Rating: 4 Unit SEC Championship Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Mismatch of the Day

Off 24- and 28-point losses to Wright State and Buffalo, teams that contended for Mid-Major conference championships last season, Miami-OH doesn’t appear to be in a good spot on the road against the Missouri Valley’s back-to-back post-season tournament winner. Bradley had a 10-day break end on Thursday night with a cushy, 23-point win here vs. Jackson State in which everybody got to play, a nice tune-up for this, in which a better effort is needed before they go to Missouri on Tuesday for a class test.

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Mismatch of the Day

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

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

Seton Hall transfer Anthony Nelson, a 6’4” junior guard and New York, NY-er, stepped into the MAAC with 19 and 23 points for Manhattan in his first two games last week, which were also the team’s first two games. Marist has somebody top 20 points for them about once every three weeks. Actually, it hasn’t happened yet in four games this season.

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

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

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

“Iowa State searches for answers after a sloppy start to Big 12 play,” said Wednesday morning’s headline. Normally, you look in the last place you left something. Instead, the skidding Cyclones are forced to travel all the way to Morgantown, WV to face a 6-1, #8-ranked opponent after losing the rivalry game 105-77 to Iowa, following up with a 75-65 home loss to fellow flounderer Kansas State – who shot only 17.4% from three-point range but never trailed after the 10:00 mark of the first half. Keep searchin’ fellas. Jackson State and Chicago State await, in your place, after this. Ya’ might find some some answers then and there. Here and now, rebounding and shooting issues are magnified in this match-up.

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

Georgetown transfer Mac McClung is leading Texas Tech in scoring at 14.1 ppg and his longer-than-average range helps the Red Raiders’ offense space the floor for dribble penetration by #2 and #2 scorers Terrence Shannon and Kyler Edwards. VCU transfer Marcos Santos-Silva, at 6’7”, needs to prove he can finish as strongly at the rim in the Big 12 as he did in the A-10. But Kansas lacks rim protection this season. So, in this match-up, Santos-Silva may very well get it done. Gonzaga and Creighton both exposed some interior defense weaknesses that Kansas will either live with, or improve upon. But the personnel isn’t really there to improve upon it

CBB Play of the Day

Butler is in a bad spot. They’ve played only one game, on November 25. They were life and death to get past Western Michigan at home, scoring only 66 points. WMU hasn’t beaten a Division I team in three tries since, averaging 61 ppg. Butler was/is replacing 90% of its three-point production from last season and their 5-for-20 performance on threes in the lone game makes it seem like they won’t be getting 50% of it back. Jay Wright and the Wildcats, highly ranked, will fiddle a sad tune for the Bulldogs while maintaining that ranking.

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Mismatch of the Day

The Shockers of Wichita played nice defense in the 3-point home loss to Oklahoma State, covering by 1 as a home dog. But they still have yet to shoot better than 37.5% overall for a game. That’s not a good sign as they head out on the road to face a good conference foe that plays good defense with the added benefit of knowing them pretty well. Senior guards Brandon Rachal and Elijah Joiner should be chomping at the bit to get after the Shockers, who ended Tulsa’s 2019-20 by beating them by 22 points in Wichita.

Rating: 5 Unit ACC Game of the Month

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

Rating: 4 Unit  CBB Game of the Week

ETSU is down 20 points from last season’s per game scoring average of 76. Their Assist/Turnover Ratio is 8.7 to 19.3. This is not good. But this is what happens when the head coach of a 30-4 team times his move for greener pastures off a season like that, takes assistants with him, and his move is followed by transfers, graduations, and the new coach must mold freshmen and transfers in an immediate rebuild. UAB’s Andy Kennedy – not one of our favorite coaches but he managed to snag an experienced scoring guard from Georgia Southern (Quan Jackson), another experienced scoring guard from UL-Monroe (Michael Ertel) and a 7’, 260 center from Clemson. So far, nobody’s beaten them and nobody’s come close. It’ll all come crashing down, of course, but not just yet.

Rating: 3 Unit Conference Play of the Day

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

Rating: 3 Unit  CBB Mismatch of the Day

The Irish have been straddling spreads in losses against quality Big Ten opponents Michigan State and Ohio State. Kentucky hasn’t shown that they can score like those other two, with 64, 62, 62 points in three straight losses to Richmond, Kansas and Georgia Tech. Unfriendly road whistle against short-rotation visitor notwithstanding, because ya’ gotta get ’em while they’re down

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

The kid we told you about on Iowa – 6’10" Jack Nunge – wasted their time with 0-for-5 three-point shooting and only 3 rebounds, 0 blocks in 22 minutes vs. North Carolina. But the Hawkeyes still won the game by 13 points! Iowa State’s low rebounding numbers (only 30 per game) and low-percentage three-point shooting (29.1%) do not bode well for a match-up with the nation’s #3, which has too good an inside-outside game

Rating: 3 Unit CBB Play of the Day

The Montana coaching staff gets to split the guaranteed money generated from most of their games against power-conference opposition. It’s in DeCuir’s contract to schedule some of these games, and for the money to go among the coaches. It’s true. You could look it up. The message being, ‘If we schedule these games and show up, we make more money and the team gets a good scrimmage vs. better athletes.’ The score is not important. Showing up in SEC country averaging only 29.7 rebounds per game also bodes poorly.

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

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

Big-10 Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Game of the Week

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

NCAAF Play of the Day

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

CFB Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Mismatch of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Mountain West Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit ACC Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

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

Rating: 5 Unit CFB Game of the Month

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

Rating: 3 Unit CFB Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Blowout of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit CFB Upset of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Mismatch of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit CFB Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Mismatch of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

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

Rating: 3 Unit NFL Play of the Day

Quite a pair of killers in which the Texans open the season (Chiefs & Ravens). Looked great in their opening 80-yard drive of the season, & stayed with KC, stat wise (9-yard deficit). That wasn't the case when these 2 met last season, as the Ravens posted a 491-232 yard edge in that 41-7 wipeout. Thirteen straight regular season wins for the Ravens (longest active streak in league). Baltimore is in off another opening drive TD (had 8 last year), with Jackson posting 7th game with 3+ TD passes & no picks since last year

Rating: 4 Unit Mismatch of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAF Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

North Carolina may be the 14th seed in this season's ACC tournament, but no team may be no more dangerous than the streaking Tar Heels. North Carolina blasted Virginia Tech 78-56 with a dominant second half to win for the fourth time in five games after a seven-game losing streak, and now will play sixth-seeded Syracuse on Wednesday in the second round at the Greensboro (N.C.) Coliseum. Consider that Syracuse is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Oklahoma State authored the biggest in-season turnaround in the Big 12, recovering from an 0-8 start to win seven of its final 10 league games. The Cowboys will try to carry their momentum into the postseason when they enter the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 8 seed against ninth-seeded Iowa State in an evening first-round matchup in Kansas City, Mo. Consider that Iowa State is 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games as an underdog.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

The Irish have split a pair of one-point decisions with the Eagles this season - the road team winning both - but they could be facing a diminished Boston College team that was missing three of its top five scorers due to injuries for an 80-62 loss at Florida State on Saturday. Consider that Notre Dame is 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Rating: 4 Unit Tournament Play of the Day

Losing streaks of four, five and seven games have already made this a forgettable season in Chapel Hill, but North Carolina found a bit of an offensive groove toward the end of the regular season that contributed to a three-game winning streak prior to Saturday's 89-76 loss at Duke. One of North Carolina's several frustrating losses came at Virginia Tech on Jan. 22 as the Hokies' Tyrece Radford hit the game-winning shot with 0.4 seconds left in overtime. North Carolina's late three-game surge resulted in more wins than Virginia Tech has been able to manage since that date, however, as the Hokies fell for the 10th time in 12 outings following Saturday's 64-56 loss at Notre Dame. Consider that Virginia Tech is 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

Rating: 3 Units

Northeastern is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games as an underdog. Hofstra is 24-6-1 ATS in their last 31 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 49-22 ATS in their last 71 games overall, and 37-17 ATS in their last 54 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Iowa State is 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog. Consider that the favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

Rating: 3 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

Following a 70-66 victory over USC on Feb. 20, the Buffs have dropped a home decision to UCLA (70-63) and were swept on last weekend’s road trip at California (76-62) and Stanford (72-64). That’s bumped Colorado down into a four-way, third-place Pac-12 tie with USC, Arizona and Arizona State - all at 10-7. Utah is 11-2 at home this season, including 6-2 in Pac-12 play, while Colorado is 4-6 in true road games, including 3-5 in conference contests.

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

The Tigers sit in a three-way tie for second place with Auburn and Florida in the league standings, but they committed 35 fouls that led to 54 Arkansas free throws in Wednesday’s 99-90 road loss - LSU’s sixth defeat in its last nine games following a 17-4 start. Consider that Georgia is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.

Rating: 3 Unit Big-10 Play of the Day

No. 18 Iowa looks to stretch its home winning streak to 14 games when it faces Purdue today. The Hawkeyes beat Penn State 77-68 on Saturday to move into a tie for third place with two games remaining, and they hope to stay competitive in the seven-team battle for one of the four double byes in the Big Ten Tournament by avenging a 36-point loss to the Boilermakers on Feb. 5. Purdue ended a four-game losing streak after taking down Indiana 57-49 to complete the season sweep of its in-state rival. Consider that Iowa is 12-2-2 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

Michigan is 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS loss, 14-5 ATS in their last 19 Sunday games, and 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up loss. Ohio State is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

James Madison is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games overall, 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 6-22 ATS in their last 28 games as an underdog. Hofstra is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite, 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a ATS loss, and 46-22 ATS in their last 68 games overall.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Game of the Week

Iowa State is coming to Stillwater off a win, beating visiting TCU 65-59 on Tuesday night, and is seeking to put together its first win streak since early December. Forward Solomon Young and freshman guard Tre Jackson combined to score 38 of the Cyclones’ 65 points in Tuesday’s victory. However, the win was only the program’s third in 10 games since beating visiting Oklahoma State 89-82 on Jan. 21. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have won three of their last five. Consider that Oklahoma State is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall while the favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

RJ Nembhard more than held his own against one of the country's best guards in early January, going off for a career-high 31 points to offset a triple-double by Tyrese Haliburton in TCU's overtime home win over Iowa State. The sophomore will attempt to put together a similar performance nearly two months later against the Cyclones without Haliburton when the Horned Frogs visit Ames

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

It was the third game for the Tigers without standout freshman Isaac Okoro (hamstring) and the 6-6 forward is still questionable for the rematch with the Rebels after Auburn squeezed out an 83-82 victory in double overtime on Jan. 28 in Oxford, Miss. Ole Miss senior Breein Tyree leads the SEC in scoring (20.6) and is averaging just under 30 points the last six games as the Rebels won the first three during that stretch.

Rating: 3 Units NCAAB Play of the Day

New Mexico is 18-38 ATS in their last 56 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 22-48 ATS in their last 70 road games, 16-36 ATS in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 8-22 ATS in their last 30 games as a road underdog. Boise State is  4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following a ATS win.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Game of the Week

Hofstra is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win, 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games, 22-5-1 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 36-14-2 ATS in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Delaware is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win. In addition the road team is 18-8-2 ATS in the last 28 meetings.

Rating: 3 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

Two teams that appear to be on similar trajectories meet Wednesday as California visits Washington State, which has shown signs of improvement under first-year coach Kyle Smith. The same could be said about a Cal team that has already reached double-digits in wins after recording eight victories in each of the past two seasons. The Bears are winless in 10 games away from Haas Pavilion

Rating: 4 Unit Big-10 Game of the Week

Indiana looks to keep its fading NCAA Tournament hopes alive when it visits Minnesota on Wednesday. The Hoosiers have dropped five of their last six games, including an 89-65 setback to Michigan on Sunday, to fall into the bottom half of the the Big Ten standings. Consider Indiana has dropped its last three road games by an average margin of 12.8 points.

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

Ole Miss is led by its dynamic backcourt duo of senior Breein Tyree (19.9 points, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals) and junior Devonate Shuler (11.6, 3.4, 1.9). Those two combined to averaged 32.5 points in the Rebels' two victories over Missouri last season. The Tigers are led by their backcourt duo of Dru Smith (12.3 points, 4.0 assists) and Mark Smith (10.9 points), though the latter has sat out the last five games with a back injury and is questionable today. Ole Miss has dominated this series in recent seasons, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings between the two schools. In addition, the visitor is 6-2-2 the L10 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

Texas is 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games overall, 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games following a ATS loss, and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Saturday games. Iowa State is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Game of the Week

Indiana State is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games. Bradley is 21-6 ATS in their last 27 Wednesday games, 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss, and 34-16-2 ATS in their last 52 home games. In addition the home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Air Force is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games, 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall, and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Boise State is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400, and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS win. In addition, the home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Baylor is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win, 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 36-17-1 ATS in their last 54 road games. Texas is 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games following a ATS loss, 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games. In addition the road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit Big 10 Game of the Week

Nebraska is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games and 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home. Iowa is 9-1-2 ATS in their last 12 home games, 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss, and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. In addition, the home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 3 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

California 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games following three or more consecutive home games, 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and  0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games. Colorado is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall, 18-7 ATS in their last 25 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 38-18-2 ATS in their last 58 home games.  In addition, the favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit Big East Game of the Week

Georgetown is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 1-8 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog. St. Johns is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home, 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall, and 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. In addition, the favorite is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings while the home team is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Second-ranked Gonzaga aims to register its 15th consecutive victory when it visits San Francisco today in West Coast Conference play. The Bulldogs have won a record 35 straight WCC regular-season games after notching an 87-72 road win over Santa Clara on Thursday night.  Gonzaga has won the past 16 meetings. The Dons are 11-3 at home with the losses coming against Arizona State, Harvard (in overtime) and Saint Mary's.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Game of the Week

Appalachian State is 6-14 ATS in their last 20 Thursday games, 10-27 ATS in their last 37 games following a ATS win, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Arkansas State is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win, and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Rating: 3 Units

Baylor is Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win, 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite, and 36-16-2 ATS in their last 54 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Iowa State is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win, and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

A step away from conference play could be good for Kansas State, which is off to a rough start in the Big 12 and is coming off an ugly finish to a loss at rival Kansas. The Wildcats won't have forwards James Love or Antonio Gordon available when they visit Alabama as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge due to suspensions handed down following a brawl that spilled into the stands at the conclusion of Tuesday's contest. The Crimson Tide come in hot with wins in three straight - all by double figures - and are coming home after pounding Vanderbilt 77-62 on the road last weekend.

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAB Play of the Day

Rutgers looks to extend its home winning streak to 13 games when it faces Minnesota in Big Ten play today. The Scarlet Knights have won seven of their last eight games overall, including a 59-50 victory over Indiana on Wednesday, and hope to take another step toward their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1991 by knocking off the Golden Gophers for the third time in their last four meetings. The Golden Gophers have won six of their last eight games following a 4-5 start to the season to climb over .500 in conference play and they hope to stay in the thick of the Big Ten race by registering their first road win, after dropping five away games to open the 2019-20 campaign.

Rating: 4 Unit Play of the Day

Colorado State is off an amazing shooting performance in its Thursday win over New Mexico. The Rams were incredible from beyond the arc in the rout over the Lobos. They knocked down a remarkable 19/28 on those treys. This sets up a bounce situation as teams off abberational performances generally regress to their norm pretty quickly. I expect CSU to cool off today. Air Force is proving to be deadly from long range themselves, especially at home.

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Mismatch of the Month

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

Rating: 3 Unit Bowl Game of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

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

Rating: 3 Unit Bowl Game of the Day

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

Rating: 5 Unit Bowl Game of the Year

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

Rating: 4 Unit Bowl Game of the Month

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

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

The Denver Nuggets own the longest active winning streak in the NBA and they look to extend it to eight when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on the Christmas night stage. Denver routed the Los Angeles Lakers 128-104 on Sunday but needed a game-winning shot from point guard Jamal Murray to escape with a 113-111 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Rating: 3 Unit Championship Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit Championship Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Units NCAAF Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit SEC Play of the Day

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

Rating:  3 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

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

Rating: 4 Unit ACC Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit Conference Game of the Week

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

Rating: 4 Unit NCAAF Game of the Week

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

Rating: 3 Unit Big-10 Play of the Day

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