Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Central Florida at Houston @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Houston Cougars host the Central Florida Knights Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Central Florida with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Central Florida need some time to retool following two tough losses and a pick-me-up win against FCS Bethune Cookman two weeks ago. The Knights are coming off a bye week, giving QB Justin Holman more time to work his way into the offense and create chemistry with his deep receiving corps. Expect a big uptick from the 204.3 yards passing average UCF has posted through three games. 2. Houston is not the explosive team it once was. It has puffed up its scoring number against FCS Grambling State and a weak UNLV team, but had to battle for touchdown versus Texas-San Antonio and BYU. The Cougars have taken to the turf in recent outings and run into a UCF defense that has allowed only 102.3 yards rushing per game so far this season – 20th in the country. The Knights limited Penn State to 57 total rushing yards and slowed down Bethune Cookman to 72 yards on 42 carries – an average of just 1.7 yards per carry. 3. The Knight have won four in a row over Houston and have also taken four straight conference openers going back to their days in the C-USA. Central Florida plays four mid-week matchups this week – a roll the UCF players enjoy. And UCF backers have also loved those weekday games, with the Knights covering in each of their previous Thursday night matchups.
Play on Central Florida as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Monday 8* (Regular Play) on Kansas City vs. New England @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Kansas City Chiefs host the New England Patriots Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Kansas City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The oddsmakers are giving New England far too much credit in this Monday matchup when the truth is the Patriots have done nothing of note so far in 2014. They’ve beaten two terrible teams – Minnesota and Oakland – and couldn’t cover the 14-point against the Raiders last week. New England lost on the road in Miami in Week 1 and now heads to one of the toughest venues in the NFL – Arrowhead Stadium. 2. Tom Brady is showing his age in 2014, passing for just 632 yards through three games with a dismal 58.8 completion rate and 82.9 QB rating. The Patriots offense doesn’t have the deep ball threats it used to and Brady doesn’t have the arm strength or accuracy to take advantage of his open targets. Kansas City won’t have any issues plugging up the short passing lanes, currently ranking 10th against the pass and allowing just 223.7 yards through the air per game. 3. The Chiefs offense is starting to gain traction, scoring 34 points against Miami in Week 3. Kansas City returns RB Jamaal Charles from an ankle sprain this week, giving them a dynamic rushing attack with fellow RB Knile Davis emerging as a true red-zone threat. They also get speedster De'Anthony Thomas in the mix after he missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury. New England’s defense has put up some impressive numbers against weak opponents but will be exposed against a loaded KC offense Monday night.
Play on Kansas City as an 8* Regular Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on New Orleans at Dallas @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on New Orleans with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. New Orleans needs a big game after starting the season with back-to-back losses. The Saints were able to take a win over a beleaguered Vikings side last week, and ride momentum into Sunday Night Football. While New Orleans has struggled away from home, the Saints will be comfortable inside the fast track of AT&T Stadium which will have a large cheering section for the opposing side – which is always the way in Arlington. New Orleans always seems to shine on the primetime stage too, and has been a moneymaker on the Sunday night broadcast in the past. 2. Dallas defense hasn’t been truly tested yet. Remember, this stop unit ranked dead last in the NFL last season and didn’t improve at all. The Cowboys have played three offensively-challenged teams in San Francisco, Tennessee, and St. Louis, and now go up against a power Saints attack that will bully the soft Dallas secondary with bigger stronger receivers. 3. The Cowboys have been able to find offensive success behind RB DeMarco Murray, who leads the NFL in rushing through three weeks. However, the Cowboys could be quick to abandon the run if – and when – they get down on the scoreboard to the Saints. That puts the ball in the hands of Tony Romo, who is not the same potent passer he was before undergoing back surgery this offseason. Romo is having a tough time hitting his targets on deep routes and has already been picked off four times this season.
Play on New Orleans as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Philadelphia at San Francisco @ 4:25 p.m. ET
The San Francisco 49ers host the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Philadelphia with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Eagles roll into Levis Stadium with a ton of momentum, starting the season 3-0. The scary thing is that Philadelphia has not yet played a complete game. The Eagles have found themselves playing from behind in all three weeks, but with a challenge like San Francisco on the road, expect Philadelphia to put in its first full four-quarter effort Sunday. 2. Philadelphia has been stellar in the final 15 minutes of games. While they’ve had to battle back on the scoreboard, the Eagles have dominated the fourth quarter after wearing down opponents with their up-tempo offensive pace all game. The 49ers have been the opposite. San Francisco has fallen apart at the end of games and has failed to score a single point in the fourth quarter in each of its first three games. 3. The Niners defense hasn’t been able to absorb the losses of Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, allowing opponents to air it out for 226.3 yards per game and registering only four sacks. The Eagles will stretch the linebackers out with their dynamic passing game, hitting LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles for quick tosses then setting up downfield strikes. McCoy has yet live up to his top billing, and a big stage like this seem like the perfect place for the playmaker to have his breakout game.
Play on Philadelphia as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Carolina at Baltimore @ 1 p.m. ET
The Baltimore Ravens host the Carolina Panthers Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Carolina with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. This matchup features two teams who lean on the run but don’t necessarily have the horse to execute that game plan Sunday. However, while Baltimore struggles to find legs behind the injured Bernard Pierce, the Panthers welcome back DeAngelo Williams. Williams gives Carolina balance on offense and will chew up some clock, keeping the ball out of the hand of the Ravens offense and wearing down a thinning defensive unit. 2. Carolina was supposed to struggle with the pass game this season but rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin and TE Greg Olsen have stepped up, giving the Panthers legit weapons downfield. Cam Newton is getting healthy and should improve on a pass game that ranks 10th overall in the NFL, averaging 259.7 passing yards per game. 3. This Carolina defense is ready to rebound from a poor outing against Pittsburgh last week. The Panthers, who boast one of the top stop units in the league, allowed 37 points to the Steelers in Week 3. However, Ron Rivera are his defense have been working on fixing any leaks and are eager to erase that embarrassing performance. With the Ravens run game banged up, Baltimore will need to lean on the pass more to move the chains. The Panthers can get aggressive and throw a lot of pressure at QB Joe Flacco. Carolina has eight sacks for far this season, and led the NFL with 60 sacks in 2013.
Play on Carolina as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Nevada at San Jose State @ 10:30 p.m. ET
The San Jose State Spartans host the Nevada Wolf Pack Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Nevada with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Nevada has had an extra week to prepare for San Jose State, enjoying a bye following their close loss to Arizona. The Wolf Pack showed it could run with the big boys but hanging 28 points on the Wildcats, despite a slowed-down attack that dominates time of possession. Nevada eats up 36:32 per game, which ranks fifth nationally. 2. San Jose State has a hard enough time scoring with the football – let alone when its offense is cooling on the sidelines for extended periods. The Spartans have mustered only 20.7 points per game through three games, including a lone touchdown in the loss to Minnesota. San Jose State is also working in a new QB in Joe Gray after Blake Jurich struggled to move the chains and the offense committed five turnovers last week. Expect more delays as this offense sputters with a new QB under center. 3. Nevada is able to wear down opponents with its clock-eating attack and dominating ground game. The Wolf Pack managed just 108 yards rushing versus Arizona, due to playing from behind, but will look to get RB Don Jackson going early. Nevada also has a capable passing game with QB Cody Fajardo airing it out for 321 yards and three touchdowns versus the Wildcats two weeks ago.
Play on Nevada as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Washington vs. Stanford @ 4:15 p.m. ET
The Washington Huskies host the Stanford Cardinal Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Washington with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Stanford hasn’t played up to its usual standards but books are still making the Cardinals sizable favorites in this Pac-12 matchup. Stanford is prime for a lookahead against a dangerous rival, with a trip to South Bend on the schedule the following week for a huge game with the Irish. 2. Washington is 4-0 out of the gate and is improving each week. While it looked shaky versus Hawaii in Week 1, it is coming off convincing wins over Illinois and Georgia State. The Huskies have a potent offense, averaging 41.2 points per game heading into Saturday. Stanford has some impressive stats on defense but have padded their number against some weaker opponents, and the loss to Southern Cal looks even worse with USC stumbling in its last game. 3. Overshadowed by Washington’s success on offense is a Huskies stop unit that has kept opposing passers on the run. Washington has recorded 19 sacks – tied for the national lead – and will make life uncomfortable for Stanford QB Kevin Hogan, who has been sacked six times through three games.
Play on Washington as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Fresno State at New Mexico @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The New Mexico Lobos host the Fresno State Bulldogs Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Fresno State with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Fresno State took a break from one of the toughest non-conference slates in the country to beat up on FCS Southern Utah last week, thumping the Thunderbirds 56-16 as 17.5-point favorites. The Bulldogs’ previous three games came against football heavyweights Southern Cal, Utah and Nebraska. This matchup with New Mexico is a step down in competition for FSU, which shouldn’t be intimidated by hitting the road for a Friday night fight. 2. Fresno State’s defense was bullied by those big-name programs, currently ranking 125th in yards against per game, but isn’t as bad as those stats would indicate. The Bulldogs defeated the Lobos 69-28 last year on the arm of now-departed Derek Carr, and know that this year it will need to slow down New Mexico’s triple-option offense and win this matchup with defense. 3. The Bulldogs offensive production is a bit skewed as well, going against elite competition for the first three games. Fresno State was still able to do some damage against those major conference powers and showed an explosive rushing attack versus Southern Utah, racking up 389 yards on the ground. The Lobos have been bulldozed by opposing teams this season, giving up an average of 309 yards per game on the ground – dead last in the FBS. New Mexico narrowly escaped with a win over rival New Mexico State and failed to cover as a 4-point favorite because it couldn’t slow down the Aggies on third down. Now, with Fresno State pushing the pile for easy third-down conversions, the Lobos won’t be able to stop the chains from moving Friday night.
Play on Fresno State as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on UCLA Arizona State @ 10 p.m. ET
The Arizona State Sun Devils host the UCLA Bruins Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on UCLA with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Bruins have a curtain over their QB plans Thursday night, staying silent on whether or not star quarterback Brett Hundley will take the field. Hundley is nursing an elbow injury and could give way to backup Jerry Neuheisel, who showed he was capable of the starting gig with a two-touchdown effort versus Texas. The market may be discounting the Bruins for Hundley’s injury but there is plenty of value in UCLA Thursday night. 2. Arizona State’s defense was exposed in its game versus Colorado, allowing the Buffaloes to rack up 545 yards of offense. The Sun Devils are still learning new schemes and don’t have much experience to help the transition. Arizona State watched Colorado convert on third down on 44 percent of their tries, as well as execute on a fourth down attempt. The Sun Devils can’t afford to let UCLA stay on the field Thursday. 3. UCLA coach Jim Mora is going to be extra careful not to spot ASU a big lead Thursday. The Bruins have fallen behind the Sun Devils in recent meetings and have had to battle back all game. Watch for Mora to control the pace of the game with strong rushing attack, leaning on Paul Perkins and Jordan James to beat up an Arizona State stop unit that allowed 232 yards on the ground to Colorado. UCLA put up 217 rushing yards in the win over Texas and will repeat that dominance Thursday.
Play on UCLA as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Washington vs. NY Giants @ 8:25 p.m. ET
The Washington Redskins host the New York Giants Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Washington with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Redskins went toe-to-toe with NFC East frontrunner Philadelphia in Week 3, showing they have the offensive pace to put big numbers on the board. The Redskins lost 37-34 but covered as 4-point underdogs and enter Week 4 averaging 27 points per game – fifth most in the NFL. 2. On the other side of the field, the Giants continue to suffer growing pains with their new offense. New York more than doubled its production through the first two weeks last Sunday, scoring 30 points in a win over Houston. They’ll get a test against a very aggressive Washington stop unit that, while failing to record a sack Sunday, had plenty of hard hits on Eagles QB Nick Foles. 3. The Redskins have had a full week for QB Kirk Cousins to work with his first-team receivers and develop better chemistry on the field. Cousins proved he could handle the start load, passing for 427 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. The Giants secondary looked strong last week but was going up against Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. New York has allowed 258.3 passing yards per game and faces a Washington downfield attack with plenty of weapons, as well as a dominating RB in Alfred Morris to keep them honest.
Play on Washington as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Pittsburgh at Carolina @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Pittsburgh with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Steelers have been aching to get back on the primetime stage after getting embarrassed on Thursday Night Football by the rival Ravens last week. Pittsburgh is a proud franchise, so that one-sided loss has been fueling the fires heading into this Sunday finale. The Steelers have also covered in five straight meetings with the Panthers. 2. Carolina was able to lock down Detroit’s potent pass attack in Week 2, allowing only seven points and snuffing out potential scoring drives by forcing turnovers. However, the Steelers aren’t just able to do damage down field and are returning to their ground-and-pound roots thanks to versatile RB Le’Veon Bell, who tops the NFL in yards from scrimmage. The Panthers will have a tough time tracking Bell, who has been a real weapon in the short passing game. 3. The Panthers rushing attack limps into Sunday Night Football. De’Angelo Williams is dealing with a thigh injury, Mike Tolbert is nursing a sore chest, and Fozzy Whitaker could be out with a quadriceps injury. Jonathan Stewart is the lone heathy RB on the depth chart but isn’t used to shouldering the entire load. Pittsburgh will be able to ignore the banged up ground game and attack Cam Newton, forcing him to rush his progressions. Newton was sacked five times versus Detroit and could really feel the heat against a Pittsburgh defense that is dying to prove itself.
Play on Pittsburgh as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Philadelphia vs. Washington @ 1:00 p.m. ET
The Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Redskins Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Philadelphia with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Redskins offense gets a bit of a facelift with Kirk Cousin stepping in for the injured Robert Griffin III. Cousins doesn’t have the ability to break off big gains with his legs, so Philadelphia can use its speed and pressure the passer. Washington may also be without top WR DeSean Jackson. Even if Jackson does play, he doesn’t have much chemistry with Cousins and won’t have much of an impact at less than 100 percent. 2. The Eagles have needed comebacks in both their wins this season – an issue head coach Chip Kelly is well aware of. Look for Philadelphia to come out strong and try to put this game out of reach early, rather than scramble for the second-half rally. 3. Philadelphia has too many weapons for Washington to handle. Running back LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles are the most explosive playmaking backfield in the NFL, breaking off big gains on the ground and off the short pass. The Redskins were able to get to a hampered Jaguars offense last Sunday but this Eagles offense is on another level and will wear out the Washington defenders before the whistle blows for halftime.
Play on Philadelphia as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Navy vs. Rutgers @ 3:30 p.m. ET
The Navy Midshipman host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Navy with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. It’s no surprise what the Navy game plan is – run the ball. The Middies’ triple-option offense is tops in the land with 403 rushing yards per game. But even though the Scarlet Knights know what’s coming, it’s not an easy attack to stop. Rutgers allowed FCS Howard to run for 259 yards in Week 2, failing to cover as big favorites. 2. Navy is coming off two solid wins on the road, knocking off Temple and Texas State, and covering the spread in each victory. The Midshipmen are expecting to have star QB Keenan Reynolds back on the field versus Rutgers after missing Week 3’s action with a knee injury. Reynolds can stretch the field with his ability to run the football and brings a ton of experience under center for Navy. 3. Rutgers offense was exposed against Penn State last week. Quaterback Gary Nova was horrible, completing only 50 percent of his passes and throwing five interceptions. Head coach Kyle Flood is sticking with Nova against Navy Saturday, but the Middies have a ball-hawking defense that has three interceptions already this season.
Play on Navy as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Friday 8* (Regular Play) on South Florida vs. Connecticut @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The South Florida Bulls host the Connecticut Huskies Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on South Florida with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Huskies have dropped two home games to FBS opponents and now hit the road for the first time Friday night. If Connecticut thought it was tough moving the chains in front of a friendly crowd, wait until the deafening fans inside Raymond James Stadium drown out the playcall at the line of scrimmage. UConn is averaging just under 17 points per game this season and points will be harder to come by Friday night. 2. The Bulls have a major home-run hitter in RB Marlon Mack, who set the AAC record for rushing yards in a single game with 275 in Week 1. Mack has slowed down against tougher opposition but faces a UConn stop unit that allows 120.3 yards on the ground per game. That number could be higher if not for opponents exploiting an equally-weak pass defense. 3. This Huskies offense has been in shambles since starting QB Casey Cochran was forced to retire from football due to concussions. His replacement Chandler Whitmer hasn’t found his form, throwing for two touchdowns and two interceptions in his most recent game against Boise State and posting a 49 percent completion rate. There’s not much of a ground game to take some of the pressure off Whitmer, with UConn managing just 66.7 yards on the ground per game.
Play on South Florida as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Monday 8* (Regular Play) on Philadelphia at Indianapolis @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts host the Philadelphia Eagles Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Philadelphia with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Eagles got their wake-up call last week, falling behind 17-0 to the Jaguars before storming back for a 34-17 win and the cover. Philadelphia can’t afford another slow start versus the Colts, so expect the Eagles to come out firing on Monday Night Football. 2. The Colts defense was rolled by Denver in the first half of their Sunday night loss in Week 1, giving up 24 points in the first two quarters. While Indianapolis crawled back into that game, the defense got some help from poor chemistry between Peyton Manning and receivers Andre Caldwell and Emmanuel Sanders. Philadelphia is the only other offense in the NFL on par with Denver and will expose the Indy defense for big gains Monday. 3. The Eagles defense was a bit underrated in Week 1 after allowing Jacksonville to take an early lead. However, those scores came on turnovers and offered the Jaguars a short field. Philadelphia tightened up and the defense pitched a shutout in the final two quarters. Expect the Eagles stop unit to continue to improve Monday night.
Play on Philadelphia as an 8* Regular Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Tennessee vs. Dallas @ 1 p.m. ET
The Tennessee Titans host the Dallas Cowboys Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Tennessee with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Titans ride a wave of momentum into Week 2 after crushing Kansas City 26-10 in Week 1. Tennessee was undervalued in that game and is undervalued again this Sunday. The Titans have turned the corner with a solid defensive unit and an offense that is finding its footing. 2. Dallas was dreadful on offense in Week 1, turning the ball over four times in the 28-17 loss to San Francisco that wasn’t as close as the score would indicate. Tony Romo was responsible for three of those turnovers, forcing three INTs while trying to do too much with the football. Romo is the driving force behind this Cowboys team but isn’t the same player since undergoing another back surgery this offseason. 3. The Titans were able to rumble for 162 yards on the ground in Week 1, getting great production from the RB corps. Tennessee will employ another ground-heavy attack Sunday, wearing down a thin Cowboys defense that ranked dead last in the NFL last season. This should open up the passing game for QB Jake Locker to strike for big gains downfield, easily covering this spread Sunday.
Play on Tennessee as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Penn State vs. Rutgers @ 8 p.m. ET
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights host the Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Penn State with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Penn State got a major lift in morale this past week when the NCAA lifted sanctions and the bowl ban enforced after the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The Nittany Lions players, who came to Happy Valley unsure of the program’s future, will be rewarded for their loyalty and it will show Saturday night. 2. Penn State has shown its offense and defense prowess in the first two games of the season. The Nitany Lions put on an air show for the fans in Ireland, racking up 454 passing yards in the win over UCF. Then Penn State shutdown Akron to just three points on 277 total yards in Week 2. This is a talented team on both sides of the ball. 3. This is Rutgers first Big Ten game since joining the conference this offseason. The Scarlet Knight have never defeated PSU at home in nine tries and the Nittany Lions will look to deliver a “Welcome to the Big Ten” beating Saturday. Rutgers barely edged a weak Washington State squad and had trouble with FCS Howard, watching the Bison outscore them 18-7 in the second half of that Week 2 game.
Play on Penn State as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Georgia at South Carolina @ 3:30 p.m. ET
The South Carolina Gamecocks host the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Georgia with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Georgia has had a week off since defeating Clemson in Week 1, ironing out the details for this massive SEC showdown. The Bulldogs aren’t expecting any but a fight in South Carolina and don’t want to repeat their last trip to William-Brice Stadium, when they fell behind 21-0 and eventually lost 35-7. This is a big statement game for UGA. 2. Georgia has more weapons than most SEC schools, but the biggest gun of all is RB Todd Gurley, who leads the Heisman race after dominating Clemson with 198 yards and three touchdowns on the ground as well as a 100-yard kick return touchdown. Last season, Gurley went for 132 yards and a score versus South Carolina, leading UGA to a 41-30 victory at home as a 3-point favorite. 3. If the Gamecocks focus all their defensive efforts on Gurley, UGA has more than enough firepower in the passing game. Quarterback Hutson Mason has plenty of receiving options. The same can’t be said for South Carolina QB Dylan Thompson, if Georgia takes RB Mike Davis out of the equation. Thompson has already thrown two interceptions and couldn’t get the Gamecocks back into the game against Texas A&M in Week 1, competing only 50 percent of his passes. This Bulldogs defense is stacked with talent and its pass rush is one of the best in the country.
Play on Georgia as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Central Florida at Missouri @ 12 p.m. ET
The Missouri Tigers host the Central Florida Knights Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Central Florida with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Central Florida has had two weeks to prepare for Missouri, taking a bye week after opening the season with a slim loss versus Penn State in Ireland. The Knights will be well versed in the Tigers’ biggest weaknesses come Saturday afternoon. 2. The Knights have one of the most experienced defenses in college football and are stout against the run, locking down Penn State to only 57 rushing yards in the opener. The secondary was soft in that Week 1 matchup, giving up 454 passing yards, but to help offset that the Knights have been turning their attention to the pass rush and won’t give Missouri QB Maty Mauk time to strike down field. 3. Central Florida was a giant killer before joining the AAC power conference. The Knights have knocked off their last two ranked foes and have been dominant away from home, winning six straight on the road. UCF owns an impressive 6-1 ATS mark in its last seven non-conference clashes heading into Saturday.
Play on Central Florida as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh @ 8:25 p.m. ET
The Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Baltimore with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Ravens are a desperate team at home on Thursday Night Football. Baltimore could drop back in the AFC North standings, with the Steelers and Bengals picking up wins in Week 1. Expect that desperation to help overcome a very trying week for Baltimore in the wake of the Ray Rice release. 2. The Steelers looked solid in the first half of their win against Cleveland Sunday but fell apart down the stretch and narrowly dodged a bullet. Pittsburgh allowed 24 second-half points to a lackluster Browns offense and needed a last-second 41-yard field goal to hold on to the win, failing to cover as 5.5-point home chalk. 3. The Ravens actually outgained the Bengals in their Week 1 loss, getting solid production from third-string RB Justin Forsett and developing some chemistry between QB Joe Flacco and veteran WR Steve Smith. Baltimore can turn the switch to a run-heavy playbook that can control the clock and slow down the pace of the game, going against the grain for Pittsburgh’s no-huddle attack. Look for the Ravens to dominate time of possession and wear down the Steelers stop unit, just like it did in the second half versus Cleveland.
Play on Baltimore as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Louisiana Tech at North Texas @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The North Texas Mean Green host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Louisiana Tech with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. It would seem “The Bulldog” has a soft spot for the Bulldogs, but this Louisiana Tech team is for real. It hung 48 points on rivals Louisiana Lafayette in Week 2, compiling 533 total yards on offense. The Bulldogs have plenty of firepower. 2. North Texas’ win over SMU last weekend should come with a grain of salt. The Mustangs are a mess, managing only six points in that defeat, and that should reflect on the Mean Green defense. North Texas gave up 38 points to an overrated Texas team holding back on its playbook in Week 1 and La Tech is just as potent with the football. 3. North Texas is a very young squad after losing plenty of senior experience from last season. The Mean Green hung 43 points on the Mustangs but benefited from five SMU turnovers. New QB Josh Greer was 9 for 12 for 86 yards passing and the running game did the bulk of the work. The Bulldogs will challenge that inexperience Thursday night and try to make Greer beat them by stacking the line and taking away the rush. Louisiana Tech was able to grab an interception and force a fumble recovery versus Oklahoma, then picked off another pass and scooped up two more fumbles in the win against ULL. This is a very active defense that thrives on mistakes.
Play on Louisiana Tech as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Denver vs. Indianapolis @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Denver Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Denver with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Peyton Manning and the Broncos haven’t forgotten what happened in Indianapolis last year, getting edged 39-33 by the Colts. Indy was one of the few teams, outside of Seattle in the Super Bowl, to rattle Manning, sacking him four times and picking him off once. Denver will look to return the favor, and erase a dismal effort in the Super Bowl, in this revenge spot. 2. The Colts have some serious issues on the offensive line heading into Week 1. The pass protection has been plagued by injury and could leave them inexperienced at keys spots for one of the biggest games of the year. Denver won’t have to fear the non-existent rushing game and will be able to bring heavy pressure on Andrew Luck. 3. The Broncos defense was the chink the armor for a talented Denver squad last season, so the front office boosted the stop unit with some big free-agent signings. Veteran linebacker DeMarcus Ware and corners Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward are huge additions to Jack Del Rio’s defense, which is out to make a big statement on Sunday Night Football.
Play on Denver as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* (Top Play) on San Francisco at Dallas @ 4:25 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys host the San Francisco 49ers Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on San Francisco with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. San Francisco just watched the rival Seahawks – pretty much the only team standing between them and the Super Bowl – destroy the Packers Thursday night. The Niners know they must keep pace with Seattle if they want to get back to the NFC title game, and it starts in Week 1 with a strong showing at Dallas. 2. The Cowboys had a historically bad defense in 2013, allowing 415.3 yards per game – worst in the NFL. Dallas did nothing to correct those problems this offseason, and actually may have gotten worse after watching DeMarcus Ware head to Denver and losing LB Sean Lee to another injury. 3. San Francisco had trouble getting the wheels turning on offense this preseason but came alive in the final two games of the exhibition schedule. Dual-threat Colin Kaepernick had a bevy of targets downfield and the running game has overcome injuries with the emergence of Carlos Hyde. The 49ers have too many weapons for the Cowboys to contain Sunday afternoon.
Play on San Francisco as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Notre Dame vs. Michigan@ 7:30 p.m. ET
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the Michigan Wolverines Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Notre Dame with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Fighting Irish are a different teams with Everett Golson at quarterback. After missing last season due to academic issues, Golson exploded for 295 yards passing and two touchdowns while rushing for three scores on the ground. Notre Dame is a very dangerous team with the dynamic dual-threat under center. 2. Home is where the hard-earned cash is when it comes to this series. The host team has covered in six of the past seven clashes between Notre Dame and Michigan, and the new field turf at Notre Dame Stadium will be rocking Saturday night. 3. The Irish are going to force Michigan QB Devin Gardner to beat them Saturday, loading up the box to take away the Wolverines potent ground game. Gardner isn’t a perfect passer and his lack of accuracy will be tested in hostile territory against a defense that forced two turnovers versus Rice in Week 1.
Play on Notre Dame as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Toledo vs. Missouri @ 12:00 p.m. ET
The Toledo Rockets host the Missouri Tigers Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Toledo with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Toledo isn’t afraid of ranked opponents. Actually, it’s the other way around. The Rockets go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in college football each season and hold their own. Toledo fell 38-23 versus Missouri last season, pushing with the 15-point spread thanks to three turnovers in an otherwise strong showing versus the Tigers, but have the home edge this season. The short spread shows just how much respect the oddsmakers have for the Rockets. 2. Toledo’s offense exploded for 666 total yards of offense in the season opener versus New Hampshire. Former Alabama QB Phillip Ely spearheaded that attack with 337 passing yards. Missouri, on the other, sputtered out of the gate in its Week 1 outing versus South Dakota State. The Tigers managed only 393 yards on offense and allowed 365 yards to the FCS Jackrabbits. 3. Toledo knows Mizzou head coach Gary Pinkel very well. Pinkel was the Rockets’ playcaller for 10 seasons, so Toledo has plenty of tape on his systems and tendencies. The Tigers are still warming up to their new head coach, and those growing pains will be magnified Saturday.
Play on Toledo as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Boston College vs. Pittsburgh @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Boston College Eagles host the Pittsburgh Panthers Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Boston College with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Both Boston College and Pitt won easily in Week 1, however, the Eagles did manage to take down a FBS foe in UMass while the Panthers beat up on FCS Delaware. Boston College debuted its new start, Florida transfer Tyler Murphy, who compiled 291 all-purpose yards in the 30-7 victory as a 17-point favorite. 2. The Boston College defense is feeling very confident after locking down UMass to just 55 yards on the ground in Week 1. The Eagles allowed just 202 yards in total and 77 of those gains came on a big-play brain fart in which the Minutemen scored in the third quarter. 3. Boston College has been a solid cover play when playing in Alumni Stadium. The Eagles have covered the spread in five of their last six home games going back to last season. This former Big East rivalry has been very tight over the years. Boston College and Pitt have had four of their last eight clashes decided by four points or less with the home side going 4-1 ATS in their previous five encounters.
Play on Boston College as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Green Bay at Seattle @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Seattle Seahawks host the Green Bay Packers Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Green Bay with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Packers have a lot to prove on Thursday night. Green Bay can make a major case for the Super Bowl with a win over the defending champs in Seattle. And it all starts with the running game. The Packers were able to establish the run in the preseason behind RN Eddie Lacy and will control the tempo of the game and keep the Seahawks defensive guessing with a strong effort from their second-year back. Lacy should have plenty of room with Seattle guarding against Aaron Rodgers and an explosive passing playbook. 2. After such a dominant performance in the Super Bowl, the betting public is all over the Seahawks in Week 1. This line has been puffed up all summer long, with most shops offering Week 1 odds for a while now. Green Bay is getting little respect for a team that can seriously give Seattle a run for its money in the NFC this season. Bettors are getting a steal on the Cheese Heads at this price. 3. While Seattle’s defense gets a lot of the headlines, the Packers improved their stop unit this offseason. Green Bay added veteran Julius Peppers to an already stacked linebacker corps and return star Clay Matthews, who was slowed by a hand injury in 2013. The Packers have the horses to get to Russell Wilson and chase down Marshawn Lynch.
Play on Green Bay as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Arizona at Texas-San Antonio @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners host the Arizona Wildcats Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Arizona with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Arizona flexed its muscle with a dominating 58-13 win over UNLV in Week 1. The Wildcats got a massive effort from QB Anu Solomon, who passed for 425 yards and four touchdowns while adding another 50 yards on the ground. On top of that, Arizona rumbled for 353 yards rushing. That is more offense than the Roadrunners can handle. 2. Texas-San Antonio is ripe for a letdown spot after stunning the Houston Cougars as a 7.5-point underdog in Week 1. The Roadrunners were able to force six Houston turnovers in that win, something that won’t come easy against the Wildcats Thursday. Expect Texas-San Antonio to fall flat in this mid-week matchup. 3. While the Roadrunners are on the rise, Arizona handled them quite easily last year. The Wildcats took a 38-13 victory but came up just short of covering the 25.5-point spread. This year, books are only giving Texas-San Antonio a touchdown at home. The Roadrunners have a formidable defense but don’t have the depth or overall size to compete with the Wildcats. Arizona’s no-huddle attack will eventually wear down a UTSA squad still working its way into game shape in the second week of the schedule.
Play on Arizona as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF 10* (Top Play) on Miami at Louisville @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Miami Hurricanes visit the Louisville Cardinals Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Miami comes into this marquee Monday matchup motivated to take down the Cardinals. The Hurricanes fell 36-9 to Louisville in the Russell Athletic Bowl last December, an embarrassing loss the Canes haven’t forgotten about heading into their season opener. 2. Louisville is not only dealing with a huge hole at quarterback – thanks to Teddy Bridgewater making the jump to the pros – but also suffered a massive loss at receiver after DeVante Parker injured his foot during practice. Parker set a school record for touchdown catches in 2013, so the Cardinals will struggle to find cohesion in the passing game. 3. Miami will control the tempo of the game with star running back Duke Johnson, who earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. Johnson would have done more last season if not for a late injury, so he’s chomping at the bit to prove he’s among the top rushers in the country. Louisville has a new defensive coordinator in Todd Grantham, who is integrating a 3-4 defense. Those drastic changes often come with growing pains, so expect the Cardinals to be chasing after Johnson all night Monday.
Play on Miami as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Tennessee vs. Utah State @ 7: 00 p.m. ET
The Tennessee Volunteers host the Utah State Aggies Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Tennessee with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Tennessee won’t be taking this Mountain West opponent lightly. The Aggies are known for shocking bigger programs and is a perfect test for this young Volunteers team, who will get a big boost from the home crowd in the season opener. 2. Tennessee has a big advantage in the passing game. The Vols boast a towering group of options while the Aggies secondary is coming up short – literally. Tennessee QB Justin Worley will exploit that size advantage and pick on Utah State’s shorter defenders. 3. Utah State relies on QB Chuckie Keeton to make plays with his legs in order to keep the chains moving, but the Vols have an answer for the dynamic dual threat in star LB A.J. Johnson, who is regarded as one of the top linebackers in the country. Johnson will likely spy Keeton on plenty of plays Sunday, shutting down his scrambles before they can do big damage. Keeton is also coming off knee surgery, so expect him to be a little tentative to run – especially if he sees Johnson is waiting for him.
Play on Tennessee as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Wisconsin vs. LSU @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The Wisconsin Badgers face the LSU Tigers Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Wisconsin with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Wisconsin knows the Big Ten and a likely spot in the college football playoff is ripe for the picking after Ohio State’s Braxton Miller went down for the season. The Badgers can have the inside track and a win over SEC power LSU is a huge first step. Expect a very focused and driven Wisconsin squad Saturday in Houston. The Badgers have done well against non-conference foes, covering in four of their last five outside the Big Ten. 2. Louisiana State has too many holes to fill on offense to keep pace in this game. The Tigers are replacing a starting quarterback, running back and a pair of skilled receivers. When Wisconsin grabs the edge on the scoreboard, LSU will be hard pressed to fight its way back into the game with too many new faces on offense. 3. Wisconsin will look to exploit an experienced front seven for the Tigers. Louisiana State lost plenty of bodies on the line and in the linebacker corps, and now have to take on Badgers stud RB Melvin Gordon, who rushed for 7.8 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns in 2013.
Play on Wisconsin as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Georgia vs. Clemson @ 5:30 p.m. ET
The Georgia Bulldogs host the Clemson Tigers Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Georgia with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Georgia comes into 2014 with high hopes, recognized as a legit sleeper title contender. The Bulldogs have a surplus of options on offense, starting with RB Todd Gurley. They also have a proven QB in Hutson Mason and a dynamic WR tandem in Michael Bennett and Chris Conley. 2. Clemson is dealing with a major hit to its offensive playbook, losing QB Tajh Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins. The Tigers were able to lean on those playmakers in past seasons but will fall flat when trying to keep pace with the UGA offense. 3. For all their weapons on offense, UGA has some playmakers on the other side of the ball. The Bulldogs are a SEC-tested defense that battled through injuries last season. Now the stop unit is healthy and anxious to prove they have what it takes to take UGA to the top of the SEC.
Play on Georgia as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Colorado State vs. Colorado @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The Colorado State Rams take on the Colorado Buffaloes Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Colorado State with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Colorado State has quietly built a buzz this offseason and is getting great line value in this rivalry versus the Buffaloes. The Rams covered 10 times for loyal backers last season and will continue to be a cash cow in 2014. The underdog has also covered in 13 of the last 18 installments of this Rocky Mountain Rivalry. 2. Colorado is still a step behind its state cousin, coming into the season with a young and inexperienced core. The Buffaloes don’t have much behind the first teamers and the first game of the season is especially tough with players still working their way into game shape. Colorado will look to its bench to give the starters a much-needed blow, and the cupboard will be bare Friday night. 3. Colorado State brings back dual-threat QB Garrett Grayson and top two targets Rashard Higgins and Joe Hansley. Offenses sometimes need a couple weeks to find their footing and with Grayson’s ability to break plays with his legs, the Rams will continue to move the chains even when a play breaks down.
Play on Colorado State as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason Friday 8* (Regular Play) on NY Jets vs. NY Giants @ 7:30 p.m. ET
The New York Jets host the New York Giants Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on NY Jets with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Jets have the edge at quarterback in this Big Apple battle Friday night. While Eli Manning is a much better quarterback than his New York counterparts Geno Smith and Mike Vick, the Jets won’t suffer as much of a letdown when they pull the first stringer. The Jets also have a QB battle brewing, so both Smith and Vick will be out to impress. 2. The Giants first team offense hasn’t played well during the exhibition schedule. Manning and the starters were blown away by the Colts in Week 2 and Manning has only completed 7 of 16 passes. 3. The Jets defense has been solid in the exhibition slate, giving up only 27 total points – 13.5 points per game – in the preseason. They limited the Colts to just 10 points – the same team that hung 27 points on the Giants. Against the Bengals, the bench pitched a shutout in the second half.
Play on NY Jets as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo @ 7:30 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Buffalo Bills Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Pittsburgh with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. While it’s only a preseason loss, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin knows those exhibition failures can bleed over to the regular season. There is pressure on the Steelers to perform well in the preseason and win this matchup Saturday. 2. Pittsburgh and Buffalo have been practicing against each other this week, so expect Mike Tomlin and his staff to have a good idea of what the Bills want to do Saturday. The Steelers have a much better defense and should be able to key on Buffalo’s weapons, especially when the ball is handed to the Bills’ backup QBs – Thad Lewis and Jeff Tuel – who struggled against Carolina last week. 3. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger didn’t get many touches during the preseason opener, only passing the ball twice. However, that one completion was for 46 yards. Big Ben will get additional snaps with the first teamers Saturday, looking to pick up where he briefly left off. The offensive line is working on a zone-blocking scheme and will also get added exhibition action Saturday.
Play on Pittsburgh as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Indianapolis vs. NY Giants @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts host the New York Giants Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indianapolis with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Andrew Luck took limited snaps in Week 1 of the preseason, but made the most of his passes. Luck completed 4 of 5 throws for 53 yards. We can expect even more production from Luck and his receiving corps Saturday night – especially against a Giants secondary still trying to sort itself out. The Colts starters are scheduled to play the entire first quarter. 2. The Colts are debuting two starters in the secondary Saturday, with corner Vontae Davis and safety LaRon Landy making their debuts. That should give the Colts a boost against INT-prone Giants QB Eli Manning in the early going. 3. When the first unit offense takes a seat, the Colts will continue to move the chains with veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck under center. He passed for 114 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 of the preseason and will pick apart New York’s thin second and third string defenders.
Play on Indianapolis as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Pittsburgh at NY Giants @ 7:30 p.m. ET
The New York Giants host the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Pittsburgh with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. New York head coach Tom Coughlin couldn’t care less about the preseason results, which is why his first teamers will once again play limited snaps in order to better analyze the backups and fill the remaining holes in the depth chart. Don’t expect much of an appearance from Eli Manning and the starters Saturday. 2. Pittsburgh’s 2013 preseason was a forerunner for the team’s early struggles. The Steelers were winless in exhibition play and limped out to a 0-4 start to the regular season. Head coach Mike Tomlin told the media he’s motivated to promote an early-winning atmosphere and there is a “sense of urgency” to win in the preseason. 3. Pittsburgh is planning on playing its starters to open Saturday’s game, with QB Ben Roethlisberger and the first-team offense taking snaps. Behind Big Ben is former starter Bruce Gradkowski and second-year QB Landry Jones. That’s a much better bench than Giants rookie QB Ryan Nassib and third-stringer Curtis Painter.
Play on Pittsburgh as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Carolina vs. Buffalo @ 7:05 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers host the Buffalo Bills Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Carolina with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Buffalo’s starters fell flat in their debut versus New York in the Hall of Fame Game last weekend. The Bills first teamers picked up just 27 yards on 11 snaps, with QB EJ Manuel completing only 2 of 7 pass attempts. The Bills will tinker with their offense Friday, but have had a short week to fix any issues. 2. While Cam Newton isn’t expected to see much action – if any – Friday, the Panthers will be looking to get their new WRs used to the offense and the first team wideouts may get more run than usual in Week 1 of the preseason. Carolina has veteran WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant as well as rookie standout Kelvin Benjamin out of Florida State. The Panthers have former starters Derek Anderson and Joe Webb under center Friday, so the passing game should be able to take advantage of the Bills defense as they swap out starters for backups. 3. The Panthers offense may be a question mark heading into the preseason but the defense remains one of the nastiest in the league. Carolina has a surplus of talent down the defensive depth chart, so even when the first team takes a seat the stop unit won’t suffer much of a dropoff as second and third teamers take the field.
Play on Carolina as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason 8* (Regular Play) on Washington vs. New England @ 7:30 p.m. ET
The Washington Redskins host the New England Patriots Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Washington with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Preseason football has never been that important to Patriots head Bill Belichick and you can expect more of the same Thursday. However, Redskins new head coach Jay Gruden is looking for a solid debut for his young team, trying to put the mess of 2013 quickly behind them. 2. Washington QB Robert Griffin III is expected to start and is anxious to prove his knee is back to normal after playing last season at less than 100 percent. Gruden said his first teamers will go for about 10 snaps but there is a chance Griffin could get some extra run before capable backup Kirk Cousins takes over. 3. Patriots QB Tom Brady will not play Thursday – as is the usual plan with New England. Backup Ryan Mallet will start against the Redskins top-tier defenders then hand the snaps to third-stringer Jimmy Garoppolo, which could get ugly.
Play on Washington as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Miami at San Antonio @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Miami Heat Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Heat have their backs to the wall facing elimination in enemy territory. Expect everything the defending champs have in Game 5. 2. Miami has the resiliency to bounce back from two straight losses, going 5-1 ATS in their last six contests coming off a defeat. It’s very tough to beat a team three times in a row – especially the defending NBA champs. 3. San Antonio is operating at such a high level in the finals, there has to be a letdown in Game 5. The Spurs have a strangle hold on the Heat, so there could be a tendency to ease up knowing they will have three more cracks at the title. The Spurs have benefited from sloppy play from the Heat and with Miami tightening up those mistakes, San Antonio won’t be able to score those easy buckets in transition and get their offense rolling.
Play on Miami as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* (Top Play) on Miami vs. San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The Miami Heat host the San Antonio Spurs Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Heat are primed to bounce back after a Game 3 defeat. Miami showed similar resiliency in Game 2 after taking it on the chin in the series opener. The Heat have won 13 straight games after suffering a postseason loss. 2. San Antonio played a near perfect first half in Game 3, shooting a 75.8 percent from the field, however, Miami outplayed the Spurs in the second half of Game 3. San Antonio will be hard pressed to put on another performance like that with Miami tightening up on defense. 3. LeBron James isn’t going to let Kawhi Leonard out-shine him in the finals. Leonard dropped 29 points and limited James to 22 in Game 3. Expect a vengeful King James to set the tone Thursday night and make for an easy cover for Heat backers.
Play on Miami as a 10* Top Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

‎Scott *The Bulldog* Rickenbach NBA *10* Miami Heat @ San Antonio @ 8:00 ET - In recent years, there isn't a much more solid bet then playing the Heat off of a playoff loss. The last dozen times the Heat are off of a playoff loss they've gone a perfect 12-0 straight-up and 8 of those wins have come by a margin of 11 points or more. Of course the beauty of the situation in this Game Two of these NBA Finals is Miami doesn't even have to win by a margin. In fact, they don't even have to win the game for Heat backers to get the cash in this one. The Heat are 4.5 point underdogs at the time of this analysis and, though we'll grab the points, we don't expect to need them. Miami looked like they were going to grab Game One outright on the road Thursday night before LeBron James succumbed to the heat in the AT & T Center as the air conditioning failed and made for oppressive conditions inside the arena. As everyone knows, James and Company will certainly come back with a vengeance tonight and you can also expect the Spurs won't knock down all those 3's like they did in Game One. In fact, San Antonio only had 68 shots from the field Thursday and they were fortunate to get the win in the final minutes as they got some big shots at just the right time. The final margin of 15 points was deceiving and offered up some great line value for this critical Game Two match-up. Look for Miami to take the aforementioned stat to a perfect 13-0 on Sunday night. But certainly grabbing the points is the way to go. The Spurs are only 5-5 straight-up when leading in a playoff series this year and note that before surprisingly shooting "lights out" in Game One of this series, San Antonio had been held to shooting 40.4% or less from the field in 3 of their last 4 games. Look for the Heat to clamp down on defense in Game Two and look for them to also win the turnover battle once again. Play Miami plus the points as a *10* Top Play selection.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* (Top Play) on Miami at San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Miami Heat Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Heat know how important it is to steal home court away from San Antonio in this series. With last year’s NBA Finals going down to a Game 7, the Heat will try to put the Spurs on their heels from the tip. 2. San Antonio star point guard Tony Parker is nursing an injured ankle and will a step behind in Game 1. Parker’s ability to break down defenders and collapse the defense by getting in the paint is the key cog in the Spurs offense. With Parker not able to explode to the rim, San Antonio won’t be able to find those open looks and will struggle to match Miami’s firepower. 3. San Antonio’s defense has slipped in the postseason. After ranking No. 7 in the NBA during the regular season, the Spurs allowed the Thunder to top the 100-point mark in four of their six games in the Western Conference finals. San Antonio can put up points but doesn’t have the scoring depth to match Miami. Containing LeBron James can sometimes take up to three players, leaving the Heat’s other threats to do damage.
Play on Miami as a 10* Top Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The home teams has dominated in this series, covering in each of the first five games, and have actually been the smart bet whenever the Spurs and Thunder meet. The host has covered the spread in 16 of the previous 22 clashes between these Western Conference powerhouses. 2. The Spurs haven’t shot the ball well inside Chesapeake Energy Arena, going 19 for 53 from beyond the arc in the two road games. San Antonio sunk 13 of its 26 shots from distance in Game 5. 3. San Antonio played about as good as it could in Game 5, shooting over 50 percent from the field, dominating the rebounding and getting big contributions off the bench. That type of effort will be hard to replicate against a desperate OKC side in one of the loudest arenas in the NBA.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City at San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Thunder left the Spurs flat footed in Game 4, beating San Antonio with their speed and athleticism. Oklahoma City forced 13 turnovers – 12 of which were steals – and score quick buckets in transition for 21 fastbreak points. The youth of OKC is overwhelming the aging legs of San Antonio. 2. Serge Ibaka has made a huge difference in this series since returning from calf injury. The Thunder’s center is a mismatch for the Spurs lumbering frontcourt and has kept pesky guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili from getting clean looks at the basket. Ibaka has three blocks and eight rebounds in Game 4. 3. Oklahoma City hasn’t had much trouble with San Antonio – outside of the first two games of this series. The Thunder have dominated their Western rivals when it comes to covering the spread, coming away with the cash in 12 of their last 16 clashes.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* (Top Play) on Indiana vs. Miami @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Pacers have the backs on the ropes in Game 5 and are getting great value in this desperate spot. Expect the home crowd to push Indiana and keep their team alive in the Eastern Conference finals. 2. Miami’s key role players are dinged up for Game 5. Sharpshooter Ray Allen and hard-working forward Chris Anderson are listed as questionable for Wednesday. One of the Heat’s biggest strengths is the play of their role players, allowing the Big Three to rest up. 3. The home teams has been the hot bet when the Heat and Pacers collide, covering in four of their last five encounters. The home team is 3-1 ATS in this series.
Play on Indiana as a 10* Top Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* (Regular Play) on Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. After two one-sided losses to the Spurs in San Antonio, the Thunder showed resiliency with a big victory at home in Game 3. Oklahoma City has swung the momentum and is getting great line value at home for Game 4 Tuesday. 2. The return of center Serge Ibaka is a huge lift to OKC. Not only can the Thunder put a big athletic body on Tim Duncan in the blocks but Ibaka’s shot blocking keeps pesky guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili out of the paint. 3. The home side has dominated ATS recent meetings between the Thunder and Spurs. The host has covered in 12 of the previous 16 clashes between these Western rivals, with San Antonio winning just three times in their past 15 trips to Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Play on Oklahoma City as an 8* Regular Selection Tuesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* (Top Play) on Indiana at Miami @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Miami Heat host the Indiana Pacers Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Indiana has controlled this series for the most part, but lapsed down the stretch have allowed wins to slip away. The Pacers can’t afford another late let-up in Game 4 and have a sense of urgency about them with the series swinging back to Indiana after Monday. 2. Indiana star forward Paul George has had a little longer to recover from his brief concussion suffered in Game 2. George went 5 for 13, including a dreadful 1 for 6 from 3-point range in Game 3. Expect a much more focused effort from him on both ends of the floor Monday. 3. While they failed to cover the spread in South Beach for Game 3, the Pacers are still a very profitable 5-2 ATS on the road this postseason. Indiana is getting great line value in Game 4.
Play on Indiana as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Spurs walked over Oklahoma City in the first two games, but the Thunder have had an extended break to figure out how to keep San Antonio out of the paint. Expect a new look OKC squad Sunday. 2. Oklahoma City center Serge Ibaka, who was initially ruled out for the remainder of the postseason with a calf injury, could return for Game 3 Sunday. Ibaka’s injury has been a costly one for OKC, allowing the Spurs to dominate with points in the paint. Having Ibaka’s length inside should drastically help the Thunder. 3. The Spurs have been hot from beyond the arc in the series while Oklahoma City has struggled to match those 3-pointers. With the series shifting to Chesapeake Energy Arena, expect the Thunder to find the bottom of the basket more often from distance.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City at San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Oklahoma City has had time to adjust to the loss of center Serge Ibaka and won’t give up the paint so easily in Game 2. Expect Scott Brooks to tinker with his defensive rotation and find a way to plug up those lanes San Antonio took advantage of in Game 1. 2. While the Thunder’s starting five failed to produce outside of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the bench did well to support the starters. Oklahoma City received 47 points off the pine, including 16 points from backup PG Derek Fisher. 3. Despite the Game 1 loss, Oklahoma City still owns San Antonio in recent meetings. The Thunder have covered in 10 of their last 13 clashes with the Spurs and are getting tremendous value on the spread Wednesday night.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* (Top Play) on Miami at Indiana @ 8:30 p.m. ET
The Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Heat were run out of the gym in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals, so expect the reigning champs to be extra motivated Tuesday night. Miami rebounded from its last lost in the postseason, a one-sided defeat to Brooklyn, with an impressive outing the following game. 2. Miami is reliant on the 3-pointer and didn’t shoot well from beyond the arc in Game 1, knocking down just six of its 23 attempts. Chris Bosh and Ray Allen were a combined 2 for 11, but don’t expect another cold shooting night from the Heat. They will find their range and knot this series up. 3. The Pacers have been terribly inconsistent in the postseason, following strong efforts with lackluster ones. Indiana played perhaps its best game of the playoffs and is ripe for a letdown. The Pacers have been a terrible bet inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, covering the spread in just five of their previous 19 games as hosts.
Play on Miami as a 10* Top Selection Tuesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City at San Antonio @ 9:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Thunder look to be in top form after rolling the Los Angeles Clippers. Oklahoma City won four of the final five games of the series, going 4-1 ATS in that span. OKC is 6-2 against the spread in its last eight postseason contests. 2. The Thunder have been a thorn in the side of the Spurs. Oklahoma City has won and covered in five straight meetings with San Antonio, including two big wins inside the AT&T Center. 3. Spurs point guard Tony Parker limps into Game 1 with a tender hamstring and now must try to slow down Thunder PG Russell Westbrook, who is on a historic pace this postseason. Looking for Westbrook and the Thunder to test Parker frequently Monday.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Indiana vs. Miami @ 3:35 p.m. ET
The Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Oddsmakers are discounting the Pacers in this Game 1 showdown with Miami. Indiana has one of the best home courts in the NBA and is a steal at this spread. 2. Miami has yet to face a true towering frontcourt in the playoffs – its one biggest weakness. Charlotte center Al Jefferson was playing on one good foot and Brooklyn was without its star center all season. Now is the time for Pacers big man Roy Hibbert to step up. Hibbert has been inconsistent all postseason but found his form against Washington and totaled 45 points in two home games versus Miami this season. 3. This Eastern Conference rivalry has been dominated by the home team when it comes to covering the spread. The host has covered in six of their past eight clashes, with the Pacers covering the points in five of their last seven games versus the Heat inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Play on Indiana as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Indiana at Washington @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Washington Wizards host the Indiana Pacers Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Pacers missed an opportunity to close out this series early but now are feeling the pressure being back in DC for Game 6. Indiana won’t let Washington off the hook again. 2. The Pacers took over the Verizon Center, winning both Games 3 and 4 SU and ATS. Indiana has covered in each of their previous four games away from home. 3. Washington is bound for a letdown after playing a near perfect game in Game 5. The young Wizards have impressed but books are giving them too much credit at home in this obvious letdown spot
Play on Indiana as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* (Regular Play) on Brooklyn vs. Miami @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Miami Heat host the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Brooklyn with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Nets are on the ropes, staring elimination in the face. This is a prideful group of veteran who won’t want to exit early. Expect plenty of fight from the visitor Wednesday. 2. Miami guard Dwyane Wade is nursing a hand and hamstring injury and is nowhere near 100 percent. Wade has been big the last two games, scoring a combined 35 points and dishing out six assists. Without him – or with him playing hurt – Brooklyn can throw more bodies at stopping LeBron James. 3. Outside of James’ 49-point performance, Brooklyn did the little things better in Game 4. The Nets starters all contributed and the bench outscored Miami’s reserves 28-16. Brooklyn also won the rebounding war 40-34, including 14 offensive rebounds.
Play on Brooklyn as an 8* Regular Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

<b>Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* (Top Play) on Washington</b> at Indiana @ 7:00 p.m. ET<br>

The Indiana Pacers host the Washington Wizards Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Washington with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Wizards had Indiana on the ropes in Game 4 but let a 19-point lead slip. Washington now faces elimination and will be playing with desperation as a dangerous underdog. 2. The Wizards aren’t afraid of Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where they took Game 1 and covered the spread in Game 2. Washington is a perfect 5-0 ATS on the road this postseason. 3. The Pacers have been overvalued at home all playoffs, posting a 2-4 ATS mark as hosts. Indiana has been burning bettors since the regular season, covering in just four of their previous 17 games in Indianapolis.

<br>Play on Washington as a 10* Top Selection Tuesday.<br>Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* (Top Play) on Brooklyn vs. Miami @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Brooklyn Nets host the Miami Heat Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Brooklyn with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Nets matched the Heat’s star power in Game 3, getting big numbers from their big names. Brooklyn is one of the few teams that can return fire against the Heat’s loaded rosters. 2. Brooklyn’s bench also chipped in with huge contributions, not allowing for a letdown when the starters took a seat. The Nets reserves combined to score 40 points, including 15 points and 10 rebounds from Andray Blatche, who advantage of a weak Miami frontcourt. 3. Brooklyn improved to 5-2 SU and ATS against the Heat this season. The Nets swept the season series with Miami 4-0, covering the spread in all four meetings.
Play on Brooklyn as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on L.A. Clippers vs. Oklahoma City @ 3:30 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles Clippers host the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on L.A. Clippers with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Desperation mode is setting in for the Clippers, who dropped Game 3 inside the Staples Center. Los Angeles can’t afford to let this series go back to Oklahoma City down 3-1 to the Thunder. 2. The Clippers will look to take a page out of the Grizzlies playbook and try to get physical with the Thunder, in order to slow down Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles must bully the Thunder’s forwards with their big bodies and hammer on Westbrook when it enters the lane. Expect a much more hardnosed defensive performance from the Clippers Sunday. 3. Los Angeles has been pushed around on the glass, especially the offensive glass where OKC has picked up plenty of second-chance looks and erased the Clippers’ transition attack. Doc Rivers will have his team owning the boards in Game 4, which will jump start L.A.’s up-tempo attack.
Play on L.A. Clippers as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Brooklyn vs. Miami @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Brooklyn Nets host the Miami Heat Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Brooklyn with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Nets come back home with their backs on the ropes, playing with desperation at home. Brooklyn is getting great value as a slight home underdog. 2. The Nets may have lost both games to start this series but know the Heat aren’t invincible having defeated them four times in the regular season, including twice inside the Barclays Center. 3. The Nets veteran leaders haven’t been at their best in this series but know how to turn it around. Point guard Deron Williams is coming off a bad Game 2 performance but has shown an ability to bounce back and is key to exploiting Miami’s weakness at point guard.
Play on Brooklyn as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Indiana at Washington @ 8:05 p.m. ET
The Washington Wizards host the Indiana Pacers Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. After a terrible finish to the season and a rough first round, the Pacers seem to be finding their form. Indiana won Game 2 over the Wizards, who seem to have awoken a sleeping giant in Pacers center Roy Hibbert. Hibbert, who after being a liability for most the postseason, scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds. With the offense running through the big man, Indiana is back on track. 2. Having Hibbert producing like that changes how Washington must defend. The Wizards can no longer cheat on perimeter players and must instead pack the middle, leaving themselves exposed out kickouts on the arc. Indiana hasn’t shot the ball well from outside, but with more space for its shooters, expect those open looks to drop. 3. The Pacers hardnosed defense also showed up in Game 2, making life tough for Washington point guard John Wall, who finished with just six points on 2-of-13 shooting. Wall is the engine that drives the Wizards’ attack and it looks like the Pacers may have figured out a way to shut him down.
Play on Indiana as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* (Top Play) on Portland at San Antonio @ 9:30 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Portland with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Portland was rolled by the Spurs in Game 1 but don’t expect a repeat performance. The Blazers were flat off a seven-game series with Houston and are a much tougher team on the road, going 6-2 ATS in their last eight away from home. 2. Portland couldn’t get hot from beyond the arc in Game 1 – shooting just 4 for 16 – but is too good a shooting team to be cold for long. Portland can explode for huge numbers from distance, as it showed in the opening round of the playoffs. 3. While the Blazers perimeter threats failed in Game 1, forward LaMarcus Aldridge was a star. He scored 32 points and pulled in 14 rebounds despite a slow start to the game. If Portland can get the outside shooting going, Aldridge will find even more room to operate around the key.
Play on Portland as a 10* Top Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City vs. L.A. Clippers @ 9:35 p.m. ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Thunder will return serve after losing Game 1 at home. Oklahoma City was a victim of a hot shooting night from the Clippers – something that’s tough to replicate on the road. The Thunder were buried under 15 3-pointers in the opener, which completely changes the game. They won’t have to deal with that in Game 2. 2. The Thunder were sluggish on defense in Game 1, coming off a grueling physical series with Memphis. Oklahoma City has now had time to rest up and won’t suffer another letdown against the Clippers Wednesday. 3. Outside of turnovers and poor defense, OKC did a lot of things right in Game 1 but couldn’t answer to L.A.’s hot hand. The Thunder won the rebounding fight, shot almost 46 percent from the field, knocked down 78 percent of their free throws and got 31 points off the bench. That’s usually enough to win a game.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* (Regular Play) on Indiana vs. Washington @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Indiana Pacers host the Washington Wizards Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Pacers dropped Game 1 and have seen this show before. Indiana fell behind to Atlanta in the first round and barely made it out alive. Now, down 1-0 to the Wizards, the Pacers push the panic button just two games in and come out strong in Game 2. 2. The Pacers got better production off the bench in Game 1, with their reserves outscoring Washington’s 33-15. If Indiana can gets some of the Wizards starters in early foul trouble, Washington may have to dig deep into a shallow bench. 3. Even with a Game 1 victory, the Wizards have not fared well in Indiana. Washington has won only four times in its previous 13 trips to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which will be rocking in Game 2.
Play on Indiana as an 8* Regular Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* (Top Play) on Portland at San Antonio @ 9:30 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Portland with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Spurs escaped a seven-game set with Dallas by playing their best game in over a month. However, San Antonio will be hard pressed to repeat that performance in Game 1. The Spurs have slipped and are not their usual selves in the postseason. San Antonio covered just once against the Mavericks and is 2-8 ATS in its previous 10 games going back to the regular season. 2. Portland isn’t intimidated by San Antonio’s strong home court inside the AT&T Center. The Trail Blazers split the season series with the Spurs, including a win in Texas back in January. Portland was a strong bet away from home this season, going 25-16 ATS on the road. 3. Portland matches up well against the Spurs, presenting a younger version of their potent pick-and-roll combo of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge both had tremendous opening rounds and will give aging San Antonio fits in this conference quarterfinal.
Play on Portland as a 10* Top Selection Tuesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* (Regular Play) on Miami vs. Brooklyn @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Miami Heat host the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Miami with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Nets are bound for a letdown after a grueling seven-game series with Toronto. Brooklyn just held on for the win in Game 7 despite a late collapse. The relief and exhaustion from that win will carry over and leave the Nets flat for Game 1 of the second round. 2. Miami has had plenty of rest between rounds, blanking the Bobcats in four straight games. However, don’t expect the Heat to take it easy in this series opener. Brooklyn swept Miami in the regular season, so the Heat aren’t taking any chances and can’t afford to fall behind. 3. The Nets weren’t able to keep Toronto away from the rim in the first round. However, the Raptors couldn’t capitalize on the open shots those drives created. The drive-and-dish is Miami’s bread and butter in the postseason, and Brooklyn will have no answer when it comes to the Heat’s perimeter threats heat up.
Play on Miami as an 8* Regular Selection Tuesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* (Top Play) on L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City @ 9:35 pm ET The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Clippers Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on L.A. Clippers with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. While both teams are coming off tough seven-game series in the first round, the Thunder are coming off a series win over the extremely physical Grizzlies and will be a little worse for wear when this second-round set kicks off. Expect Oklahoma City to be dragging their sneakers Monday night. 2. Los Angeles overcame more than just the Golden State Warriors in the opening round, having to deal with all the controversy and media storm with their owner. The Clippers overcame that mess and are now a stronger team, bounded by their first-round battle. 3. The Chesapeake Energy Arena used to be one of the toughest arenas in the NBA for read team to steal a win in. However, OKC dropped two games at home in the first round and have actually been beat up by the Clippers – when it comes to the spread - on their own court. Los Angeles has covered the spread in 13 of its last 15 trips to Oklahoma City, including their last road game there – a 125-117 victory back in February.
Play on L.A. Clippers as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Dallas at San Antonio @ 3:30 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Dallas with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Mavericks have the momentum heading in Game 7, having beaten the Spurs at home in Game 6. The AT&T Center is anything but a safe place for San Antonio, which dropped Game 2 at home to Dallas. 2. The Mavericks have covered the spread in all six games this series, while San Antonio – one of the best ATS teams in the NBA – continues to slide against the spread. The Spurs haven’t covered since April 11 – an eight-game ATS skid – and sure sign that this team is stumbling. 3. Dallas is getting major production from its bench players, including 37 points and 20 rebounds in Game 6. The Spurs, on the other hand, haven’t received their usual level of production from their role players, putting all the weight on the aging legs of San Antonio’s veteran superstars.
Play on Dallas as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* (Top Play) on Dallas vs. San Antonio @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Dallas Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Dallas with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Mavericks have managed to cover the spread in each game of this series so far. While this is notable, it should be said that the Spurs have long been one of the best ATS teams in the NBA and this slide is an indicator of just how far San Antonio has fallen. 2. The Mavericks get forward DeJuan Blair back from suspension in Game 6. While Blair isn’t going to move any lines, he is a former Spur with knowledge of the team and has played tough on the inside, keeping San Antonio off the boards. The Spurs had 12 offensive rebounds in his absence. 3. Mavs star forward Dirk Nowitzki caught fire at the end of Game 5 and is found his former after struggling through most of this series. Nowitzki is a tough cover for the Spurs and is able to draw their big men away from the hoop and use his size against smaller defenders.
Play on Dallas as a 10* Top Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Toronto at Brooklyn @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Brooklyn Nets host the Toronto Raptors Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Toronto with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Brooklyn is on the ropes and may not have much left in the tank after battling back from more than 20 points down in Game 5 only to lose by two. 2. Toronto is anything but satisfied with the Game 5 victory, having built a massive lead only to let defense lapses nearly spoil their best offensive performance of the season. The Raptors don’t want to take any chances with the savvy Nets team. 3. Brooklyn isn’t getting the best from its stars. Point guard Deron Williams is in a shooting funk and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were benched in the fourth quarter of Game 5. The longer this series goes, the harder it is on these aging standouts.
Play on Toronto as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Thursday 8* (Regular Play) on Indiana at Atlanta @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Hawks host the Indiana Pacers Thursday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Pacers are on the brink of disaster, down 3-2 to Atlanta. Indiana doesn’t want to be the laughing stock of the NBA and will leave it all on the court Thursday night. 2. The Hawks are primed for a letdown in Game 6 after taking a convincing win in Indiana in Game 5. Atlanta has followed each win with a loss so far in this series. 3. Expect Indiana to shake up the lineup for Game 6, going with a smaller unconventional rotation than leans on speed more than size to close out on the Hawks perimeter shooters. Atlanta has been dependent on the 3-pointer in this series so erasing those looks will help Indiana eliminate those defensive breakdowns.
Play on Indiana as an 8* Regular Selection Thursday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* (Top Play) on Dallas at San Antonio @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Dallas with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. San Antonio is no longer invincible at home after getting rolled by Dallas inside the AT&T Center in Game 2. The Mavericks are playing with confidence and hold terrific line value Wednesday night on the road. 2. Spurs starters Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green have struggled in this series. While the two are more known for their defensive contributions, the pair combines to average almost 22 points per game but has been terribly inconsistent in this series. San Antonio needs those points in what is turning into a high-scoring series. San Antonio could be without star point guard Tony Parker Wednesday. Parker is nursing an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. Even if Parker is able to play, he won’t be able to set the pace and get inside the lane with the tender ankle slowing him down.
Play on Dallas as a 10* Top Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* (Regular Play) on Chicago vs. Washington @ 8:00 p.m. ET
The Chicago Bulls host the Washington Wizards Tuesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Chicago with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Bulls are backed into a corner, down 3-1 in the series to the Wizards but have the home court in this do-or-die matchup. Chicago will leave everything on the floor Tuesday night. 2. Washington is coming off a near-perfect game at home and is ripe for a letdown with a two-game buffer built in this series. Don’t expect the Wizards to mirror that effort against a desperate Bulls side. 3. Tom Thibodeau has called out his team’s lack of physical play and said the Wizards were bullying the Bulls in this series. Chicago is one of the more physical teams in the league and boasted the best defense in the NBA during the regular season. Look for the Bulls to turn up the intensity and rough up the Wizards Tuesday.
Play on Chicago as an 8* Regular Selection Tuesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* (Top Play) on Dallas vs. San Antonio @ 9:35 p.m. ET
The Dallas Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs Monday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Dallas with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Mavericks ride a wave of momentum into Game 4 after taking a 2-1 series lead on a last-second game winner from Vince Carter. Dallas has won two straight over the Spurs, who could be running on empty after plenty of deep playoff runs. 2. San Antonio has always been able to lean on its bench to overcome opponents. But the Spurs reserves haven’t picked up the slack. Dallas, on the other hand, is getting great production from its starting five, with Carter providing pop off the bench. 3. The Mavericks have done a good job matching the Spurs’ physicality and haven’t been pushed around. Dallas battled for 38 points in the paint and kept up with San Antonio on the glass, pulling down 10 offensive rebounds in Game 3.
Play on Dallas as a 10* Top Selection Monday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Toronto vs. Brooklyn @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Brooklyn Nets host the Toronto Raptors Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Toronto with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Toronto battled hard and covered in Game 3, fighting back from a big deficit to lose 102-98. The Raptors have remained competitive despite some sloppy play, turning the ball over 19 times in Game 3. Toronto is working on trimming those errors and should be much sharper in Game 4. 2. Brooklyn has allowed Toronto to own the fourth quarter in this series. The Raptors have outscored the Nets by 14 points in the final frame the past two games, including 32-25 in the fourth quarter of Game 3. 3. The underdog has been the smart play in this series – and throughout the NBA Playoffs – going 2-0-1 ATS. Taking the points is always smart when these two Atlantic Division rivals collide with the underdog covering the spread six times in the last 10 meetings with two pushes.
Play on Toronto as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Oklahoma City at Memphis @ 9:35 p.m. ET
The Memphis Grizzlies host the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Oklahoma City with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Thunder have been bullied by the Grizzlies to fall down 2-1 in the series. Expect Oklahoma City to push back Saturday after a tough overtime loss in Game 3. The Thunder have lost three straight games only once this season and are getting solid value with this spread. 2. Kevin Durant had a rare off night in Game 3, more specifically from beyond the arc. Durant was 0 for 8 from 3-point range and just 10 for 27 from the field. The soon-to-be MVP will be out to erase that poor performance and improve his shot selection Saturday. 3. Oklahoma City needs its bench to step up and produce in order to knot this series. The Thunder’s reserves were a nonfactor in Game 3 and average just 17 points per game during the season. The call has been put in for players like Reggie Jackson and Caron Butler to contribute. With a boost from the bench, OKC will avoid another letdown in overtime.
Play on Oklahoma City as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Indiana at Atlanta @ 2:00 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Hawks host the Indiana Pacers Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Indiana with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Pacers are in panic mode now after dropping Game 3 in Atlanta. Indiana will be playing with added desperation, which should help wake this team up from its late-season slumber. 2. The Pacers have a deep team and even with some key contributors struggling there is enough fire power and experience to pull them out of this tailspin. Indiana got solid efforts from some reserves in Game 3. 3. Stopping Atlanta is as simple as stopping Jeff Teague. Expect the Pacers to throw a lot at the Hawks high-scoring guard Saturday and try to bully him off the basketball and cool his hot hand.
Play on Indiana as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* (Regular Play) on Chicago at Washington @ 8:05 p.m. ET
The Washington Wizards host the Chicago Bulls Friday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Chicago with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Bulls are in panic mode after dropping both games to the Wizards inside the United Center. Chicago will tighten up on defense and look to find their form on that end of the floor. 2. The Wizards are bound for a letdown in Game 3 following a come-from-behind push to force overtime and steal Game 2 in Chicago. With the series back in DC, this young team could relax a bit and the Bulls will take full advantage of that. 3. Chicago has been at home in the Verizon Center, covering the spread in six of its previous eight trips to Washington. The road team has been the profitable play when these two squads collide, covering in six straight head-to-head meetings.
Play on Chicago as an 8* Regular Selection Friday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* (Top Play) on Charlotte at Miami @ 7:00 p.m. ET
The Miami Heat host the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Charlotte with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Bobcats went down swinging in Game 1, despite an 11-point loss. Charlotte ran with the Heat for most of the game despite some playoff jitters that manifested into 15 turnovers. The Bobcats will have gotten those postseason nerves settled in Game 2. 2. Bobcats star forward Al Jefferson injured his foot in Game 1 but told the media he’s playing. Jefferson is as tough as they come and has the physicality to exploit Miami’s shallow frontcourt under the basket. 3. The Bobcats got great efforts from their role players, with 24 points coming off the bench and starters Josh McRoberts and Kemba Walker tossing in 15 and 20 points respectively.
Play on Charlotte as a 10* Top Selection Wednesday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on Portland at Houston @ 9:35 p.m. ET
The Houston Rockets host the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Portland with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Portland enters the postseason as the hottest team in the NBA, riding the momentum of a five-game winning streak and closing out the schedule on a 9-1 stretch (6-4 ATS). 2. The Trail Blazers have the fire power to go shot for shot with the Rockets and enter with the hot hand from beyond the arc, shooting 43 percent from downtown during that five-game winning run. Portland is also the top team at the stripe in the league, so those extra points won’t be lost – a huge boost for bettors in the playoffs. 3. The Blazers have won and covered in four straight road games and boast a stellar 25-16 ATS mark away from home on the year. On top of that, the underdog has covered in 11 of the past 18 games between Portland and Houston heading into Game 1.
Play on Portland as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Brooklyn at Toronto @ 12:30 p.m. ET
The Toronto Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Brooklyn with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Nets settled for the No. 6 seed in the East, bogged down by their poor start to the season. Brooklyn was the different team after the All-Star break and brings a ton of playoff experience to the table. 2. Toronto has been waiting to make the postseason cut for a long time and is ripe for a letdown in this first game Saturday. The Raptors have a young team and the playoff atmosphere may be a little overwhelming for them in the opener. 3. The Nets were able to rest up their veterans before the playoffs tipped off, getting Deron Williams, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett down time. This may be the most healthy those three stars have been all season.
Play on Brooklyn as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.