | Top | 19-13 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 55 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #276 Monday 10* Top Play Chicago Bears (+) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 8:15 - I'll gladly fade the line move here and go with the home dog in Monday night action in a big divisional match-up. The Vikings are on a bit of a surge now including a recent win over the Packers. However, Minnesota was actually outgained by 76 yards in that game plus they caught Green Bay off back to back road games. It was a bit of a tough spot for the Pack. Still let's give credit where credit is due but that was just one win for Minnesota and they actually lost the stats battle in that game. In terms of the other wins this season, they have come against teams with a combined record of 6-12 SU on the season. Now the Vikings are on the road facing a Bears team that has beaten them 4 straight times. Not only that, Chicago is off a game in which they outgained the Titans by 147 yards but lost on the scoreboard. Keep in mind that game was at Tennessee and they are 6-3 on the season. In terms of other tough match-ups this season the Bears did beat the Buccaneers (now 7-3 on the season) and lost to the Saints (7-2 on the season) on a field goal in OT. The point is that there is solid line value here with a Bears team that has proven it can play with tough teams and this is especially true when they are now catching as much as 3.5 points as a home dog in a divisional match-up against a team whose number they have had. The Vikings have been really hot ATS but the Bears are off an ATS loss and have gone 3-0 ATS this season when in that situation. I also like the Chicago defense (335.1 ypg) much more than the Vikings defense (412.9 ypg) this season. Will be chilly and potentially breezy too in the Windy City tonight and that adds even more value to the defensive-minded home dog in this one. The Vikings running attack has been great this season but the Bears are allowing an average of just 18.5 points per game in regulation time of their home games this season. Also, the Bears just faced a tough running team at Tennessee and they held the Titans to just 92 yards on the ground and only 3 yards per carry. Give me the home dog in this one. 10* CHICAGO |
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11-15-20 | Ravens v. Patriots UNDER 44 | Top | 17-23 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #274 Sunday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in New England Patriots vs Baltimore Ravens @ 8:20 ET - We are betting here on the weather too but that should be a key factor. Wind and rain is expected to move into Foxboro just in time for kickoff of this one. Even if we don't get that key factor which helps unders there are a couple of other key factors I like as well. One is the line move as this line has risen from near 40 up to the mid-40s. Another is the game-planning. I know full well that the Ravens solid defense would love nothing more than to march into Foxboro and completely shutdown Bill Belichick's offense which certainly has been having some issues this season. Keep in mind the Ravens are allowing just 17.8 points per game and that ranks #1 in the NFL this season. The Patriots did score big against the Raiders here but in their other 3 home games this season New England has averaged just 13 points per game. The Pats are a smart team of course though and Belichick knows the key to hanging around in this game is limiting the potent Baltimore offense. In last season's match-up the Ravens scored 37 points and Belichick knows that can not happen again. He will try to chew up a lot of clock when his offense is on the field and now lets talk about the Patriots defense. The Pats have given up too much their last few games in terms of points and that included a rough home game versus the 49ers. After getting embarrassed at home in their most recent game here, you know the defense wants to make up for it. In their preceding 3 home games the Patriots allowed an average of only 16.3 points per game. Considering the above as well as the weather conditions I am expecting a bit of a grinder tonight at Gillette Stadium. 10* UNDER the total in New England |
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11-15-20 | Broncos +4 v. Raiders | Top | 12-37 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 26 m | Show |
AFC West Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #265 Sunday 10* Top Play Denver Broncos (+) @ Las Vegas Raiders @ 4:05 ET - The Broncos are off a loss at Atlanta but that was a horrible spot for them. They were off miraculous last 2nd home win over the Chargers. That left them flat for the game with the Falcons and especially because it was a divisional sandwich. Yes, after facing the Chargers it was another division rival (Raiders) on deck following the trip to Atlanta. Sure enough Denver fell flat but now they respond here. I feel Las Vegas is a little over-rated right now. The Raiders are such a bad team defensively but caught a break with facing the Chargers last week as Los Angeles still couldn't get over the unreal loss at Denver the prior week. Additionally, the Raiders other recent win was at Cleveland where their defense was helped by playing the game in horrible weather conditions that limited both offenses. Prior to these two wins, Las Vegas had lost 3 of 4 and I feel strongly that they are fortunate to be 5-3 on the season. As for the Broncos, they had won 3 of 4 prior to last week's loss and they are definitely the better defense in this match-up and are flying under the radar a bit right now because they started the season 0-3 whereas the Raiders started the season 2-0. Public perception heavily favors the Raiders in this one and yet the line has moved toward the Broncos in this one. That is sharp money in my opinion and will include some of mine too on Sunday. I am aware of the recent home dominance trend in this series but the Raiders have allowed 33 points per game in their new home and lost plus failed to cover each of their last two games in Vegas. The Broncos were 3-0 ATS on the road this season before last week's loss and again that was a huge flat spot for them. They will not be flat here. 10* DENVER |
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11-15-20 | California v. UCLA OVER 55 | Top | 10-34 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #233 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in UCLA Bruins vs California Golden Bears @ Noon ET - This one follows the similar analytics we used with yesterday's totals play which was the Colorado over. California is known for defense and their last dozen games at UCLA have resulted in 8 unders. That's a 67% win rate for unders long-term but that was then and this is now. The Bruins play extremely fast and their game at Colorado last week totaled 90 points! The Golden Bears personnel losses were significant on the defensive side of the ball as they lost 3 guys to the NFL. That is some big-time talent to have departed the defense. On offense, California returns nearly everyone and they surged late last season and looked stronger on offense in their last 5 games (including bowl game) to wrap up the season. Now they also have a new offensive coordinator on board this season and Bill Musgrave has been an offensive coordinator in the NFL and had some great turnaround success in some of his stops. You know he'll be itching to put on a good show right out of the gate and here he has the perfect set-up. He is going against one of the worst defenses in the nation and plus the Bruins offense plays so fast that the Golden Bears offense will get plenty of opportunities on the field. The fact this is a game that was oddly scheduled actually helps the offenses in my opinion. UCLA had their defense preparing to face Utah while the Bears had been preparing to face Arizona State. Then, due to covid issues those games were cancelled for Saturday and now these teams face off early Sunday in an oddly scheduled game. Don't let the early start time concern you either though. Last Saturday USC kicked off the Pac-12 season with a 9 AM Pacific time start versus Arizona State and the game had 31 points in the first half. These teams both will enjoy plenty of success early, often, and throughout this game. Beautiful weather expected for this one too. 10* OVER the total in UCLA |
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11-14-20 | Wisconsin v. Michigan +6.5 | Top | 49-11 | Loss | -103 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #162 Saturday 10* Top Play Michigan Wolverines (+) vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 7:30 ET - The contrarian theme continues. Everyone loves the Badgers this week. I used them for a big play in their opening game win over Illinois (an easy win) so I know plenty about how good this Wisconsin team can be. However, I also know that the Illini are a very bad football team, the Badgers have been dealing with covid-19 issues and haven't played in a game in 3 weeks, and that the Wolverines are a much better team than they've shown so far this season. They did lose last week at Indiana but had 344 passing yards but were done in by a pair of a interceptions. The Hoosiers are now 3-0 on the season and also beat a talented (though struggling) Penn State team. In other words the "atrocities" of losing to Indiana and Michigan State (almost always a tough rivalry game) may be getting a bit overplayed with regards to this Michigan team. The Wolverines did outgain the Spartans in the lost and, again, it is a huge rivalry game in which Michigan State almost always seems to step up their game to their highest level no matter how much more talented Michigan is than they are. I know the Badgers Graham Mertz is a very talented QB and comes highly regarded (and deserves it) but if you think after 3 weeks off and valuable practice time lost due to covid-19, that he will go to Michigan and do the same thing he did against Illinois at home in Madison, you don't know football. The Wolverines are well aware of being disrespected heading into this game and they have heard all about the talented phenom Mertz and this defense will have its ears pinned back for this one. Don't forget too that Wisconsin really didn't run the ball that well against Illinois either. That is not a good sign for this game. If the Badgers can't establish the run against the Big Blue defense a ton of pressure will be on Mertz to win this game. On the other side of the ball, the Wolverines have the talent to move the ball down the field and are averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game! The Badgers go from facing a very weak Illini offense to facing a team that, when it comes to play, is quite talented on offense. I fully expect an "A game" effort from Michigan in their own house here as they lost their only other game here this season plus have revenge from losing by 21 in Madison last year. When considering that plus the huge line move toward Wisconsin here, we have line value that is absolutely "off the charts" for this one. 10* MICHIGAN |
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11-14-20 | Colorado v. Stanford OVER 54.5 | Top | 35-32 | Win | 100 | 7 h 5 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #193 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Stanford Cardinal vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 3:30 ET - This series has a history of low-scoring games with 5 of 6 games staying under the total. Last season's game totaled only 29 points. That said, give me the over! Indeed, history is oftentimes just that...history! These are different teams than they were in past seasons of course. The Cardinal use to be known as a defensive-minded team that likes to run the ball on offense and control the clock. This is no longer the way football is played at Stanford and last season their passing attack was much better than the ground game and I expect more of the same this season. Also, the Cardinal pass defense was very poor last season and so too was the Buffaloes. That said, I am expecting plenty of points here as Colorado is off a crazy 48-42 win over UCLA which was played at a very fast pace. Even though Stanford's game against Oregon stayed under the total, they had 413 yards of offense (even without their starting QB Davis Mills) and that was against a respectable Oregon team. Also, the Cardinal allowed the Ducks nearly 500 yards. The Buffaloes game against the Bruins totaled over 1000 yards of offense. We get a low total to work with here thanks to the long-term history of the Cardinal as well as the low-scoring trend in this series. That was then and this is now and also very nice weather expected for this game as well. That said, all signs point to a game that gets well into the 60s here and might even get into the 70s. Tremendous value as neither team will be able to stop the other. 10* OVER the total in Stanford |
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11-13-20 | East Carolina +28 v. Cincinnati | Top | 17-55 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 32 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #129 Friday 10* Top Play East Carolina Pirates (+) @ Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7:30 ET - This is a potential flat spot for the Bearcats. Of course I expect Cincinnati to win this game and, perhaps, even handily. But winning a game handily or comfortably doesn't mean covering a 4-TD spread. I expect about a two TD margin here which means we have a lot of cushion to work with. Cincinnati is off 3 straight big games against tougher opponents plus has a tough game on deck at Central Florida. A game against the fast-paced Knights, and a game that is at UCF no less, is the one that could trip up the undefeated Bearcats. That said, there is no doubt that upcoming game is on the minds of Cincinnati at least to an extent and it doesn't take much to throw a team off that has to be firing on all cylinders to cover this enormous spread. Keep in mind, the game between these teams last season was decided by just 3 points. Also, in the Bearcats 4 home games against FBS schools this season they have averaged 34.8 points per game. The Pirates are averaging 29.2 points per game this season and have not been held below 21 points in any of their 6 games. Now, of course, I am well aware that the Bearcats defense is much better than the East Carolina defense but the point is that the Pirates offense is a pretty solid unit and if Cincy just loses a little focus for this game it will be closer than many are expecting. If the Bearcats do eventually pull away it will hard to pull away by a lot and the Pirates talented offense means they have a great shot at backdoor cover - should one even be needed! In an otherwise disappointing campaign, this is a chance for East Carolina to make some noise on center stage on a Friday Night game on ESPN. The Pirates are certainly well aware that they are 1-5 and Cincinnati is 6-0 on the season and ranked in the top ten in the nation so look for an "A game" effort from the big dog in this one! 10* EAST CAROLINA |
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11-12-20 | Colts v. Titans +1 | Top | 34-17 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #122 Thursday 10* Top Play Tennessee Titans (-) vs Indianapolis Colts @ 8:20 ET - Historically I like playing against line moves and have had particular success when a line flips. What I mean by that is when you have a team that was the favorite earlier on actually become the dog as the week goes on. That is the case here with the Titans having been favored by nearly a full field goal earlier this week and yet now on game day morning they are a +1 in some spots. I'll take it! I do respect the Colts and their tough defense but Rivers and Company have struggled against tougher teams this season. Rivers has some very strong positive numbers against bad teams but against the Ravens, Bears, Browns (the only teams currently with a winning record which he has faced) he has put up a total of only 1 TD while also throwing 3 INTs. Note that the Colts are only 2-2 SU on the road this season and they entered this season 7-17 SU on the road the 3 prior seasons combined. Both teams are on a short week of course with this being a Thursday game. However, it is a little more manageable for the Titans because this is the 2nd of back to back home games for them. For the Colts, they are on the road for the 4th time in 6 games and plus they just played a physical Ravens team. This season, teams are 2-5 ATS the week after playing Baltimore and, again, in this case it is a short week too which makes it even tougher for the Colts. I know the box score was an ugly one for Tennessee last week and they were fortunate to beat the Bears but I am sure they were peeking ahead to this huge division rivalry game a bit too. Keep in mind Indy has dominated this series long-term and that includes winning the last two games here by a combined score of 52-34. The Titans are poised to say "enough is enough" and I look for Ryan Tannehill (19-3 TD-INT ratio) to bounce back after a 10 for 21 performance last week. Tennessee simply wasn't good last week but they still improve to 4-1 SU at home on the season and are now 25-12 in home games since the start of the 2016 season. Titans finally get it done against the Colts at home as Tannehill outplays Rivers as the main story line in this one. 10* TENNESSEE |
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11-12-20 | Colorado State v. Boise State OVER 59 | Top | 21-52 | Win | 100 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #123 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boise State Broncos vs Colorado State Rams @ 8 ET - Fortunately, if you like offense, this game is being played Thursday and not Friday. There is a weather system moving into the Pacific Northwest with wind and snow and rain but that is not getting into the Boise area until Friday. That said, Thursday night's weather looks great. No precipitation and winds near 10 mph and chilly (but very normal) temperatures for this one at Albertsons Stadium. As long-time followers know I love fading prevailing opinion and this is such a beautiful example of that which hopefully will cash nicely for us. The Broncos were without running back George Holani last week and he is doubtful again this week so everyone expects Boise State to struggle again running the ball. No, no, no! The key to any running game is how well guys can block up front to open up holes for the running game or to consistently get strong forward push so the backs (ANY back!) can gain positive yardage. The problem last week was NOT Holani being out, it was that the Broncos faced a BYU defense that has been incredible this season. In fact the Cougars have been fantastic on both sides of the ball this season and Boise State simply ran into a buzz-saw last week. I am also aware of the Boise State QB situation but they have plenty of capable arms no matter who is under center for this game and this is particularly true because they are at home and facing a very questionable Rams pass defense. One thing Colorado State does have going for them is a solid offense and the Broncos defense certainly has not looked as strong this season as they have allowed at least 30 points now in back to back games. The last time these teams met in Boise the game totaled 84 points. This one may not get that high but truly 70s would not be a surprise to me and I feel very confident this one gets into the 60s. The Broncos are angry off a loss and so their offense is not going to take their foot off the gas in this one. Last year's match-up at Colorado State had 38 points at the half but still finished under the total due to a low-scoring 2nd half. That is merely serving to give us extra line value here and note that the over is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings in Idaho. That trend continues here. 10* OVER the total in Boise State |
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11-11-20 | Toledo v. Western Michigan -2.5 | Top | 38-41 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #120 Wednesday 10* Top Play Western Michigan Broncos vs Toledo Rockets @ 8 ET - When it is early in the season it helps once you've see a team twice to know a little bit more. I know what you're thinking. This teams have only played once so what I am talking about? Let me explain. Toledo destroyed Bowling Green last week but then I watched the Falcons get destroyed again last night by a Kent State team that, no disrespect intended, shouldn't be beating anyone else in the MAC by a 38 point margin especially when on the road. So the point is don't put too much stock into the Rockets destroying the Falcons last week. As for the Broncos, they destroyed the Zips last week and that game was at Akron. Then what did we see from Akron last night, a determined effort at Ohio University where they were a 4 TD underdog and didn't even give up 28 points on the night in the 24-10 hard-fought loss. The point is that, even though it is early in the season, the Broncos might be stronger than most anticipated. These teams were projected to finish 1-2 in the West Division of the MAC. With the fact that the Rockets have dominated this series recently but the Broncos at home for this one and revenge-seeking and perhaps even stronger than many anticipated entering this season, I am going big on Western Michigan here. The Broncos are a very strong along the offensive line and also their defense looks deeper this season. The offense will attack a Toledo secondary that is a bit of a question mark entering this season. 10* WESTERN MICHIGAN |
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11-10-20 | Miami-OH v. Buffalo -9.5 | Top | 10-42 | Win | 100 | 12 h 59 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #112 Tuesday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bulls (-) vs Miami-OH Redhawks @ 8 ET - The Bulls are off a revenging win at Northern Illinois last week. The Huskies had beaten them in the MAC Championship Game year before last. Now Buffalo has another revenge game this week. Last season one of their few MAC losses was at Miami-Ohio. The Bulls lost that game because of 4 turnovers and 10 penalties for over 100 yards! Buffalo outgained the Redhawks by 164 yards on the ground and I expect that to be a theme again in this year's rematch. The Bulls catch Miami-Ohio off a hard-fought home win over Ball State. They lost QB Brett Gabbert in that one and I would be very surprised if he plays this week. Although AJ Mayer was solid in taking his place that game was at home against a weak Cardinals defense. He will face a much tougher defense this week plus he is on the road. Even though the stats weren't so great for the Bulls last week I do like the fact they averaged 5.4 ypc on the ground while Miami-Ohio averaged only 3.2 ypc on the ground against a generally sub-par Cards defense. If Mayer gets the start here it will be the first start of his career and it comes on the road and it comes against the best team in the MAC East and it comes with the Bulls in revenge mode and playing their home opener. I am not a big fan of laying big points but this one meets all the requirements I look for when doing so. Also, note that the Bulls have covered 8 in a row as a MAC home favorite. That streak continues here. 10* BUFFALO |
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11-09-20 | Patriots v. Jets OVER 41 | Top | 30-27 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #475 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Jets vs New England Patriots @ 8:15 ET - As long-time followers know, I am a contrarian. That said, with the Patriots having averaged scoring only 12 points per game their last 4 games and the Jets having scored an average of only 7 points per game their last 4 games, there was only one way I am looking in this game and that is the over. But why? Of course there has to be good reasoning and in this case there is sure is. For one thing we are getting incredible line value with such a low total posted on this game. But in terms of how it will play out Cam Newton was better last week for the Patriots and I expect him to have a strong game here against a Jets defense that has allowed an average of 30 points per game this season. Also, New York's offense might surprise some people tonight. I am expecting both Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder back for the Jets tonight. That is a couple of key talents back at WR for New York tonight and that gives the New York QB some talented targets in the passing game. Now I know what you're saying. Sam Darnold is likely out for this game. No offense to him but he has not been healthy and hasn't looked right. The Jets offense will be in much better hands tonight with the veteran Joe Flacco back there and he'll be attacking a Patriots defense which has allowed an average of 28 points in 3 road games this season. Based on the spread on this game as well as the total the betting markets are calling for a 26-16 type NE win. I am telling you I expect both teams to exceed those respective point totals and that is why I am going big on the over in this game. Yes it is a contrarian play per se but being contrarian (especially in the NFL) is how I have lasted successfully in this industry for two decades. You have to pick your spots to be a contrarian but this is one of those spots and, almost forgot to mention this but, the weather is certainly going to be spectacular this evening in East Rutherford, NJ for this one. Light winds, no precipitation, and very mild temperatures. 10* OVER the total in New York Jets |
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11-08-20 | Dolphins v. Cardinals -5 | Top | 34-31 | Loss | -114 | 8 h 23 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #472 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (-) vs Miami Dolphins @ 4:25 ET - the dolphins are over-rated in my opinion and we're catching them at the perfect time to fade them, miami is coming off a big over the rams even though they were outgained by 326 yards and had 23 less first downs, of course this is leading to line value this week because it is also noteworthy that tagovailoa will be making his first road start, arizona has a big edge here with coming off their bye week and that was preceded by 3 straight wins both SU and ATS, if the dolphins were having a poor season the cardinals might overlook them, the fact that miami has a winning record and just beat the LA rams makes sure of the fact that the cardinals will have proper focus here, also another AFC team is on deck for arizona so there is no lookahead here, the dolphins are on a 5-10 ats run as a road dog in a non-divisional game while the cardinals are 4-1 ats their last 5 games against afc competition, statistically the cards have one of the best offenses in the league while the dolphins have one of the worst and i just don't see miami being able to keep up in this one as the cardinals get after tagovailoa early and often and disrupt the dolphins entire game plan 10* ARIZONA |
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11-08-20 | Lions v. Vikings OVER 51.5 | Top | 20-34 | Win | 100 | 5 h 27 m | Show |
NFC North Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #457 Sunday 10* OVER the total in Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions @ 1:00 ET - This total plummeted because of Matthew Stafford, Lions QB, having been exposed to someone with covid on Monday. However, he is cleared to play as long as his final test this morning comes out okay and even if he didn't I would not be surprised to see back-up quarterback Chase Daniel enjoy success against this struggling Vikings defense! Minnesota has allowed 38 points per game in its 3 home games this season. The good news for Vikings fans is the Lions defense is also very bad and Minnesota had their run game going against Green Bay last week and, of course, once the run is established that makes the passing game even that much easier to get going! Detroit has allowed 29.4 points per game this season. Minnesota has scored 27.6 points per game their last 5 games. The Lions are averaging 25.3 points per game on the season. Look for the over to remain perfect in Vikings home games this season - it is already 3-0 on the year and all 3 flew over by a double digit margin! Also, I am aware of Kenny Golladay being out for this game but the Lions have plenty of other weapons on offense and this is particularly true with the current bad shape that the Vikings defense is in. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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11-08-20 | Liverpool v. Manchester City OVER 3 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -135 | 17 h 55 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200033 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester City vs Liverpool @ 11:30 AM ET - There is too much striking ability and tactical ability up front to ignore in this one. Look for plenty of goals. Liverpool has given up an average of 3 goals in their away fixtures this season but this is also a top-flight club that is loaded with scoring ability and averaging 2.4 goals scored per match this season. Even though Manchester City has trended a little more lower-scoring this season their games are still averaging nearly 3 goals per match. Also, Manchester City has scored 3 goals in in 3 of their last 5 matches across all competitions. Liverpool has scored at least 2 goals in 4 straight matches across all competitions and scored an average of nearly 3 goals during this stretch. Yes there is some juice to lay with this total at a 3 but it is truly a great value to have the over 3 when you consider the above scoring data as well as the fact that 3 of the last 4 meetings between these two top-flight clubs have totaled at least 3 goals and each of the last 2 did tally at least 4 markers. This is going to be a hard-fought battle with plenty of scoring chances based on the tactical attacking style each club can employ here. That said, I do expect EACH club to get to TWO goals here and that guarantees us at least a 2-2 final and a winning totals ticket here. 10* OVER the total in Manchester City |
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11-07-20 | UCLA v. Colorado OVER 56 | Top | 42-48 | Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #353 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Buffaloes vs UCLA Bruins @ 7:00 PM ET - I know these teams have not played yet this season as this is the opening weekend for the PAC-12 but the over is in a great spot here. UCLA will feel like they are playing at home today. Why? Well the forecast is high temperatures near 70 with sunny skies and light winds for this one. In a couple days it will be snowing in Boulder Colorado and, undoubtedly, the long-term under trend between these teams has been impacted by weather a few times. These are the types of situations you want to take advantage of because this total was already posted a little on the low side and then moved even lower because the markets just aren't seeing this one properly and are basing it too much on long-term history that, quite frankly, has no bearing on the outcome of this game. The fact is that UCLA was one of the fastest paced offenses in the nation last year. The Bruins want to play quickly. Another factor here is that these were two of the worst pass defenses in the nation last year! The Buffaloes are breaking in a new QB but what better situation than this? At home, ideal weather conditions, and facing a bad defense. The set up is perfect for Colorado to put up plenty of points in this one but UCLA matches them score for score. With this total dropping to the key number of 56 it is now 'go time' with this one. One final note is that we have seen a lot of missed assignment errors by defenses in their first games of the season this year as each conference has gotten underway and I expect more of the same in the PAC-12 today and that will help lead to some big plays for the offenses! 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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11-07-20 | Houston +13.5 v. Cincinnati | Top | 10-38 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
AAC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #327 Saturday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (+) @ Cincinnati Bearcats @ 3:30 ET - I am aware that Houston has some injury issues here but I have had my eyes on this match-up all along and will not hold back here as this play gets my highest rating. Cincinnati is a very strong football team but they are over-valued here. Yes they are 5-0 on the season but 2 of those wins weren't even a challenge as they faced Austin Peay as well as a very bad USF team. In their other 3 games, though the Bearcats dominated the scoreboard, they actually had LESS first downs than their opponent in 2 of those 3 games. Now, even with that said, Cincinnati is absolutely the better team in comparison with the Cougars. However, being favored by nearly 2 touchdowns here will prove to be far too much. I don't expect the Bearcats to go undefeated this season and an upset here would not surprise me. But at the very least I do expect Houston to stay within one score of the Bearcats throughout this game. Yes, the Cougars got throttled by UCF last week but that is one of the scariest offenses to face in college football. The Knights are an absolute machine on offense. As for their other loss it came against BYU and we saw again last night (throttled Broncos AT Boise State!) that this Brigham Young team is a beast this season. In other words, I think the Cougars defense is much improved over last season but they haven't had a chance to fully show that yet based on facing a much tougher schedule than the Bearcats have. As for offense, that has never really been a question mark for the Cougars and they'll have some special plays in the playbook for this one to give Cincy some troubles on defense. I fully believe the Bearcats are challenged in this one and, after winning your first 5 games by an average margin of 27.6 points, suddenly finding yourself in a tight dog-fight can change the mentality of a team real quick. Cincinnati might end up 'pressing' a bit on offense in this one as a result and the Cougars, on the other hand, come into this game very relaxed knowing that no one is giving them a chance in this game. That sets up for a very dangerous underdog and I love having the scrappy dog on my side for this game. 10* HOUSTON |
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11-07-20 | Manchester United v. Everton OVER 2.5 | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 30 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200009 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Everton vs Manchester United @ 7:30 AM ET - Both teams are struggling in terms of their form currently. That leads to mistakes. Both teams also hungry for a win so neither will sit back and wait for the game to come to them. Each club will be on the attack. Manchester United has seen their games average 3.7 goals on the season. Everton has seen their games average 3.7 goals on the season as well. That said, I am expecting this one to get to 3 or 4 goals and yet we've got a total of 2.5 to work with. I'll gladly lay the price to have this exceptional line in early action Saturday. 10* OVER the total in Everton |
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11-06-20 | Miami-FL v. NC State OVER 58.5 | Top | 44-41 | Win | 100 | 23 h 38 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #309 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in NC State Wolfpack vs Miami Hurricanes @ 7:30 ET - The Wolfpack are off a bye week which followed getting embarrassed by their in-state rivals. After losing to the Tar Heels I am sure that NC State will respond here but their defense is not very good at all. The Wolfpack will have to score a bunch of points to hang in this game and I like my chances in that regard but I always see Miami scoring a ton too. Before their ugly loss to North Carolina, the Wolfpack averaged scoring 33.6 points per game in their first 5 games this season. The Hurricanes are off a low-scoring win over Virginia which was followed by a bye week. However, prior to that tight win, the only time the Miami offense really struggled was against one of the best teams (Clemson) in the nation. In their other 4 games this season, the Canes averaged 40.3 points per game and they should enjoy a huge game against the porous Wolfpack defense. NC State is allowing 34.2 points and 447.5 yards per game this season. This one will turn into a back and forth shootout in ideal weather conditions in Raleigh Friday evening. 10* OVER the total in NC State |
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11-06-20 | Newcastle United v. Southampton OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -105 | 19 h 12 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach English Premier League Rotation #200005 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southampton vs Newcastle @ 3:00 PM ET - This total is leaning toward the under because the news is out that Southampton lost Danny Ings to injury. The prolific striker will miss at least a month as his knee injury requires surgery. However, Southampton still has plenty of firepower and, in fact, is averaging 2 goals per match this season! Newcastle has not lost on the road yet this campaign (1 win and 2 draws) so they have some confidence heading into this one. Also, Southampton has allowed nearly 2 goals per game this season so don't be surprised if each club has some success finding the back of the net in this one. This is a classic case where an injury leads to line movement that actually leads to more value. With Ings out, others will step up their game on their home pitch and this one should turn into quite the entertaining affair if you like seeing goals! 10* OVER the total in Southampton |
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11-05-20 | Packers v. 49ers +6.5 | Top | 34-17 | Loss | -110 | 35 h 55 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #302 Thursday 10* Top Play San Francisco 49ers (+) vs Green Bay Packers @ 8:20 ET - I know the 49ers have injury issues at QB and TE. Also, I am well aware this is a revenge game for the Packers since they lost the NFC Championship here last season. However, this line is getting out of hand. Everyone has been pounding Green Bay and the line is now a 6. When you factor in home field that line is basically saying that the Packers are 9 points better than the 49ers on a neutral field. I strongly disagree. Yes, San Francisco has some injury issues but QB Nick Mullens has gained some valuable experience under center and he wants to make up for his rough effort in primetime when he faced the Eagles not too long ago in a primetime match-up. I also like the fact that the home dog Niners knocked off the Rams in a convincing win as an underdog host just a few weeks ago. San Francisco is a scrappy team and they were 4-3 before the loss at Seattle last week and 2 of those 3 losses were by 5 or less points. Taking a look at Green Bay, they are 5-2 SU on the season but 4 of their 5 wins have come against teams with a combined record of 7-22 SU on the season. I am not totally sold on this Packers team just yet. Remember that they got embarrassed by the Buccaneers this season plus are coming off a loss to the Vikings where they couldn't stop their running back. This was similar to last year's NFC Championship game in which Green Bay couldn't stop Mostert. All the talk in this game is about Garoppolo and Kittle being out for the Niners offense but their defense is better than people realize and I am not totally sold on this Packers team. Look for the 49ers to keep this game very close and possibly even spring the upset as I am expecting Mullens to have a solid game. He has a lot of confidence after playing well when he came in at Seattle Sunday. 10* SAN FRANCISCO |
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11-05-20 | Utah State v. Nevada OVER 56 | Top | 9-34 | Loss | -108 | 33 h 8 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #307 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Nevada Wolf Pack vs Utah State Aggies @ 7 ET - Perfect weather for this game. Colder weather is finally moving into Reno starting Friday and even will make its way down to Vegas where I live by Saturday. However, Thursday is beautiful weather with sunny skies mild temperatures and light winds for this one. The high temperature forecast for Thursday is an unseasonably warm 75 degrees in Reno. Both teams will be able to take advantage of the phenomenal weather conditions. I know the Aggies numbers on offense look putrid this season but Utah State was done in by facing a pair of tough defenses in the form of Boise State and San Diego State. Nevada is not nearly on that level. The Wolf Pack enter this game off a big win over the struggling division rival. I know UNLV did not score well but that team is in a transition with a new coach and struggling. As for Nevada's other game they did allow 34 points (only 3 were in OT) against a Wyoming team not generally known for explosive production on offense. That said, and catching the Wolf Pack off a win over their instate rival, don't be surprised if Utah State puts up plenty of points here. The issue for the Aggies in this one is their defense is allowing 40 points and 510 yards per game and the Nevada offense is averaging nearly 500 yards plus has scored 37 points (only 6 in OT) in each of its first two games. Utah State will not be able to stop the Wolf Pack here and they have a dynamic passing attack so the Aggies go from facing a run-heavy San Diego State team to a great passing offense and this is a tough transition for the defense. 10* OVER the total in Nevada |
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11-04-20 | Ohio v. Central Michigan +3 | Top | 27-30 | Win | 100 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Game #296 Wednesday 10* Top Play Central Michigan Chippewas (+) vs Ohio University Bobcats @ 7 ET - The Chippewas did lose some talent from last year's team but this is still a Central Michigan team that went to the MAC Championship Game last season. Also, after losing that game plus losing their bowl came, the Chips couldn't wait to get back on the field. This team is hungry to bounce back from those two season-ending defeats and is ready to prove they can win even without the services of QB Dormady and RB Ward. Ohio also lost their starting QB and he, Rourke, was a huge for this team. They do now have Rourke's younger brother and also UNLV transfer Rogers but either guy is likely to struggle early on. I like the Chippewas handling of the QB replacement situation much better and, keep in mind, this is a Central Michigan team that went a perfect 6-0 SU at home last season and they were blowout wins too! As for the Bobcats, they are getting a little too much respect from the betting markets here in my opinion. I know Solich is a veteran coach but Chippewas coach Jim McElwain has been a head coach at Colorado State and Florida! He has experience in bigger conferences than the MAC and that paid off last season and now he is in his 2nd season with the Chips and I feel that they are under-valued in this spot. Yes they lost some key personnel from last year's team but the same holds true for Ohio University. I am happy to take the home dog here as this line was originally a pick'em. 10* CENTRAL MICHIGAN |
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11-02-20 | Bucs v. Giants +13 | Top | 25-23 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #274 Monday 10* Top Play New York Giants (+) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ 8:15 ET - Of course this goes without saying, and is evident with the big point spread posted on this game, but the Buccaneers are the much better team in this match-up. However, that certainly does not mean they are worthy of laying nearly two touchdowns on the road against a Giants team that is a little better than people give them credit for. In terms of situational value, this is a great spot for New York as they catch Tom Brady and the Buccaneers right before a huge Sunday night game against Drew Brees and the Saints. Not only is that a divisional game for TB, it is also a revenge game as the Bucs lost their season opener at New Orleans this year. Based on records entering this weekend's action, other than the Packers, none of the 6 wins the Buccaneers had were against teams with a winning record. Now they face a Giants team with a poor record too but that's not my point. The point I am making is that be careful giving too much credit to TB based on their early season schedule and, keep in mind, of the 3 tougher teams they placed they won only 1 of those games. They beat GB and lost to NO and the Bears. In Monday's match-up the Giants are going to be tough to put away. They are a respectable defense that has allowed 26 points or less in 5 of 7 games. In terms of putting points on the board, New York has been better in their last 3 games as they have averaged scoring 25 points per game. As good as the Bucs defense is, this is a Tampa Bay team that has allowed at least 20 points in 3 of their last 4 games. I see TB winning this game but I don't see the victory coming by a double digit margin and those numbers I just mentioned support my theory on this one. Additionally, the Giants are well-rested coming off a Thursday night game. They blew a late lead in that one while the Buccaneers were up by just a single score against Vegas last week before they pulled away in convincing fashion late. I like the fact too that QB Daniel Jones led New York to the comeback win (22-3 2nd half) in their win at Tampa Bay last season. The Bucs are better this season but the Giants again won't go away without a fight here and that gets them the cover in this one in my opinion. 10* NEW YORK GIANTS |
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11-02-20 | Leicester v. Leeds United OVER 2.5 | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 6 h 24 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach English Premier League Rotation #200121 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Leeds United vs Leicester City @ 3:00 PM ET - Each club has had 6 fixtures this season and they have seen those matches average 3.5 goals. Leeds United and Leicester City each averaging 2 goals per match and I would not at all be surprised to see a 2-2 draw (though both teams are gunning hard for the win) in this one as those scoring trends continue. Leicester's Jamie Vardy has 6 goals in his 5 league games! The striker helps lead the way for the attacking style that Leicester City likes to employ. Leeds has been a pleasant surprise early on after being promoted to the Premier League for this season and they've done it with some surprisingly high-scoring games. Leeds United has netted at least 3 goals in 3 of their 6 league games and has only been handed a clean sheet once! As for Leicester, across all competitions 6 of their last 9 games have seen totals of at least 3 goals. We are working with a total of 2.5 here and with the attacking style of Leicester City I like the odds of at least a 2-1 game here. Neither team will be content with just playing for a draw here and with each club likely to net at least 1 goal I see this getting to at least a 2-1 final. Leicester produced a clean sheet against Arsenal in their most recent league fixture but that was preceded by a stretch of 4 league games in which Leicester conceded an average of 2 goals per match. Leicester City will be on the attack throughout this one but concedes a couple along the way too in what should be a spirited match on the pitch at Elland Road. 10* OVER the total in Leeds United |
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11-01-20 | 49ers v. Seahawks OVER 53 | Top | 27-37 | Win | 100 | 8 h 24 m | Show |
NFC West Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #269 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers @ 4:25 ET - I am envisioning a shootout here. Yes I am aware of the most recent injury news (both good and bad) for each team. That said, the Niners Jimmy Garoppolo is set to have a huge day against the league's worst secondary in Seattle. As for the Seahawks Russell Wilson, he'll pick apart a Niners secondary that has been impacted by injuries. Yes, the 49ers had a great performance on defense last week but that is because they faced Patriots QB Cam Newton whom, in my opinion, likely spends more time looking at fashion choices and what he'll wear to the next game than actually preparing for opposing defenses. All kidding aside, Newton does indeed have a "few screws loose upstairs" in my opinion. That said, now the Niners face the best offense in the league and this one has all the right ingredients to be very high-scoring. The injury issues have actually helped us because it has kept this total from going higher (at least so far). The fact is I just don't see many stops here. The #1 offense gets it done at home but a surging Niners team with Jimmy G at the helm can also give the league's worst defense problems too. If you like seeing the skills of punters don't watch this game! I expect very few punts! The 49ers seem well past their 2-game slump against the Eagles and Dolphins. Keep in mind, prior to that they had averaged 29 points per game their 1st 3 games this season. They also enter this game averaging 28.5 points their last two games. As for the Seahawks, they are averaging 34 points per game on the season! They are also allowing 29 points per game! I know this is a big divisional showdown but it also sets up well to be a shootout! Beautiful weather in Seattle today too. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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11-01-20 | Arsenal v. Manchester United OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -140 | 16 h 49 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach English Premier League Rotation #200129 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester United vs Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - Manchester United appeared down and out after an embarrassing 6-1 defeat against Tottenham. However, they have regrouped and answered the bell as they have been a different club ever since. Manchester United has gone undefeated their last 4 games with 3 wins and 1 draw and I expect their strong play to continue here. One of the keys has been that they have assembled a lot of talent up front and are able to use these players in many variations of attacking styles. Of course that is keep opponents off balance and makes Manchester United very dangerous on the attack. Other than a hard-fought battle with Chelsea (a scoreless draw) they have averaged 3.7 goals per match in their 3 fixtures (including Champions League action) since the ugly loss to Tottenham. Looking at overall scoring in all their matches (in the Premier League and other action too), 8 of their last 9 have totaled at least 3 goals. This is why, even though we have to lay some juice here, this total of 2.5 goals is offering great value. Arsenal has only been held goal-less 3 times in their last 12 matches across all competitions. The odds favor Arsenal getting at least a goal here and yet the odds also favor Manchester United getting the win. As a result, I expect at least a 2-1 final and, with the momentum Manchester United now has, a 3-1 final is not out of the question. That is why, even if Arsenal would be delivered with a clean sheet in this one I could still see an over being the end result as Manchester United could push this total over all by themselves. All factors considered, including their current strong level of play, and this is a great value spot. 10* OVER the total in Manchester United |
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10-31-20 | Missouri +14 v. Florida | Top | 17-41 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
SEC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #193 Saturday 10* Top Play Missouri Tigers (+) @ Florida Gators @ 7:30 ET - This is a great spot to back a big dog. The Tigers have played a very tough schedule so they are a battle-tested already and building momentum as they are off back to back wins. I also like the fact that Missouri proved they could win no matter the style of play. They beat LSU 45-41 in a high-scoring thriller and then beat Kentucky 20-10 in a low-scoring grinder. I really like the Tigers defense this season. Major improvements on that side of the ball in terms of personnel and coaching and it has paid off. The bigger point totals that Missouri allowed in the first 3 games are actually a bit deceiving. Note that the Tigers have allowed only 365 yards per game. That said, the bigger point totals allowed in the first 3 games certainly had some other variables and are merely helping to give us line value here. I also like the fact that the Gators will be playing their first game in 3 weeks (covid issues) and there could be some rust and lingering issues as a result. After Missouri got back to back wins in this series, Florida exacted double revenge last year but the first downs were only 18-15 in that 23-6 final. Another case where we're getting some extra line value baked into this line. I look for Missouri to be in this game all the way. The Gators lost to A & M in their most recent game and their only other two games this season saw both decided by 16 or less points. The point is that even if factors were normal for this game I could see the Tigers hanging within this 14 point spread all game long but, with extenuating factors, I feel this tough Mizzou defense could keep this team within 7 all game long and the Tigers just might even be in line for a huge upset win late in this one. Grab the big points. This year it is Missouri with revenge on their minds and they have a bye week on deck while Florida has huge game with Georgia on deck! 10* MISSOURI |