Taking PURDUE here. Michigan off a pair of huge wins. One OT, the other a last second heave. Where to go now? Just down. I think they played themselves in off the bubble. Purdue was on another level in their route as we cashed them as a 8* Sure Shot yesterday. Boilermakers a very good team, with a fresh revenge edge from a loss on 2/16 to Wolverines. 10* Money Bomb PURDUE BOILERMAKERS 

Taking  TULSA here. Love me some Golden Hurricane. One thing I love early in the CBB season, and tournament time, is good guard play, and seniors. This team has plenty of both. The back-court helped lead the nation in forcing the most TOs in the land. Memphis beat us by 10 back on 2/28. I think our defense leads us in a nice revenge win here in convincing fashion. 10* Money Bomb TULSA GOLDEN HURRICANE

8* Sure Shot PURDUE

Taking DAYTON here. These guys played a 85-84 nail-biter back on the 1st. Both teams shot crazy, 52% Richmond, 58% Dayton. I don't expect to see those numbers here. Fact is, Flyers were runners up for last years A-10 title. They were tied for conference best 14-4 record. They are clearly the better team. I think they are very focused coming into this tournament. At best, Spiders are a .500, up and down club. They have some nice wins on the year (Northern Iowa, Cal). That being said, Dayton has some unfinished business to take care of. 5* Best Bet DAYTON FLYERS 

FIU gets the call here. So, UTEP (6) FIU (11) and it is basically a pk? 13 win for Florida International. 18 for the Miners. Just for a small comparison in conference, (8) Western Kentucky is giving (9) North Texas 7.5 and (7) Charlotte is giving (10) Rice 6. And we have the highest of 6 seeds giving a point and half. Sign me up on FIU. 8* Sure Shot FIU GOLDEN PANTHERS

5* Best Bet TOLEDO 

10* Money Bomb IUPU FORT WAYNE MASTADONS

Taking NORTHEASTERN here. Grabbing the 6 seed here in a PK vs 3 Towson. These guys lost their last two games by a combined 3 points. Last time these two hooked up, it was ugly. 47-44 Huskies grabbed the W. If we bring that defense again, the young Tigers will look pretty bad. 10* Money Bomb NORTHEASTERN 

8* Sure Shot INDIANA STATE 

5* Best Bet UNC ASHEVILLE 

5* Best Bet TEXAS LONGHORNS 

10* Money Bomb NORTH CAROLINA

Taking NC here. Will lay it in a nearly year to date revenge 12 pt loss last year. Pitt in off a last second loss to Miami. There 2-3 on the road. That is right. In mid-February, Pitt has played 5 roads and lost 3 of their last 4 here in ACC play. Heels off a lazy effort vs BC and will put it together here in a blowout. 5* Best Bet NORTH CAROLINA 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE here. A pair of teams off opposite ranked games. Hoosiers upended Iowa, Sparty lost to the Boilermakers. Look for Izzo's bunch to bring it at home with Michigan State staring up at Indiana in Big 10 standings. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN STATE

5* Best Bet SMU

10* Money Bomb BUTLER

5* Best Bet CAL BEARS

10* Money Bomb WILLIAM & MARY

8* Sure Shot TULSA

5* Best Bet MARQUETTE

Taking CENTRAL MICHIGAN here. EMU blasted these guys back in January 99-80. The line is about to flip flop.  Chips outright. 10* Money Bomb CENTRAL MICHIGAN 

Taking KANSAS here. A little payback is in order here. We cashed with West Va back in January when these guys clashed. We will be on the Jayhawks to settle the score here. Bill Self and his boys rarely lose at home. They do have Oklahoma up next, but they won't be looking past a team that has already beaten them this year. West Va comes in off a big win over Baylor which was after upending another ranked team, Iowa State. Very tough to snuff out 3 ranked foes in a row. Especially one as dominate at home as Kansas. 5* Best Bet KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Going OVER the total in Super Bowl 50. I know we have some good defenses at play here. But This is the final game of the year. Do we really think that either team will sit on a lead? Who wants to be the HC being asked, Coach, you were up 24-6, why did you try to run out the clock the entire 2nd half. Losing 33-30 on a last second FG has to kill you. Point is. There will be no milking or grinding out clock. Panthers have a power run game. They put points on the board. Their OL is better than NE. They can keep the rush off Cam. And if needed, Cam can run. Manning is old. I had NE last week. They couldn't make the plays to win. But Manning still can play. He isn't a dummy back there. He has some WR weapons at his disposal. We will see points. The winning team will be scoring in the 30s tonight. 10* Total Money MONEY BOMB  - OVER 

Taking the PANTHERS here. Going to try to keep this short. I know this is it for Manning. And he and he and the Broncos were run right out of the Meadowlands in their last Super Bowl. For me, Carolina has the OL to hold up against the Broncos pass rush. Cam has the legs to get away from their pass rush. I will tell you this. I don't know how they do it. Last 2 years I thought the Panthers would struggle offensively. All they do is win. Their defense is a bend, don't break unit. I don't care they give up leads. They are in the proverbial 'prevent' you from covering defense. Broncos 2-5 in Super Bowls. Panthers 0-1. Their HC won one as a player with the Bears back in 85. And lost as their DC to Manning and the Colts in 2006. At this point in his career, Manning is not better than Cam. Even with the better WRs. Somehow, someway, Carolina continues to roll up points. Arizona and Seattle don't have bottom feeder defenses. This OL is better NE and Denver won't be getting to Cam like they did Brady. I really don't like how this line keeps climbing and climbing though. I think Carolina wins it in the 37-27 range. 5* Best Bet CAROLINA PANTHERS 

10* Money Bomb NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

5* Best Bet VANDERBILT

5* Best Bet TULSA

10* Money Bomb CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

10* Money Bomb LOUISVILLE

10* Money Bomb ILLINOIS STATE

Laying the points with WEST VIRGINIA here. Big home game here for West Va as they hit the road for 2 against Florida and Iowa State. Not exactly 2 cream puffs. They edged KState on the road in OT a couple weeks ago. I expect a 15-20pt win here at home. Wildcats a poor shooting bunch on the road (28% from 3). I don't expect to see them shoot 57.7% from the floor like their last game. 'Neers will be focused after coming back on the road for a win. Again, with a couple tough ones on deck, they need a big home, make you feel better about yourself win here. 10* Money Bomb WEST VIRGINIA 

Taking MIAMI here. Duke in a rare underdog role for sure. You may think they have a little hop in their step after their road win at NCST. Don't be fooled. This team lacks depth, and is not very good right now. 1 game doesn't take away from 3 straight losses. Last year, the Hurricanes went into Cameron Indoor and pasted the Blue Devils 90-74. I don't think there is a revenge factor here. In fact, I think Miami is still the program with something to prove. Duke has beaten the lesser ACC teams while losing to the better programs, of which Miami is. Hurricanes 8-2-2 ATS last 12 in the series. 10* Money Bomb MIAMI HURRICANES 

Taking CAROLINA here. Panthers have now won 21 of 23 games! 15-1 in the regular season. I do recall the Patriots laying 20 something at home to Eagles during their 16-0 run. Many times double digits. The disrespect continues for Carolina. -3 at home? Didn't they beat this team last when they were 7-9? Granted, Carson Palmer is an upgrade of Ryan Lindley. But the fact is that Palmer has 1 playoff win in 13 years! He nearly gave it away last week with some passes that should have been picked off. And what about this Arizona defense? 4th and 20 from your own 20 and give up a bomb? A hail mary to tie it over your best DB? I'll repeat this. 15-1 regular season. 21-2 last 23. 0 respect for a very good defense. I don't want to dwell on them giving up a quick 14 points after being up 31-0. You are up 31-0 you are bleeding the clock to hurry up a win. Fact is, they beat Seattle soundly both times this year. 5* Best Bet CAROLINA PANTHERS 

Taking the PATRIOTS here. Uh. I will be the first to admit, not a fan of laying a FG on the road. I am writing this on Sunday night. I really wasn't impressed with Denver, and I cashed with them -6.5. Manning at QB, with exception of a pass or two, can't get it down field without some wind at his back. WRs dropping throws. The Broncos defense looked OK. I know they only gave up 16 points. But to a banged up Big Ben without the leagues best WR and nary a run game to be found. I had Denver way back in November beating NE in OT. So I have no doubt that Brady and friends will be looking for revenge. I also know that I had Denver beating the Pats in the Championship here in 2014. It basically comes down to this for me. 1.. The coaches. I will grab the NE sideline nearly all the time in this match-up. 2... Revenge from earlier this year, and to a lesser degree, the previous Championship game.  3... Brady. Clearly right now, head and shoulders above Manning. -- Pats seem to be getting healthy, as I stated in my last write up about them.  - We know Patriots won't be running much. For me. This is Brady, with more options then their loss up here, at this disposal. Brady has had Manning numbers when they were both on the top of their games. One of the two has clearly lost a couple steps. 10* Money Bomb NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking KANSAS here. A pair of teams with last game results that are in opposite directions. Texas in off a huge road win over then a top 10 team in West Virginia. Jayhawks ambushed as 9pt road faves at Oklahoma State. Having dropped 2 of 3, Kansas is in a breakout spot at home here against the Longhorns. Texas not good from the charity stripe. They already scored a nice road win. Getting a split here is a win for Shaka Smart's team. Kansas 11-1 L12 at home vs Texas. 5* Best Bet KANSAS JAYHAWKS 

Taking OLD DOMINION here. Will lay the points vs a weary, and poor road team in Western Kentucky. This isn't football! Hilltoppers not that good. Old Dom in off a pair of home losses already. But those were to a pair of teams that are 27-8 and 9-1 combined (UAB, MidTenSt). This is a step down, and quite frankly, exactly what the Monarchs need. They had won 32 straight at home before these losses. This is a talented team that was picked for the top of the conference. I think they come out angry and never look back. 5* Best Bet OLD DOMINION 

Taking the PANTHERS here. Oh my goodness. When oh when will this team get any respect. I thought Minny would knock off Seattle last week. And they probably should have. Coulda Woulda Shoulda. Enter Seattle. Again. Not impressed with this team. It was crazy, bitter cold last week. I had the Under as a Free Video Pick. Will most likely be a bit warmer here. Again. As I said last week about Seattle. Who were they beating when Wilson was having video game numbers. Yes, they rolled a Vikes team on the road with a depleted defense. Facing them again. Not so easy. Maybe Lynch plays. Maybe he doesn't. I think he suits up for sure. I don't think it will matter. This Carolina defense, with rest. Forget about it. Cam is unbelievable. I have knocked him for years. But all the guy does is win. And win with less around him. He does have a pretty good TE in Olsen though. And TEs have been problems for the Seahawks. As much as we hear about the Seattle defense, and the Legion of Doom, sign me up for the Panthers here. 5* Best Bet CAROLINA PANTHERS 

Taking ARIZONA here. Had the Cardinals when they won 38-8 and will lay it again here. I had the Redskins last week. Not exactly how I envisioned things. Surely didn't envision the Packers OL getting away with so much against the DL that is for sure. But let's be perfectly clear here. This league is about QBs. And Rodgers was better than Cousins. And Rodgers was facing a defense that is nowhere near what he faces here in the desert. We know how he does out here. We saw a couple weeks ago. What has changed? They beat the Redskins? I am taking the rested home team here. A team that flat-out destroyed this group recently. The Arizona defense is a menace to all QBs. The GB defense is not up to the task here. 8* Sure Shot ARIZONA CARDINALS 

Taking the PATRIOTS here. Part of me doesn't like this line, but my thinking is simple. There is no way I am laying against Tom Brady losing 3 straight. Especially off a bye week. It isn't as if we have to cover double digits. We don't even need to cover a TD.  If Edelman plays for NE, it is a plus. Even not being 100% still opens things up as he has to be respected if hobbled. Again, I think this is about Brady hitting Gronk. In Miami, we saw a steady diet of run plays by the Pats. Obviously working in new RB Steven Jackson. Belichick worked him 7 times vs the Jets, and 14 against Miami. I am sure he will see 20 here against the KC. He isn't the 1000 yard pounder from his Rams days, but he is someone who is fresh, albeit at a ripe old age of 32 in mid January. Alex Smith is a nice QB for KC. He does however have 4 INTs in his last 3 games. He has some help in a very good TE in Kelce. But it does look like WR Maclin will not be full throttle with a high ankle sprain. I know KC is red hot. By some freak mistake, I thought the Texans defense who stymie these guys. I should know better then back a team led by an ex-Browns QB. You get a big fat shut-out and TOs galore when you do that. I think this line represents that win, plus the overall win streak of KC. I said in my write up last week that the Chiefs were beating bad teams. I thought Houston was not bad. My mistake. This is a big step up facing Brady on the road. I clearly remember cashing KC destroying NE 41-14 on MNF last year. And clearly remember NE going 13-2 and winning a Super Bowl. So, we have a bit of revenge from that game which is an added bonus. 10* Money Bomb NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking PORTLAND here. Heading out to the WCC and the Pilots here. These guys are in off a 3 game road losing streak. with their last being an 11 point set-back vs Gonzaga. But being home should give us the push to get us a 10pt here. These guys can score. They put 87 in both home wins over WCC teams Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine. The Toreros of San Diego not as offensively inclined averaging a mere 60ppg. 10* Money Bomb PORTLAND PILOTS

Taking NORTHERN IOWA here. Have to grab these guys here. Looks a little too easy for my liking so that is why we aren't going Top 10. Indiana State is a poor shooting team (40%). NIU at 48% --We are 39 from behind the stripe, they are nearly 32. We don't have a huge game up next. I'll bite. 5* Best Bet NORTHERN IOWA 

8* Sure Shot  NEBRASKA

Taking ALABAMA here. The Nick-tator arrives back for a shot at another NC. And, I think he gets it done tonight. If you listen to my podcast, I am going to be repeating myself here. Clemson has the disrespect card, and will be showing it at the door. #1 team getting nearly a TD. On the heels of getting points from the Sooners. I get they are angry with something to prove. But looking at this team, I don't think they have enough to get it done. Look at this ACC and who they beat? Are you impressed? I'm not. I get you can only play who is in front of you. I understand completely. I say that all the time. But, when you struggle in some games, and see those teams losing, well, I think you are in for a rude awaking here. Alabama gets the benefit of extra practices. I don't know the HC, but I am pretty damn sure that he loves extra prep time for a Title Game. They saw how it helped Ohio State last year. Well, it is there turn now. I know that Bama has historically had trouble with the running, duel-threat QB. But I have seen them shut done runners this year. Maybe it is the play-calling. Maybe it is faster, smarter players. Whatever the case may be. The Clemson edge that everyone thinks they have, is muted at best. Bama going for Championship 4 in 7 years. Tigers, might be arriving here a year ahead of schedule. Tide playing much different since their lone loss. Coker is a solid QB. He has a beast RB in Henry. I said in taking them last week that OC Kiffen will open things up. I am betting he does it again. Roll Tide. 5* Best Bet ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE 

Taking the REDSKINS here. The Packers actually opened at +3 according to early reports on my twitter feed. I wasn't going to bite at that number, I waited for it to come down a bit. I won't be shocked if this gets to PK or +1 for Washington. Fact is. Everyone is going to say Aaron Rodgers vs Kirk Cousins? Give me a break, oh and points to boot. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Has anyone watched this up and down GB team the last few weeks? Obviously this isn't a vintage Packers team. They lost to every division team at home. With a chance to wrap up a home game, they lose at home. Now, people say, oh, they did this on purpose. Are you kidding me? You take home playoff games. Because, I will tell you this. Fed Ex field is going to be electric. What a pumped group of guys here for the Redskins. The joke of the NFC East. The team that pretty much every 'expert' thought would be in last place, rebuilding. Well lookie here. The Redskins are actually playing better than GB coming into today. They are also the better rested club. Any time off is a good thing, and GB was playing a full 60 in Sunday nights loss. Few people  realize that this Redskins team is pretty solid. But we are the few who do $ 8* Sure Shot WASHINGTON REDSKINS 

Taking the VIKINGS here. I see this line, and I immediately think we should be on Seattle. I mean really. Laying this on the road? I get they came here a month ago and wallop Minny. But the Vikings are still NFC North Champs. They still have the best RB in the league. Who, rushed for 18 yards on 8 carries in that game. The defense, well, I think the Vikings have the better defense here. Zim is a great defensive coach and I think he is ready here in the rematch. Can't discount the Minny 13-3 ATS run either especially catching points. Vikings with only 2 losses of more than 3 points last 15 games. This is all about redeeming themselves, at home, and getting a nice number. Game should be a lot closer than the last one. 5* Best Bet MINNESOTA VIKINGS 

Taking the BENGALS here. Pretty simple here for me. I think Cincy in the better team. I thought these guys have Super Bowl talent the last 2 years. What would this line be if the Red Rocket was playing? It would be at least a 6 point swing. Fact is, as great as Big Ben to Brown is, that is all Pittsburgh is right now. The run game is in shambles. Bengals with a pretty diverse attack. If they let AJ off the reigns a little bit, I think this really turns into an easy win for Cincy here. They have a couple of guys in Atkins and Dunlap who really get after the QB. I know Big Ben is big, but he isn't mobile. These 2 have split so far this year, but the AFC North belongs to the Bengals as they win here going away. 5* Best Bet CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking the TEXANS here. What a great match-up here. A pair of ultra hot teams. KC, winners of 10 straight after starting out 1-5. That lone win, opening day vs these same Texans. Who, started out 2-5 and won 7 of their last 9 to win the South. A lot has changed since September. The least being both teams playing well. I like KC, I do. But man. The Texans are getting to play the old disrespect card here at home. 10 in a row is great. But was their a playoff team in there over the coarse of the last month or so? We need to head back to them coming out of their bye week to face Denver to see a team still playing or with a winning record. And even with 5 INTs (4 of Manning) they didn't put many points on the board (5 FGs). In fact, Alex Smith threw for 204 yards, 80 coming on TD pass. They also barely eclipsed 100 yards rushing. Point being here, the Texans defense is playing some monster defense. Much like the Broncos were doing most of the season. And that is the big difference maker here especially with a force like JJ roaming on that side of the ball. I am not sure if you line up 10 casual NFL fans in a room if 8 of them know who the Texans HC is. But Bill O'Brian has done a great job with 4 QBs this season! I had to hit Wikipedia to show me that the last Chiefs Play-Off was 1994 with Joe Montana and Marcus Allen beating the Warren Moon led Houston Oilers. I do have a vivid memory of them blowing a 38-10 lead to the Colts and losing 45-44. That is some Andy Reid football right there. Being a favorite is different. And this being a home dog in NFL playoff action, well count me in. 10* Money Bomb HOUSTON TEXANS 

Taking IOWA STATE here. Cyclones are 30-1 SU last 31 at home. Do you know who they lost to? Baylor. Last year. 79-70. Bears swept ISU last year, and it's time for some revenge. Iowa State doesn't put the other team on the line. They have a PG who rarely turns the ball over. And solid front court scoring. Let's get it done in Ames today. 5* Best Bet IOWA STATE 

Taking UAB here. 2nd road game in 3 days for UTEP. They are 2-9 ATS last 11 on the road. UAB playing very well right now. As a 20pt fave Thursday over San Antonio, they could have mailed it in with this game on deck. Instead, they won by 22. Clearly focused right now. I played on the Miners getting points Thursday and they did cover for us. But I think the Blazers handle things by 15-20 here. 10* Money Bomb UAB BLAZERS 

10* Money Bomb TROY

Taking the VIKINGS here. A little payback from their home loss beat down at the hands of GB. This is tough though. We have Minny off a big win that everyone saw on Sunday night destroying the Giants. And we have GB in off a humiliating loss at Arizona. Winner takes the NFC North and gets a home playoff game. Easy to think Rodgers at home is the play. But the OL didn't look good last week. Minny HC Zimmer is a defensive guy, and will probably have something special in store here after being ambushed at home by the Pack. AP is again the best RB in the land leading the league in rushing. Bridgewater is playing mistake free ball. We'll grab the points and won't be shocked if we get an outright win tonight. 10* Money Bomb MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Taking the GIANTS here. Look. Chip is fired. The Eagles players probably relieved. Never took to the guy. But I think the motivation is for the Giants HC. The old man deserves better, especially the way the G-Men played last Sunday night. If he does hang it up, or let go, I expect a nice send off in his final home game. On the other side of the field. Well, remember when people though Chip was a racist for releasing guys? Maybe he was just a terrible NFL coach. At least the Titans can go get him now! As for the Eagles players, maybe they play good and say see, it was the coach. That is a BIG maybe. For the Giants, you know his players love him and will run through walls for him. 8* Sure Shot

Taking the FALCONS here. Well. It comes to this. Way back in August I did a quick video with Doug Upstone at the Westgate saying how I loved the Falcons as my Best Bet team to go over their win total. Well. We are half a game away. After a quick start, ATL faltered. But they can end their season with a tidy 3 game win streak and 9 wins. Enter the Saints and a horrible secondary. That plays right into our stretch with Ryan and Jones. We did cash these guys over the undefeated Panthers as a Top 10. And a let might could be in order. But I don't think their new HC is going to have them flat here. For NO, Brees is a bit banged up. Who knows how long he plays. There are also rumors about their HC. Saints going through the motions. While a first year HC is looking to build something. 5* Best Bet ATLANTA FALCONS 

NO PLAY --

BOYKIN OUT 

Taking MISSISSIPPI here. Going for the 10* Mississippi SWEEP here as we cashed State the other night. Ole Miss was run out of the building last year by TCU 42-3 and will be looking to get back on track as they had won and covered 6 straight bowls before that debacle. Now they can take out some Big 12 revenge on the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. Cowboys looked like they were the real deal at 10-0 before dropping a pair to Baylor and Oklahoma. Talent wise, Ole Miss is as good or better than nearly every one in the country which can attest to their win over Alabama. But they do pull some lack luster games. Losses at Memphis and Florida and a crazy loss at home to Arkansas. I think Hugh Freeze has the Rebs primed here. I think that loss LY will motivate here and a 10 win season is important. 10* Money Bomb OLE MISS

Taking IOWA here. Will gladly take the points with this rugged bunch. Under the radar all year. Only loss to MSU in Big 10 Championship Game. A game they probably should have won. These guys really haven't gotten any respect this year. And it continues here. Iowa forces TOs (+12), they have a steady QB in Beathard. Stanford though, they have feel a bit slighted here. Yes, they are in the Rose Bowl for the 3rd time in 4 years, which was PAC 12 royalty before the BCS and Playoffs began. But that could be a let-down for them. Iowa here for the first time in 25 years. Will grab the points here. 8* Sure Shot IOWA HAWKEYES 

Taking OHIO STATE here. I know that after dropping the Big 10 Championship OSU looked like a lost cause with guys talking about going pro, and getting touches and other prima donna antics. But I have faith in Urban Meyer. The guy gets results 9-2 in bowls including 7 wins by double digits. Now we have to win by just a TD. ND is a great story. I wrote them off after the first wave of their injuries. But with 2 heart breaking losses as their only blemishes, this team needs to be respected. We know the OSU staff won't let these guys over look anyone, especially a team like the Irish. ND took it to LSU last year in a bowl game. And even though OSU isn't in the Bowl Playoff, but the Fiesta is a nice landing spot. I can't see the OSU stars not showing up in their college finale's. The questions about being limited in their final 2 games, losses even, will get in their heads and more importantly their wallets. I look for a crisp offensive day and the OSU defense to keep ND in check. 5* Best Bet OHIO STATE 

Taking ALABAMA here. Saban has lost his last 2 bowl games. I think that losing streak ends tonight. Look. I like Sparty. I am a Sparty backer often. But not in this spot. Really. MSU should have lost to Michigan. Beat OSU in terrible weather. Pulled a miracle over Iowa. Luck of the Irish? I know you need some good luck along with good play, but how many rabbits are in this hat? I think Bama stuffs this rush attack and makes Cook beat them. Which, when you have NFL players littered across the defense is a tough task. Tide will ground and pound, but I won't be surprised one bit when Kiffen takes some big shots down field. 8* Sure Shot ALABAMA 

Taking OKLAHOMA here. Right off the bat you have to lean Sooners as they are laying to the #1 team in the land. Plus. I will be honest here. I was somehow hoping we would see OKLA as a dog or pick. I really didn't think odds-makers loved these guys like this. But it just adds to my thinking that Stoops does better when he starts under the radar. And this.. Did anyone catch the NC/Baylor game Tuesday night. I was watching some of that and that basically cements this selection. I put out NC as a Free Pick on my daily video. I said, I will follow the money here. Baylor down to basically 3rd stringers in key skill positions. With the way things went down in the ACC Championship, my thinking is, hey, we can win 12 games. That is something worth accomplishing. Well. Here I sit in the 3rd Q and NC battled back after being down 28-10 to get to 28-24. I get the 'disrespected' angle for Clemson. Oklahoma lost to these guys 40-6 last year! Both teams can say that doesn't matter. I mean, the QBs starting here didn't play last year. But there are guys on both sides of the ball. And I know one coach remembers taking a beating like that for sure. People mock the Big 12. But Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma. These guys can play with anyone. Final though. As I always say on my weekly podcast. 3.5 and 7.5.. Sign me up for the fave. Same as a 2.5 or 6.5 dog. How many times do we here the square at the water cooler saying, no way so and so doesn't win by a touchdown. Same thing here. Oh, I'm getting three AND a Half.. 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking MISSISSIPPI STATE here. Final game for Dak Prescott. I have liked this kid, and made a tidy profit backing him the last couple years. LY in bowl action we actually cashed Georgia Tech over these Bulldogs in what I thought would be a let-down game. But here in Charlotte, Belk Bowl action, we are all in MSU. I said on my podcast last week, this NC State is a joke. Yes, they 7 win team. But their first wins were against Troy, Old Dom, South Alabama and Eastern Kentucky. Not exactly a juggernaut of football teams. Heck, not even remotely challenging teams. Then to beat BC and Wake, both 3-9 overall, one with 1 win, the other with 0 in ACC play. How about win 7 over 4-8 Syracuse who was 2-6 in conference play? Maybe this line is too good to be true. Bulldogs lost by 2 to LSU. No shame in that. Lost on the road to A&M, when A&M was ranked in the Top 15 and a perfect 5-0. Losing to Alabama. Then to Ole Miss where they were down 21-0 in a 5 minute span thanks to a fumble and INT. I know NC State is basically the 'home' team here but they lost by a TD or more to every bowl team they faced this year. Secondary coach Tony Hughes for MSU in his final game before taking his first HC job in 30 years of coaching. A little added plus for the defense to shine for their coach. 10* Money Bomb MISSISSIPPI STATE 

Taking the RAMS here. Going ugly with St Louis for sure. But I have to think that Seattle will be content with a 7-10 pt win here. Winning by 2 touchdowns every week is hard. Yes, they have revenge from the week 1 loss. But this is a different team on both sides of the ball. Gurley the best back on the field with Lynch out. No Graham at TE for Seattle. Baldwin has been putting up good numbers. But with a play-off spot clinched, and a sexier, Arizona team on deck, I will grab the points here. 8* Sure Shot STL RAMS 

Taking the FALCONS here. Panthers still undefeated and chasing history. This is how I see this. Falcons blown out by Carolina 38-0 just 2 weeks ago. They manage to hang on for a road win last week. Now Panthers in off a last second win over NYG. We all know how they played out. Huge lead. A WWF/ MMA fight breaks out between a WR and CB. I have a feeling about 3 things here. 1. If this game is close, we get a cover regardless. Falcons take an early lead, and Panthers rest some guys. Panthers get an early lead, get conservative, and Atlanta gets in through the back-door. 10* Money Bomb ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking TAMPA BAY here. Will lay it with an unlikely fave. We have extra rest which is always helpful. We have a slumping team coming in to play. A team that our HC use to helm and lost at last year. I am sure they will play extra hard here for their coach. Bears won't be able to slow RB Martin. Winston has taken nice steps. Cutler will likely do something great and something equally stupid. I always say on my podcast. When I see 3.5 and 7.5 they are begging you to grab the dog. And 2.5 and 6.5 they have you saying, no way so and so doesn't win by TD or field goal. 5* Best Bet TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 

Taking BOWLING GREEN here. Just think the offense will be too much to handle here. Nothing more to say.. Falcons will get their 40+. I don't see Georgia Southern getting to within 10. 5* Best Bet BOWLING GREEN 

Taking VCU here. Off 3 straight losses. But look at the competition. Cincy, Georgia Tech, Florida State. Clearly not playing push-overs. Buffalo off 2 straight home wins over Binghamton (2-8) and Montana State who gives up over 80ppg. Lost by 21 at Iowa, 23 at Duke. Lost by 19 at Old Dominion, who VCU beat by 9 here. A 22pt loser at St Joes. They have a pair of neutral court wins over NC A&T and Vermont. VCU needs a big win here and the Bulls are a perfectly wrapped Christmas gift for them to get at home. 5* Best Bet VCU 

Taking the STEELERS here. Part of me was pulling to take Denver here. Off a pour offensive game. Losing to the Raiders, their bitter rival, at home no less? Brock is looking like a game manager lately. And honestly, Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson don't inspire confidence needed to keep Big Ben and his prolific offense off the field. Steelers seem to score at will. Can never count this guys out. Pitt needs to win out for a play-off spot. I think they handle this Denver defense at home and put up a 10pt win for us. 5* Best Bet PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Taking the CHARGERS here. Lost with the Dolphins on Monday night. But the silver lining of that loser is that with Miami officially out of the playoffs, this cross country flight is looking like a great spot to pound San Diego. Phillip Rivers is a total gamer. He will never quit no matter the score or the record. This Miami team. Not sure they have half the heart. Chargers have been in some tough games. The law of averages says they are basically due for an easy win. What better spot to back them than with an uninterested team traveling 3000 miles on a short week? 10* Money Bomb SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Taking the COLTS here. We cashed big last week with the Jags as our Top 10* and off that pasting, we like Indy here. I have bashed the Colts all season long. But I like the coach. He gets this team ready and they win. 16-1 SU and 13-3-1 ATS last 17 in the division. And they gave up 51 to the Jaguars. On the heels of losing 45-10 to the Steelers. Look. Getting bashed by Pitt is one thing. Getting lit up by the young Jaguars. Let's be honest. Maybe they were looking past that game or just going through the motions. They know this division game is much more important. 5* Best Bet COLTS

Taking the BEARS here. Yes, I have lost this outfit the last 2 weeks. And it does hurt to come back to them a 3rd time. But. If we take out the 0-3 start to the season where Green Bay (8), Arizona (25) and Seattle (26) beat them soundly, these guys haven't lost by more than 6 points the rest of the way. I know Minny has the extra rest, and Bears in off their own last second misery. But this is a bit of a hefty price to pay. Bears HC Fox has a veteran QB who seems to flourish when not the favorite.  8* Sure Shot CHICAGO BEARS

Taking GEORGIA STATE here. First ever time bowling for the Panthers. Look. Panthers are 6-6. San Jose 5-7. Spartans have to travel over 4000 miles to play a game in front of 800 people. Where is the motivation? Georgia State a perfect 7-0 ATS down the stretch and have 4 in a row all by double digits. 8* Sure Shot GEORGIA STATE 

Taking APPALACHIAN STATE here. First ever FBS bowl for the Mountaineers. They sold out their tickets in less than 2 days. 9.5, 10.. Not really a fan of Appy. But at 7, 7.5, much better value. I think this is a 10pt win for us. Ohio has been bowling 6 of the last 7 years. Are they really pumped about this bowl game? The lowest payout of any bowl game. Appy has something to prove building their name since coming up to the FBS. 5* Best Bet APPALACHIAN STATE 

Taking NEW MEXICO here. Grabbing the points with the home dog here. Lobos play here in University Stadium. They are clearly the more excited bunch to be playing today. They will have some fans for sure to back them in their first bowl game under HC Bob Davies. Off of 4-3-4 win seasons, New Mexico pulled 3 big upsets. Beating Utah State as 20pt dogs and Boise as 31 point dogs in back to back weeks before upending Air Force as 11 point pups to finish 7-5. Where is the motivation for Arizona? They come limping in dropping 3 of 4 at 6-6. To play New Mexico. I am sure Rich Rod is excited with his 2-7 ATS bowl record. 10* Money Bomb NEW MEXICO LOBOS

Going OVER the total here. I am looking for some offense tonight in St Louis. Both teams have good RBs in Martin and Gurley. Bucs rookie Winston has some WRs at his disposal. I know Keenum and the Rams offense isn't a sexy bunch, but I see points on the board tonight. Both defenses are not bad and with the spotty QB play, we will be seeing a lot of the ground and pound. That being said, I think what gets us the into the mid 40s tonight is the defenses forcing turn-overs. Short week, one team dealt a tough loss that hurts their playoff chances, the other snapping a losing streak keeping their wild card hopes alive. I look for trick plays, TOs that lead to TDs, and an easy cover by the 3rd quarter. 8* Total Money OVER Bucs/Rams

Taking the JAGUARS here. Will grab Bortles and friends here. I see -115 to -125 on the ML. Lay it or the a point, point in a half. I think Jags win this one by 10. Colts were just abused by the Steelers on the road last week. Now another road game vs a young, hungry bunch. Still no Luck. Hasselbeck showing his age. Charlie Whitehurst on call. Jax has some nice young pieces. I know the Colts have won 16 in a row vs division foes. But this team, missing Luck, with a 'bigger' foe in Houston up next. I'm going with the hungry homies here. 10* Money Bomb JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Taking the BEARS here. Lost with these guys last week. In fact, lost with both teams. Skins let me down at home on MNF. So we have Washington on a short week, off a tough loss. While Chicago was abused all week by coaches after losing in OT to the terrible Niners. I like the Redskins at home. The road is a different beast. Bears can put up some points with their offense. Cousins on the road is not nearly effective as he is at home. 8* Sure Shot CHICAGO BEARS 

Taking the JETS here. Just think we have a better team here. Not trusting a rookie QB on the road, even getting a TD. New York will get pressure on Mariota. Jets HC Bowles has some experience facing QBs like this as Kap and Wilson were both faced twice year while he was with Arizona. I am sure he will have someone keeping tabs on the rook so he doesn't take off and burn him with 15 yard runs on 3rd and 8. Even off a big win over their state rivals, I can't see a let-down. Especially with a wild card in sight. 5* Best Bet NEW YORK JETS

Taking the BEARS here. Will lay the TD here at home with Chicago. These guys aren't playing bad football folks. Fox has them in the hunt for wild-card just a game back. Look. Bears offense hasn't looked great the last 2 weeks scoring 15 at home against a tough Denver defense, and 17 in a win at Green Bay. I am not feeling a let-down here as we have the extra rest of a Thursday night game. And let's be honest. Cutler, Forte, Jeffery is a heck of a lot better than whatever Niners QB Blaine Gabbert has at his disposal. 49ers 0-5 on the road this season having allowed 43,47,30,27 and 29 points. A much more winnable road game up next for them traveling to Cleveland. Bears by at least 10 here. 10* Money Bomb CHICAGO BEARS 

Taking the FALCONS here. Maybe I am a bit biased here. As I did a video with Doug Upton during the Super Contest Seminar back in August, I said these Falcons were my best bet to surpass their win total. After a fast start, I am still waiting here in December. That being said, Atlanta has dropped 4 in row, while TB has won 3 of 5. Looks like a pair of teams heading in different directions. But the Falcons should be with RB Freeman who is an automatic help to Matt Ryan in the backfield. Looking for some revenge here. 5* Best Bet ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE here. I get it. Nobody respects undefeated Iowa. I know, they win. And I will take solid over sexy all day long if it covers for me. But overall, I just don't like this Iowa team. Forget that they beat only 4 teams with winning records. I always say, you can only play who is in on the schedule. They took a good punch from Nebraska. They were totally outplayed, and still one. Same Nebraska team that pinned Sparty with their only loss. But this in a real experienced Michigan State team. 3rd time in 5 years in Big 10 Championship Game. And as their coach said. They are peaking at the right the time. The offense is clicking. The OL looks great, and Connor Cook looks pretty healthy behind it. 10* Money Bomb MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking BOWLING GREEN here. Yes, Northern Illinois is in MAC Championship for the 6th straight year. Last year, they pasted BG 51-17. That was with BG being led by a back-up QB. A little role reversal here. That is why we are laying double digits. NIU down to their #4 QB on the depth chart. Falcons score at will. NIU gracefully fell into this game when Western Michigan got upset. Yes, they are going to be pumped. But this is payback time for the Falcons. Won't be surprised to see the same score as last year, just with different names above the numbers. 5* Best Bet BOWLING GREEN 

5* Best Bet ST BONAVENTURE

Taking the SAINTS here. New Orleans off their bye week. Well, if you had the Redskins like I did 2 weeks ago, you would have thought NO had back to back bye weeks. So they can Rob Ryan as the defense was what I think the worse in all of the NFL. Look. I had NYJ last week. Houston, short week, off a big win on MNF, with a TJ Yates? Looked like the Jets were off a short week instead of extra rest. But what we have seen was a Texans defense put together a nice season, and a pair of wins that peek the public's attention. I'm not buying Yates or Hoyer here for the Texans. Most time when teams make in-season changes, they get a balls to the wall performance right out of the gate that normally generates a big win. Getting points, it just adds value with Dennis Allen taking over the New Orleans D. 5* Best Bet NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Taking KANSAS CITY here. What a deflated spot for the Bills here. Off a Monday loss at New England. Come on. You know damn well that Rex Ryan put in tons of extra effort and the players wanted that win. Everyone gets up for the Pats. So Buffalo is playing their 3rd straight road game. A pair of prime time divisional battles. Now they travel to Arrowhead? Good luck with that. 10* Money Bomb KANSAS CITY CHIEFS  --- this line is down to 4 now with injury.. You do not have to play as a 10* - It isn't he QB who is the most valuable player on the field. 

Taking the BENGALS here. Cashed with these guys Sunday night. But Cincy now has dropped a pair and that undefeated start is now 8-2 with the 6-4 Steelers climbing the standings. Enter the Rams. I will fade dome teams in November/December often. The Rams offense does not impress in the least. Add in a QB problem as Foles will be back. He was benched for ineptness. Gurley hasn't looked good because the OL is beset by injuries. The STL defense is alright, but not ready to slow down the Bengals. Cincinnati comes in off b2b national tv losses. They should be able to easily make this a 14-20 win. 8* Sure Shot CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking TEMPLE here. So we have Connecticut in off a win. Not just any win. A win that saw the fans storm the field. A win where they got bowl eligible with a 6th win. And finally, a win that knocked Houston from the ranks of the undefeated. Now they hit Philly against a tough Temple defense. The Owls are looking to lock up an AAC East Title. Temple looked sharped knocking off Memphis last week. No let-down for a team looking to lock up a conference title. 8* Sure Shot TEMPLE OWLS 

Taking ALABAMA here. This was a free for all offensive explosion last year, 55-44. Tide looking to wrap up the SEC West. I don't think they will have a problem here. Yes, Auburn will put a up fight in the Iron Bowl. But let's be honest here. This team hasn't played well all year. This offense hasn't gotten its act together. They limped past Jacksonville State. Ok, road game vs LSU on deck, which they got smacked 45-21. Lose at home Miss State 17-9. They needed 4 TOs at home to get by San Jose State. 30-27 win at Kentucky. A FG as time expired to force OT vs Arkansas, they lose. Lose at home to Ole Miss. Beat a bad Aggies team. Lose to Georgia, beat Idaho.  Now they face arguably the best team in the land. Yes, they will be motivated. But that will only get you so far. Alabama will eventually pull away to a 20pt win. 5* Best Bet 

Taking OLD DOMINION here. I will be the first to say this. When I see a 2 win laying points on the road to a 5 win team, it raises eyebrow. FAU has revenge from last year. Ok. But does that make them 4 points better? On the road? Off what was their biggest game of the year, a 20-14 OT loss at Florida? How are they getting up for this game? OD's HC says this is the biggest game in the programs history. Win, and the get the schools first ever bowl bid. I'm grabbing the home pup here. 5* Best Bet OLD DOMINION 

Taking NAVY here. The ol' bubble burst for Houston. Undefeated season gone with a tragic loss at UConn. So now, utterly deflated, with their QB banged up, in comes the Midshipmen. Good luck getting prepared for this offense. Navy could very well secure a New Years Bowl spot winning out here. Navy QB Reynolds will get a Heisman look. Navy doesn't turn it over, and controls the clock running the ball. That takes away the powerful offense of the Cougs, and limits a defense that has no trouble causing INTs for opposing quarterbacks. 10* Money Bomb NAVY 

Taking the COWBOYS here. Dallas opened as a small fave. I still see them -1 or pk at some spots. I am sure the Panthers money will pour down, even against a public team like the 'Boys. A pair of undefeated QBs meet up today. 10-0 Cam, 3-0 Romo. Tough to wonder might what have been for Dallas if they had a full season of Tony behind center. Fact is though. This team changes dramatically with him on the field. Saw that last week on the road. Normally the Cowboys are laying premium numbers at home and have terrible ATS to prove it. But this line is right on point. If Romo and Dez were here all year and Dallas is 9-1 or whatever, we might be laying a FG or more. Panthers win ugly for sure. We cashed them as our 10* last week. I think the Dallas OL matches well against Carolina D. Dallas will control the lock as they have before. You can't stack 8,9 in the box against Romo. I see this as a 26-23, 30-24 type of affair, which Dallas keeps their slim play-off hopes alive. 8* Sure Shot DALLAS COWBOYS 

10* Money Bomb ILLINOIS STATE

Taking the VIKINGS here. I am sitting on a nice Minny win total and NFC North future ticket so maybe I am biased here. But everything that I have seen of this team is exactly what I expected back in August. Love their HC Zimmer as he is a tidy 16-3 ATS last 19 games. He has this defense fluid right now. Teddy Bridgewater doing a great job with MVP AP running the ball like he is on a mission. I have lost with GB the last couple weeks. Tony George was on my podcast the other night and we are both shaking our heads at this GB defense. Or lack of I should say. No run game. The Lions all but gift wrapped a game last week and the Pack couldn't close. Vikes flat out know. We win this one here, we bury GB here, and Lambeau in December won't matter. 5* Best Bet MINNESOTA VIKINGS 

Taking the PANTHERS here. This team isn't sexy but they continue to win. I faded them last week in what I thought would be a let-down spot. There is no let down in this team. They hit the road for 2 after this game, so they want to get all the wins they can to get this home field. I also had the Redskins last week. Never in doubt. But that was at home, vs a Saints team that is absolutely terrible on defense. A little step-up in class to say the least. I absolutely own this Washington team. 5-1 when I play one of their games. These guys are win-less on the road. Loss by 11 at NYG, 14 at NYJ, 17 at NE, and a TD pass in OT in Atlanta. I don't think they have faced a defense like this. Carolina tied for the league lead in INTs. Cousins with 7 of his 9 picks on the road. 10* Money Bomb CAROLINA PANTHERS 

Taking the BEARS here. Man, was this group was left for dead or what. But this is the NFL. Any given Sunday right? Well, we cashed huge with the Chiefs last week over this Denver team. Manning, clearly at the end of the line. Not sure what Brock will bring. Maybe he brings some downfield passing. That would be new for Denver. But this play is about how well the Bears are playing. How about we have HC John Fox facing the team that canned him? You don't think his new guys want to stick it to Denver here for the coach? 5* Best Bet CHICAGO BEARS 

Taking the JETS here. Love this spot. The ol' what have you done for me lately. Last time we checked. We were cashing in with Bills last Thursday night with Rex getting back at his old club. Then we rolled out a youtube free pick on the Texans getting double digits who went out and pulled the outright win. The public loves the last thing they see. And they saw the Texans knock off the undefeated Bengals while New York was bumbling along in a home loss. FitzMagic and the Jets have extra rest, and Fitzy might know a thing or two about this Texans defense since he was their QB. TJ Yates making his 6th career start on a short week. If NYJ has any thought that they should be making a wild-card run, then this is one of those circle the wagons, all hands on deck type of games. I'm in. 8* Sure Shot NEW YORK JETS 

8* Sure Shot CHATTANOOGA

5* Best Bet LOYOLA CHICAGO 

Taking WISCONSIN here. Man. 10 points. Seems pretty high considering these two are smack dab next to each other in the polls. And both of them bring pretty highly rated defenses to the game. So in a case like this, I have to act on my gut and do what I do best. Think completely opposite of the public. Northwestern comes in with 3 straight wins, but after 2 straight at home, enters Madison knowing that the Badgers want some revenge for last years 20-14 defeat. We have Wisconsin, in revenge mode, with a week of extra rest and prep time. Final home game for the seniors. Forget it. Wiscy should cruise 34-13. 10* Money Bomb WISCONSIN BADGERS 

Taking PENN STATE here. Will grab the home pups off the bye. Michigan in off a double OT road win in their first back to back roadies of the year. Tough place to play here in Happy Valley. Penn State has won 3 straight at home vs the Wolverines but will be looking for payback for last years 18-13 road loss. And let's look at Michigan on the road. We talked about last weeks nail-biter. How about that close call at Minny? Plus, as an added bonus the Wolverines have Ohio State on deck! I hear the talk of Michigan wins, OSU beats Mich State, and next week winner takes all for Big 10 Title. Well, this is the perfect 'trap' spot to clear up any doubts of who is representing the East side of things. Nittany Lions rested, with revenge get it done outright here. 5* Best Bet PENN STATE 

Taking COLUMBIA here. Both teams off cupcakes. Make no mistake though, Columbia, an Ivy team, can push it. They have arguably the best player in the Ivy in Maodo Lo. Kid poured in 18 a game last year. Also F Alex Rosenberg pumped in 16 per. The Lions are looking to win the Ivy, while K-State is looking to stay out of the Big 12 basement. These guys lost at Kentucky by 8 last year, and led at the half. Lost by 9 the year before at Michigan State, and led that game at half. Wildcats not near that talent level. Should be an outright winner for us tonight. 8* Sure Shot COLUMBIA LIONS

Taking INDIANA STATE here. A little revenge for a 30 point beat down last year. Wyoming lost NBA bound Nance JR and other starters. State brings back a nice 3 guard set for us. I am down on the Cowboys this season. People forget Indiana State finished 3rd in the MVC. Their experience gets us the win here. 5* Best Bet INDIANA STATE