My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Belmont at 8:00 ET.

3-1 Belmont and 4-0 LSU will face each other Monday night in Baton Rouge, before traveling for Thanksgiving weekend tournaments. Belmont is used to winning, having won 20-plus games in 15 of the last 16 seasons (exception was a 19-win season), with EIGHT trips to the Big Dance. The Bruins return all five starters from last season's 26-4 team. LSU's Wiil Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and taht got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancelation)

Belmont lost its opener (92-80 at Ohio U) but has rebounded to win three straight. The 6-11 Nick Muszynski (17.5-6.5-3.5) leads the way with guards Murphy (11.5-6.3-5.8) and Smith (10.3). The 6-6 Sheppard was the 6th-man last season but he's now starting, averaging 15.0 PPG) plus 6-5 freshman Richard (11.3 & 5.5) has also joined teh starting lineup.

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Day decided to return and he's leading the team with 21.8 PPG (7.5 RPG) and is part of a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (13.3 & 9.3), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.8 & 5.3).

LSU has cruised so far (avergae margin of victory being 35.5 points) and has a huge edge in the frontcourt, but Belmont has a much better perimeter game and has the kind of depth that can bother LSU. LSU will be lucky to vcome away with a "W." Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Ohio St at 6:30 ET.

Seton Hall has opened 3-0, including a surprising 67-65 win on the road on Tuesday at then-No. 4 Michigan. Ohio St opened 3-0 but fell 71-65 at Xavier on Friday night. The two schools meet tonight at the Fort Myers Tip-Off in Florida.

Seton Hall head coach Willard said after his team's upset of Michigan, "This is where we are as a program. I expected us to win this game. This wasn't a shock to me. I feel we can play against anybody in the country, any night, and I think we've done that for the last seven years and we've proved it. So, for me, this is what the program should be doing." The 6-10 Mamukelashvili (17.5 & 7.6) was co-player-of-the-year in the Big East and is gone but the Pirates have SEVEN players scoring between 9.0 and 12.3 PPG. Harvard transfer Aiken is finally healthy and leads the team at 12.3 PPG. Swingman Rhoden checks in at 12.0 & 7.5 and 6-6 guard Cale averages 11.3 & 5.3). Two 6-10 players are the main contributors up front, Jackson (10.7 & 6.0) and Samuel (9.7 & 7.3)

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four season in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (21.0 & 6.5) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (10.8 & 5.8 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (6.8). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (5.8 & 4.5 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 8.3 & 6.0.

Seton Hall is brimming with confidence after rallying from 11 down at Michigan and the Pirates are holding opponents to 31.4 percent shooting from the floor, including 13.3 percent from three-point range (52.7 PPG ranks 10th). However, after Michigan got routed 80-62 by Arizona last night, the Pirates' win over the Wolverines has lost some luster. Meanwhile, Ohio St is looking to rebound from a loss at Xavier, in which the Buckeyes were outrebounded 43-35 and allowed 16 offensive rebounds.

Ohio St has the best player on the floor in Liddell and should be playing with some EXTRA motivation after the loss at Xavier. Note: Xavier's a quality program and owns a HUGE homecourt edge. A neutral setting plus catching Seton Hall off its upset of Michigan makes Ohio St the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Sunday Night Game of the Month is on the LA Chargers at 8:20 ET.

The 5-3-1 Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to LA's SoFi Stadium for an important game with the 5-4 LA Chargers. Pittsburgh trails 6-3 Baltimore in the AFC North, with 5-4 Cincy and 5-5 Cleveland still 'hanging around' As for the Chargers, they are tied with the Raider, a half-game back of the first-place Chiefs (6-4) in the AFC West, while the Broncos lurk at 5-5. Clearly, this is a game BOTH teams desperately want (and NEED) to win!

The Steelers opened 1-3 but had won FOUR in a row, before playing to a tie last Sunday, against winless Detroit. Big Ben was supposedly washed up but he had completed 65.6% for 1,986 yards with 10 TDs and just 4 INTs through eight games, before missing last week because of COVID. Mason Rudolph got the start and was 30 of 50 for 242 yards with one TD and one INT (update to come). Alabama rookie RB Najee Harris has 646 yards rushing (3.7 YPC and 4TDs) plus has added 44 catches (2nd-most on the team), with 2 TDs. WR Johnson lead witch 52 catches (3 TDs) and TE Freiermuth has 32 catches and a team-high 4 TDs. With Smith-Schuster on IR, the Steelers are hoping WR Claypool (29 catches) will be able to play (he is questionable). The Steelers are averaging just 19.7 PPG (26th) but as always are playing good defense, allowing 20.6 PPG (8th).

QB Justin Herbert had a good rookie season and opened the current season like gangbusters. His YTD numbers still look impressive (65.4% for 2,545 yards with 19 TDs and 7 iNTs) but he's really fallen off, as the Chargers are 1-3 after a 4-1 start. In those three losses, he completed just 55.6% for an average of 204.3 YPG with 4 TDs and 4 INTs. RB Ekeler is a terric all-purpose player, rushing for 523 yards (4.7 YPC with 5 TDs), while catching 39 passes for 4 TDs. WRs Allen (65 / 2 TDs) and Wiliams (41 / 6 TDs) are All-Pro caliber plus TE Cook (28 / 2 TDs) is solid.  

Here's the deal. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin didn't rule out the possibility that Roethlisberger could play Sunday, but the game plan this week will revolve around backup Mason Rudolph. Pittsburgh hasn’t lost in its last five games (4-0-1) but a closer look reveals the Steelers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games, needing referee-aided assistance to nip the Bears two weeks ago at home on MNF and this past Sunday, couldn’t even beat the winless Lions playing to a comical 16-16 tie. The Chargers are averaging 29.7 PPG in their last four home contests. The Chargers go on the road for the next two games, so a "W" here is almost a 'MUST!' I got down early on LA (-3.5) but the line jumped with the news that Big Ben may not play. He may and if so, the line will (should) come back down. Either way, my play is on the Chargers.

Good luck...Larry

My CBB 9* Tourney Game of the Week is on St Bonny's at 7:30 ET.

No. 22 St. Bonaventure (4-0) will face 5-0 Marquette in Sunday's championship game of the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic in South Carolina. The Bonnies are the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and were ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). Marquette is coming off an 11-13 season and lost all FIVE starters plus added a new head coach in Shaka Smart. 

Marquette's 72-61 semifinal win Friday over West Virginia was no 'walk in the park,' but St Bonaventure's victory over Clemson seemed unlikely midway through the second half. However, Kyle Lofton and Jaren Holmes rallied the Bonnies from a 14-point, second-half deficit with 13:30 left by leading a 21-2 run to pull out a 68-65 win. Lofton leads the team in scoring at 18.3 PPG (4.0 RPG & 5.3 APG), while Holmes chips in 16.8 & 7.0. Two more guards, Adaway (13.3) and Welch (9.8 & 5.8) plus the 6-10 Osunniyi (6.3 & 7.0) round out the team's starting-five. Marquette is led by SG Morsell (20.2-4.2-3.0) and PG Kolek (10.0 & 6.2 APG) on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Lewis (17.8 & 8.0) is the team's top frontcourt player.

Shaka Smart was one of the hottest coaching commodities after leaving VCU for Texas but he was fired after six seasons with zero NCAA wins! I'm not sure how Marquette is 5-0 (own a 67-66 win over No. 10 Illinois) but St Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt has five senior starters (as above), who have collectively accounted for 87 percent of all the team's scoring this season.

The Bonnies may not have a coach with the name recognition of Smart, but their experience and leadership will help them control the tempo of this contest from start to finish. St Bonaventure is allowing 58.3 PPG (on 35.8% shooting), almost two 'TDs' less than Marquette, which is allowing 71.2 PPG. Lay the points and expect a decisive victory.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the KC Chiefs at 4:25 ET.

The Cowboys were just 6-10 last season (5-11 ATS) but enter this Week 11 matchup in Kansas City against the Chiefs at 7-2 and an 8-1 ATS mark. The Chiefs have struggled on and off in 2021 but THREE straight wins have them at 6-4 and atop the AFC West, a division they've won in each of the last five seasons. However, KC's ATS woes have continued, as they are just 3-7, after ending the 2020's regular season on a 1-7 ATS run.

Dak Prescott has come back healthy in 2021 (he did miss one game), completing 70.3% of his pases for 2,341 yards with 20 TDs and just five INTs (110.8 QB rating). He's supported by the RB duo of Elliott (663 yards / 4.7 YPC / 7 TDs) and Pollard (445 yards / 5.4 YPC / 1 TD). 2nd-year WR Lamb (47 catches / 15.4 YPC / 6 TDs) and veteran Cooper (44 catches / 13.3 YPC / 5 TDs) plus TE Schultz (38 catches / 11.5 YPC / 3 TDs) are his main targets. Dallas is averaging 31.6 PPG (1st) but just got the bad news that Amari Cooper was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The Dallas defense is allowing 21.7 PPG, more than a full TD less than last season (29.5).

Mahomes had played like 'Superman' the last few seasons (except for last year's Super Bowl) but has had an up-and-down season (for him!). Note that he's completing 65.8% for 2,940 yards with 25 TDs and 10 INTs (not exactly 'chopped liver!'). The running game is less-than-average (110.5 YPG ranks 18th) but in WR Hill (75 catches / 8 TDs) and TE Kelce (62 catches / 5 TDs), the Chiefs own arguably the best WR/TE combination in the NFL. The offense averages 26.2 PPG (10th), down from 29.6, 28.2 and 35.3 the last three seasons. Defense has never been a KC strength and the Chiefs are allowing 24.1 PPG (20th).

Yes, Mahomes threw for season-highs of 406 yards and five TDs last Sunday but the defense has been the 'key' to the team's three-game winning streak, allowing just 12.7 PPG. My bet says the once-struggling Chiefs "have turned a corner" and are a BARGAIN at this price.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Oregon St at 3:00 ET.

Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle came from Montana to take over at Oregon St in the 2014-15 season. His overall record entering this season was just 113-109 but he did lead last year's team to the Pac 12 tourney championship and all the way to the Elite 8. Princeton's Mitch Henderson had four, 20-win seasons at Princeton in his first nine seasons at the school (just one NCAA appearance) but like all coaches and players, Ivy League schools did not play due to COVID.

Princeton has opened 3-1 and is scoring 80.0 PPG (more than a typical Princeton team) plus as always, is playing excellent defense in allowing 59.5 PPG. Guards Llewellyn (13.5) and Wright (10.3 & 8.0) are the lone double digit scorers among the starters but guard Langborg averages 11.6=5 PPG off the bench. The Tigers' best frontcourt player is the 6-9 Evbuomwan (9.0-5.3-4.8).

Tisdale lost his top scorer in Thompson (15.7 & 4.0) plus starting yard Reichle (7.2) but returned SIX of his top-eight scorers. Three are averaging in double digits, the 6-8 Alatishe (14.0 & 6.5), the 6-10 Calloo (12.8 & 4.5) and guard Lucas (10.5). The starting PG is Hunt (4.3-3.5-4.3) but his backup (Davis), has come off the bench to add 6.3-4.0-4.7.

I'm not sure why Oregon St has opened just 1-3. The Beavers are coming off a 78-77 home loss to Samford on Thursday night in which they trailed by 10 at halftime and spent the entire second half attempting to catch up. "I tried to hit them from a very, sincere, heartfelt place," said Tinkle of his pregame talk, which didn't work. He added: "(We're) very selfish right now, and I've done a bad job of not bringing this group together right now. Unfortunately, we haven't been able," he added, "to put all that stuff aside and play the way we're supposed to play. We are not good enough right now to think that it should be a blowout or an easy win."

I expect a big bounce back from Oregon St here, as the team is loaded with players that won last year's Pac 12 tourney AND advanced to the Elite 8. Meanwhile, fatigue could be a factor for Princeton, as the Tigers are playing their FOURTH game in 10 days on the other side of the country in Corvallis. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bal Ravens at 1:00 ET.

The Baltimore Ravens opened the season by 'letting one slip away' in Las Vegas against the Raiders (lost in OT) but then won FIVE of six. However, they've lost TWO of their last three, including 22-10 at Miami on a Thursday night game in Week 10. Baltimore is currently 6-3 but the AFC North also features 5-3-1 Pittsburgh, 5-4 Cincy and 5-5 Cleveland. The Bears opened 3-2 (promising start) but has since lost FOUR in a row. Chicago 'lives' in the NFC North, a division that's dominated by the 8-2 Packers and embarrassed by the 0-8-1 Lions.

Despite losing Dobbins and Edwards before the season, the Ravens have still managed to lead the NFL in rushing. However, the Dolphins shut them down a week a go Thursday, holding them to 94 yards rushing. Still, the Ravens enter this game No. 1 with 154.1 YPG. QB Lamar Jackson is the key, as he's run for 639 yards (6.0 YPC / 2 TDs), while also completing 64.4% for 2,447 yards with 14 TDs and eight INTs. His top receivers are WR Brown (52 / 6 TDs) and TE Andrews (48 / 4 TDs). Jackson missed Wednesday's practice due to illness, but Harbaugh said it was not COVID-related and he practiced on Friday (all systems go). Baltimore's defense no longer resembles the "Ray Lewis era" unit, allowing 24.1 PPG (22nd) but the rush D is STRONG, allowing 88.2 YPG to rank 4th.

Chicago rookie QB Justin Fields is a 'work in progress' and still has a LONG way to go. He completes just 59.4% for 1,282 yards (Bears rank dead-last in passing yards) with 4 TDs and 8 INTs. The Bears did get RB Montgomery back in their last game and he gained 63 yards rushing vs Pittsburgh. When healthy, he's a solid back but the Bears are not likely to be very successful against Baltimore's rush D (see above). WR Mooney (26 / 2 TDs) leads in receiving as Robinson, who caught 92 and 102 pases the last two seaons, has 'faded away'with 30 catches (one TD.

Chicago's offense ranked 30th in scoring (16.7 PPG) and 31st in total offense (280.7 YPG). To add insult to injury, both Mooney and Ronbison are banged up and listed as questionable for ths game. Balitore really NEEDS a win to get back on track and the Ravens shouldn't even be a "little worried" about Chicago coming off a bye.The last time the Bears won following a bye, Marc Trestman was in his first season as their coach. Chicago beat Green Bay at Lambeau Field in 2013, after Aaron Rodgers fractured his left collarbone being sacked on the Packers' first series. Since that victory, the Bears have dropped SEVEN straight after off weeks! Baltinmore wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Phi Eagles at 1:00 ET.

The New Orleans Saints began the season without Drew Brees and then lost Jameis Winston in the team's Week 8 win over Tampa Bay, which gave them a 5-2 record. However, the Saints have lost two games in a row by two points in the final moments. The Atlanta Falcons kicked a game-winning FG as time expired in Week 9 and then the Saints had a chance to tie but failed on a two-point conversion with 1:16 left at Tennessee (lost 23-21). The 4-6 Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Saints to the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday coming off perhaps their best game of the season, a 30-13 victory at Denver last Sunday.

Trevor Siemian finished up for Winston in the Tampa Bay win but despite the fact that he has had two straight interception-free games as a starter, the Saints have lost both contests. That said, Siemian brought his team back from an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Falcons to briefly take a lead with a minute left. He then brought the team back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to the brink of tying the Titans. The Saints played last week without injured RB Alvin Kamara, their most productive offensive player (530 yards rushing and a team-high 32 receptions). Kamara (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday but he has been ruled out for Sunday. The team's leading WRs are Harris (17.0 YPC / 2 TDs) and Callaway (5 TDs) but both have just 24 catches. The Saints are playing excellent defense, allowing 19.8 PPG (7th).

Philly QB Jalen Hurts is having a very good season, completing 62.2% for 2,159 yards with 13 TDs and 5 INTs plus has run for 549 yards on 5.7 YPC with 5 TDs. While Kamara is out for New Orleans, Philly's Miles Sanders (300 yards on 4.8 YPC and 3 TDs) has missed the last three games because of an ankle injury. However, all signs point to him playing. Heisman winner Smith has 42 catches on 14.4 YPC with 4 TDs.

The Saints' offense this season has borne little resemblance to the prolific Payton-designed attacks that led the NFL in passing a half dozen times while Drew Brees was the QB New Orleans ranks second to last in passing, averaging 202.2 yards per game through the air. It hasn't helped that top receiver Michael Thomas is missing this season because of complications related to his offseason ankle surgery. Now, Kamara is out. In contrast, Hurts is coming into his own, Sanders is back and the Eagles are averaging 32.7 PPG over their last three games.

The 'fly in the ointment' is that while Philly is 4-2 on the road, the Eagles are 0-4 at home. In fact, the Eagles have lost their last five home games, last winning in Week 14 last season. What team did the Eagles beat last year in Week 14? None other than the Saints (24-21). I'm on the Eagles in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Boise St at 1:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis Sunday morning by 8:30 ET.

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Utah at 7:30 ET.

The 9-1 Oregon Ducks retained their No. 3 spot in the CFP rankings on Tuesday and will take a five-game winning streak into their Saturday night game in Salt Lake City against the 7-3 Utah Utes (Utah moved into the CFP rankings at No. 23). Oregon is 6-1 in league play and leads the Pac-12 North by two games, while Utah's 6-1 league mark gives them just a one-game edge over Arizona St in the Pac-12 South. Oregon can clinch the North title and a spot in the conference championship game with a win Saturday or an Oregon State loss. Utah can clinch the South with a win over the Ducks or an Arizona State loss. This could very well be a preview of the Pac 12 championship game.

BC transfer Anthony Brown is Oregon's QB, completing 64.6% for 2,020 yards with 12 TDs and 4 INTs, while adding 551 rushing yards and 8 TDs. RB Dye leads the team in rushing with 908 yards (6.0YPC / 12 TDs), as Oregon ranks 12th in the nation by averaging 226.5 YPG on the ground. Dye is also Oregon's leading receiver (32), as WRs Johnson (25 catches / 1 TD) and Williams (23 catches / 2 TDs) do not 'scare' anyone's secondary. The offense averages 35.3 PPG (22nd) and the defense holds opponents to a respectable 22.8 PPG (43rd).

Baylor transfer Charlie Brewers was supposed to be Utah's answer at QB but he flopped badly. However, Cameron Rising took over in Utah's 33-31 OT loss at SD St on Sep 18, throwing for 3 TDs in a comeback effort that fell just short. He's led Utah to six wins and just one loss since, and is completing 63.5% for 1,752 yards with 14 TDs and just two INTs on the season. His top receivers are WR Kuithe (36 / 5 TDs) and TE Kincaid (24 catches / 5 TDs). Three RBs have gained more that 425 yards, led by Thomas (742 / 6.1 YPC / 14 TDs), as Utah basically matches Oregon on the ground averaging 214.7 YPG (19th). The Utes average 35.7 PPG (19th) and allow 23.8 PPG (53rd).

Yes, Oregon won 35-28 in Columbus on Sep 11 but its other three road games have been a 31-24 OT loss at Standford 3-7 record), a 34-31 'squeaker' at UCLA and a so-so 26-16 win at Washington, the Pac-12's biggest flop in 2021. Meanwhile, the Utes are 4-0 SU at home, giving them an 18-1 record going back to the start of the 2018 season!

A Utah win almost guarantees a rematch in the Pac-12 championship game. See you then!

Good luck...Larry

My CFB 10* Game of the Year is on Mia-Fl at 7:30 ET.

A pair of 5-5 ACC teams square off at Hard rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday night, as the Va Tech Hokies meet the Miami Hurricanes. Both are also 3-3 in the ACC's Coastal Division and are no threat to reach the ACC title game but both are just ONE win shy of becoming bowl-eligible. Virginia Tech hosted the Duke Blue Devils last Saturday and came away with a 48-17 win. QB Braxton Burmeister threw for 215 yards, three TDs, one interception, plus added 71 rushing yards on the ground. RBs Raheem Blackshear and Keshawn King combined for 207 yards and two TD on just 21 carries. Miami visited the Florida State Seminoles last Saturday and left with a heart breaking 31-28 defeat. The Hurricanes overcame a 17-0 deficit to take a 28-20 lead early in the fourth quarter but FSU scored 10 points in the final five minutes to get the win. QB Tyler Van Dyke went 25/47 threw for 316 yards, four touchdowns (to four different players!) and two interceptions.

Va Tech QB Hooker really made a 'splash' last season once he won the job, passing for 1,339 yards (9 TDs / 5 INTs) and adding 620 rushing yards with 9 TDs. However, he transferred to Tennessee and has completed 68.6% for 2,138 yards with 22 TDs and just three INTs, while adding 464 rushing yards and four more scores. Meanwhile, Va Tech's Burmeister is completing just 54.5% for 1,710 yards with 12 TDs and 4 INTs. He can run some, adding 358 yards and two TDs for a running game that averages 174.0 yPG (57th). RB Blackshear leads the way with 542 yards on 5.4 YPC with 5 TDs. WRs Robinson (39 / 11.4 YPc / 4 TDs) and Turner (35 catches / 18.0 YPC / 2 TDs) are the only two receivers with more than 20 receptions. Va Tech typically plays good defense and this year's team is allowing 21.3 PPG, 32nd in the nation.

Miami was thrilled when D'Eriq King was able to return for another year but he didn't stay healthy long. The good news is that freshman QB Van Dyke has been excellent, completing 61.2% with 19 TDs and just 6 INTs. He has a nice trio of receivers in Rambo (64 / 14.9 / 5 TDs), Harley (41 / 4 TDs) and Smith (32 / 3 TDs. RBs Knighton (493 / 4.2 YPC / 5 Tds) and Harris (409 / 5.8 YPC / 5 TDs) can be effective but Miami is averaging a modest 133.8 YPG on the ground (95th). Miami's D is allowing 30.5 PPG (99th) but the offense scores 32.4 PPG, compared to Va Tech's 24.3.

Justin Fuent used a two-year 19-6 run at Memphis to snare the Va Tech jog but after 10-4 and 9-4 seasons, his teams were 6-7, 8-5 and 5-6, before this year's 5-5 record. Manny Diaz went just 6-6 in first first season with Miami (2019), before losing 14-0 to La Tech in a bowl game. The team lost its bowl game again last season (37-34 to Okla St), but did finish 8-3. The 'Canes were ranked 14th in the AP's preseason poll, so a 5-5 season is WELL below expectations.

I noted above that the winner of this contest gets that "all-important" 6th win but each has one more game after this. Virginia Tech is at Virginia, while Miami is at Duke. Miami should have little trouble getting by Duke but the Hokies will have their hands full with UVA. That does give the "urgency edge" to Va Tech but I believe Miami will be primed to win, after that heart-breaking loss at hated-FSU. A win there and Miami would be riding a four-game winning streak with a chance to finish on a six-game winning run, before going 'bowling.'

The saying goes, "defense wins championships" but these are NOT championship teams. This Miami offense can be spectacular, as long as it takes care of the ball. Unfortunately, that was not the case for the Hurricanes last weekend, who had their worst offensive performance since their season opener against Alabama. I am firmly in the 'camp' that believes the Hurricanes bounce back at home this weekend. Look for the home field to be a big advantage for the Hurricanes (Va Tech is on a 2- ATS run on the road), as they punch their ticket to bowl eligibility with a convincing win of the "rocking chair" variety.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Tulsa. at 7:30 ET.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Rhode Island Rams meet Saturday at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fl. Tulsa has opened 2-1 and Rhode Island 3-0.

My 9* 'Battle 4 LA' is on USC at 4:00 ET.

The UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans meet in Pac-12 action from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday with the winner earning the "Victory Bell." The Bruins are 6-4 (4-3 in the Pac 12) while the Trojans are 4-5 (3-4). The Bruins are coming off a 44-20 win over Colorado in their last game, after back-to-back losses to Oregon and Utah, which took them out of any Pac 12 championship game hopes. USC opened the season as the AP's No. 15 team but opened just 3-2 and then saw its season crumble, with just ONE win (over then winless Arizona) in its next four games. Last week's game at Cal was postponed and will be made up Dec 4.

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has completed 60.3% for 1,896 yards, 14 touchdowns ad 4 INTs, while rushing for 463 yards with 7 TDs. His top receivers are WR Philips (47 / 13.3 YPC / 6 TDs) and TE Dulcich (34 / 16.6 / 4 TDs. RBs Charbonnet (864 yards / 5.7 YPC / 11 TDs) and Brown (616 / 6.0 YPC / 7 TDs) help give UCLA nice offensive balance, averaging 209.4 YPG on the ground (21st). The defense is allowing 27.4 PPG (76th).

There was a time when USC was dubbed "Running Back U" but those days are long gone. RB Ingram (815 yards / 5.9 YPC / 5 TDs) is a quality back but the team is averaging only 136.8 YPG on the ground (92nd). Big things were expected of QB Kedon Slovis but while he's completing 65.0% and has thrown for 2,153 yards, he has only 11 TD passes with eight INTs. However, he does have one of the nation's best WRs in London, who has 88 catches (12.3 YPC / 7 TDs). The USC defense is about the same as UCLA's, allowing 28.9 YPG (85th).

UCLA's Chip Kelly left his 'genius' up in Eugene, where he went 46-7, including 33-3 in the Pac 12. He was a 'disaster' in the NFL and in his return to the college ranks with UCLA, he was 10-21 in his first two seasons before going 6-4 in 2021. He's lost his two meetings with crosstown rival USC and that fits right into the current series history between these two teams. USC has won FIVE of the last six meetings overall and is 10-1 SU in the last 11 played here at the LA Coliseum. A win here and USC will get two chances (home to BYU and at Cal), to become bowl-eligible. As the USC chant goes, "Fight On!" I'm taking the points but expect an outright win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on VCU at 4:00 ET.

Lamont Paris enters his fifth season at Chattanooga and after going 22043 in his first two, has gone 38-20 in his last two. The Mocs returned four starters from last season and have opened 3-0. VCU's Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. VCU has opened 2-1 this season and the Rams welcome the Mocs to Siegel Center for a late afternoon game.

Chattanooga is led by the excellent backcourt duo of Jean-Baptiste (17.30 and PG Smith (14.7-5.7-5.30 plus the 6-6 Banks (12.3 & 5.7) and the 6-7 Hankton (8.0 & 5.7) up front. The Rams lost Hyland (9.5 & 4.7) to the NBA and this season, have used a seven-man rotation but not a single player is in double digits. 6-5 senior forward Williams (9.3 & 4.30 and senior guard Curry (9.3) come the closest. 

At first blush, taking the points may seem like the 'right side' but "Not so Fast!" Rhoades is an excellent coach and the Siegel Center has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams. With full crowds this season, expect VCU to centuries its home success (42-7 at home the previous three seasons). VCU may not score much but the Rams are allowing 49.7 PPG (3rd) on 30.4% shooting (3rd), including 19.0% (4th) on threes. Home team wins by double-digits! 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on North Carolina at 4:00 ET.

No. 6 Purdue and No. 17 North Carolina will meet Saturday in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament in Uncasville, Ct. 3-0 Purdue has dominated three games at home, rolling over Bellarmine, Indiana State and Wright State, as the Boilermakers have scored more than 90 points in each of those games, something that Purdue hadn't done in three straight games in almost 21 years. "Now we'll get a real test in our next tournament with the teams that we're going to play," Purdue head coach Matt Painter said, pointing to North Carolina first. "They have great individual players. They're like everybody else, trying to find themselves, especially defensively." North Carolina won 94-83 on Tuesday night at College of Charleston in a hostile environment to also open 3-0 and is hoping a good test away from home will help build toward something even better in this tournament setting. "To see them respond on the road in a packed house," North Carolina's first-year head coach Hubert Davis said, "... This builds a lot of confidence for us moving forward. I love it now that we won. Everybody tells us that this is going to make us better."

Both teams are 'loaded.' 7-4 sophomore Edey (18.7 & 10.3) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (11.7 & 9.3) and 6-10 freshman Furst (9.3 & 9.3) up front. The perimeter is handled by Ivey (15.3 & 6.7), Stefanovic (13.7) and Newman (12.3). That's quite a six-man rotation. However, North Carolina counters with a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (18.0 & 9.3), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (17.0 & 7.3) and Marquette transfer Garcia (8.7 & 7.7). Sophomore guard Love (19.0-3.7-4.3) teams with freshman Davis (12.7 & 5.0 APG) and Walton (10.0) in the backcourt.

I realize that Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue (the Boilermakers are 3-0 for the 11th time in his tenure) and that Hubert Davis is in his first season as a head coach but I don't see much difference between these two teams. Both teams play again Sunday against either No. 5 Villanova or No. 17 Tennessee in a championship game or consolation game depending on Saturday's results. Is it just me, or does it seem strange for North Carolina to be in an in-season tournament as the lowest-ranked team of the four entrants. In both previous Purdue-North Carolina meetings, the Tar Heels won November games on neutral courts (1998 in New York, 1999 in Honolulu). 'Third verse, same as the first (two).' Points are a HUGE bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye Opener is on Texas at 12: 00 ET.

Texas began the season ranked 21st in the AP's preseason and opened with a 38-18 win over ULL (note: ULL has NOT lost since and at 9-1, is ranked 22nd in the current AP poll). The Longhorns lost 40-21 to Arkansas in their second game but then won three in a row, to enter their HUGE rivalry game with Oklahoma at 4-1 (still No. 21 in the AP poll). However, after taking a 28-7 lead in the first quarter, the Longhorns saw the game (and maybe their season?) crumble. Oklahoma would outscore Texas 25-3 in the 4th quarter for a 55-48 win and Texas hasn't won since. Texas hit 'rock bottom' with its 57-56 (OT) loss at home to Kansas, a team that entered this season 5-84 in Big 12 play the previous decade, as well as with a 2-52 road record in all games.

4-6 Texas now 'limps' into Morgantown to take on the 4-6 West Va Mountaineers. West Va head coach Neal Brown is in his third season with the Mountaineers and entered the current season 11-11. West Va comes into this game 4-6, off back-to-back losses (by the combined score of 58-20) and like Texas, would need to win its last two games to become bowl-eligible. However, it's hard to imagine either of these teams thinking too much about a bowl bid, as just a plain "W" would do.

No one can argue Texas doesn't have the offense to be among the top-25 teams, as QB Thompson is completing 64.3% for 1,914 yards with 23 TDs and just 7 INTs. RB Robinson has 1,227 yards rushing on 5.8 YPC and 11 TDs, as Texas is averaging 37.8 PPG (13th). However, the defense is a MESS, allowing 32.5 PPG (107th) on 437.0 YPG (105th).

West Va QB Doege is completing 65.5% for 2,448 yards but has a much more modest TD/INT ratio at 13-10. RB Brown gained over 1,000 yards last year in 10 games but through 10 games this season has just 751 (but 11 TDs). West Va's offense (25.7) averages about a TD less per game than Texas does but its defense (24.1) allows about a TD less per game.

The visitor in this series had won four in a row and West Va almost made it five in row last year, falling just 17-13 at Austin. In the end, this contest is not about the numbers. Texas (on paper) is the MUCH better team and is getting points. The 'key' will be if the Longhorns can 'Cowboy Up,' as they like to say in Texas. The Longhorns 'booted' head coach Tom Herman (32-18 in four years at Texas, leading the Longhorns to four bowl wins), for Steve Sarkisian. One wonders how Sarkissian could survive by losing SEVEN in a row to end the year (Texas is home to Kansa St in  its final game)?

How can the Texas defense possibly play worse and if Sarkisian can't 'rally his troops' to a win here, he deserves to be 'voted out of office! Take the FG or so with Texas. Hook 'em Horns!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on CS-Fullerton at 10:00 ET.

The CSU Fullerton Titans and San Diego Toreros meet Friday at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego. The Titans have opened 1-2, while the Toreros own a 3-1 record.

The Titans are off a disappointing 6-10 season but retur seven players who averaged 16-plus minutes, including four starters. While the Titans are 1-2, they have five double digit scorers and a sixth who just misses. The 6-7 Anosike (19.3 & 10.0) is joined up front by the 6-8 Lee (12.0 & 7.7). In the backcourt, Dante (12.3 & 4.7) and Tray (10.3) Maddux are joined by Milstead (10.0) and Wrightsell (9.0).

San Diego starts four guards plus the 6-10 Brown (11.5 & 9.3). Starting guards Townsend (13.8), Calcaterra (11.5) and Earlington (10.5 & 4.8) are averaging in double digits. San Diego's only loss came in a 75-70 setback to Cal at Berkeley. The Titans are off a convincing 74-59 home win over George Washington the last time out but now need to show they can play away from home (both losses were at Santa Clara and San Jose St). I think the Titans can make it two in a row tonight. The titans are VERY capable of winning but I.m NOT about to ignore taking about a 'TDs' worth of points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Friday Night Game of the Year is on Air Force at 9:00 ET.

The Air Force Falcons and Nevada Wolf Pack meet Friday night at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nv. Both schools are 7-3, including 4-2 in MWC play. Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun is in his 15th season since following the legendary Fisher DeBerry (23 years). He led Air Force to 10 bowl games in his first 13 seasons, before the team went 2-2 in 2020's COVID-shortened season. The Falcons will be back 'bowling' in 2021. Nevada is coached by Jay Norvell, who arrived in Reno in 2017. Norvell went 3-9 in his first season but has led the Wolf Pack to three straight bowls since then, including going 7-2 in last year's pandemic-shortened season after beating Tulane 38-27 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Air Force has thrown just 98 passes in its nine games but as will come as no surprise, leads the nation in rushing at 311.1 YPG , averaging 4.9 YPC with 31 TDs. RB Roberts has 1,064 yards (10 TDs) and QB Daniels has 646 yards (9 TDs). Two other players of note are Davis (360 yards on 7.7 YPC) and Hughes (250 yards on 7.8 YPC). Air Force's defense is often overlooked but shouldn't be, as the Falcons are allowing only 17.6 PPG (11th) on 288.3 YPC (5th).

While Air Force 'lives' by the run, Nevada 'lives' by the pass. QB Strong completed 70.1% with 27 TDs and 4 INTs last season and comes into this game completing 70.5% for 3,547 yards with 29 TDs and 7 INTs. He's put those kinds of numbers despite a running game that averages only 64.2 YPG (129th) on 2.6 YPC. Three receivers have 50-plus catches, led by WRs Doubs (64 / 7 TDs) and Stovall (51 / 1 TD) plus TE Turner has 55 with 8 TDs. Nevada is averaging 34.9 PPG. The Nevada D is not bad, allowing 24.2 PPG (55th).

Nevada is 5-0 at home this season and will take a 9-game home winning streak into this contest but one MUST take into consideration that Air Force is 4-0 on the road, while going 4-0 ATS as well. Breaking down the matchup we find that the Air Force defense allows just 184.1 YPG through the air, ranking 14th in the nation. On the other hand, I believe Air Force will be able to run effectively against Nevada and that also serves the purpose of keeping Strong on the sidelines. Take the 'Flyboys!'

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Ga Tech at 9:00 ET.

The 'Devil is down in Georgia' tonight, as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets visit the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga. Both schools have opened 2-1 but come off very different seasons last year. Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993. In stark comparison, Tom Crean's three-year run as the Bulldogs' head coach ended with a 14-12 mark (41-49 three-year record).

Ga Tech loses ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (18.0-5.3-5.0), Usher (13.7 & 9.3) and freshman Coleman (11.7) plus 6-10 center Howard (7.0 & 8.3). Georgia's three-guard trio is unique, consisting of the 6-11 Bridges (16.0 7 8.0), PG Cook, a Gonzaga transfer, (14.0 & 8.3 APG) and Oquendo (8.7) plus the 6-7 Ingram (8.0 & 5.0) is the best frontcourt player.

Here's the rub. The schools didn't meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Bulldogs have won the past FIVE meetings by an average of 13.4 points. Enough is ENOUGH say the Yellow Jackets. Note that the SEC has sent 13 of its 14 schools to the CCAA tourney since the 2016-17 season with the LONE exception being Georgia. The Bulldogs last made the Big Dance in the 2014-15 season. The school's last NCAA tourney win? The year was 1996!

Ga Tech IS the better team and five straight losses to Georgia ends here! A couple of interesting facts are that Georgia Tech's bench has outscored its opponents' bench in all three games so far this season and the Yellow Jackets have outrebounded all of their opponents as well (by double digits in each game!). I'm laying the points and expecting a decisive victory.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets opened the season 5-2 but then lost FIVE straight games (nov 1-8), before turning things around with FOUR straight wins. They look to extend their winning streak to FIVE in row when they welcome the Indiana Pacers to Charlotte on Friday night. The Pacers are currently just 6-10 and are considered an underachieving bunch right now.

"We've got to compete better, harder, more consistently," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. "Create better space on the floor. I'm not interested in talking about offensive rhythm right now," he said. "I'm interested in competing hard and letting our offense come more off our defense. That's how we're going to have to play. The Pacers have talent, led by PG Brogdon (22.2-7.1-6.5) and PF Sabonis (18.3 & 11.5). LeVert (16.6) and rookie Duarte (14.3 & 4.4) are excellent perimeter scorers, while Turner (13.4 & 7.5) is an effective center.

However, Charlotte can match Indiana' frontline players with forwards bridges (21.3 & 7.5) and Hayward (17.6-4.9-3.5) plus PG Ball (18.8-7.4-7.5), Rozier (15.5) and Oubre (13.9 & 4.1) Plumlee (6.8 & 7.8) has started all 16 games at center and is quietly effective.

Charlotte has gained attention by defeating 11-2 Golden State and 10-5 Washington in back-to-back games but that could mean a 'let down' here vs the Pacers (the pointspread sure indicates the Pacers have a good chance to win). Indiana may be without Duarte but the Pacers are playing with revenge after falling 123-122 at Charlotte in their season-opener. This calls for an 'Upset Alert,' although at this number, it will hardly be a surpise.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Play is on Liberty at 5:00 ET.

The Liberty Flames and Iona Gaels meet Friday night at the HP Field House (Disney complex in Orlando). Both these schools made NCAA appearances last season but while Liberty has opened 1-1, the Gels are 3-0.

Liberty is off a 23-6 season, following a 30-4 one the year before (COVID shut down NCAA tourney). The season before that (2018-19), Ritchie McKay led the Flames into the NCAA tourney and upset No. 5 seed Miss St (ended with a 29-7 record). That's a pretty strong three-year run. PG McGhee (21.5-4.5-4.5) leads the way with fellow guards Peebles (11.0) and McDowell (10. & 3.5) scoring in double digits. Up front, it's the 6-7 Preston (7.0 &4.0), the 6-7 Robinson (4.5 & 5.0) and the 6-7 Rode (3,0-6.5-4.5).

COVID limited the Gaels to just 13 regular season games last season (8-5 / 6-3 in the MAAC). However, tourney time was NOT head coach Rick Ptino's 'first rodeo!' Iona beat FOUR opponents (Gaels held those opponents to just 53.8 PPG) on its way to the tourney title and an NCAA bid. Iona fell to two-seed Alabama in the Big Dance, but held them 12 points less than its season average and covered, in a 68-55 loss. Iona lost its two top guards in Ross (18.4) and Gist (13.3). However, Pitino likes his three transfers, Joiner (9.0-5.3-4.3) from Tulsa, Jolly (18.7-3.7-3.0) from SMU and the 6-8 Slazinski (8.3 & 3.0) from Louisville. He loved the potential of 6-9 PF Joseph (11.1 & 7.5 as a freshman) and he has delivered (17.3 & 5.0). 6-8 veteran van Eyck (14.7 & 5.3) has joined Joseph to form an excellent frontcourt duo.

Yes, Iona is 3-0 but all games were played on its homeourt and this is a neutral-site one. I respect Pitino but Liberty's McKay has led the Flames to FIVE consecutive 20-win seasons. I'm laying the points and then will order up a Bombay & tonic. You in?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Show Crusher is on Washington at 11:00 ET.

The 2-0 Wyoming Cowboys are giving up an average of just 46 points per game heading into their first road contest of the season, a Thursday night contest against 2-1 Washington in Seattle.at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

Jeff Linder left No. Colorado to take over in Laramie and his first team went 14-11 (Cowboys had won nine and eight games the previous two seasons). It's the first time since 1981-82 the Cowboys have limited their first two opponents to fewer than 50 points. They opened with an 85-47 victory against Detroit Mercy, then defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 85-45 on Sunday. "Defense is where winning lies," Linder said. "You can't just be a really good offensive team and be a mediocre or bad defensive team if you expect to win. We have some length, and we have some athleticism that contributes to us being good defensively." Marcus Williams (14.8 & 4.3 APFG) left for A&M and is a HUGE loss but the 6-9 Ike (21.5 & 6.5) and 6-7 swingman Maldonado (17.5-6.0-6.5) return; The 6-8 Oden (4.0 & 2.7 LY), has exploded out of the gate, averaging 15.5 & 4.5. Jeffries (11.0 & 7.) and DuSell (7.1) start in the backcourt.

Mike Hopkins was a longtime assistant to Jim Boeheim and won 21 and 27 games in his first two seasons in Seattle but the Huskies fell to 15 wins in his third season and then had a 'nightmare' season last year, going 5-21 (4-16 in the Pac 12). It's been a COMPLETE makeover (turnover) for Washington for the current season, losing players right and left to the transfor portal but also the team was able to bring in a similar group of transfers, themselves. Transfers like Brown (17.3-3.3-4.3), Matthews (11.3 & 6.0), Davis (9.3 & 4.00 and Fuller (6.3) have made an immediate impact among the newcomers. Returning players like the 6-6 Bey (11.7 & 5.0) and the 6-11 Roberts (5.0 & 10.0) have both begun playing well.

I'm not quite sure what to make Wyoming's dominant start but it's just TWO games against questionable opponents. Meanwhile, Huskies coach Mike Hopkins eschewed his preferred 2-3 defense (that's the same famous Boeheim Zone) at times in the second half to go with a smaller lineup using a full-court press and a man-to-man defense. "I thought our press changed the game. To be able to have both weapons is a good thing, obviously," Hopkins said. "We still have to get better in our man. We have to get better in our zone. That's part of the growth."

It's early but Hopkins has to win home games against teams from non-Power conferences and the Huskies h will pay their next five games against such teams, before the end of November. Washington opens December with a game at Arizona, a home games vs No. 2 UCLA and then a game at No. 1 Gonzaga. If Hopkins' team is not at least 6-2 before that three-game stretch, his 'seat' will start getting pretty 'warm.' First thinsg first. Lay the points here vs a Wyoming team that just may not be nearly as good as its 2-0 start looks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Sitautional Stunner is on the Tor Raptors at ET.

The Toronto Raptors began the season with Pascal Siakam on the sidelines but the All Star returned on Nov 7 and has looked good, averaging 17.0-7.3-4.3 but after winning FIVE straight from Oct 27 thru Nov 3, the team has lost FIVE of six, including all four games in which Siakam has played. The jazz opened 7-1 but have dropped four of their last six, although they are hoping they got their 'groove back' during a commanding 120-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. As for Toronto, the Raptors are hoping a couple of days off will help them resume the level of play they had while winning those five straight games a couple of weeks ago.

Siakam's return IS a good thing, as he joins a frontcourt that features Anunoby (20.1-5.4) who is having a career season, and rookie Scottie Barnes, who has played like a vet (16.3 & 8.3). VanVleet is a top-of-the-line PG (19.4-5.1-7.1) and SG Trent is a solid scorer, averaging 16.1 PPG.

The jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last year and the core of that team is back. Mitchell (24.6-4.3-4.9) and PG Conley (13.8 & 5.6 APG) are a terrific guard duo, while Bogdanovich (17.7 & 4.4) and O'Neale (7.1 & 4.6) surround All Star center Gobert (14.9 & 15.4). Clarkson was named 6th-man-of-the-year last season and is adding 15.4 PPG so far.

Toronto might be without leading scorer OG Anunoby, who banged his hip at practice, and is listed as questionable (not good if he can't go). However, I will note that the Raptors are 5-2 SU & ATS on the road this season. I'm not ready to send out an "Upset Alert" but I do expect the Raptors to make the Jazz 'sweat.' Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My NFL 10* Game of the Week is on the Atl Falcons at 8:20 ET.

The New England Patriots didn't fare too well in Year 1 of the post-Brady era, going 7-9.  Adding insult to injury, it could have set too well with the entire organization that TB 12 led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title. The Pats opened the current season 1-3 but they have put their early-season woes behind them with a FOUR-game winning streak. The 6-4 Patriots have outscored their opponents 150-50 during the four-game streak and visit Atlanta just a half-game behind the 7-3 Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.

The Atlanta Falcons are 4-5 but are coming off a PUTRID performance last Sunday, losing 43-3 at Dallas. The beating was so one-sided that Atlanta trailed 36-3 at halftime, the 33-point deficit representing the franchise's largest at the break since trailing the Johnny Unitas-led Baltimore Colts 35-0 back on Nov 12, 1967 (FYI...Atlanta joined the nFL in 1966!). The Falcons are back on the field just four days after that beatdown but Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said,"It's a good thing we play Thursday," When you play a game like that, you wanna move on as quickly as possible, so I'm kinda glad we're playing Thursday."

A good part of the reason for New England's success revolves around the quick rise of rookie QB Mac Jones.On the season, Jones has completed 69.0% for 2,333 yards with 13 TDs and seven INTs. Jones passed for a career-best three TDs (zero INTs) and completed 19 of 23 for 198 yards on Sunday as New England steamrolled the Cleveland Browns 45-7. He's accomplished all this despite a so-so receiving corps and a running game that is averaging only 114.5 YPG (16). The Pats' lone RB of note (Harris has 547 yards and 7 TDs) was out last week (concussion) and was limited in practice on Tuesday (questionable for Thursday). Still, Jones leads an offense averaging 27.5 PPG (6th) plus as always, Belichick's defense is doing just fine (17.7 PPG allowed ranks 2nd).

QB Matt Ryan no longer has much of a receiving corps plus a running game that's worse than New England's (67.7 YPG ranks 29th) but per usual, he's on pace for another 4,000 yard season (he's topped 4,000 yards the last 10 seasons). A bright spot for Atlanta's passing game is Florida rookie TE Pitts, who leads the team with 40 catches. There are NO bright spots on a defense allowing 29.2 PPG (31st).

Simply put, this is a mismatch 'on paper!' The Pats are 4-0 on the road and the Falcons are 0-3 at home. Jones is in uncharted territory here, as this is a pretty large spread to cover on the road on a short week. Not all of the current Atlanta team was around when the Falcons blew a 28-3 third-quarter lead in that infamous Super Bowl loss to the Pats in the 2016 season but there remains a deep-seated hatred for this opponent. I'm grabbing the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on South Carolina at 7:00 ET.

UAB is coming off a 22-7 season last year and has opened 3-0 but will play on the road for the first time Thursday night in Columbia, SC against the 2-1 South Carolina Gamecocks. UAB (has taken care of all of its business early, scoring 95 points per game and limiting the opposition to 69.7 in three impressive home victories. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are looking to shake off a disappointing early season tournament in neighboring North Carolina, where they split their two games in the Asheville Championship, losing Friday to Princeton 66-62 before claiming a 75-64 victory over Western Kentucky in Sunday's contest.

Andy Kennedy spent 12 seasons as the head coach of Ole Miss and took the Rebels to eight postseasons (two NCAA bids), while averaging 20.4 wins per season. However, he resigned after the 2017-18 season, citing he was drained and worn out. He surprisingly showed up at UAB last season and led the Blazers to 22 wins, Four starters return from that team. They are guards Jackson (16.0), Ertel (12,3) and Lovan (11.5 & 3.5) plus the 7-1 Jemison (7.3 & 6.7). All, as you can see, are participating nicely, Kennedy picked up a terrific PG from Tulane in Walker, who is averaging 21.0 & 5.0 APG, The 6-7 Buffen (7.3 & 5.3) comes from Ole Miss and has contributed off the bench.

The ever-lovable Frank Martin sure built up some goodwill by leading South Carolina to the school's only Final 4 back in 2017 but these last four seasons, the Gamecocks have gone 17-16, 16-16, 18-13 and an 'ugly' 6-14 last season. That goodwill is about ALL used up. South Carolina added North Texas transfer Reese (9.3) to the backcourt featuring Couisnard (15,7-5.0-3.0) and Stevenson (10.0 & 5.7). Freshman guard Carter is adding 9.7 & 4.0. The 6-10 Levesque (11.3 & 9.7) and the 7-0 Gray (4.7 & 6.3) up front and Martin thinks his frontcourt is about to get a big boost from the 6-7 AJ Wilson, a graduate transfer from George Mason (8.5 & 5.1 LY). He has been bothered by a back injury and distracted by a recent death in the family.

I expect Kennedy's UAB tean to again win 20 games playing in C-USA but this a road game (1st of the season) at an SEC school with MUCH to prove. South Carolina is full of newcomers but there is a 'ton' of talent. Bow Wow! I'm taking the small house dog.

Good luck...Larry

A pair of unbeaten teams get together tonight as 3-0 Ohio St (ranked No. 21 in the latest AP poll) and 2-0 Xavier meet from Cintas Center in Cincinnati (Xavier's homecourt).

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four season in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (22.3 & 6.3) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (12.3 & 7.0 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (8.0). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (5.7 & 4.0 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St.

Xavier head coach Travis Steele is badly in need of a 20-win season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bands), who took over from Sean Miller )24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers have won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. Leading scorer Scruggs (20.0-6.0-4.5) is only back because COVID gave him an extra year of eligibility and Steele would be in deep trouble without him. Fellow guard Jones has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 17.5 & 6.5, after chipping in a modest 7.7 & 4.8 last year. The team's top frontcourt players are the 7-0 Nunge (9.0 & 5.0) and the 6-8 Hunter (6.5 & 9.0).

Xavier still has a ways to show "what it will be made of" this season, while I believe Ohio St has already shown it will be a top-25 team this season. Ohio State beat Bowling Green 89-58 on Monday, as FIVE players scored in double figures, Xavier is off a 73-59 win over Kent State on Friday, a game in which the Musketeers shot 40.3 percent from the floor, while turning the ball over 16 times.That type of sloppy play and poor shooting isn't going to cut it against an opponent like Ohio State. Lay the small points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:00 ET.

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Chicago visits Portland tonight at 10-4, just a half-game back of the 10-3 Wizards for the East's best record. Portland is led by the dynamic guard duo of Lillard and McCollum plus owns a deep roster but is just 7-8 through 15 games.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.9-4.6-5.4. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.9-5.6-3.8), Vucevic (13.6 & 10.8) and Ball (12.9-5.4-4.6). Chicago is 2-1 on this current five-game road trip that includes wins on back-to-back nights in Los Angeles over the Clippers and Lakers. Another big part of Chicago's turnaround is the team's improved defensive play, with the Bulls allowing 102.7 PPG (6th).

As noted, Lilard (20.3-4.3-8.1) and McCollum (21.3-4.2-4.3) lead the way for Portland but the team's other three starters are quite good.They are SF Powell (16.7), center Nurkic (10.6 & 11.1) and PF Covington (6.8 & 4.7). Add to that group, Simons, Little, Nance and Zeller, who have each played in all 15 games and have combined to average 32.0 PPG.

Here's the rub. The Blazers are just AWFUL on the road (1-7) but are 6-1 at home. Lillard is among the players perplexed over the difference in performance at home and on the road. "When we play at home, it's a different team than when we play on the road," Lillard said. "That's just the truth. And I'm not sure what it is. I think when you're at home there's just a level of comfort and support that you feel from the fans. But at the same time, we're NBA players. We play on the road a lot."

Portland lost its home opener to the Kings but has won SIX straight since. The Bulls are playing without Nikola Vucevic (health and safety protocols)and Patrick Williams (left wrist), who was the 4th pick in the 2020 Draft. What's more, Chicgo has lost EIGHT of its last nine meetings with Portland. "Batten down the hatches," the Blazers are the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Missouri st at 8:30 ET.

The Missouri State Bears are in Huntsville, Texas to face the Sam Houston State Bearkats. Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Springfield and is coming off a 17-7 season with his Bears opening 1-1. James Hooton enters his 11th season with the Bearkats and is coming off an 18-13 season. However, his teams had won 20-plus games in FIVE of the previous six seasons.

The Bears return all FIVE starters from last year, most notably the duo of big guard Mosley (19.8 LY) and the 6-9 Prim (16,7 & 9.1 LY). The two are in fine form after two games, Mosely is averaging 23.5 & 3.5, while Prim is averaging 19.5 & 14.5 RPG. Seven players are averaging 22-plus minutes. Hooton lost two key players from last season, Southland POY Nutall (19.3 & 5.7) and Southland Freshman of the Year Monroe (10.1). Nutall transferred to SMU and Monroe to San Diego. Guard Flagg is off to a great start (25.5 & 9.0) but fellow guard Lampley (13.5) is the only other player in double digits.

I think this could be a really good season for the Bears, who not only have the '1-2' punch' of Mosely and Prim but 11 of the team's 17 players have three or more years of experience. Want a clincher? The Bears were 12-1-1 ATS when favored last season!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Drexel at 7:00 ET.

The Drexel Dragons and the St Joseph’s Hawks meet Wednesday night from Hagan Arena in Philadelphia. Drexel is 1-1 so far this year and coming off a 15-point loss at Syracuse. As for Saint Joseph’s, the Hawks have opened 2-0 with home wins over Maryland-Estern Shore and Mount St Mary's.

Drexel opened with a romp over Neumann, taking a 44-29 halftime edge and never looking back in a 103-74 blowout win. In Game 2 at Syracuse, the Dragons had a slim 33-32 lead at the break but were outscored 43-27 from there in a 75-60 defeat. This team is deep, with EIGHT players getting 17-plus minutes per game but only PG Wynter is topping double digits (11.0-4.0-5.0).The other seven chip in between 5.0 and 9.5 PPG, with the 5-11 Williams (9.0 & 6.5) checking in as the team's best frontcourt player. St Joe's is led by 6-8 senior Funk (20.0 & 6.5) plus 6-10 grad transfer Obinna (from Vandy), who is averaging 14.5 & 10.5. Junior guard Brown is back and is the team's third-leading scorer at 12.0 PPG

While I won't exactly 'sing' the praises of Drexel, but the Dragons did make the NCAA field last season, meanwhile, I'll caution against being too optimistic regarding St Joe's Billy Lange is in his third season as the team's head coach and the Hawks were able to win just 11 games, while losing 41. Home wins over Maryland-Estern Shore and Mount St Mary's hardly prove much. I'll add a trend that makes St Joe's a 'no play' in this situation, as the Hawks are 16-35-2 ATS in their last 53 after an ATS win. Wrong favorite in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Butler at 7:00 ET.

Michigan State and Butler meet tonight in the Gavitt Tip-off at Indianapolis. Michigan State threw itself into the fire right off the bat, witha season-opening game against No. 3 Kansas in the Champions Classic at MSG, suffering an 87-74 loss. The Spartans bounced back with an easy 90-46 home win over Western Michigan to enter against Butler with a more positive frame of mind. The Bulldogs, coming off an 'ugly' 10-15 season, have opened with three successive home wins, beating IUPUI 56-47, Central Arkansas 85-53 and Troy 70-59.

Tom Izzo's starting five features a solid trio of big men in the 6-8 Brown (13.5 & 4.5), the 7-0 Bigham (11.0 & 7.5) and the 6-9 Hauser (10.0 & 9.5. The starting guards are freshman Christie (7.5 & 4.5) plus Northeastern transfer Walker (5.45-.Freshman guard Hoggard is averaging 12.0 & 5.5 APG off the bench, while the 6-9 Marble chips in 9.0 & 6.5 coming off the bench as well. Butler has a deep guard trio in Harris (15.7-4.7-3.3), Bolden (14.2) and freshman Taylor (13.3) plus the 6-7 Nze (8.3 & 7.3) is back again (he may NEVER leave the program!).

This will be Michigan State's first true road game and it comes at legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Spartans are 0-4 ATS their last four on the road, while the Bulldogs are 7-1 ATS in their last nine non-conference home games as underdogs in the +1.5 to +3.5 points range. Not surewht MSU is favored but I;ll take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Nevada at 9:00 ET.

A pair of well-known CBB head coaches square off tonight when the Nevada Wolf Pack and Santa Clara Broncos meet Tuesday at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara. Nevada's Steve Alford has a resume which includes stops at Missouri St, Iowa, New Mexico, UCLA and now is at Nevada. Herb Sendkek has stops at Miami-O, North Carolina St, Arizona St and now Santa Clara. Nevada has opened 1-1 and Santa Clara 2-0.

This is Alford's third season at Nevada, having gone 19-12 and 15-9 in his first two seasons. However, with all five starters returning plus adding the highly-regarded 6-7 Bramah as a transfer from Roberts Morris, a big season was anticipated. Barhmah debuted with 17 points and nine rebounds in a win over Eastern Washington but a concussion forced him to miss the team's loss to San Diego (questionable here). Then there was Desmond Cambridge, one of Nevada's two outstanding returning guards, who scored just five points on 2-of-12 shooting, after scoring 22 points in the opener. Sherfeld (18.6 & 6.1) is the other half of that guard duo and he's averaged 15.0 & 6.5. The 7-0 Washington (16.5 & 9.0) had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss plus is now joined in the frontcourt by 7-0 Texas transfer Baker, who is averaging 12.5 PPG.

Sendek's first five seasons at Santa Clara have not been anything special, as he entered this season 76-72 without a postseason bid of any kind. Santa Clara has opened 2-0 and is coming off an 88-72 win over Stanford on Friday night. PJ Pipes, a Green Bay transfer) finished with 24 points against Stanford and is averaging 17.0 & 5.0 APG. the 6-6 17.5 & 4.5 APG. The 6-9 Josip Vrankic is the team's leading scorer at  22.5 PPG (6.0 RPG) plus the 6-7 Justice adds 14.0 & 8.0.

Both teams could be headed for strong seasons but I favor Nevada coming off its loss over Santa Clara coming off an impressive win over the Pac-12's Stanford. The difference in the early going is that Nevada has uncharacteristically struggled from the floor (last game shot 43 percent from the floor, including 27 percent from three-point range), while Santa Clara has uncharacteristically dominated from the floor, shooting 58.1%, which is third-best in the nation. Here's some trends backing the play. The Wolf Pack are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games and 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall. Meanwhile, the Broncos are 5-18 ATS in their last 23 games following an ATS win. 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Battle 4 Nebraska at 7:00 ET.

It's 2-0 Creighton at in-state rival Nebraska (1-1) from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln in this 'Battle for Nebraska.' Creighton owns a rich basketball tradition but the last two seasons have been pretty special for Doug McDermott's team. The Bluejays won their first-ever Big East title in the 2019-20 season, only to see COVID shutdown the postseason. Then, Creighton spent all season in the top-25 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974 (finished 22-9). As for Nebraska, Fred Hoiberg was lured to Nebraska after leading Iowa St to four straight "Big Dance" appearances and a 'nightmare' coaching experience in the NBA. However, the first two years of the 'Hoiberg era' have ended with records of 7-25 and 7-20.

Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's team and are rebuilding this season. Starting guards are O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year) and freshman Nembhard. O'Connell leads the team with 16.5 PPG, while adding 7.5 RPG, while the 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chipping in 11.0 & 10.5. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returns and is averaging 8.0 & 5.5 RPG plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 9.0 & 6.5.

Hoiberg has brought in a special freshman in the 6-7 Bryce McGowens, who is averaging 27.7 & 5.5 His brother Trey is a junior guard, who has added 8.5 & 6.0. A HUGE addition is ASU transfer Verge, averaging 19.5-7.0-6.0, while big men like 7-0 freshman Andre (11.0 & 7.0) and the 6-8 Walker (5.5 & 8.0) are off to good starts.

Creighton has dominated this series (for bettors anyways), going 12-2 ATS the last 14 meetings. However, Creighton's scoring is down (70.5 PPG) and in fact, its 51-44 win over Kennesaw State last Thursday, was Creighton's fewest points in a win since the team beat Missouri State 50-49 in 2008. Nebraska has the best player on the floor in Bryce McGowens (Verge is the second-best) and it's time for the 'Huskers to win this 'Battle 4 Nebraska.'

Good luck...Larry

The Winthrop Eagles and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders meet tonight from the Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, Tn. Both have opened 2-0, after Winthrop escaped with an 88-85 overtime win over Mercer in their last game and MTSU  won 71-51 win over Bethune-Cookman in its last matchup. Belmont is off a 26-4 season with all five starters back, while MTSU has fallen on hard times after a 31-and 25-win season a few years back. The Blue Raiders went 5-18 last season, coming off 8-win and 11-win seasons prior to that.

The 6-9 D.J. Burns leads the Eagles in scoring (23.0) and rebounding (7.0) and is joined up front by the 6-7 Hightower (15.0 & 5.0). Jones (12.0) and Good (11.5) average double digits in the backcourt plus McMahon (7.5) and Corbin (7.0); Guard Josh Jefferson is averaging a team-high 13.5 PPG for MTSU, while the 6-9 Isaiah Turner has chipped in 11.5 PPG. Guard Eli Lawrence (10.0 PPG) makes it a trio of double-digit scorers for the Blue Raiders through their first two games of the year. The 6-7 Teafale Lenard has a team-high 6.5 RPG and adds 7.0 PPG.

I don't see this as being a  "close call," although the oddsmakers do, considering the pointspread. Winthrop owns the 'pedigree' plus I don't think the Blue Raiders can match Winthrop's up-tempo pace (Eagles are averaging 99.0 PPG). Winthrop is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 against teams with winning records and I expect the Eagles to pull away for the comfortable cover once it's all said and done.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Washington St at 11:00 ET.

The Washington State Cougars have opened 2-0 with non-conference victories over Alcorn State and Seattle but gets its toughest test of the early going on Monday when it hosts UC-Santa Barbara in Pullman, Wash. The UCSB Gauchos were the regular-season and Big West Tournament champions last season and have FOUR consecutive seasons of at least 21 wins to their credit. UCSB has only played once, and it was against Division II San Francisco State. That said, it WAS a convincing 119-65 blowout that tied for the fourth-most points scored in program history.

Head coach Joe Pasternack enters his fifth season in Santa Barbara and as noted above, he's run an excellent program. The Gauchos did lose Big West p-o-y McLaughlin (16.0-3.5-5,2) but the cupboard is far from bare. Two seniors, the 6-9 Sow (25 points and seven rebounds) and the 6-10 Norris (14 & 8) both played well in the opener, as did Pierre-Louis (a Temple transfer), who is expected to take over McLaughlin's role. Yes, it was just against San Francisco St but Pasternack has to be pleased with his 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Squaring off against Pasternack is Wash St head coach Kyle Smith. In his final season at Columbia, his team won the CIT championship and finished 25-10. That led to a three-year stint at San Francisco, where his teams went 63-40. However, his first two teams at Washington St have been disappointing (16-16 and 14-13). This could be (should be?) a breakout season for Smith's Cougars. They lost leading scorer Bonton (17.7 & 4.0) to the transfer portal but FOUR starters return. It's a perimeter-dominated lineup, as the team's top-five scorers are guards. Roberts (16.5) and Williams (10.5) lead the way, while guard Flowers adds 8.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG. Two 6-10 players are the top frontcourt contributors, Jackson (7.5 & 6.0) and Abugidi (5.5 & 4.5).

I have a ton of respect for the Gauchos but I agree with the high expectations for this year's Cougars. Note that Friday's win over Seattle was Washington St's 15th consecutive non-conference victory, with 14 of those at home! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Cal at 9:00 ET.

Cal head coach Mark Fox is NOT a 'happy camper!' Matt Bradley took his 18 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with him when he transferred to San Diego St after last season. The Bears then followed up an embarrassing 80-67 home loss to UC San Diego with a 55-52 defeat at UNLV on Saturday night, a game in which Cal pulled to within one with two minutes remaining before not scoring again. Cal looks for the team's first win tonight when it welcomes 2-0 San Diego to Berkeley. In stark contrast to Cal, the Toreros have jumped out of the gate with a pair of wins Including 75-68 at Nevada on Friday night), coming off a 3-11 season last year.

San Diego starts four guards plus the 6-10 Brown (14.5 & 7.0). Starting guards Townsend (15.5) and Earlington (10.0 & 7.0) are averaging in double digits, plus Pinchuk is adding 11.0 PPG while playing just 12 1/2-minutes per game. Cal has veteran players in seniors like guard Shepard (18.0) plus two 6-9 seniors in Kelly (12.5 & 10.0) and Anticevich (7.5 & 8.0). Junior guard Brown adds 8.5 PPG.

The Toreros pulled away for a 75-68 victory at Nevada as 14-point underdogs, setting up a predictable letdown spot vs Cal, a team DESPERATE for its first win. Cal gets that win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MNF Magic is on the LA Rams at 8:15 ET.

Pick your poison. The Los Angeles Rams are 4-0 on the road this season, while the San Francisco 49ers are 0-4 at home. However, San Francisco has beaten the Rams FOUR consecutive times (more on these trends at the end). The 3-5 49ers are in desperate need of a win when they welcome the 7-2 the Rams to Levi's Stadium on Monday night at Santa Clara, Ca. As for the Rams, they are battling the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West lead and got some huge help Sunday when the Murray-less Cards were routed 34-10 by the Panthers, dropping them to 8-2.

The Rams are coming off a 28-16 home loss to the Tennessee Titans and one of LA's two TDs came with 24 seconds left to make the outcome look closer than it was. QB Matthew Stafford had his worst game of the season (one TD / 2 INTs and a QB rating of 71.0) and accepted blame for the setback. Head coach Sean McVay is looking for a bounce-back performance. "We have to play cleaner football," McVay said. "I want to see what we learn from our response. The last time we had a setback, I liked how we responded." Expect Stafford to bounce back. In his previous three games, he had thrown for 10 TDs and just one INT, posting QB ratings of 128.7, 117.3 and 127.3! He's completing 68.2% on the season for 2,771 yards with 23 TDs and six INTs (QB rating of 111.0 / his career mark is 91.0). LA's running game doesn't get help much but even though vet WR Woods (45 / 12.4 / 4 TDs) was lost for the season with a torn ACL in practice this week, Stafford still has plenty of 'weapons.' Fellow WR Kupp leads the NFL with 74 catches and has 10 TDs (he's caught five-plus passes in 13 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL). WR Jeferson (27 / 16.0 / 3 TDs) is MORE than capable of stepping up and who knows, maybe OBJ will like the 'lights' of Hollywood. TE Higbee (35 catches / 2 TDs) is a 'keeper. The LA defense hasn't quite dominated but it's still one of the most-feared in the NFL.

Jimmy Garoppolo (65.3% / 1,754 yards / 8 TDs and 5 INTs) was considered the team's 'savior' when he led the 49ers to the Super bowl at the end of the 2019 season but he seems to be regularly on the 'hot seat' these days. That said, he has thrown for 300 yards in back-to-back games, with QB ratings of over 100.0 in both. Like the Rams, the 49ers don't have much of a running game and last week ran for just 39 yards, the lowest total in the Kyle Shanahan era. WR Samuel has 49 catches (18.0 YPC / 4 TDs) and when healthy, TE Kittle (25 catches / 13.1 YPC / 1 TD) is among the very best in the league. He did return last week (six catches for 101 yards with his first tD catch of the year) but let's wait and see.

Yes, the 49ers have won FOUR straight against the Rams but how can one ignore that since the start of the 2020 season, San Francisco is just 1-11 SU and 2-10 ATS in home games? Yes, the lone "W" came against the Rams last October but the Rams are the MUCH better team and are coming off a humiliating home loss. A bounce back seems highly likely and now, with Arizona's loss, the Rams have a chance to join the Cards atop the NFC West. Stafford has found a 'home' with the Rams and enters as the only QB to throw for 250-plus yards in all nine games. Taking him over Jimmy G is a 'no-brainer' plus the Rams own the better defense. Lay the small points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:10 ET.

The 9-4 Denver Nuggets just completed a 5-0 homestand with a 124-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday but are right back on the court tonight in Dallas to face the 8-4 Mavs, who have won FOUR of their last five games. These teams met back in Denver on Oct 29, with the Nuggets routing the Mavs 106-75.

It's no surprise that Nikola Jokic (last year's MVP) is averaging 25.5-13.7-6.3 but Denver's bench is not quite as 'deep' this season. First off. no one knows for sure when Murary can play plus SF Porter, who averaged last eason, is averaging just 9.9 & 6.8 TY.  What's more, Porter (back) remains out for the "foreseeable future," according to recent reports. Morris (10.9 & 3.9 APG) is starting for Murray but he's NO Murray

Dallas is led by the "do-everything" Luka Doncic, who is averaging 25.1-8.3-7.7 and the 7-3 Porzingis finally looks to be coming around. He's averaged 17.9 & 7.4 in his seven games but the duo look to build on their best outing of the young season when the Mavericks face the visiting Nuggets in this one. Dallas bounced back from a 10-point loss to the Chicago Bulls with an impressive 123-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, as Porzingis scored a season-high 32 points in the victory while Doncic recorded his 37th career triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high 15 assists. Swingman Hardaway (14.2) is now a starter and guard Brunson is averaging 14.9-4.6-4.6 off the bench.

Denver is unrested, while Dallas hasn't played since Friday. The Mavs are 6-1 against Western Conference teams this season and have gone 5-1 at home. Throw in a HUGE revenge motive from that October beatdown in Denver (see above) and I'm "all over" the Mavericks.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET.

The Indiana Pacers were a postseason participant for NINE of the previous 10 years, prior to sitting out last year's playoffs with a 34-38 record.The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. The two teams meet tonight in MSG. The 6-8 Pacers have a worse record through 14 games this season than last, when they were one of the biggest disappointments in the league. As for the 7-6 Knicks, they have a better record through 13 games this season than last season, when they were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. The Pacers earned their second straight win Saturday by racing to a 20-point lead before edging the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 118-113, while the Knicks have been off since Friday, when they squandered a 16-point lead and fell to the host Charlotte Hornets 104-96

PF Sabonis (18.3 & 11.3), center Turner (14.6 & 8.1) and rookie guard Duarte (14.3 & 44.4) have started all 14 games, while PG Brogdon (22.4-7.2-6.8) has missed five games and SG LeVert (16.3 & 4.2 APG) eight games. However, all were in the starting lineup in the last game. Duarte does have an ankle issue and is listed as questionable,

PF Randle (21.0-10.le R3-5.2), plus guards Barrett (15.8 & 5.5) and Fournier (13.2) have started all 13 gamess, while Rose (12.8) and Burks (8.4) have played in all 13. Rose has one start, filling in for Kemba Walker (12.3), who has started the other 12. The Knicks appeared ready to build on last season's late success when they opened this season with five wins in their first six games but New York has lost five of its last seven, a stretch in which one of its wins required a 21-point comeback against the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. Chemistry within the starting five has been an issue as the Knicks, who signed Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier to go along with holdovers Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.

However, this marks the start of a favorable stretch for New York, with upcoming home games against Orlando and Houston up next. The Pacers are underachievers, whose talent is better than the team's record. The Knicks need to get back on the winning track and can't possibly forget their 'ugly' 111-98 loss at Indiana back on Nov 3. Yes, Indiana has gone 5-2 after a 1-6 start but the Pacers are just 2-6 SU on the road. New York is MORE than capable of winning AND covering this 'short' price. That's the bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 6:10 ET.

The 4-9 Atlanta Hawks will try to end a SIX-game losing streak when they return home on Sunday. Their opponent is the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, who beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, on their way to the title. However, the current Bucks are struggling (6-7), as they finish the final leg of a five-game road trip.

The Bucks hope to get Giannis Antetokounmpo (26.6-11.8-6.0) back on Sunday. He was a late scratch on Friday night because of a right ankle injury sustained in the previous win over Philadelphia. "He kind of tested it a little bit twice and he's just not able to go," Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer said Friday. "He'll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible." Milwaukee has been without Khris Middleton (20.0-4.7-4.5) because of COVID protocol since Oct 31, but he is expected to be available on Sunday. Other injuries, which include Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), have caused the Bucks to use SEVEN different starting lineups this season. Guards Grayson Allen (15.8), Pat Connaughton (11.2 & 5.0) plus the 6-10 Portis (13.8 & 7.3) have seen more time because of all the injuries.

The Atlanta Hawks began last season off FIVE consecutive fifth-place finishes but won the Southeast Division last year with a 41-31 record. They then made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, beating the East's top-seeded 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs. Atlanta opened 3-1 this season but has suddenly 'fallen apart,' by losing EIGHT of nine, including SIX in a row. There is really no way to explain Atlanta's poor start, as the team has a terrific team leader in PG Young (24.5 & 9.2 APG), who is surrounded by a strong starting cast and plenty of depth. PF Collins averages 16.3 & 8.5 and center Capela adds a double-double (10.2 & 11.2).

Atlanta did not win on its four-game swing against Western Conference teams and HAS to be VERY glad to get home. Facing Milwaukee sets up all the motivation the team should need (see above). Hawks forward John Collins told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "I see a team that underachieved (on the road trip). ... We've got to look in the mirror and understand what each of us needs to do to win." Yes, the Hawks have lost their last six games, but five of those were on the road against some of the best teams in the league. This is the opener of FIVE straight at home for Trae Young and the Hawks and a win tonight could jump start a MUCH-needed turnaround, as Orlando comes to town tomorrow, followed by Boston, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City. That's a VERY favorable schedule! But, FIRST things FIRST. The Hawks need to win here! That's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is the SA Spurs at 3:40 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are REALLY struggling and have to be 'scratching their heads' after suffering a 107-83 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in which LA scored just 34 points in the second half. LBJ missed the game with an abdominal strain, dropping the Lakers to 3-4 this season when James (24.8-5.5-7.0) has not played (Lakers are 7-6, overall). LA looks to bounce back against longtime rival San Antonio, which comes to Staples Center just 4-8 on the season, after a poor showing in a 123-109 home loss to Dallas on Friday.

The 'ugly' loss to Dallas, came right after playing so well in a 136-117 win over Sacramento on Wednesday. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said it's not the first time this season that his team has not followed up a big win with another consistent performance. "It's really the first or second time they've been disappointing in that regard where we didn't play the usual move-the-basketball type play," Popovich explained. "I think we created one turnover in the first half, so the mental toughness is something that has to be understood and acted upon. We need that. To me, it's a mental toughness exercise where you just have to realize that everybody has to bring it every single night," he added. "You can't get satisfied because you won a game, and the next game is going to be the same way. You have to bring it. Our physicality was lacking (against Dallas)." The spurs are playing center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7) who is currently enrolled in the league's health and safety protocols, However, 'Pop' has options. Devin Vassell (12.3 & 4.0) led the Spurs with 20 points in the loss to Dallas, with Keldon Johnson (15.4 & 6.6) and Dejounte Murray (18.1-7.7-7.8) scoring 15 each, Doug McDermott (11.0) doing for 14 points, Drew Eubanks (7.0 & 5.0) scoring 12 and Lonnie Walker IV (11.8) chipping in 10 for San Antonio.

Anthony Davis (23.8 & 11.0) led the Lakers with 22 points and eight rebounds, with Russell Westbrook (19.4-8.8-8.5) adding 20 points and Dwight Howard (4.7 & 5.2) pulling down 10 rebounds off the bench. Los Angeles was outscored 40-12 in the third period, when it saw a five-point halftime lead turn into a 24-point deficit. It was the Lakers' lowest-scoring quarter of the season. "We just had no effort in the third quarter," Davis said. "We're not going to win a championship the way we're playing -- that's not us right now. We have to be better, and we've got to decide who we want to be." Minnesota had dropped SIX straight games before surprising the Lakers.
James has not played.

Neither of these teams look like their respective championship teams of yore but as long as 'Pop' is coaching the Spurs, it's a RIVALRY! Los Angeles beat the Spurs 125-121 in overtime in San Antonio on Oct 26 in one of the three games the Lakers have won this season without LBJ. The Spurs WILL remember that and while a bounce-back by LA off its humiliating loss to Minnesota makes sense, there is NOTHING that makes sense about this LA team so far. How is 'multiple NBA champion Russell Westbrook' faring guys? I'm taking the points, as 'Pop' steals one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on South Dakota St at 3:00 ET.

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks meet Sunday in college basketball action from William R. Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches, Tx. Both of these programs have been big winners for some time now and the Jackrabbits return all FIVE starters from last season, while the Lumberjacks return FOUR of five. South Dakota State has a 1-1 record so far, beating Bradley 81-65 at home but losing 104-88 at No. 14 Alabama As for Stephen F. Austin, they’ve won both their games this year versus LSU-Alexandria and Mary Hardin-Baylor

All five starters are averaging in double digits for the Jackrabbits, who start four guards and the 6-7 Wilson 16.0 & 5.5). Freidel (19.5) leads the team in scoring, while fellow guards Arians (11.5), Mayo (10.0) and Scheierman (10.0) round out the group. I almost forgot to mention that the 6-6 Scheierman is averaging a whopping 16.0 RPG! Cameron Johnson (15.3 & 4.5) will be missed by SF Austin, which owns a winning percentage of .840 over the last four seasons, 4th-best in the nation. Forwards Kensmil (16.0 & 9.5), Soloman (10.0 & 7.5) and Hall (7.0 & 5.0) are an excellent trio, as are guards Ware (13.0-4.-3.0), Jackson-Posey (10.0) and Kachelries (7.7-3.5-3.5) in the backcourt.

I won't dismiss SF Austin's pedigree but the Lumberjacks haven't been tested (see above). SF Austin RARELY loses at home but oddsmakers are not so convinced, considering this pointspread. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits were within three at the break (41-38) but ran out of gas in the second half during a 104-88 loss at a VERY good Alabama team. South Dakota St takes a 10-4-1 ATS record in its last 15 on the road into this contest and picks up a "W" and cover, "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NFL Game of the Month is on the NO Saints at 1:00 ET.

The Tennessee Titans began the season with what was then considered a shocking upset, as the Cardinals came to Nashville and won 38-13. However, Arizona would win its first seven games and currently stands at 8-1, owners of the NFL's best record. The Titans would lose a shocker in Week 4, 27-24 at the NY Jets and found themselves at 2-2. However, the Titans have won FIVE in a row since (5-0 ATS), including wins over the Bills, Chiefs and last week the Rams, even without RB Henry. The Saints home opener in Week 1 was moved to Jacksonville due to Hurricane Ida but they responded with a dominating 38-3 win over the Packers, handing Aaron "I'm immunized" Rodgers the worst loss of his professional career. With Brees retired, Jameis Winston was the new starting QB and while he was completing under 60% of his passes and was not racking up too many passing yards, he had a 14-3 TD-to-INT ratio and a QB rating of 102.8. The Saints got the better of the Bucs in Week 8 (36-27) but Winston suffered a season-ending injury. Trevor Siemian took over during the Tampa Bay game and started last week's 27-25 loo to the Falcons.

The Saints visit Nashville at 5-3, one game behind the Bucs in the NFC South and "right in" the battle for an NFC wild card berth. Siemian threw for 159 yards (one TD / 0 INTs) vs Tampa Bay and then for 249 yards (2 TDs / 0 INTs) against Atlanta. Much like Winston learned, the Saints receiving corps nowhere near matches recent editions. It also doesn't help that RB Kamara (530 yards on 3.6 YPC with 3 TDs), hasn't played up to his standards of the last couple of seasons (Kamara does lead the team in receptions with 32 and 4 TDs. The Saints are slightly better than average in scoring (25.1 PPG ranks 12th) but its defense has been VERY good. New Orleans is allowing 19.4 PPG (5th) on 347.0 YPG (11th).

RB Henry (937 yards and 10 TDs in eight games) was carrying the Tennessee offense and in the team's first game without him Sunday night in LA vs the Rams, the Titans used Adrian Peterson, D'Onta Foreman and Jeremy Nichols. However, they combined for just 69 rushing yards(2.7 YPC), which was almost 50 fewer than Henry was averaging. QB Tannehill didn't help much (143 yards with one TD and one INT) but the Titans were able to win 28-16! In just two snaps 20 seconds apart, Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard forced Matthew Stafford into a pair of terrible decisions. The stunning sequence ended with Byard sprinting to the end zone carrying the second of Stafford's back-to-back interceptions. Despite gaining just 194 yards vs the Rams, the defense, which forced field goals at the end of three long drives, led the Titans to a 12-point win as a TD underdog!

I'm NOT counting on Tennessee getting so 'lucky' again vs the Saints. New Orleans has the stingiest run defense in the NFL in terms of yards per game (73.8) and yards per carry (3.2). Only one of its eight opponents (Washington) has rushed for as many as 100 yards. Tannehill (just 11 TDs and 8 INTs on the season) NEEDS a dominating running game to be effective and that's NOT likely. Siemian has done fine (0 INTs is sweet) and Saints receivers dropped several of Siemian's passes that were catchable. "(Siemian had a) pretty calm demeanor, especially in those final drives after we fell behind," Saints head coach Sean Payton said. "He made enough plays and got us back in the game. He got us in and out of a number of different plays. I think we could have helped him more with some of the playmakers."

Tennessee is 7-2, giving them a comfortable THREE-game lead in the AFC South, while as noted earlier, the Saints are in a dog fight for postseason eligibility. This may come as a shock to some but New Orleans is 23-5 SU on the road since the start of the 2018 season, the best away mark in the NFL during this span. Of course I'm taking the points but I'm sending out an "Upset Alert!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Ws FB team at 1:00 ET.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers come off their bye week and visit the Washington Football Team in a rematch of last year's NFC wild-card game. The Buccaneers won 31-23 that day en route to the Super Bowl, but it wasn't easy. An unknown QB named Taylor Heinicke got the start for Washington and passed for 306 yards and a TD while running for another. That performance led to a two-year contract and then Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury in Week 1 this season led to Heinicke becoming the starter. As for his counterpart Tom Brady, he held on to his job too and will line up against Heinicke once again.

The Bucs are 6-2 and in a battle for the NFC's top seed with the 6-2 Cowboys, 7-2 Packers and Rams plus the 8-1 Cards. Brady's been superb once again, completing 67.3% for 2,650 yards with 25 TDs and 5 INTs. The Bucs lead the NFL in scoring (32.5 PPG) and are No. 2 in YPG at 423.1. The Tampa defense has been middle-of-the road, allowing 22.9 PPG (13th).

Defense has been a 'bad' word in DC this season, as Washintion's strong defensive play down the stretch allowed them to win the NFC East and get a chance vs Brady and the Bucs in the wild card game. Expectations for the team's defense were high entering the season but Washington is allowing 28.4 PPG (29th) on 389.4 YPG (30th). Heinicke's play has been up and down, as he's completing 63.9% for 1,928 yards with 11 TDs and 9 INTs, while running for 232 yards (6.4 YPC) and one TD. Washington's skill position players are average at best (I'm being kind) and despite averaging 348.6 YPG (16th), the offense is only producing 19.5 PPG (25th).

Considering all Brady has accomplished, it's not surprising he has fared very well with an extra week to prepare for an opponent. In 21 starts following a regular-season bye, he's 16-5. Of course, the Bucs will have to win by double digits to cover in this one. Brady and the Bucs are still dealing with injuries, despite coming out of their bye week, as two of his top offensive weapons will miss this game, WR Antonio Brown and TE Rob Gronkowski. There are also injury issues in the Bucs secondary. Washington won't be winning the NFC 'Least' this year, as the Cowboys are 6-2 but how sweet would an upset win over Tampa 'taste!' I'll take a cover. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cle Browns at 1:00 ET.

The Cleveland Browns are FINALLY rid of former All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and that HAS to be good news. Baker Mayfield and the 5-4 Browns are in Foxborough, Ma to take on Mac Jones and the 5-4 New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Mayfield threw for 218 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 14-of-21 passing, and Nick Chubb rushed for 137 yards and two scores to help the Browns rout the rival Cincinnati Bengals 41-16 last Sunday, in what was Cleveland's best overall game this season. The Patriots coasted to a 24-6 win at the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, giving them their first three-game winning streak since the 2019 season and after a 1-3 start, New England has won four of five to also come in at 5-4.

Cleveland had dropped three of its previous four games before Sunday's rout of Cincinnati. Without Beckham, the Browns had a balanced offensive attack with Mayfield completing passes to eight different receivers. Mayfield is not having a great season (66.7% for 1,917 yards with 8 TDs and 3 INTs), as the Cleveland offense counts on the NFL's best rushing offense (160.2 YPG, 5.3 YPC and 16 rushing TDs all rank No. 1 among all NFL teams). However, Nick Chubb (3rd in the NFL with 721 rushing yards) was placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list early in the week and ruled out on Friday. D'Ernest Johnson is the team's lone healthy RB but the good news is that Johnson ran for a career-best 146 yards and a TD in his first start against Denver back on Oct 21. "We are extremely confident in D'Ernest. That has not been a question yet," Mayfield said. The Cleveland defense ranks 3rd in yards allowed (309.7 YPG) and is arguably coming off its best effort. Cincy's Joe Burrow came into last Sunday's game as the only QB with multiple TD passes in every game but was held without a TD pass and was intercepted twice. His QB rating on the season is 102.6 but against Cleveland it was 69.0!

Alabama rookie Mac Jones has completed 68.0% for 2,135 and completed at least 70% of his passes in FIVE of his first nine games, the only rookie QB to do so. However, he has a modest 10-7 TD/INT ratio and in the win over Carolina, he threw for just 139 yards on 12-of-18 passing with a touchdown and an interception. Over the last two weeks, Jones has completed just 57 percent of his passes while averaging 178 yards passing. The No. 15 overall pick in this year's draft completed better than 70 percent of his pass attempts while averaging 254.1 yards over his first seven starts. More bad news is that the Patriots' leading rusher (only rusher?) Damien Harris began the week in the concussion protocol. Harris has run for 547 yards and 7 TDs for a team that averages just 106.8 YPG on the ground (19th) and has been ruled OUT for Sunday's game. Belichick-coached teams always play good defense and the 2021 Pats are allowing just 18.9 PPG (4th) on 340.3 YPG (9th). 

I can't help but think that the Pats are a little overrated and that Browns just may be a little underappreciated. Breaking the game down finds this is a tough Browns defense that's good at stopping the run (84.8 YPG ranks 3rd) and New England can't be expected to run well without Harris. That's going to put even more pressure on Jones, who is off back-to-back mediocre efforts (he can call Joe Burrow and ask about the Cleveland D!). The Browns rank first in the league in YPC, in average time per drive and rank in the top-three in plays per drive. Kevin Stefanski needs to out-coach Bill Belichick today, which is never an easy thing to do, but the talent on this Cleveland defense will prove to be the difference in the end in my opinion.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Florida at 1:00 ET.

Florida State (No. 20 preseason poll) and Florida will renew their in-state rivalry when the Seminoles travel to face the host Gators in Gainesville on Sunday afternoon. However, in recent years, it's been a one-sided feud, as the Seminoles have defeated the Gators SEVEN seven times (won 83-71 in Tallahassee last season).

Leonard Hamilton has built quite a program in Tallahassee but lost a 'ton' of talent from last year's team. However, the cupboard is hardly bare. The 6-9 Malik Osborne, despite dealing with a recent bout with the flu, scored 17 of his 18 points in the first half and finished with 13 rebounds in a 105-70 rout of Penn. Guard Anthony Polite added 17 & 6, while swingman RayQuan Evans had 14 points. Caleb Mills, a transfer guard from Houston, scored 14 points and had five rebounds in his Seminoles debut. FSU's signature defense was already evident as it forced 26 turnovers and turned those into 37 points.

Mike White's Gators return six seniors or graduate transfers. The Gators secured a 74-61 victory at home against Elon on Tuesday night to open their season, as the 6-11 Colin Castleton led Florida with 18 points. Returning starters guard Tyree Appleby (14) and the 6-7 Anthony Duruji added 10 points. Myreon Jones (Penn St transfer) had a line of 18-6-3. Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (20.1 & 7.4 at Charleston Southern last season) was dealing with a groin injury. He played in the second half and scored four points in 17 minutes. "One of our best players throughout the course of this summer and fall," White said of Fleming Jr. "He's been banged up a little bit. We didn't even know he was gonna play until an hour before the game, so it was nice to see him get going and play a game and not hamper what he had going on."

Mike White has led the Gators to four NCAA berths in the last five seasons (would have been five, except for COVID cancellation) but he really NEEDS to get a win over FSU in this "Florida Cup" game. Paraphrasing Rod Stewart, "Today's the Day!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Show' play is on San Jose St at 10:30 ET.

The Utah State Aggies were blown out in their first three games last season and head coach Gary Anderson was let go. The Aggies played just six games in 2020, ending 1-5. Blake Anderson was hired away from Arkansas St and he brought QB Logan Bonner with him. The result? Utah St is 7-2 overall, including 4-1 in the MWC's Mountain Division. San Jose St shocked almost all by going 7-0 SU and ATS to win the MWC in 2020, beating Boise St in the championship game, 34-20 (as a 7-point underdog). However, the Spartans then lost (as a 9-point favorite) 34-13 to Ball St in the Arizona Bowl. Still, with 19 returning starters, Brent Brennan's team entered the current season with high expectations. However, the Spartans are just 5-5, including 3-3 in the West Division. The two schools meet Saturday night in San Jose.

Bonner has been very good, completing 61.3% for 2,486 yards with 21 TDs and 9 INTs. Bonner has an excellent group of receivers, led by Thompkins (72 catches / 18.3 YPC / 8 TDs). He's joined by a trio that combines for 87 catches and 14 TDs. RBs Tyler (516 yards / 5.0 YPC / 4 TDs) and Noa (431 yards / 4.2 YPC / 3 TDs) give the Aggies some nice balance on offense, as the Aggies are averaging 31.8 PPG (43rd) on 474.9 YPG (12th). The defense is an issue, as Utah St allows 27.2 PPG (79th) on 425.3 YPG (101st).

QB Nick Starkel is off a very good season (64.2% with 17 TDs and 7 INTs) but he's been inconsistent and has been replaced by Nick Nash at times. Starkel is completing a poor 50.8% for 1,207 yards with 9 TDs and 6 INTs, while Nick Nash has thrown for 971 yards with 6 TDs and 3 INTs plus run 359 yards. RB Tyler Nevens leads the Spartans with 699 rushing yards (4.8 YPC / 6 TDs). TE Deese leads with 42 catches (16.1 YPC / 4 TDs). San Jose St is averaging just 21.4 PPG (down from 28.6 PPG) but its defense is holding opponents to 23.0 PPG (50th) on 355.9 YPG (46th).

Recent series history all favors Utah St (San Jose St had won 11 of 12 but Utah St has won the last EIGHT meetings) but oddsmakers have made the 5-5 Spartans more than a three-point favorite over the 7-2 Aggies. Wonder why? Utah St is a money-burning 11-24 ATS in its last 35 games as an underdog. Meanwhile, San Jose St enters on a 4-game ATS winning streak and chalk this up as a game many will call an upset (a 5-5 team beating a 7-2 team), unaware that the Spartans are the favorite in the game. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Gonzaga at 10:30 ET.

No. 5 Texas will be in Spokane, Wa tonight to take on No. 1 Gonzaga at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Texas Longhorns 'warmed up' with a 92-48 win over Houston Baptist in their opener, while the Gonzaga Bulldogs rolled over Dixie State in their first game. After six years with ZERO NCAA tourney wins, 'Shaka Ball' was "sent packing," as Texas brought in the highly-respected Chris Beard. He 'exploded' on the national scene by going 30-5 with Arkansas-LR in the 2015-16 season and used that ONE season to get the job at Texas Tech, where he's had an excellent five-year run (lost championship to UVA in 2019, finishing with 31 wins0. While Beard is a terrific coach, he has NOTHING on Mark Few of Gonzaga. He has led Gonzaga to 21 straight NCAA berths in his 22 years (2020 tourney was cancelled). He's done everything but win a national championship but he's led the Bulldogs into the title TWICE in the last four seasons. Last year's loss was a 'killer,' as Gonzaga was No. 1 wire-to-wire and at 31-0, was looking to match Bob Knight's 1975-76 team, which was the last team to go unbeaten (32-0) and win the title.

Chris Beard brought in seven transfers with NCAA Division I experience. SIX players reached double-digits against Houston-Baptist. Returning guards Ramey (14) and Jones (11) led the way, with freshman guard Tyson also adding 11 points. The 6-10 Mitchell (18.8 & 7.2 plus 17.7 & 7.2 the L2 years at UMass) had 10 & 5, while Minnesota transfer Marcus Carr (19.6-3.9-49 LY) chipped in 10-3-7. The 6-6 Timmy Allen was named All-Pac 12 at Utah last season (17.2 & 6.4) and will be a MAJOR factor, although he ahd just 8 & 6 in the team's opener.

Gone from Gonzaga's near-perfect team last year are the 6-7 Kispert (18.6 & 5.0), PG Suggs (14.4-5.3-4.5) and guard Ayayi (12.0 & 6.9). The 6-10 Timme (19.0 & 7.0) and guard Nembard (9.2) return, joined by a recruiting haul that netted Gonzaga THREE of nation's top 25 high school recruits in ESPN's rankings, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren, the top overall prospect who has been called a "unicorn." Holmgren had 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and tied a school record with seven blocked shots in his debut. 6-7 freshman Julian Strawther scored a team-high 17 points and added 10 rebounds, in making his first collegiate start. Transfer Rasir Bolton (Iowa State/Penn State) added 15 points and Drew Timme, the reigning Karl Malone Award winner as the nation's top power forward, scored 11 in limited minutes.

I have little doubt that Beard will greatly improve on the Longhorns' recent past but Gonzaga is a 'monster!' Gonzaga's rout of Dixie State marked the team's  52nd consecutive home win, a program record. The team's last home loss was Jan 18, 2018, to Saint Mary's. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* SEC Game of the Year is on Arkansas at 7:30 ET.

Sam Pittman did an excellent job as Georgia's OL coach and got his first head coaching gig at Arkansas in 2020. Not much went right, as the Razorbacks finished 3-7. More than a few publications had Arkansa pegged as the 7th team in the SEC's 7-team SEC West but Arkansas opened 4-0 SU and ATS, with wins over then-No. 15 Texas (40-21) and then-No. 7 Texas A&M (20-10). However, the Razorbacks are just 2-3 (1-4 ATS) over their last five games. At 6-3 (25th in the latest CFP rankings), Arkansa travels to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers, who check in at 4-5 (2-4 in the SEC). Arkansas is off a hard-fought 31-28 victory against Mississippi State, while LSU scared the 'you know what' out of Alabama in Tuscaloosa last Saturday night, falling just 20-14 as a 4-TD underdog (FYI...LSU was my free play!).

Arkansas QB Jefferson has had an excellent season, completing 64.2% for 1,848 yards with 16 TDs and just 3 INTs. He is also one of FOUR Arkansas players with more than 400 yards rushing, as the team's running game ranks 4th in the nation averaging 244.3 YPG  on 5.3 YPC. Burks (48 catches / 16.6 YPC / 8 TDs) is the lone receiver of note but the Arkansas offense is good enough to average 32.6 PPG (35th) on 457.8 YPG (21st). Defensively, Arkansas is credible, allowing 24.0 PPG (57th) on 351.2 YPG (41st).

LSU's 2019 'magical' season seems more like 20 years ago, not just two. LSU opened the season with a loss at UCLA but then won THREE in a row. However, the Tigers have lost FOUR of five since, with their lone win coming 49-42 over a Florida team that has 'IMPLODED!' The Gators opened 3-1 (lone blemish was a two-point loss to Alabama) but has now lost FOUR of five (only win over 2-7 Vandy, which is 0-5 in the SEC). Max Johnson has done a credible job at QB, completing 60.1% for 2,169 yards with 22 TDs and 6 INTs. A HUGE issue is a running game that is averaging only 112.0 YPG (116th) on 3.4 YPC. It's actually worse than that, as LSU ran for 321 yards vs Florida. Take that one game away and LSU is averaging 85.6 YPG. The LSU defense is allowing 27.8 PPG (79th).

LSU and head coach Orgeron reached agreement last month on a buyout that will take place at the end of the season. The Tigers need two wins in their last three games to become bowl eligible and extend Orgeron's tenure by one game. Coming off the team's 'leave it all on the field' effort at Alabama, I find it hard to believe that LSU doesn't suffer a letdown in this one. Orgeron said Max Johnson remains the team's starting QB but against Arkansas he'll give freshman Garrett Nussmeier "significant snaps at the beginning of the game, and we'll see how it goes." How is that a good thing?

The Tigers allowed just SIX yards rushing to the Tide last week (how is that possible?), after allowing 330 to Kentucky and 265 to Ole Miss. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman is taking it one game at a time: "I believe LSU played as physical and as hard as they had all year," Pittman assessed earlier in the week. "Coach Orgeron certainly has the attention of the team still and they're very, very talented. From what I saw on film, compared to the other weeks, I thought they played extremely well and physically on Saturday against Alabama."Arkansas plays with the added incentive of revenge here after falling 27-24 in the last meeting on November 21st of last year. Yes, Alabama is up next but how could Arkansa be looking ahead? The LAST thing this team needs is a loss heading into that contest. Arkansas is the better team and I expect it to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover.

Good Luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Washington at 7:00 ET.

Washington was ranked 20th in the AP's preseason poll and fellow Pac-12 member Arizona St checked in at No. 25. However, as these two conference rivals at Seattle on the second Saturday of November, both teams have been disappointments. Arizona St has had the better season, as its 31-16 victory against visiting USC last Saturday got them to 6-3, making them bowl-eligible. Arizona State will face an interim coach when the Sun Devils travel to Washington for a Pacific-12 Conference matchup Saturday. Washington's 26-16 home loss to No. 4 Oregon last Saturday dropped the Huskies to 4-5 (3-3 in the Pac-12). To add insult to injury, Washington head coach Jimmy Lake was suspended for a week by athletic director Jen Cohen for a sideline altercation with one of his players. That means defensive coordinator Bob Gregory will act as head coach for the game.

That sets up the following scenario, Arizona State will face an interim coach for the THIRD straight game the Sun Devils have previously gone up against Washington State's Jake Dickert and USC's Donte Williams. QB Daniels can be an exciting performer but also a frustrating one. He's completing 67.3% for 1,880 yards and has run for 482 yards on 5.7 YPC with 4 TDs but he's thrown just seven TDs in nine games (also seven INTs). The Sun Devils snapped a two-game losing streak with their win over USC, as RB Rachaad White rushed for 202 yards and THREE TDs. However, he had run for just 483 yard in the team's eight games (note: he does have 12 TDs on the season). ASU has a nice run/pass balance and is averaging 30.3 PPG (54th). The Sun Devils have played well defensively, allowing just 20.2 PPG (26th) on 331.0 YPG (also 26th)

Washington QB Morris is completing 60.4% for 1,920 yards with an 11-9 TD/INT ratio. It doesn't help that the team's running game is nearly non-existent (118.2 YPG ranks 106th on 3.5 YPC). There is depth at the receiving position, with five players hauling 21 or more passes, led by McMillan (31 / 13.4 YPC / 3 TDs) and Bynum (26 / 16.8 YPC / 4 TDs). The offense averages only 22.0 PPG (110th) but the Washington D keeps them in ball games, allowing 19.7 PPG (23rd) on 336.8 YPG (31st).

Washington has lost 11 of the last 13 games with the Sun Devils but those two wins have come in the last THREE meetings (both wins by the Huskies have been here in Seattle). ASU got its sixth win last Saturday but look for Washington to gets it fifth win in this one, giving the Huskies two tries (at Colorado and home to Washington St) to become bowl-eligible. Better yet, we are getting almost a full TD.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic in on Ole Miss at 7:00 ET.

Texas A&M (7-2, 4-2) has its sights set on the SEC's West Division title, a goal that requires not only winning its next two conference games but also requires Alabama (8-1, 5-1) to lose to either Arkansas or Auburn. A&M can't control what Alabama does, so all the team can do is 'take care of business' and then wait and see. Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2) has already lost to Alabama, so the Rebels' hopes of a SEC West title are not quite realistic. However, the winner of this game does put itself in prime position for a New Year's Six Bowl (A&M is 11th in the latest CFP rankings and Ole Miss is 15th).

The Aggies are riding some strong momentum, after their 41-38 victory on Oct 9 over No.1-ranked  Alabama gave their season new 'life' (A&M entered that contest on a two-game slide). A&M has added three more victories since the Alabama win, riding some dominating defense in which the Aggies have allowed only 31 points the last three games. The team now ranks 2nd in the nation in allowing 14.7 PPG on 318.3 YPG (15th). Offensively, OB Calzado is no star, completing just 54.9% for 1,556 yards with 12 TDs and 7 INTs. His two best options are WR Smith (35 catches / 6 TDs) and TE Wydermyer (30 catches / 13.5 YPC / 4 TDs). Calzado does get help from a running game that is averaging 191.7 YPG (40th), led by the duo of Spiller (873 yards on 6.1 YPC  with 5 TDs) and Achane (706 yards on 7.4 YPC with 5 TDs). The Aggies are averaging 38.6 PPG, which works well when one's defense is allowing about HALF that many points!

The "ever-lovable" Lane Kiffin has himself quite a team in Oxford this season, one which has a chance to match the 2015 team that went 10-3 after a 48-20 win over Oklahoma St in the Sugar Bowl. QB Matt Corral has completed 66.9% for 2,5627 yards with 16 TDs and just two INTs. Corral also chips in a team-leading 528 yards on 4.6 YPC and 10 TDs on the ground while three RBs add between 436 and 471 yards, giving Ole Miss the 5th-best running game in the nation at 237.9 YPG. Corall's one standout receiver is WR Drummond (40 catches / 16.5 YPC / 6 TDs). That said, Ole Miss is the ONLYm in the country with SIX players having recorded 100-yard receiving games this season. Defense IS a problem though, with Ole Miss allowing 27.0 PPG (72nd) on 432.7 YPG (104th).

Ole Miss has lost three straight to A&M but in the last meeting (2019 also in Oxford), the Rebels outgained the Aggies 405-337, with the difference being an A&M 62-yard TD on a fumble recovery. That 2019 Ole Miss team couldn't 'hold a candle' to the 2021 edition and as much as I don't much care for Kiffin, I think Ole Miss has an offense that will be able to 'crack' the A&M defense. Don't forget, Alabama put up 522 yards at College Station and this one is in Oxford (note: Ole Miss averages 524.1 PPG). Take the small home dog but we won't need the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Temple at 7:00 ET.

The Trojans were a terrific defensive team last season, as they conceded only 65.1 PPG but the Owls have always been known for their defense (Can you say John Chaney?) and even in last year's COVID-interrupted 16-game season, allowed just  68.8 PPG. The Trojans were impressive at home but I think they'll have a much more difficult time finding open shots here in this difficult road venue, plus they can't expect Temple to shoot 32.8% like Northridge did (Temple shot 49.1% in its opener). Temple has the depth to compete and I believe it has a very realistic shot at winning this one outright.

My 10* Late-Breaker is on the Mi Heat at 5:00 ET.

The Heat beat the Jazz 118-115 back in Miami on Nov 6 but have lost three in a row since. Utah gets a quick chance at revenge but welcomes the Heat to Salt Lake City having dropped three of four games, beginning with that Miami loss. The Jazz were 7-1 prior to that Miami game, while the Heat opened 6-1 but now sit 7-5. Both teams come into this early tip-off (3:10 p.m. Mountain Time) in hopes of getting back on track.

Miami most recently lost to the Lakers and Clippers on consecutive nights in Los Angeles after beginning a five-game Western trip with a defeat in Denver. Kyle Lowry, trying to get back into a groove after an ankle injury, was a bright spot in Miami's 112-109 loss to the Clippers on Thursday with 25 points. That said, Lowry is averaging just 12.1 PPG, although he is handing out 7.3 APG. Butler (23.6-5.5-5.1) is dealing with an ankle injury (questionable here) but Herro (21.1 & 5.4) and Abebayo (20.3 & 11.5) are off to great starts. For Utah, Mitchell (25.9-4.7-5.2) leads five double digit scorers, including center Gobert (15.0 & 15.5) and 6th-man Clarkson (14.3).

The Jazz and Heat have each made headlines this week for the wrong reasons. Miami center Markieff Morris exchanged hard body blows with Denver's Nikola Jokic on Monday, and Utah's Rudy Gobert got into a tussle with Indiana's Myles Turner in Thursday's 111-100 loss. I always look to see if there is a "revenge" angle between teams. Sometimes the "revenge factor" can absolutely work in a team's favor, but other times I think it's meaningless. I'm voting for "meaningless" in this one. Both teams have some injury issues but I will note that Lowry is MORE than capable of stepping up and he did have a triple-double of 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Heat's 118-115 win over Utah a week ago. 

"Upon further review," I'll take the points with Miami.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* CBB Daydream Believer is on UCF at 1:00 ET.

Johnny Dawkins' UCF team led off with a 69-59 win over Roberts Morris and visits Miami on Saturday afternoon, which opened with a 77-67 home win over Canisius. All five starters are back from an 11-12 team. Miami's Jim Larranaga has led the hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. However, his teams have won 14, 15 and 10 games( 4-15 in the ACC last year) the last three seasons.

The Knights have an experienced squad full of high-leaping dunkers, and bring back almost all of their scoring and minutes played from last season, when they finished 11-12. Guard Darius Perry led the team with 14.7 PPG last season and had a game-high 18 points against Robert Morris. Fellow guard Green (11.3 LY) added 14 points. UCF's bench is led by former five-star Oregon recruit C.J. Walker, who named the AAC's top defensive player in a preseason poll. He had 12 points and eight rebounds against Robert Morris. The Knights have also added a 6-11 transfer in Cheikh Mbacke Diong, a Senegal native who was a team captain at UNLV. The center had a team-high five blocks against Robert Morris. Other starters back from the Knights' 2021-2022 roster are Brandon Mahan, who averaged 12.3 points last season and the 6-6 Isaiah Adams, an AAC All-Rookie pick who averaged 8.9 points.

Sixth-year senior Kameron McGusty is the type of experienced player Miami will be counting on this season. He transferred in from Oklahoma in 2018 and has played 112 games, including 65 starts.. He scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds in the win over Canisius. Fellow guard Wong (17.1 & 4.8 LY) added just seven points. That duo is joined in the starting lineup by the 6-10 Sam Waardenburg, who sat out last season due to injury plus transfers Jordan Miller (15.8 & 6.1 at George Mason) and Charlie Moore (14.4 & 4.2 APG at DePaul). Waardenburg opened with 10 & 6, Moore with 13-4-4 and Miller with eight points

The road team has covered in four straight in this series and dating to last year Miami is 0-4 ATS in its last four at home and a terrible 0-5-1 ATS in its last six as a favorite. UCF, on the other hand, is 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a straight-up victory. Expect those trends to continue today. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye Opener is on Louisville at 12:00 ET.

Syracuse head coach Dino Babers made a big 'splash' in his third season at Syracuse, going 10-3 with a bowl win in 2018. However, the 'Cuse fell to 5-7 in 2019 and then went 1-10 in 2020. A bowl berth may be a 'must' in 2021 for Babers to save his job. Syracuse comes in off a bye at 5-4 but more importantly the team is 8-1 ATS, including seven straight covers. Syracuse travels to Louisville this Saturday, where head coach Scott Satterfield's Cardinals are 4-5, after going 8-5 in his first season (2019) and 4-7 in his second season (2020). Satterfield became a 'hot' coaching commodity by leading Appalachian St St to 40 wins from 2015 through 2018. The Mountaineers won bowls under Satterfield in 2015, 2016 and 2017, before leaving to take the Louisville job before the school's 2018 bowl appearance.

RB Sean Tucker is coming off his most productive game of the season (he ran for 207 yards in Syracuse's 21-6 home win over Boston College two weeks ag0) and will take the field looking for an eighth straight 100-yard game. He has 1,267 rushing yards (6.3 YPC / 13 TDs) and leads a running game that's averaging 248.8 YPG (3rd) on 5.6 YPC. Dual-threat QB Schrader adds 670 yards rushing (5.6 YPC / 11 TDs), while throwing for 1,119 yards with 7 TDs and 3 INTs. However, he's NOT an accurate passer, completing just 51.8%. Syracuse averages 29.4 PPG (56th) and its defense is holding opponents to 22.6 PPG (44th).

Lining up opposite Schrader is Louisville QB Cunningham, who is the team's leading rusher (690 yards / 5.2 YPC / 15 TDs) and is a much better passer (60.5% / 2,077 yards / 9 TDs & 5 INTs). Joined by RB Mitchell (531 yards / 4.4 YPC / 4 TDs), Louisville also has an impressive running game, averaging 205.6 YPG (24th) on 5.0 YPC. Louisville scores in the neighborhood of Syracuse (28.8 PPG ranks 60th) but its defense is allowing 27.4 PPG, five points higher and also is allowing about 1000 YPG more.

Louisville needs two more wins (in its last three games) to become bowl eligible. Winning here is pretty much a "must-win." Series history is ALL Louisville, as the Cardinals are 9-2 SU and have covered EIGHT of the last 10 meetings with the Orange. The home team has won four straight in the series, with the favorite covering the last seven (more trends in Louisville's favor). Louisville is just 3-2 at home but the two losses have come 34-33 to UVA, which scored a TD with 22 seconds left in the game and to Clemson, which Louisville led 24-17 into the 4th quarter, before the Tigers scored the game's final 13 points. Note that the Cards reached the Clemson two-yard-line but were SOD on that final drive. 

Lay the short price, as Syracuse's ATS winning streak ends at seven.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on UCLA at 11:30 ET.

It's an early season showdown of top-four teams, as No. 2 UCLA welcomes No. 4 Villanova to Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Friday night. The Bruins are coming off a season in which they won five NCAA Tournament games to reach the Final 4, where they lost to Gonzaga in dramatic fashion in OT! Villanova is coming off an 'average' season these days for head coach Jay Wright, going 18-7 after a loss in the Sweet 16. As evidenced by the schools' preseason rankings, big things are expected of both teams.

Villanova visits the City of Angels having welcomed back star PG Collin Gillespie from an MCL injury that ended his 2020-21 campaign early. Gillespie showed no rust with 13 points, five assists and two steals in the Wildcats' 91-51 romp over Mount St. Mary's. Fellow guard Justin Moore shot 6-of-8 from three-point range en route to a career-high 27 points, while a pair of 6-7 frontcourt players, Slater (14-4-5) and Samuels (17 & 6), got their respective seasons off to a good start.

UCLA had little trouble in its season opener on Tuesday, winning 95-58 against Cal State Bakersfield. Five UCLA players scored in double figures to usher in a campaign filled with expectations. The perimeter quartet of Juzang (19 & 4), Bernard (19), Jaquez (14 & 4) and Campbell (10 & 4 assists) were joined by 6-5 sophomore Clark (10-7-3) in double digits. The news wasn't all good though, as the 6-9 Cody Riley (10.0 & 5.5 LY) left the game with an apparent knee injury. His status for Friday is unknown.

Friday's contest is an opportunity for either team to "send a message" about this campaign's early pecking order. Both UCLA and Villanova have national-championship aspirations and bring similar styles. Jay Wright has two national titles in his resume but all of his success, Mick Cronin is still searching for his first. However, I believe the Bruins are the better team and this is a reasonable price to lay at home. Cronin-coached teams have long been known for their defensive intensity and in the opener, held Cal State Bakersfield to just 37.5 percent shooting from the floor. Pair that with UCLA's balanced scoring and I'm laying the 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* ESPN Game of the Month is on the Chi Bulls at 10:10 ET.

The Golden State Warriors went from FIVE consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals to 15-50 in the 2019-20 season. Last season was better (39-33) but NO one expected the Warriors to open the current season 10-1. Any doubts these days regarding Steph's greatness? The Warriors will welcome the Chicago Bulls to San Francisco tonight in front of the ESPN cameras. The Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. However, Chicago has opened 8-3, after routing the Brooklyn Nets 118-95 on Monday and following with a 117-107 win over Dallas (both games were played in Chicago).

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine (25.9-5.5-4.2) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (26.0-5.8-43.8). Picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (13.6 & 10.9). Lonzo Ball is also new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.8-4,7-5.8. The Bulls defense ranks third in allowing opponents only 102.4 PPG.

Curry's been amazing, averaging 27.4-6.5-6.5, joined by three other double digit scorers plus the "do-everything" Green. Those double digits scorers are Poole (17.8), Wiggins (17.4 & 4.3) and Lee (11.9(, while green is averaging 7.8-8.2-7.2. The problem here is that Lee is out with a hip issie and Green is listed as questionable with a thigh injury.

That said, Chicago is not without an issue or two. First off, Vucevic did not make the trip to San Francisco because of COVID-related reasons. The Bulls are also currently missing last year's first-round pick, Patrick Williams, who underwent surgery on his left wrist last month. However, here's the bottom line. The Warriors have benefited in the early going from what several ratings services calculate to be the NBA's easiest schedule. The only teams they've played so far that currently sport winning records are the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Warriors will be the eighth team with a .500 or better record that the Bulls have faced this season. They've gone 4-3 in their first seven and are getting almost a 'TD' worth of points in this one. This is the opener of a tough five-game Western swing for the Bulls (the Clippers, Lakers, Blazers and Nuggets are next). This contest begins a stretch of games that will really show us what DeMar DeRozan, Zach Lavine, Lonzo Ball, and company are all about. Take the points

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on BYU at 9:00 ET.

Both the San Diego State Aztecs and the BYU Cougars basketball programs have produced some impressive AP-ranked teams for many seasons now. SDSU's Brian Dutcher took over for his mentor Steve Fisher and is entering his fifth season, He's gone 96-31 in his first four, inducing 23-5 last year. Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. Neither team is in the latest top-25 poll but expect to see them sometime during the current season.

The Aztecs opened with a 66-53 win over UC-Riverside. Matt Bradley, who was an All Pac 12 player at Cal last season averaging 18.0 & 4.6 LY, led SDSU with 23 points on 8 of 13 shooting while returning PG Trey Pulliam had 15 points on 7 of 16 shooting. They were the lone players in double digits, although returning 6-10 center Nathan Mensah (8.1 & 6.1 LY) added eight points with a team-high 10 rebounds. That trio will be the core of this year's team, having lost forward Mitchell (15.4 & 5.6) and guard Schakel (14.4) from last season (the top-two scorers).

BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2). He led the Cougars with 24 points on 5 of 6 shooting with a perfect 13 of 13 mark from the foul line along with 4 assists. Guard Spencer Johnson added 13 points, while the 6-7 Caleb Lohner added seven points with a team-high nine rebounds. Making contributions up front were the 6-6 George (seven rebounds) and the 6-6 Traore (8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 24 minutes off of the bench).

San Diego St is playing with revenge from BYU beating them last season but winning in Marriot Center has NEVER been easy for any visiting team. Mark Pope is carry on with that tradition, as the Cougars are 25-3 SU under his guidance. Lay the VERY 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* ESPN 'Table-Setter' is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will visit Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Neither team can be too happy where it stands coming into this one. The Bucks are 6-6 and the Celtics are 5-6. Milwaukee let a 24-point lead slip away vv New York on Wednesday night, but the Bucks still found a way to pull out a 112-100 win on the road against the Knicks. Milwaukee has now won back-to-back games, after dropping five of its prior six games. As for Boston, the Celtics got some revenge with a 104-88 home win against the Raptors on Wednesday after being blown out by Toronto in a 32-point defeat in the Celtics' home opener.

Antetokounmpo (26.6-11.8-6.0) posted a near triple-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in a team-high 38 minutes in the win over the Knicks. Pat Connaughton (10.9 & 5.0) led all scorers with 23 points on a career-high seven three-pointers to help keep the Bucks afloat. The Bucks have played without star Khris Middleton (20.0-4.7-4.5), who has now missed the last six games due to health and safety protocols. Center Brook Lopez has played in just ONE game all season while dealing with a back injury plus PG Donte DiVincenzo remains out with a foot injury.

Tatum (23.5 & 8.6) led the charge with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists against Toronto, while new PG Dennis Schroder (14.5 & 5.8 APG) added 20 points for Boston, which had SIX players score in double figures. Jaylen Brown (25.6-5.8-6.1) missed his second straight game with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. The swingman is not expected to return against the Bucks, but said he could return sooner than the original one- to two-week timeline.

The loss of Brown is HUGE but the Celtics come in playing their best basketball so far and I think that momentum gets carried over here. Boston most recently beat Toronto 104-88, giving the team its fourth straight ATS win. Boston has found a good rotation with Josh Richardson (8.3) and Romeo Langford (6.1) off the bench and will 'hit the road' for three straight after this, adding more emphasis to win tonight's home game, where Boston has opened just 1-3. I'm in! Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Non-Conference Game of the Month is on Western Ky at 6:30 ET.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Friday from US Cellular Center in Minneapolis (not the Gophers' homecourt). The Hilltoppers are coming off a 21-9 season in which they lost in the C-USA championship game while Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15, That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson takes over (first head coaching gig). In contrast, Rick Stansbury enters his sixth season at Western Ky, having won 20-plus games in each of his last four.

Gone from last year's team are the 6-9 Bassey (17.6 & 11.6) and guard Holingsworth (13.9). However, Stansbury has a solid core of two guards and two froncort players on this year's team. The Hilltoppers' 79-74 opening win over Alabama St was hardly impressive but the 6-8 Hamilton had 21 points and the 6-9 Butz added 12 & 6. Guards McKnight (19-5-6) and Anderson (12 & 7) both played well. Minnesota also opened with a less-than-impressive win over UMKC. There was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). Most notbaly, Minnesota lost (to Texas) one of last season's best backcourt players in Carr (19.4-4.0-4.9). The 6-7 Battle (18 points) and the 6-9 Curry (7 & 7) look like Minnesota's best frontcourt players and Willis and Stephens (both had 13 points vs UMKC) as the best backcourt performers.

The Golden Gophers were picked to finish last in the Big Ten preseason media poll and the team has more questions than answers. Yes, WKU came out slow in its opener as a big favorite but the team made adjustments and came out with a win. Rick Stansbury led Miss St to 11 postseason bids in hsi 14 years at Starkville and is again proving he's a winner at Western, ky. The hilltoppers win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* AFC Game of the Week is on the Bal Ravens at 8:20 ET.

The Baltimore Ravens opened the season by 'letting one slip away' in Las Vegas against the Raiders (lost in OT), while the Dolphins opened with a 17-16 win at New England, despite being outplayed in every facet of the game. The teams have gone in opposite directions ever since, as Baltimore's won SIX of seven, while the Dolphins had lost SEVEN in a row before beating the hapless Texans 17-9 last Sunday (Houston won in Week 1 and has lost EIGHT in a row since).

Despite losing Dobbins and Edwards before the season, the Ravens have still managed to lead the NFL in rushing with 161.5 YPG (5.0 YPC). QB Lamar Jackson is the key, as he's run for 600 yards (6.2 YPC / 2 TDs), while also completing 65.0% for 2,209 yards with 13 TDs and seven INTs. His top receivers are WR Brown (46 / 6 TDs) and TE Andrews (42 / 3 TDs). Baltimore is averaging 27.6 PPG (7th) on 427.9 YPG (2nd). Baltimore's defense no longer resembles the "Ray Lewis era" unit, allowing 24.4 PPG (21st).

While Baltimore has Lamar Jacskson at QB, the Dolphins have 'ping-ponged' between Tua and Brissett. Neither inspires confidence and gets NO help from a running game that averages an NFL-low 75.1 YPG (3.5 YPC). Big things were expected of rookie WR Waddle (from Alabama) but while he has 56 catches, he owns a puny 8.9 YPC average. TE Gesicki (44 / 2 TDs) is solid but basically, the offense is somewhat helpless (17.2 PPG ranks 28th on 297.4 YPG which ranks 30th). Remember Miami's famous "No-Name" defense, this season's defense also has no names but unlike that famous 1970s unit, it can't stop anybody, allowing 26.9 PPG (27th) on 391.9 YPG (30th).

It's true that the Ravens have won only two games by more than six points (have won four games by a combined 12 points) but the Dolphins lack a true identity and don't excel in a single area. Baltimore is a perfect 6-0 ATS in its last six games on this field and has won its three most recent matchups vs Miami with a cumulative 137-16 score. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My CFB 10* Thursday Game of the Month is on Pittsburgh at 7:30 ET.

North Carolina opened No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll and was led by one of the Heisman favorites, QB Sam Howell. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh (coming off a 6-5 season) entered the current season unranked and was not even among the 19 schools that were in the groups known as "others receiving votes." The two teams take the field Thursday night at Heinz Field for a key game in the ACC's Coastal Division. Pittsburgh is 7-2 overall (21st in the CFP rankings) and at 4-1 in ACC play, controls its destiny in the division, while North Carolina (5-4, 3-3) has had a HUGELY disappointing season but can stay in contention with a victory.

The Tar Heels are fresh off a 58-55 comeback victory against then-No. 9 Wake Forest (Demon Deacons were 8-0), a contest in which they put up 546 yards of total offense. Howell won't win the Heisman but he leads a VERY balanced offense (273.6 YPG passing / 219.4 YPG rushing) by completing 63.1% for 2,408 yards (20 TDs / 7 INTs), while rushing for 699 yards (5.2 YPC / 8 TDs). RB Chandler has 884 rushing yards (6.2 YPC / 13 TDs) and WR Downs has 74 catches (1,104 yards / 8 TDs). North Carolina is averaging 38.9 PPG (12th) but the defense is a mess, It allowed 615 yards against Wake and is allowing 33.4 PPG on the season (111th) on 421.4 YPG (95th).

Howell had more fanfare coming into the season but Pitt QB Kenny Pickett is having a Heisman-like season. He's completing 68.7% for 3,171 yards with 29 TDs and 3 INTs. He's run for 234 yards (4 TDs) and three RBs chip in between 315-to-498 yards for a running game averaging 167.2 YPG. WR Addison (54 catches / 18.3 YPC / 11 TDs) is among the top WRs in the nation and Pittsburgh is tops in the nation in scoring (45.0 PPG) and second in total offense (543.3 YPG). Defensively, Pitt is solid, allowing 22.7 PPG (45th) on 345.0 YPG (37th).

North Carolina has been consistently inconsistent from week to next this season and I expect that trend to continue here against Pittsburgh, which is 'smelling' the possibility of a memorable season. In contrast to NC's  inconsistency, The Panthers have gone above the 50-point mark in four games this season, the most for any Pittsburgh team since 1905. What's more, 7-2 Pittsburgh is a PERFECT 7-0 ATS in its seven wins in 2021. Meanwhile, the only consistency North Carolina has shown since the start of the 2020 season is this. The Tar Heels take the field Thursday 3-8 ATS in their last 11 following a straight-up win. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ls Vegas Insider is on Detroit at 9:00 ET.

The Detroit Titans and the Wyoming Cowboys meet tonight in the season opener for both schools at Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, Wy. The Titans finished 12-10 (10-6 in the Horizon) last season but there is MORE to this story (see below). The Cowboys enter the season off a 2020-21 season in which they went 14-11, including a 7-9 record in MWC play.

Mike Davis led the Indiana Hoosiers to a runner-up finish in the 2001-02 season, losing to Maryaland in the title game. That now seems like 50 years ago. He took over at Detroit in the 2018-19 season and inherited a 'MESS!' The Titans had won just eight games in each of the two previous seasons and his first two teams won 11 and eight games. Looking at last season, it should be noted that Detroit opened 1-7 with EIGHT games canceled due to COVID-related circumstances. However, 6-11 transfer Noah Waterman became eligible and the team would go 11-3 the rest of the way. Waterman averaged 11.9 & 4.5 plus leading scorer Davis ended by averaging 24.0 PPG (3rd-best in the nation), as well as with 4.7 APG. Again, looking more closely, Davis averaged 16.7 PPG in the team's 1-7 but then 28.0 PPG and 5.6 APG in its 11-3 finish. Both return, along with Matt Johnson (8.5 PPG), who was named Horizon's 6th-man-of-the-year.

Jeff Linder left No. Colorado to take over in Laramie and his first team went 14-11 (Cowboys had won nine and eight games the previous two seasons). Marcus Williams (14.8 & 4.3 APFG) left for A&M and is a HUGE loss but the 6-7 Maldonado (12.5 & 6.8) and the 6-9 Ike (11.2 & 5.4) return up front, while DuSell (9.1) steps in at PG (he shot 45.6% on threes last season). Joining him in the backcourt will be Foster (9.1) and Jefries (7.4).

Detroit has the best player on the floor tonight in Davis and after the Titans finished off last season strong, I expect them to carry that confidence and momentum over into this one. Grab the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs return home after a 99-94 loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday, a game in which they squandered a 16-point first-half lead before fighting back to make it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The ability to "close out games" has been lacking so far for the 3-7 Spurs (more later). The Sacramento Kings are 5-6 this season, as they look to end the longest active playoff drought of any NBA franchise (Kings have missed the last 15 postseasons!).

San Antonio led by 10 at the half at OKC but was outscored 34-14 in the third period as it missed 11 of its final 13 shots in that quarter. "We got to learn from that -- not just settling and doing what we do to keep those leads," guard Lonnie Walker IV said. "We just got to come together. When these scoring droughts come, we try and do it ourselves." Keldon Johnson (16.2 & 5.8) led the Spurs with 22 points in the loss while Walker (12.3 & 5.6 APG had 15 off the bench, Drew Eubanks scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray, Doug McDermott and Thaddeus Young added 10 points apiece. Eubanks and Young are role players but PG Murray (17.6-8.1-8.3) is San Antonio's best player. As for center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7), Popovich added that he isn't sure about his availability this week as he deals with health and safety protocols. "We know he is not going to be ready for (the Kings game) or Friday (against Dallas)," Popovich said.

The Kings visit San Antonio on the heels of a 109-104 home loss to defending Western Conference champion Phoenix that went down to the final seconds. Sacramento's poor third quarter allowed the Suns to build a 21-point lead early in the fourth, but the Kings rallied to within a possession before a late turnover and free throws by Phoenix closed out the game. The Kings played against Phoenix without guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 & 5.0 APG), who had lower back tightness. Sacramento has depth at the guard position with PG Fox (18.6 & 6.2 APG) and Hield (17.4 & 5.4), who started (has been coming off the bench). SF Barnes (22.5 & 8.7) is having a career season plus undersized center Holmes (14.6 & 10.5) just seems to get better. Baylor rookie Mitchell IS getting better by the game and is up to 9.9 PPG on the season. 

The 3-7 Spurs have good peripheral numbers, as they're ranked third in the league in pace, ninth in the league in field goal percentage, second in assists, sixth in steals, and they're tied for fifth in defensive rating. Maybe that's why they are 6-4 ATS. Six of San Antonio's seven losses this season have come by an average of five points and while they'll have to win to cover here, I have little faith in the Kings, who just NEVER seem to fulfill any perceived promise. Pop over Luke Walton ANYTIME!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* MAC Attack-Part 2 is on Ball St at 7:00 ET.

The Ball State Cardinals will travel to Huskie Stadium in DeKalb to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies on Wednesday night. The Cardinals improved to 5-4 on the season with a 31-25 win over the Akron Zips (11/2) and are now 3-2 in the MAC-West. The Northern Illinois Huskies had their 5-game winning streak snapped in a 52-47 loss at Kent St last Wednesday, dropping to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in the MAC-West.

The Cardinals are coming off a 7-1 season in 2020. They lost their delayed season-opener but then won FIVE in a row to reach the MAC title games against Buffalo which had gone 5-0, while averaging 43.4 PPG. However, as a 13-point underdog, Ball St beat Buffalo 38-28 and then went on to beat a then-7-0 San Jose St team (also 7-0 ATS) 34-13 in the Arizona Bowl. Entering this season, 10 starters returned on both offense and defense and I read more than a few places that this year's team was shaping up as head coach Mike Neu's best (this marks his 6th season at Muncie). It didn't start that way, as Ball St opened 1-3 but the Cardinals have won FOUR of their last five. QB Plitt has completed 63.2% for 1,776 yards with 14 TDs and just four INTs. He has a trio of solid WRs in Hall (56 / 5 TDs), (Jackson 39 / 2 TDs) and Tyler (32 / 5 TDs) plus RB Steele does a nice job (582 yards on 5.2 YPC and 5 TDs). Ball St is averaging a modest 25.2 PPG (88th), while allowing 27.6 PPG (75th). More in a bit.

Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi is completing a modest 57.8% and has thrown for 1,853 yards with 12 TDs and six INTs. However, NIU's offense is led by a rushing attack that has averaged 221.4 YPG (10th) and features five players with more than 200 rushing yards (Lombard is in that group with 346 yards and has five TDs). RBs Ducker (579 yards / 5.4 YPC / 5 TDs) and Waylee (574 yards / 5.7 YPC / 4 TDs) are the top producers. NIU averages 31.7 PPG (42) with a nice run/pass balance but the team's defense is allowing 33.8 PPG (112th) on 449.3 YPG (114th).

NIU has the better record (6-3 to 5-4) and leads 4-1 to 3-2 in the division, YET Ball St is the small road favorite. That's NO oddsmaker's error, as Balls St is 3-0 SU on the road in MAC play, averaging 38.0 PPG and gets to go up against a Huskie defense that just allowed 52 points on 682 yards the last time out. Yes, NIU had won 10 straight in this series but Ball St has won the last two and makes it THREE in a row here with an easy win and cover.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Atl Hawks at 9:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks began last season off FIVE consecutive fifth-place finishes but won the Southeast Division last year with a 41-31 record. They then made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, beating the East's top-seeded 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs. Atlanta opened 3-1 this season but has suddenly 'fallen apart,' by losing SIX of seven, including four in a row. The Hawks are in Salt Lake City along with the team's 1-6 record on the road. The Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Denver. The Jazz opened the current season 7-1 (won 116-98 in Atlanta on Nov 4) but enter this contest off back-to-back losses at Miami (no big deal) but also at Orlando (not good!). The Jazz are 7-3 on the season (3-0 at home).

No way to explain Atlanta's poor start, as the team has a terrific team leader in PG Young (23.7 & 9.5 APG), who is surrounded by a strong starting cast and plenty of depth. Young plus PF Collins (16.3 & 8.9), SG Bogdanovich (12.4) and center Capela (9.6 & 10.9) have started all 11 games, while SF Hunter (11.7) has started 10 of 11. Throw in Reddish (11.9), Gallinari (7.3) and Huerter (6.9) and it's a 'head scratcher' that the Hawks are playing this poorly.

Utah can easily match Atlanta's 'cast of characters.' SG Mitchell (25.8-4.3-5.3) and PG Conley (16.1 & 4.8 APG) are the starting backcourt (Conley has missed three games), while SF Bogdanovich (16.9 & 4.6) and PF O'Neale (7.3 & 4.6) surround center Gobert (15.2 & 16.1). Clarkson (14.4) was 6th-man-of-the year last season and comes off the bench with guard Ingles (8.5),who has started the three games that Conley missed, and center Whiteside (7.1 & 7.9).

The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Clippers 120-106 as six-point underdogs (got outscored 27-4 to end the game) on Sunday but then last night the Hornets played the second game of a back-to-back and lost to the Lakers just 126-123 in overtime. This Atlanta Hawks team finds itself in a similar position, as it comes to Utah off a 127-113 road loss at Golden State just last night. If this were the end of the season, fatigue would be an issue. However, we're still in the first month of play and these elite athletes will only benefit from the quick turnaround as they try to get back into the winner's circle.

I like betting on motivated teams and after arguably being the biggest surprise team last season, their early play sio far has been a HUGE dissappointment. A little revnge motive from a beatdown by the Jazz back in Atlanta (see above), only adds to the motivation. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Rice at 8:00 ET.

The Pepperdine Waves and the Rice Owls meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston. Pepperdine had an up-and-down campaign in 2020-21, going 7-6 in WCC play. The Waves ended up in fourth-place in the conference standings behind Gonzaga (15-0), BYU (10-3) and Loyola Marymount (7-5). Pepperdine took out Santa Clara 78-70 in the quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament but lost in OT to BYU 82-77 in the semis. The Waves got an invite to the CBI, where they beat Longwood, Bellarmine and Coastal Carolina en route to a tournament championship, finishing 15-12. As for Rice, the Owls dealt with injuries and COVID issues all season, finishing 6-10 in C-USA West play. However, the team won TWO games in the C-USA tourney, before falling in the semis 73-60 to UAB (ending the year at 15-13),

Heading into this season opener, Pepperine has lost its two-best players, PG Ross (17.5-4.1-7.7) and 6-7 forward Edwards (17.2 & 6.8). The leading returning starter is the 6-9 Zidek at 9.4 PPG. In contrast, Rice returns all FIVE starters from last year's team which showed 'some life' in the C-USA tourney. A trio of double-digit scoring guards are back in Olivari (16.3 & 5,3), Evee (13.7) and Mullins (10.4) plus the 6-11 Fielder (11.2 & 8.8) joins them.

The Waves have more questions than answers as they try to navigate and find their identity without Ross running the show. Meanwhile, the Owls return some valuable experience and note that Rice is on an 7-0-1 ATS run over its last eight home games. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Champions ClassicShowdown is on Kansas at 7:00 ET.

Bill Self's Jayhawks finished 21-9 last season, including a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.Not what was expected of a team ranked No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll. Michigan St owns a pretty famous head coach as well in Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Kansas begins the current season ranked No. 3, while Michigan St is unranked (Spartans received the most votes of any team left out of the Top 25). Kansas faces Michigan State on Tuesday in college basketball's annual season-opening showcase (State Farm Champions Classic) at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Self's team is 'loaded.' Remy Martin (19.1 PPG last season), an Arizona State transfer, was named the preseason player of the year in the Big 12. Two other veterans, the 6-10 David McCormack (13.4 & 6.7) and SG Ochai Agbaji (14.1), were also named to the preseason all-conference team. Another returning starter, Jalen Wilson (11.8 & 7.9), will miss the Champions Classic after drawing a four-game suspension for an arrest on DUI charges.

No Michigan State returnee averaged double figures in scoring last season. However, Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker should provide punch after averaging 18.8 & 4.8 APG while also being named the CAAs top defender. Max Christie (24.0 & 10.1 in HS) is the top addition among freshmen and will play along the wing with long-range marksman Gabe Brown (42% on three-pointers). A late-season push enabled Michigan State to earn its 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament bid a year ago before it finished an uncustomary 15-13. Tom Izzo enters his 27th season as head coach. 

Izzo should have an NCAA tourney team by year's end but Kansas is the MUCH better team here on Nov 9.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Toledo at 7:00 ET.

The Toledo Rockets of the MAC and Valparaiso Beacons (former Crusaders) of the MVC meet Tuesday in college hoops at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, In. The Rockets won the MAC last season at 15-4 but lost in the MCA tourney so missed the NCAAs (finished 21-9). The now-Beacons have a rich tradition (can you say the Drew family) but won just 10 games last year (18 losses), as they enter Year Six under head coach Matt Lottich.

Tod Kowalczyk enters his 12th season at Toledo and loses his best player, PG Jackson (18.1-6.1-5.9), who transferred to Arizona St. Three-point shooter Littleson (47.2% on threes last season) also left to play in Belgium. However, three double-digit scorers return in guard Ryan Rollins (13.7 & 5.2) plus frontcourt players the 6-6 Millner (12.9 & 6.8) and the 6-7 Shumate (11.3 & 4.4). Kowalczyk is hoping Boise St transfer Dennis (8.6 PPG) will be his new point guard. If the 6-10 AJ Edu could stay healthy (this year?), he is a force on the glass.

After some mediocre seasons, Valparaiso believes it "has to get better." The 6-9 Ben Krikke (12.3 & 4.2) returns, as does guard Edwards (6.8 & 5.1). However, the season will go as Valpo's EIGHT new players do. Lottich brought in four Big Ten transfers and recruited four true freshmen.

Valparaiso has been a dangerous home underdog but that was then and this is NOW! The Rockets are favored for a reason and that's because they have the talent to make another run at being the MAC's best team and will win here against a Valpo team that is in rebuilding mode.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Ohio U at 7:00 ET.

The Belmont Bruins and Ohio Bobcats meet Tuesday in college hoops at the Convocation Center in Athens, Oh. (I know it well!). The Belmont Bruins are coming off a 26-win season but losing in the OVC tourney cost the Bruins an NCAA bid. The Ohio Bobcats finished a modest 9-5 in MAC play but surprised most by winning the MAC tourney and then upset 4th-seed Virginia 62-58 in the first round of the "Big Dance." Ohio would lose its next game 72-58 to Creighton but no one was complaining in Athens.

Belmont is used to winning, having won 20-plus games in 15 of the last 16 seasons (exception was a 19-win season), with EIGHT trips to the Big Dance. The Bruins return all five starters from last season, starting with the 6-11 Nick Muszynski (15.0 & 5.6), guards Smith 12,7), Wood (11.3) and Murphy (10.9 & 5.8 APG) plus the 6-8 Hollander (9.3 & 4.7). 6th-man, the 6-6 Sheppard (10.5), is also back. Ohio guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3) left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter is 2003) but PG Sears (8.5 & 3.3 APG) plus perimeter players Roderick (12.4) and McDay (10.2) also return. Up front, the 6-8 Vander Plas (12.8 & 5.8) and the 6-8 Wilson (14.5 & 8.7) are still around.

I have the utmost respect for Belmont but this Ohio U team is 'sneaky' good. In fact, Ohio ended last season on a 10-2 ATS run, including 6-1 as an underdog. "The Convo" will be 'rocking' tonight. Grab any points available.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Chi bears at 8:15 ET.

Chicago Bears opened 3-2 (promising start) but has since lost THREE in a row. Some good news is head coach Matt Nagy is set to return to the sidelines Monday night following a one-game absence in the NFL's COVID-19 protocol and the BETTER news is the likely return of RB David Montgomery, who was back at practice this week after mending from a knee injury he sustained in Week 4. The Steelers opened 1-3 but have now won THREE in a row, outscoring opponents 65-49 during their three-game winning streak.

Speaking of Montgomery (309 yards on 4.5 YPC with 3 TDs in games), "He's so eager to get back," Nagy said. "We'll keep an eye on where he is and we'll see how he looks. That will be key, to see how he looks. He's gotta tell us how he feels and then we'll just get a feel for it's the best thing for us and him, and if it is, and if he's able to go and we feel good about it, he will be up and ready to rock and roll." Khalil Herbert (351 yards / 4.3 YPC) has done a decent job stepping in for Montgomery but the Bears really look forward to Montgomery's return, especially as rookie QB Justin Fields is still developing. Fields is completing 59.5% for 991 yards with just three TDs and seven INTs. However, he is capable of keeping a defense honest by running for 243 yards (5.5 YPC / 2 TDs). Mooney (33 catches) and Robinson (26 catches) are both quality WRs. The Chicago defense is NOT up to past standards, allowing 24.4 PPG.

Big Ben is supposedly washed up but let me note that he's thrown for an average of 254.4 YPG so far and his career average in 240 games is 259 YPG. He has just eight TDs and four INTs with a QB rating of 87.6 but he's never had great QB ratings (career mark is 93.8). Alabama rookie RB Najee Harris has 479 yards rushing (3.7 YPC and 3 TDs) plus has added 37 catches, which is second on the team, In Pittsburgh's three wins, he's run for 294 yards and two TDs plus caught 11 passes and another TD. The Pittsburgh defense is allowing 20.3 PPG.

The Bears are averaging just 15.4 PPG but the Steelers are NOT much better. Let me note that Fields is coming off a breakout performance in Sunday's loss to San Francisco, running for 103 yards and a touchdown while passing for 175 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Big Ben was limited in practice Thursday with pectoral and hip injuries, although he is expected to play. I had a HUGE play on the Steelers last Sunday as an underdog at Cleveland (Pittsburgh won 15-10) but here they are laying a TD. Pittsburgh is 0-3 ATS a home favorite this season (lone SU win came by three points in OT) and the Steelers will enter on an 0-6 ATS run as a home favorite going back to last season. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET

The 7-3 Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a six-game road trip (longest of the season) and visit Chicago tonight after winning at Detroit and Toronto, extending the team's overall winning streak to FIVE in a row. The Bulls opened the season 6-1 but are coming off consecutive losses against the Philadelphia 76ers.

As all know, the Nets are playing without Kyrie and despite scoring about 12 points lower than they they averaged last season (106.1 TY compared to 118.6 LY), are right at the top on the Estern Conference with Philadelphia (8-2), Miami (7-2) and Washington (7-3) are seeking quicker starts to games. KD has started all 10 games and is averaging 28.6-8.6-5.40. Harden is well below his recent scoring averages at 18.7 PPG but also chips in 7.7 RPG and 8.9 APG. Harris (11.3 & 4.3) has also started all 10 games. Defense has been the key to Brooklyn's five-game winning streak, as the Nets are holding opponents to an average of just 98 points during their streak.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, However, behind Zach LaVine (26.4-5.9-3.7) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (26.8-5.8-4.2), the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference. picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (13.4 & 10.8). Lonzo Ball is also new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.7-5.8-6.3 (it's 11.9-5.6-4.6).

The Bulls enter having lost two straight but note that they're 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after a SU/ATS home loss in which they allowed 110 or more points, Chicago is also 8-2 ATS in its last 10 as a favorite. Nets winning streak ends here!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Late Show' play is on the Cha Hornets at 9:10 ET.

the Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and visit Staples Center tonight just 5-5, after getting blown out 140-110 in Sacramento Friday night. As all know, the Clippers began the season without Kawhi (he may miss the entire season) and opened 1-4. However, the Clippers have returned to their winning ways on the strength of more consistent defensive play. Los Angeles has held opponents to an average of 98 points a contest over the last three games, wins over the Thunder and back-to-back victories on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That said, OKC and Minnesota are not exactly a 'Murderer's Row' of opponents.

Miles Bridges (22.7 & 7.7) is enjoying a 'career year' early on for Charlotte, as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.9-5.7-7.0), Hayward (18.1-4.7-3.6) and Oubre (12.5 & 4.50). Plumlee has started all 10 games at center, chipping in 6.5 & 7.9. Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its 10 games. The Hornets check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.2 PPG, but are allowing a league-high 117.4 PPG.

As expected, George (27.9-8.1-4.9) leads the way for the Clippers, with PG Jackson (16.8-3.9-4.1) SG Bledsoe (8.8-3.4-4.3) and center Zubac (8.9 & 6.6) also starting all eight games. Jackson has heated up in averaging 21 points a contest during L.A.'s three-game winning streak plus Kennard (11.1) and Mann (10.4) are both averaging double digits off the bench.

The Hornets have struggled defensively this year (to say the least) but they catch a break facing this LA offense which is averaging only 105.4 PPG (ranked 19th). Paul George and the Clippers have been strong defensively (102.1 PPG ranks 6th), but I think the home side gets caught flat-footed here in the opener of its six-game homestand. The game marks the return of LaMelo Ball to his hometown. The second-year pro out of nearby Chino Hills played for the first time in Los Angeles last season, back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, both losses. However, this weekend will be the first time Ball plays in L.A. with fans in attendance. I'm grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Chargers at 4:05 ET.

The LA Chargers opened 4-1 but are hoping to hit the reset button after consecutive losses 38-6 at Baltimore and 27-24 at home vs New England. The Chargers visit the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday, as the 3-5 Eagles return home for the first time since a 28-22 defeat against Tampa Bay on Oct 14. Since then, they lost 33-22 on the road to the Las Vegas Raiders, then posted a 44-6 victory at the 0-8 Detroit Lions last week. The 4-3 Chargers are a half-game back of the Raiders in the AFC West (Den and KC are 4-4), while the 3-5 Eagles trail the first-place Cowboys, who are 6-1 (7-0 ATS!). The NFC East was referred to as the NFC 'Least' in 2020, as Washington took the division with a 7-9 record, but the Cowboys are having 'none of that' so far in 2021.

QB Justin Herbert (63.7% for 1,994 yards with 16 TDs and six INTs) but has struggled in the last two games. In losses to Baltimore and New England, Herbert was 40 for 74 for 418 yards with three TDs and three INTs. It is the first time in his two-year career he has had two straight games with a passer rating under 70. RB Austin Ekeler is a true all-purpose back, rushing for 420 yards (5.0 YPC / 5 TDs), while adding 33 receptions with three TDs. He is tied for second in the NFL among RBs with eight scrimmage TDs and has also gone over 100 scrimmage yards in five games. WR Keenan Allen is tied for fifth in the AFC with 45 receptions and fellow WR Mike Williams (35 catches) is tied for second in the AFC with six TDs catches. Defensively, the Chargers have to tighten things up, as they are allowing 25.3 PPG (24th).

Hurts (61.3 % / 1,819 yards / 10 TDs and 4 INTs) is now an established starter at QB and also leads the etm in rushing with 432 yards on 5.9 YPC with 5 TDs. Sanders (300 yards / 4.8 YPC / 3 TDs) is on injured reserve and will miss at least two more games with an ankle injury (NOT good news). Heisman-winner Smith has 33 catches (12.8 YPC) but just one TD and fellow WR Watkins has a modest 20 catches with an 18.3 YPC average but zero TDs. With Ertz traded, Goedert (24 catches / 14.9 YPC / 2 TDs) is now the no. 1 TE. Defensively, the Eagles may have dominated Detroit (see above) but on the season, Philadelphia is allowing 23.9 PPG.

I listed some impressive LA wins earlier (see above) but Philly's wins have come over the 3-4 Falcons, the 4-4 Panthers (who were in the middle of an 0-4 slide) and the 0-8 Lions. The Eagles are real 'giant killers,' aren't they! Philadelphia has lost all THREE home games this year and the Eagles have not had much success lately against AFC foes having gone 1-7 ATS in their last eight such contests. The Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five on the road and 7-2 ATS in their last nine after back-to-back SU/ATS losses. Bottom line...The Chargers are a MUCH better team and the 'Price is Sure Right!'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider Game of the Year is on the Car Panthers at 1:00 ET.

The New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers are both 4-4 and square off in this AFC/NFC matchup in Charlotte. The Pats are in Year 2 of the post-Brady era and in Year 1 of what the team hopes will be the Mac Jones era. New England opened 1-3 but has gone 3-1 its last four games, averaging a healthy 33.8 PPG. In contrast, Carolina jumped out to a surprising 3-0 start but followed with FOUR straight losses, before getting back to .500 with a 19-13 win last Sunday in Atlanta.

The Pats finally have their offense revved up at a pretty good clip, coming off wins of 54-13 at home vs the Jets and 27-24 at the Chargers. Rookie QB Jones is completing 68.1% for 1,997 yards but owns a modest 9/6 TD-to-INT ratio. Meyers is the team's leading receiver with 45 catches but he averages just 9.5 YPC and doesn't have a TD catch, WRs Bourne (26 catches / 14.9 YPC / 2 TDs) and Agholor (22 catches / 15.2 YPC / 2 TDs) have been excellent additions and the TE combo of Henry and Smith have a combined 45 catches with five TDs. RB Harris (517 yards / 4.4 YPC / 6 TDs) is having a nice season but New England averages only 101.1 YPG rushing (22nd). Belichick is a defense-first coach and this year's unit is good (20.8 PPG ranks 8th) but not great.

Sam Darnold came out of the gate 'on fire,' averaging 297.3 YPG passing through four games. The Panthers opened 3-0 but a 36-28 loss at Dallas began a four-game losing streak. As noted above, Carolina won last Sunday but in the team's last four games, Darnold has averaged just 156.3 YPG through the air. He left in the fourth quarter at Atlanta, entering the concussion protocol, and P.J. Walker filled in. Darnold did little in Wednesday's practice, also dealing with a shoulder ailment. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Walker has been put in challenging situations. "One of the things about being a back-up quarterback for us, you're always going in in a dire situation," Rhule said. "I don't think there's a guy in the locker room who doesn't believe in him."

Darnold is no star but I'd prefer to see him play but I'm taking the home underdog Panthers here because of its defense, which is allowing 19.9 PPG (5th) on 295.6 PPG (2nd). Carolina held the Falcons to just 213 yards of total offense last Sunday, as "Matty Ice" had one of his worst days ever in his long career throwing for only 146 yards while being picked off twice. If the Panthers can do that to Ryan, they certainly can do that to Jones, who has thrown just one TD pass on the road. This is the Patriots’ second consecutive road game (played in LA last Sunday), and they are 2-7 ATS following a point spread cover since Brady left. As for the Panthers, they have excelled in this spot, going 10-4 ATS in their last 14 as a home underdog in the +2.5 to +4.5 points range.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* CFB 'Late Show' is on Hawaii at 11:00 ET.

The San Diego State Aztecs travel to 'paradise' for a Saturday game with Hawaii's Rainbow Warriors. SDSU opened the season 7-0, climbing imto the AP-25 rankings, with key wins over Utah (33-31), San Jose St (19-13 in 2 OTs) and Air Force (20-14). However, the Aztecs lost 30-20 last Saturday at home to Fresno St and fell out of the AP top-25. Maybe surprisingly, the Aztecs were ranked 24th in the first CFP ranking of the season (released this past Tuesday). Hawaii (4-5) has already played nine games and is hardly concerned with rankings but is just trying to get back to .500 with a win. Hawaii will play 13 games this season and bowl eligibility is a real possibility.

The SDSU situation at QB is hardly a settled matter, although it looks like Johnson, who has started the last two games, has taken over from Brookshire. Neither have put up impressive numbers and it doesn't help that the SDSU receiving corps' leading receiver has only 17 catches. RB Bell has 66 yards on 4.8 YPC with 6 TDs and its running game 'drives' the offense, averaging 200.1 YPG (34th). The Aztecs are averaging 29.6 PPG, which is more than enough when the team's defense is holding opponents to 17.5 PPG (12th) on 305.1 YPG (also 12th).

Hawaii QB Cordeiro is completing just 55.4% but has thrown for 1,706 yards with 10 TDs. Hawaii has nice balance, averaging 257.9 YPG passing and 157.7 YPG on the ground. The RB tandem of Hunter (558 yards / 7.2 YPC) and Parson (433 yards / 5.3 YPC / 6 TDs) is joined by all-purpose back Turner, who has 299 rushing yards (5.8 YPC and 7 TDs) plus is the team's leading receiver wit 52 catches (3 TDs). WR Mardner has 33 catches on 18.6 YPC with 3 TDs. The Hawaii defense is THE problem, allowing 33.9 PPG (114th) on 461.1 YPG (117th).

Many fall into the trap of playing on a team that has opened with a winning streak of say six or seven games, coming off its first loss, assuming a bounce back. However, that is often NOT the case and I think the stage is set for a much tighter battle than what this spread is suggesting. This will be San Diego State’s THIRD road trip in four games and considering the opposite direction of travel, I believe there is a strong chance that the Aztecs could 'slip up' for a second straight game. Hawaii is 3-1 at home and note that in its three contests vs FBS opponents, the Hawaii defense is allowing 25.0 PPG, more than EIGHT points less than its season average. Grab those points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Tennessee at 7:00 ET.

The Kentucky Wildcats opened 6-0 in 2021 for the first time since 1950 (Bear Bryant era) but their perfect season 'died' in Athens with a 30-13 loss at No. 1 Georgia. Losing the physical battle at No. 1 Georgia is one thing but doing so two weeks later at Mississippi State is another thing. The Wildcats lost 31-17 last Saturday in Starkville. Kentucky is aiming for a strong November that would put it in position for a good bowl berth. Head coach Mark Stoops didn't mince words when asked about last week's 31-17 loss at Mississippi State, "Played like crap," he said. "Not very many good things this past week for sure. Fell short in all areas. Not very pleased with our performance. Rough day at the office. They played harder than us, they were more physical."

Josh Heupel replaced Scott Frost at UCF and wemt 28-8 over three seasons, as his offense averaged 43.2, 43.4 and 42.2 PPG in those individual seasons. This is his first season at Tennessee and the Vols opened 4-2 but then lost a close one at home to Ole Miss (31-26), before wearing down in the fourth quarter at Alabama, allowing the game's final 21 points in a 52-24 loss. The Vols had last weekend off and now travel to Lexington to take on longstanding rival Kentucky. QB Hooker is a true dual threat, completing 68.7% for 1,578 yards with 17 TDs and just 2 INTS. He adds 416 rushing yards (4.1 YPC) and 4 TDs. RB Evans has 516 yards on 6.4 YPC with 6 TDs, as the Vols are averaging 225.4 YPG (10th) on 5.0 YPC. WRs Jones (31 catches / 14.6 YPC / 4 TDs) and Tillman (30 catches / 14.9 / 4 TDs) are Hooker's best targets. The Vols are averaging a healthy 37.4 PPG (17th) but allow 26.5 PPG (71st).

Kentucky QB Levis had a VERY poor game against Miss St (just 150 yards and three INTs) but has had a decent season (66.3% for 1,476 yards with 14 TDs and 9 INTs). RB Rodrigeuz has run for 809 yards (6.0 YPC / 5 TDs) and WR Robinson (58 catches / 11.1 YPC / 5 TDs) represent Kentucj\kty's key offensive performers. Kentucky averages PPG (27.0 PPG), 10 PPG less than Tennessee but its defense allows 20.8 PPG (34th) on 335.6 YPG (34th).

Here's the history of this series. Kentucky won last year's meeting 34-7 in Knoxville, so the Wildcats are looking for their first back-to-back wins over the Volunteers since 1976-77. The Vols have won 31 of the last 34 games with the Wildcats and are 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Knoxville. Kentucky loses its third straight, while Heupel's team gets a much-needed win. The Vols finish with three straight home games, beginning with Georgia. However, a win here and then over South Alabama and Vandy would give Heupel a seven-win season and a chance to win eight games by winning a bowl game.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big Ten Game of the Year is on Purdue at 3:30 ET.

The "Mel Tucker Era" began in 2020 with the Spartans going 2-5. Michigan State entered the season as an afterthought, as the Spartans were picked to finish as low as last in the Big Ten East in some national publications. Jeff Brohm became a 'hot' coaching commodity by leading Western Ky to a 30-10 record in three seasons and then moved on to Purdue. The Boilermakers went 6-6 in each of his first two seasons, winning a bowl game the first season (7-6) and losing the following season (6-7). Purdue fell to 4-6 in 2019 and was 2-4 in "The Year of COVID" in 2020. However, as the Spartans and Boilermakers meet Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Michigan St comes in 8-0, including 5-0 in the Big Ten. The Spartans are currently ranked 5th in the AP, the first time Michigan St has been ranked in the top-5 since 2015 (Michigan St made its lone CFP appearance that season). Purdue enters 5-3 (3-2 in the Big Ten but reminded all of its 'Giant-Killer' reputation by beating then-No. 2 Iowa on the road back on Oct 10, ending the Hawkeyes' 12-game winning streak.

Michigan State is fresh off a big matchup vs Michigan. In that one, the Spartans pulled off an epic four-point victory, 37-33. The term 'epic' is NOT an overstatement, as MSU trailed by 16 points (30-14) in the third quarter. Michigan St QB Thorne had a modest 196 yards passing plus two picks but freshman RB Kenneth Walker ran for 197 yards and a whopping FIVE touchdowns. Thorne has had a solid season, completing 61.5% for 1,897 yards (15 TDs and 6 INTs) but Walker is having a Heisman-caliber season. He leads the nation with 1,194 yards on 6.8 YPC with 14 TDs. Thorne has a trio of WRs, all averaging 15.0-plus YPC. The trio consists of Reed (33 / 19.5 YPC / 5 TDs), Nailor (31 / 18.9 YPC / 6 TDs) and Mosley (21 / 15.3 YPC / 0 TDs). A quick look at the Michigan St defense shows them allowing 20.5 PPG (30th) but also 424.4 YPG (103rd!).

The question may be, can Purdue's offense take advantage of a MSU defense that has allowed a lot of yards?  O'Connell has taken over at QB for Plummer (7 TDs / 0 INTs) and while he's completing 71.0%, he's thrown nine TDs and eight INTs. Purdue has no one within 'miles' of Walker, as Doerue leads with just 363 yards (3.9 YPC / one TD). Purdue is averaging 80.5 YPG (127th) on 2.5 YPC. However, Purdue can move the ball through the air with WR Bell (53 / 14.8 YPC / 4 TDs) being among the best WRs in the nation. TE Durham has 36 catches (4 TDs) plus WRs Wright and Anthony have combined for 60 catches and four TDs. For Purdue to pull the upset, its defense will have to be the reason. The Boilermakers are allowing 17.1 PPG (10th) on 315.6 YPG (18th).

Michigan St is off its HUGE comeback win over hated-Michigan and now must take on the 'SPOILERMAKERS.' After beating No. 2 Iowa on Oct 10 as an unranked team, Purdue has now beaten a team ranked in the top-two of the AP Top 25 as an unranked team for the NINTH time in program history, more than TWICE as many as any other school. Naturally, I'll take the points but I'm sending out an Upset Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Matchup is on Texas A&M at 3:30 ET.

The first CFP rankings were released this past Tuesday, with 6-2 Auburn getting ranked No. 13 and 6-2 Texas A&M settling in right behind at No. 14. As fate would have it, the Tigers will be in College Station this Saturday to take on the Aggies, a contest which is essentially an elimination game in the SEC West. Auburn (6-2, 3-1 SEC) trails Alabama (7-1, 4-1) for the division lead, with Texas A&M (6-2, 3-2), Ole Miss (6-2, 3-2) and Mississippi State (5-3, 3-2) all fighting to stay in the race as well. However, only Auburn and Alabama control their destinies to earn a spot in the SEC title game on Dec 4. If Auburn and Alabama win the rest of their league games heading into their meeting on the final day of the regular season on Nov 27, the winner of the Iron Bowl would head to Atlanta to play top-ranked and East Division champ Georgia. That said, this is definitely a "marquee matchup," as the Tigers and Aggies have both turned their seasons around after coming close to taking major steps backward this season.
Auburn QB Bo Nix is an enigma in my mind, although his numbers are pretty good in 2021. He's completing 62.2% for 1,764 yards with a modest nine TDs but has also thrown just two INTs (a big deal). He's done all that with an underwhelming receiver corps, as Auburn does not have a single player with as many as 30 catches, after EIGHT games! However, the Tigers do have a running game, averaging 197.6 YPG (35th) on 5.5 YPC. The tandem of Bigsly (666 yards / 5.3 YPC / 7 TDs) and Hunter (530 yards / 7.7 YPC / 3 TDs) have been steady producers all season. Auburn typically plays good defense and this year's team is allowing 19.8 PPG (25th).

Texas A&M was ranked 7th in the nation when it lost 20-10 to Arkansas on Sep 25 and 15th when it lost its next game, 26-22 at Miss St. The Aggies fell out of the rankings but turned their season around with a 41-38 upset of then-No. 1 Alabama on Oct 9. A 35-14 win at Missouri and a 44-14 win over South Carolina have followed and as noted above, the Aggies are now No. 14 in the 1st CFP rankings. QB Calzada (just 55.3% for 1,364 yards with 12 TDs and seven INTs) is no star but like Nix, he is backed by a strong running game. Spiller (761 yards / 6.2 YPC / 5 TDs) and Achane (608 yards / 7.1 YPC / 5 TDs) lead a running attack that averages 188.3 YPG. A&M has no superstars among its receiving corps but WR Smith has 31 catches for six TDs and TE Wydermyer has 25 catches, averaging 14.1 YPC with four TDs. A&M's defense is actually better than Auburn's allowing 16.1 PPG (5th).

A&M felt it was 'robbed' of that 4th CFP berth last season but knows a 'Final 4' appearance is NOT in the cards here in 2021, after two losses. However, A&M can still cap an impressive season if it keeps winning, not to mention spoil Auburn's shot at entering the Iron Bowl with a chance at the SEC West title (see above). A&M has played the tougher sked (#26 vs #53) and while Auburn is on a 10-18 run as a road underdog, A&M is 15-7 ATS at home since 2018, including 4-0 here in 2021. Auburn caught a 'tired' Ole Miss team last Saturday but that will NOT be the case here, as A&M is off a bye. A&M wins comfortably, by double digits!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye Opener is on Air Force at 11:30 am ET.

Army, under head coach Jeff Monken, has been 'bowling' in FOUR of the last five seasons (won 10 games in 2017, 11 in 2018 and went 9-3 in last year's pandemic-shortened season, after losing 24-21 to West Va in the Liberty Bowl (covered at plus-7). The Black Knights opened 4-0 in 2021 but if one looked more closely, the teams Army beat had a combined 3-13 (.188) SU record. However, Army has lost three straight since its perfect start, most recently to Wake Forest in a 70-56 final. Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun is in his 15th season since following the legendary Fisher DeBerry (23 years). He led Air Force to 10 bowl games in his first 13 seasons, before the team went 2-2 in 2020's COVID-shortened season. The Falcons opened the 2021 season 6-1 (lone loss was 49-45 at Utah St), before losing 20-14 to a then-unbeaten SD State team. The two service academies meet Saturday at "Jerry's House" in Arlington, with kickoff scheduled 30 minutes before high noon ET.

Both teams own dominant running games, as Army rushes for 312.3 YPG (3rd) on 4.9 YPC, while Air Forces average 318.4 YPG (1st) on YPC. Neither team is effective throwing the ball and basically, passes are not a real part of either team's playbook. The big difference between the two teams is on the defensive side of the ball, as Army is allowing 27.7 PPG (80th), while Air Force is holding opponents to just 16.8 PPG (7th). Even more impressively, Air Force ranks THIRD nationally in allowing just 281.6 YPG.

Air Force was 10-1 SU and 8-2-1 ATS from 2006-16 but Army has won THREE of the last four meetings (also 3-1 ATS) but I won't ignore the fact that Air Force is a MONEY-MAKING 23-8 ATS over its last 31 non-conference games. The winner here claims the Commander-in-Chief's trophy and my bet says that Air Force takes it. Lay the short price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cha Hornets at 10:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and head to Sacramento just 5-4. However, Charlotte head coach James Borrego said those early outcomes should be remembered for some of the things that were learned. 4-4 Sacrameto topped the New Orleans Pelicans 112-99 on Wednesday night, as the Kings won a home game for the first time this season.

Miles Bridges (24.1 & 8.0) is enjoying a 'career year,' as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. He racked up 32 points, reaching the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season in Wednesday's 114-92 loss at Golden St. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.4-6.0-6.3), Hayward (17.3-5.0-3.8) and Oubre (12.9 & 4.6). Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its nine games, after scoring a season-low total in Wednesday night's loss (see above). However, the Hornet's still check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.7 PPG, while also shooting a league-high 39.6% on threes.

The Kings own a terrific guard trio. Fox (17.9 & 6.5 APG) and Haliburton 13.1 & 5.5 APG) are starting, with Hield coming off the bench to average 16.8 PPG. The Kings will have to see if there's any fallout from the league regarding center Richaun Holmes' second-half ejection Wednesday night. He was restrained from team staff members prior to exiting the court. He's an undersized center averaging 15.0 & 9.9. Then there is SF Harrison Barnes, who has a 14.0 PPG average over his 11 seasons but has been spectacular so far, averaging 23.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG.

The Kings remain an enigma, as the team's Wednesday win over the Pelicans was the FIRST time in their eight games that the Kings held an opponent under 100 points (99). In fact, half (2 of 4) of the Kings' wins have come over New Orleans. Charlotte should come in confident, as it has won its last FIVE meetings with Sacramento. Play the Hornets.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Friday Night Lights Play is on Boston College 7:30 ET.

A pair of 4-4 teams square off Friday night when the Virginia Tech Hokies and Boston College Eagles meet Friday at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill. Both have arrived at 4-4 taking different paths. Va Tech opened its season with a 17-10 upset of preseason No. 10 North Craolina and sat 3-1 before losing THREE in a row to Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Syracuse, ALL at home. Va Tech ended its three-game slide with a 26-17 road win at Ga Tech. Boston College, in Jeff Hafley's second season (6-5 in his first), opened 4-0 but has since lost ALL four of its ACC games to fall to .500. The slide began with a near-upset of Clemson but the last three wins have come by scores of 33-7 (NC St), 28-14 (Louisville) and 21-6 (Syracuse).

Virginia Tech is led by QB Braxton Burmeister, who is a true double threat. He has completed just 54.3% of his passes for 1,495 yards with nine TDs and only three INTs. Burmeister also has 272 rushing yards with two TDs. RB Blackshear and Thomas have combined for 660 yards and seven TDs, as Tech averages 160.1 YPG rushing (74th). Turner (34 catches / 17.7 YPC / 2 TDs) and Robinson (31 catches / 10.4 YPC / 4 TDs) are the best WRs. The offense averages a modest 24.0 YPG (24th) but the defense is solid, allowing 22.4 PG (45th). However, Tech was always known as one of the nation's top defense (and specials teams, as well) but that's no longer the case.

BC's QB is Grossel (57.8% for 1,216 yards with six TDs ands seven INTs), who is clearly no star (was bench in the Syracuse loss). Garwo leads the team with 689 yards rushing (5.9 YPC / 5 TDs) but the Eagles only average 155.3 YPG on the ground (78th). Flowers (35 catches / 14.6 YPC / 2 TDs) and TE Barry (18 catches / 16.0 YPC / 3 TDs) are the best of the receiving corps. BC averages 25.6 PPG (84th) but its defense is holding opponenst to 20.8 PPG (33rd) on 346.9 YPG (42nd).

Justin Fuente came to Va Tech after a couple successful season at Memphis but after a going 10-4 and 9-4 in his first two seaosns, the Hokies are just 18-16 the last two-plus seasons (his 'seat' is getting 'hot!'). Va Tech 'limps' in 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games and BC is 7-3 ATS the last 10 in this series plus 10-3-1 its last 14 times as a home dog (goes back into the 2016 season. 'Bow Wow!' Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mem Grizzlies at 7:10 ET.

The Washington Wizards opened 5-1, the franchise's best start in 16 years. However, as they welcome the Grizzlies to the nation's capital, Washington is looking to shake off a two-game losing skid. Memphis is off back-to-back home wins against the Nuggets, winning 106-97 (Mon) and 108-106 (Wed). Both teams will take the floor with 5-3 records.

To no one's surprise, Ja Morant (27.0-5.5-7.5) is setting the pace for Memphis early. Second-year wing Desmond Bane is elevating his play early on, helping fill the void with Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken hand. Bane has averaged 17.5 & 4.1, while shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the three-point arc on almost eight attempts per game. Guard Melton has also been a nice surprise, averaging 12.6 PPG. Then there is Jaren Jackson Jr, who is coming off a 2020-21 in which he missed all but 11 regular-season games due to injuries. The fourth-year forward is averaging 13.6 & 5.4, while scoring in double-figures in six of the Grizzlies' first eight games. The team's new starting center is Steven Adams and he's close to averaging a double-double (9.4 & 9.1).

Washington's starting guard duo is Beal (24.4-5.7-4.9) and Dinwiddie (17.9-4.9-5.9). Then there's the "Lakers-East" trio of PF Harrell (18.0 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (14.1 & 9.9) and guard Caldwell-Pope (9.5 & 4.0). However, Washington comes into Friday's matchup with more than a few issues. Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant have not yet played this season and neither has a clear timetable to return. Davis Bertans is out indefinitely with an ankle injury, and now Kyle Kuzma is questionable for Friday after leaving Wednesday's game with an arm injury.

I think Washington is going to take another step back here. Defending champion Milwaukee is coming to D.C. on Sunday, while Memphis will enjoy two whole nights off after this before a favorable home stretch starting with Minnesota on Monday. Scheduling (for both teams, in every sport) is always something I look at carefully when assessing a contest and this one favors Memphis in that department. Memphis is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* 'Battle at The Alamo' is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs need to shrug off their worst defensive performance of the young season when they return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Spurs were routed 131-118 Monday at Indiana, as the Pacers shot 63.8 percent from the floor in the first half while building a 22-point lead at the break and never looked back. The Spurs have dropped five of their last six games, as they welcome the 4-3 Mavs to the Alamo City. It's the second game of a home-road back-to-back for Dallas, which began with a 125-110 defeat to the visiting Miami Heat on Tuesday. 

Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (24.0-7.7-7.1). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all seven games, averaging 13.9 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last four games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issues and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play.

The Spurs started the same five players in each of their first four games but McDermott (11.5) has missed all three games of San Antonio's just-concluded road trip with a balky right knee. He will be a game-time decision. Walker (12.7) has started in his place, joining Murray (17.6-7.6-8.5), Johnson (14.9 & 5.3), Poetl (13.9 & 9.7) and White (13.1 & 6.3 APG). This year's version of the Spurs is running a free-flowing offense (110.0 PPG ranks 13th) and should be able to outscore a Dallas team that is having offensive struggles. Dallas is averaging 100.0 PPG (28th) on 40.9% (29th).

I had a play on Dallas last night and lost. I rarely "play on" a team one night, and then go against them the next, but there are exceptions to every rule. That's the case here. These contests really do need to be viewed and assessed individually and this is simply a bad spot for the scuffling Mavericks. They're dealing with several key injuries (Porzingis) and they're facing a Spurs team that returns home eager to bounce back after a 131-118 at Indiana on Monday. San Antonio is also  playing with the immediate revenge factor here after falling 104-99 at Dallas on October 28th. That is significant, as dating to last year the Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in. Spurs win in 'The Battle 4 Texas.'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Tor Raptors at 7:10 ET.

The Toronto Raptors are still without All Star Pascal Siakam, who is not expected back until mid-November. However, since the Raptors lost their season-opener 98-83 at home to the Wizards, they've won FIVE of their last seven games, including FOUR in a row. Toronto will be out to avenge that opening-night loss and extend their winning streak to five when they conclude a three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards lost 118-111 to the host Atlanta Hawks on Monday, snapping a three-game winning streak to fall to 5-2.

Rookie Barnes (18.1 & 8.9) has been terrific for Toronto but he suffered a sprained right thumb late in Toronto's win Saturday night against the Indiana Pacers. His status for Wednesday is uncertain. SF Anunuby scored a career-best 36 points Monday in a 113-104 victory over the New York Knicks and leads the Raptors in scoring at 20.3 PPG (adds 5.6 RPG). VanVleet started slowly but is up to 17.0-5.5-7.4 and Trent (15.1 PPG) has been a consistent producer. Starting center Precious Achiuwa played only 17 minutes with two points and nine rebounds on Monday. He was replaced by Khem Birch, who had six points, eight rebounds, one blocked shot and two steals. However, Achiuwa is averaging 8.3 & 8.6 in a modest 23.5 MPG (pretty good).

The Wizards are led by the guard duo of Beal (24.3-5.5-4.5) and Dinwiddie (18.8-4.7-5.3) plus a trio of former Lakers. PF Harrell (18.4 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (15.9 & 11.0) and guard Caldwell-Ppe (9.7) kinda makes the Wizards, the "Lakers-East!" The Wizards had starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who did not play Thursday (rest), and starting center Daniel Gafford (right quadriceps contusion), who missed the two previous games, back in the lineup Monday. However, Washington had too many wasted possessions against the Hawks.

Toronto has won with its defense, allowing just 100.3 PPG (3rd). The Raptors will remember that in their home loss to the Wizards, they held a team averaging 112.4 PPG (6th) to just 98 points. The Raptors come in on a four-game winning streak and have also won their last FOUR visits to the nation's capital. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* MAC Attack is on Kent St at 7:00 ET.

MACtion began Tuesday night with three games and continues tonight with two more, as the Northern Illinois Huskies take on the Kent State Golden Flashes from Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. NIU is led by third-year head coach Thomas Hammock, who went 5-7 in his first season and then 0-6 in the COVID-shortened 2002 season. However, NIU had nine starters back on offense and 10 on defense and the Huskies enter this contest on a five-game winning streak that has them at 6-2 overall, including 4-0 in the MAC-West. Kent's Sean Lewis is just 34 (youngest head coach at the FBS level) and after going 2-10 in his first season, led Kent to a Frisco Bowl win in 2019, as the team finished 7-6. Kent played just four games in 2020 (1-3) but while the Golden Flashes are just 4-4 in 2021, they are 3-1 and atop the MAC-East. This could be a MAC title game preview.

QB Rocky Lombardi is completing a modest 57.8% and has thrown for 1,321 yards with nine TDs and six INTs. However, NIU's offense is led by a rushing attack that has averaged 232.8 YPG (10th) and features five players with more than 200 rushing yards (Lombard is in that group and has five TDs). RBs Waylee (574 yards / 5.7 YPC / 4 TDs) and Ducker (478 yards / 5.4 YPC) are the top producers. NIU's weakness is the team's defense, which is allowing 31.5 PPG (104th) on 420.4 YPG (98th).

QB Dustin Crum has better numbers than Lombard, completing 62.3% for 1,770 yards with nine TDs and just two INTs. He's run for 368 yards and six TDs, adding to a running game that's averaging 220.1 YPG on the ground (17th). Cooper (558 yards / 4.7 YPC / 5 TDs) and Williams (378 yards / 4.9 YPC / one TD) are the top-two RBs. Cephas (50 catches / 6 TDs) is the top receiving threat, while fellow WRs Johnson and Abram have combined for 58 catches and three TDs. Like with NIU, Kent's defense struggles, allowing 33.4 PPG (113th) on 475.1 YPG (123rd).

As noted above, this could be a preview of the MAC title game but the path to that championship game is much easier for NIU than it is for Kent St. NIU is off a thrilling 39-38 win in its last game, the team's FIFTH straight victory (4-1 ATS). The Huskies are already bowl-eligible, something Kent still needs two wins to achieve. Kent looked decent in its most recent action, pulling away for a 34-27 win at Ohio as a five-point favorite but while NIU has some 'breathing room' (letdown situation?) Kent has NO such luxury with two road games up next. The Golden Flashes are 3-0 at home but just 1-4 on the road, so this becomes almost a "must-win!" Both defenses struggle but both has excellent running games. The difference? Kent's QB play with Crum over Lombard. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavs at 7:40 ET.

Miami made an improbable run to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last year, aftera modest 42-30 sesson, got swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Bucks (eventual champs) in the first round. However, the Heat have come out like gangbusters this season, opening 5-1 (only Chicago, yes Chicago, is better at 6-1). The Mavericks welcome the Heat to Dallas with a 6-4 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home.

Swingman Jimmy Butler (25.3-7.0-5.5) is healthy and playing great, as is the ever-improving Bamm Abedayo (20.6 & 14.0). However, major addition, PG Lowry (from Toronto), is off to a sow start, averaging only 8.4 PPG (in 31 minutes), shooting an 'ugly' 33.3% overall (26.9% on threes). Picking up the slack is third-year gaur Herro, who is averaging 22.0-6.5-4.5 off the bench.

Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (22.5-8.5-7.97). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all six games, averaging 13.3 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last three games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issuea and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play.

A lot has gone right for Miami so far, but I am still not sold on the Heat being quite as good as they've looked so far. Dallas will need Porzingis to get healthy for the Mavs to be a strong playoff contender but I believe the Mavs are in a great spot for a win tonight as a small home underdog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, However, behind Zach LaVine (25.5-5.2-4.5) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (23.7-5.5-4.3), the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference. Chicago has won FIVE of its first six games, including a 107-99 win against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

After playing in three of four Eastern Conference finals, the Celtics fell to just 36-36 last season. Those struggles have continued, as Boston has its first 2-4 start since the 2013-14 season. First-year head coach Ime Udoka has publicly criticized his players' focus at times and the Celtics were 'booed off the court' in the team's 115-83 loss the the Raptors back on Oct 22 (the team's home opener!).

LaVine and DeRozan are averaging a combined 49.2 points, nearly half of Chicago's average of 106.7 PPG. That said, picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (15.8 & 11.0). Lonzo Ball is new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.7-5.8-6.3.

The Celtics feature the 'Dynamic Duo' of Jayson Tatum (26.7 & 9.2) and Jaylen Brown (26.4 & 6.4). PG Denis Schroder has as many critics as supporters but has played well so far, chipping in 14.2 PPG and 6.7 APG. Horford is back in Boston 'green' and is averaging a double-double (13.0 & 10.5). Center Robert Williams (10.4 & 9.2) and guard Smart (7.-4-4.0-4.8) are listed as probable. Uduka also has veterans like Parker (No. 2 overall pick in 2014 with a career avegae of 14.5 PPG) plus Josh Richardson (has averaged double digits in each of the last five seasons) to rely on in coming off the bench.

I like the new-look 5-1 Bulls but I think they'll have their hands full today with this determined 2-4 home side. This is the opener of a tough stretch for Chicago with back-to-back games against Philadelphia, followed by the Nets after that. Meanwhile, Boston is coming off back-to-back losses to the Wizards (home and away).

Expect Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to dig deep here and defend their home floor against the surging Bulls. The Celtics have yet to win at home (just 0-2) and that WILL end here! Great price!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Min Vikings at 8:20 ET.

The hiring of Mike McCarthy prior to the 2020 season was viewed as a "big deal" for Dallas. "America's Team" won THREE Super Bowl titles in a four-year span from 1992 through 1995 but has had little to show over the next 2 1/2-decades. QB Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending-injury in the team's fifth game in 2020 and even though the NFC East winner (Washington) was just 7-9, the Cowboys fell short with a 6-10 record. Entering this season, Dallas had made just 10 playoff appearances in the last 25 seasons, with zero appearances in the NFC championship game, no less a Super Bowl appearance or win.

However after losing on a last-second FG at Tampa to open the current season, the Cowboys have won FIVE in a row and at 5-1, have separated themselves from the rest of the NFC East (all other three teams are 2-5). Dallas plays Sunday night in Minneota against the 3-3 Vikings. Minnesota hired Mike Zimmer back in 2014 and after a 7-9 first season, he then made the playoffs THREE times in the next five seasons (11, 13 and 10-win seasons), before going 7-9 in 2021. Minnesota has opened 3-3 this season and could really use a win here.

Prescott is clearly fully recovered, as he is completing 73.1% for 1,813 yards with 16 TDs and four INTs (115.0 QB rating). He's been greatly aided by a Dallas rushing attack that averages 164.3 YPG on the ground (2nd). "Zeke" is back (521 yards on 5.1 YPC with 5 TDs), aided by Pollard (366 yards on 6.0 YPC). Prescott has excellent WRs in Lamb (33 catches / 15.1 YPC / 4 TDs) and Cooper (30 catches / 12.4 YPC / 4 TDs) plus TE Shultz keeps getting better (31 catches / 3 TDs).

Minnesota's Kirk Cousins always puts up excellent numbers and this year is nor different. He's completing 69.5% for 1,769 yards with 13 TDs and just two INTs (105.4 QB rating). In his previous three seasons with Minnesota, he's had a 91-29 TD/INT ratio and averaged 4,055 YPG passing per season. RB Cook had 1,557 rushing yards in 2020, after gaining 1,135 in 2019, but has played in just four games in 2021 and has 366 yards on 4.6 YPC and two TDs. He did have his best game of the season in Minnesota's 34-28 win in OT vs Carolina. His RB partner Mattison has played in all six games, gaing 268 yards. WRs Jeferson (41 catches and 3 TDs). Thielen (37 catches with 5 TDs) and Osborn (26 catches with 2 TDs), are joined by TE Conklin (22 catches) to give Cousin plenty of targets.

Both defenses are mediocre, as Dallas allows 24.3 PPG (23) and Minnesota 22.8 PPG (13th). However, Minnesota’s defense has held THREE of its last four opponents to 17 points or less. I'll admit that the Cowboys are a lot better than I thought they'd be this year AND a road victory at this tough venue would prove Dallas is indeed for real. Both teams are off a bye week but I'll note that Dallas has gone just 3-8 ATS after recent bye weeks. I realize that the Vikings are not much of a home dog (I got plus-2.5 points on Wednesday) but note that the Vikings are on a 19-7-1 ATS run as a home dog. Minnesota wins but as always, getting a few points is a bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the NE Patriots at 4:05 ET.

The Pats lost Tom Brady to Tampa Bay for the 2020 season and while New England fell to 7-9, everyone knows that Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl win (his seventh). New England had hoped Cam Newton could regain his MVP form but that was NOT the case and in the 2021 draft took Alabama QB Mac Jones (more on him in a bit). The Pats outplayed but lost to the Dolphins in Week 1 and after a win over the Jets, got thumped at home 28-13 by the Saints. The Pats travel to LA for a game with Chargers, coming off their best effort of the season, albeit against the haliess Jets.

The Chargers eked out a win at Washington in Week 1 and then lost 20-17 at home to Dallas, falling on ag FG in the game's final play. LA then upset the Chiefs in KC, earned an impressive 28-14 home win over the Raiders (MNF) and won a 47-42 shootout against the Browns. LA's three-game winning streak was snapped in a big way, losing 34-6 at Baltimore by the Ravens. At 4-2, LA's bye week (Week 7) came at a good time.

Thrashing the Jets is not a reason to start printing playoff tickets but the Pats may be just 2-2 after a 1-2 start but the two loses came when a last-second game-winning FG (against the Bucs and Brady) hit the left goal post on the game's final play and the other loss came 35-29 (in OT) to the Dallas Cowboys, who are 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS. Mac Jones (70.4% for 1,779 yards with 9 TDs and 6 INTs) continues to show growth with a season-best 307 yards passing against the Jets and two TDs. He did not throw an interception for the first time in five games, further distancing himself from a three-interception game Sep 26 against the New Orleans Saints. The Patriots were also 8-for-8 in the red zone the past two games, another sign that Jones is starting to feel comfortable with New England's complex offense. Harris (437 yards / 4.6 YPC / 5 TDs) has been solid at RB but the Pats are only averaging 95.4 YPG rushing (23rd). WR Meyers (41 catches but just 9.5 YPC) is joined by Bourne (22 catches / 15.9 YPC / 2 TDs) and Agholor (19 catches / 14.5 YPC / 2 TDs). I guess New England would love to have Gronk back but TEs Henry and Smith have a combined for 41 catches with 5 TDs. Belichick always puts a good defense on the field and the Pats are allowing 20.0 PPG (6th).

Justin Herbert is in his second season and has been lauded for his play so far. He's completing 65.4% for 1,771 yards with 14 TDs and just 4 iNTs but the Chargers were outplayed in all three phases at Baltimore in Week 6. Herbert threw for a season-low 195 yards and completed only 56.4% of his passes (also a season-worst). All-purpose RB Ekeler (356 rushing yards on 4.9 YPC / 5 TD plus 27 catches for 3 TDs) was held to SEVEN yards rushing (added 4 catches for 48 yards). Like New England, LA's running game is weak, averaging 94.7 YPG (25th). Herbest has All-Pro level receivers in Allen (39 catches / one TD) and Williams (35 catches / 15.1 YPC / 6 TDs) plus TE Cook (22 catches / 2 TDs) is very solid. The defense has looked pretty bad at times and is allowing 25.0 PPG, which ranks 22nd of 32 teams.

New head coach Brandon Staley is viewed as a major upgrade from the fired Anthony Lynn but he surely has NOTHING on Belichick. There is little doubt that the Chargers will remember losing 45-0 at New England last Dec 6 but the Patriots are off their best game of the year and I think they can keep the momentum rolling here. RB Harris has a chance to become the first New England running back since Corey Dillon in 2004 to have three straight 100-yard rushing games and has to LOVE his chances against the Chargers rush D, which is allowing a league-worst 162.5 YPG.

Mac Jones is equaling some milestones Justin Herbert accomplished last season with the Chargers. Jones is the third rookie with at least 170 completions in his first seven starts, joining Herbert and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. He also has five straight games with at least 225 passing yards and a TD, which was also accomplished by Herbert, Houston's DeShaun Watson and Dallas' Dak Prescott. Jones may just turn out to be the best QB taken in the 2021 Draft (Sorry, Trevor). I'm taking the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* AFC North Game of the Year is on the Pit Steelers at 1:00 ET.

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened with a 23-16 upset at Buffalo in Week 1 but then lost THREE in a row, However, the Steelers have rebounded to win two in a row to get back to 3-3. The Browns led KC almost the entire game in Week 1 but lost a close one. The Browns have since won four of six. The AFC South is a talented division in 2021, as the Bengals and Ravens are each 5-2.

Big Ben is supposedly washed up but let me note that he's thrown for an average of 252.5 YPG so far and his career average in 239 games is 258.3 YPG. He has just seven TDs and four INTs with a QB rating of 88.0 but he's never had great QB ratings (career mark is 93.8). Alabama rookie RB Najee Harris has 388 yards rushing (3.8 YPC) and has added 34 catches, which is tied for 1st on the team, In Pittsburgh's two wins, he's run for 203 yards and a TD plus caught eight passes and another TD. The Steelers answered a sluggish start to the season by winning their two games before heading into the bye week. The Pittsburgh players showed a little 'pep in their step' in Wednesday's practice but WR Chase Claypool had a hunch as to why. "It might be because of the bye week that we have more energy and more fun, or it's because we're playing the Browns," Claypool said. "Either way, we're having more fun out there." Claypool (22 catches / 16.3 YPC / 3 TDs) is expected back after missing Pittsburgh's last game and will join fellow WR Johnson (34 catches / 3 TDs). This is NOT a great Pittsburgh D but it's solid, allowing 22.0 PPG (12th) on 35.2 YPG (13th).

Baker Mayfield led the Browns to a 10-6 record, as the team ended a 17-year playoff drought in 2020. Mayfield rebounded from a 2019 season in which he had 22 TDs and 21 INTs, by improving to a 26-8 TD/INT ratio. Cleveland then recorded a 48-37 victory at Pittsburgh in an AFC wild-card game on Jan 10. Mayfield has not put up the same kind of numbers here in 2021 (like 2020), throwing just six TDs with three INTs. The Cleveland running game is No. 1 in the NFL at 170.4 YPG. Chubb (523 yards on 5.8 YPC with four TDs) missed the team's last two games but is back here. However, Hunt (361 yards on 5.2 YPC and 5 TDs) missed last week as well and remains out. However, D'Ernest Johnson erupted for 146 yards with a TD in his first career start a week ago Thursday and is ready to support Chubb. Cleveland's receiving corps is far from healthy, as Hunt actually leads the team with 20 catches. TE Njoku has 17 catches, averaging a healthy 16.7 YPC but has just one TD catch. The Cleveland defense is allowing only 295.6 YPG (2nd) but allows more points than one would expect (23.6 PPG ranks 18th).

Mayfield returns here after his injured left (non-throwing) shoulder and torn labrum kept him out of Cleveland's 17-14 victory over the Denver Broncos back on Oct 21. Chubb, who has missed Cleveland's last two games, is also back. Many are down on Pittsburgh but I'm a fan of Mike Tomlin, who has consistently gotten the most out of the hands he's been dealt. Heading into last year's playoff game, the Steelers had dominated this series dating back to 2004 (Big Ben's rookie year) with a 28-5-1 SU record! Can you say "pay back?" Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on North Carolina at 7:30 ET.

North Carolina went 8-4 last season and despite losing some key offensive performers (more later), the Tar Heels returned Heisman-hopeful QB Sam Howll and 10 defensive starters. North Carolina opened No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll, the school's highest preseason ranking since being ranked No. 7 at the start of the 1997 season (in Mack Browns' first tenure at Chapel Hill). However, the Tar Heels 'limp' into South Bend unranked with a HUGELY disappointing 4-3. Notre fDame opened 10-0 last season before losing 34-10 to Clemson in the ACC championship. The Irish still made CFB's 'Final 4,' but lost 31-14 to Alabama in a contest in which the final score hardly reflected Alabama's domination of Notre Dame. Brian Kelly's team entered the current season with just three returning starters on offense and six on defense but was ranked No. 9 in the preseason (name recognition helps, huh?) The Irish have struggled at times this season (more below) but are currently 6-1 and hold down the No. 11 spot in the AP's latest poll.

QB Howell has excellent numbers (61.6% for 1,851 yards with 18 TDs and 6 INTs plus 494 rushing yards with 5 scores), despite losing WRs Brown (55 catches / 20.0 YPC / 8 TDs) and Newsome (54 catches / 6 TDs), as well as a pair of 1,000-yard RBs. Carter ran for 1,245 yards on 8.0 YPC with 9 TDs and Williams for 1,140 yards on 7.3 YPC and 19 TDs! RB Chandler has 588 yards on 5.5 YPC with 7 TDs and along with Howell, has the Tar Heels averaging 199.1 YPG on the ground. Sophomore WR Downs caught just seven passes last year but has 60 this season (13.8 YPC / 7 TDs), while TE Morales has 16 catches but 4 TDs. Despite 10 returning starters on defense, the Tar Heels are allowing 28.9 PPG, only slightly less than last season (29.4 PPG).

Notre Dame is off a solid 31-16 win over USC last Saturday but the Irish have lost to their toughest opponent (24-13 at home to now-No. 2 Cincinnati) plus have won THREE games by just three points, over FSU in OT, Toledo and Va Tech. The team's 41-13 win at Wisconsin looks great on paper but Notre Dame actually trailed 13-10 in the fourth quarter of that contest. QB Jack Coan (Wisconsin transfer) has been OK but surely nothing special. He's completing 63.5% for 1,397 yards with 11 TDs and four INTs plus gets very little help from a running game that averages 106.7 YPG (117th!), after averaging 211 YPG on the ground last season. TE Mayer leads the team with 37 catches with WRs Austin and Davis hauling in just 22 and 20, respectively. The defense is allowing 23.1 PPG (not bad) but also not up to the standards of the previous three seasons (19.7, 17.9 and 18.2 PPG).

Here's the rub. This game is really a 'must-win" for North Carolina. The Tar Heels host 7-0 Wake Forest (No. 13) for a Homecoming game next Saturday and then play at 6-1 Pitt (No. 17) the following weekend. Those games won't mean much if the Tar Heels fall to 4-4 here. Not many teams have gone into South Bend and come away with a win in recent years (Bearcats are the exception) but this Howell-led offense is MORE than capable of outscoring the Coan-led offense, which gets NOTHING from its running game. Upset Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* SEC Game of the Week is on Miss St at 7:00 ET.

The Kentucky Wildcats (6-1, 4-1 SEC) opened 6-0 in 2021 for the first time since 1950 (Bear Bryany era) but their perfect season 'died' in Athens with a 30-13 loss at No. 1 Georgia. The Wildcats got last weekend off (probably a good thing) and Saturday night travel to Starkville to take on the Mississippi St Bulldogs (4-3, 2-2). 

Kentucky head coach Mike Stoops is in his 9th season with Kentucky and he's well ahead of pace to become his best team since arriving in Lexington. QB Will Levis is completing 67.2% for 1,326 yards with 13 TDs and six INTs, despite a very mediocre cast of receivers. WR Robinson has 49 catches with five TDs but no other player has more than 17 receptions. However, Levis is helped by a strong running game averaging 190.9 YPG (41st), led by Rodriguez (755 yards on 5.1 YPC with 5 TDs). The Kentiucky defense is first-rate, allowing 19.3 PPG (24th) on 321.0 YPG (22nd).

A Mike Leach offense always centers around its QB and Will Rogers is filling the bill VERY nicely. He's completing 73.5% for 2,546 yards with 18 TDs and seven INTs. In stark comparison to Kentucky, Miss St has SIX players with 25 receptions or more, with WR Polk (58 catches / 6 TDs) leading the way and RB Marks catching 49. Marks has just 194 yards rushing and that's the Bulldogs' 'kryptonite,' as Miss St averages 48.7 YPG on the ground (2.5 YPC), LAST among the 130 FBS teams. Defensively, Miss St allows just five more YPG than Kentucky but about a TD more per game (25.7)

The Wildcats have dropped their last five games in Starkville and Kentucky hasn't beaten the Bulldogs in Mississippi since 2008. I'm not sure the bye week will help Kentucky end its woes on Halloween weekend in a venue that's become a 'House of Horrors (see above). Let me add that Miss St has outscored Kentucky 115-36 in its last three wins here in Starkville. Throw in that recent series history also shows that the home team is 6-0 SU & ATS and the Bulldogs are the play!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Wisconsin (12:00 ET).

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz arrived in Iowa City way back in 1999 and after going 1-10 and 3-9 in his first two seasons, has been a steady, consistent winner. The Hawkeyes opened 2020 with back-to-back losses (by four points and one point) but then won SIX in a row, going 5-1 ATS with an average MOV of 21.8 PPG. Iowa earned an 18th bowl bid under Ferentz in 2020 but the Music City Bowl was canceled due to COVID. Iowa opened the season No. 18 in the AP's preseason poll and ripped off SIX straight wins, three over ranked teams. Iowa was the nation's No. 2 ranked team when it saw its 12-game winning (10-2 ATS) streak end with a 24-7 at Purdue on Oct 16. The 6-1 Hawkeyes had a welcome bye last Saturday and visit Camp Randall on Saturday to face 4-3 Wisconsin.

Wisconsin opened the season ranked No. 12 in the AP's preseason poll but by the end of September, the Badgers had already lost TWICE and fallen out of the top-25. The Badgers lost 38-17 at home to Michigan to open October to fall to 1-3. Head coach Paul Chryst is in his seventh year at Madison and entered the season 56-19 with six bowl appearances (5-1) but the 2021 season was on the verge of slipping away. However, the Badgers have rebounded to win THREE in a row, including last Saturday's impressive 30-13 road win over then-No. 25 Purdue (fresh off its win over Iowa).

Iowa relies on an outstanding defense, which is allowing 14.6 PPG (3rd) on 301.1 YPG 12th), while forcing a nation-best 16 takeaways. Those takeaways have helped a poor Iowa offense to average 28.0 PPG. Iowa is averaging only 311.1 YPG (120th), including 116.9 YPG (103rd) on the ground. QB Spencer Petras completes just 59.5% for 1,333 yards with nine TDs and six INTs. RB Godson is solid (586 yards on 4.3 YPC / 5 TDs) but as a team, the Hawkeyes average a woeful 3.1 YPC. TE LaPorta is the only player with more than 20 catches, with 28 receptions and two TDs.

Wisconsin QB Mertz is having a terrible season, completing 55.9% for 945 yards with two INTs and seven INTs. However, during the team's three-game winning streak, he's avoided missteps, throwing just one INT in 42 attempts. He's stepped out of the way and Wisconsin's two  outstanding RBs (Mellusi and Allen) take over. Wisconsin has run for 879 yards in its three wins (293.0 YPG), with Allen topping 100 yards in all three and Mellusi in two of the three. On the season, Mellusi has 692 yards on 6.2 YPC with 4 TDs and Allen 428 yards on 7.4 YPC with 5 TDs. The Wisconsin D has been strong all season but in its three wins, has allowed only 27 total points. Wisconsin rush D ranks 1st in the nation, allowing only 53.3 YPG.

Sure, after a bye week and a loss to Purdue, Iowa will be primed for a bounce back but Camp Randall is the WRONG place at the WRONG time for that to happen. Running the ball against Wisconsin seems like too big of a hill to climb and Petras is NOT the type of QB to win it with his arm. The 'savior' for Iowa would be for its defense to force Wisconsin into mistakes (TOs) but Wisconsin has not fallen prey to that these last three weeks.

Wisconsin has won SEVEN of its last nine vs Iowa and it's Homecoming at Camp Randall. A Wisconsin win and the Badgers will be 3-2, tied with Iowa in the Big Ten West, plus will own the tiebreaker. That's the bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mem Grizzlies at 10:10 ET.

Klay Thompson missed the last two seasons and the latest word is that he is expected to be cleared to return to full-contract practices within a month. The latest word on the team's highly-touted No. 1 pick from the 2020 Draft (James Wiseman), is the following. The Warriors' training staff has targeted Friday as the date Wiseman should be able to start jumping and working out at full speed, and a "full clearance" is expected to be in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, the Warriors have opened 4-0. The Warriors welcome the 2-2 Memphis Grizzlies to Chase Center tonight, a team that is coming off an 'ugly' 116-96 loss last night in Portland (note: I had the Blazers in that one).

Memphis opened the season with an 11-point home win over the sad-sack Cavs (although the Clippers may argue that Cleveland is NOT that bad!) but then set out on a four-game Western road swing. Memphis began with back-to back games at Staples Center against the Clippers (won) and then the Lakers (lost by three). PG Ja Morant (35.0 & 8.0 APG) led the way through three games for Memphis (no surprise there) but Desmond Bane's and De'Anthony Melton's play had SURE been eye openers. Bane was averaging 19.3 & 4.7 and Melton 18.3 & 4.7. Memphis also picked up center Stevens Adams in the offseason and he had the front office 'patting its own back'  by averaging 13.0 & 13.0. Some great news was that Jarren Jackson Jr. looks completely healthy, averaging 15.3 & 6.0, after an injury-riddled season last year. However, not much went right in Portland on Wednesday night. Morant was jst 5 of 12 for 17 points, Adams shot 2 of 8 for four points with seven rebounds, Jackson had just seven points and two rebounds plus Melton imploded, missing all eight FG attempts in 25 scoreless minutes. Only Bane held up his end with 19 points, as Memphis shot 36.5% (17 of 50 on threes).

Curry has led Golden St in scoring in all four games and enters tonight with a line of 29.0-8.3-6.3. SF Wiggns eventually got vaccinated and has opened averaging 16.8 & 5.3. The team's other three starters are Poole (15.3 & 4.3 APG), PF Green (9.5-7.3-6.8) and center Looney (6.5 & 5.8). Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has to be smiling (although maybe a little concerned) as each of the team's four wins have come despite a halftime deficit, a season-opening feat accomplished just once previously in NBA history by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985-86.

The eighth-seeded Warriors and ninth-seeded Grizzlies put on an entertaining show in the inaugural NBA play-in tournament last May, with Memphis getting two late hoops from Ja Morant to pull out a 117-112 overtime victory and enter as the West's No. 8 seed. However, I'm not reading much of anything  into the "revenge" angle here though. New season, new faces and new circumstances. There's no bad blood between these teams, so in my opinion, the revenge factor is a moot point. Sure, it's back to-back nights for Memphis but off an AWFUL effort last night in Portland, I expect Memphis to play VERY well. Golden St has made a  habit of falling behind and then coming back to win (see above) to open this season but a trend like that is unlikely to continue. Without Thompson and Wiseman, I don't believe the Warriors are the better team. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* NFC Game of the Week is on the Arz Cardinals at 8:20 ET.

The defending champions Bucs are 6-1 (just 3-4 ATS) but many may feel that Tampa Bay is still the NFL's best team. However, the Thursday Night game between the 6-1 Packers (6-1 ATS) and 7-0 Cards (6-1 ATS) features a matchup of teams that are also staking a claim as being the NFL's best team (I can hear Dallas bettors crying, we are 6-0 ATS!). The Packers were steamrolled 38-3 by the Saints in Week 1 but have won SIX in a row both SU and ATS. However, Green Bay got some VERY bad news at the beginning of the week that WR Davante Adams.was placed on the COVID-19 list. As for the Cardinals, they are 7-0 for the first time since 1974 when they resided in St Louis and were guided by coaching legend Don Coryell.

Rodgers endured the worst loss of his professional career in that Week 1 loss (133 passing yards with zero TDs and two INTs) but has since thrown 15 TD passes with just one INT in Green Bay's last six wins, He's completing 68.3% for 1,710 yards with 15 TDs and three INTs, giving him a QB rating of 108.2. RB Aaron Jones is a true dual threat, rushing for 404 yards (4.5 YPC / 2 TDs), while catching 26 passes (2nd-most on the team) for another four TDs. That said, Green Bay is averaging only 102.0 YPG on the ground (19th). Adams has 52 catches (14.3 YPC / 3 TDs) but with him out, other than Jones, no other player has more than 15 catches. The Green Bay defense has been very solid, allowing 20.9 PPG (8th) on 331.8 YPG (7th). 

Rodgers is an "all-timer" at QB, something Arizona's Tyler Murray is building a case to become. He's completing 73.5% fro 2,002 yards with 17 TDs and five INTs (116.8 QB rating). The running game is underappreciated but is averaging 136.6 YPG (5th), featuring two solid RBs. Edmonds has 397 rushing yards (5.8 YPC / 0 TDs) and Conner has 336 yards. He averages just 3.8 YPC (two full yards less than Edmonds but has scored SIX touchdowns!). Even with a 100% Adams, the Cards' receiving corps is much better and WAY deeper than that of the Packers. Hopkins (33 catches / 7 TDs) and Kirk (30 / 4 TDs) have now been joined by AJ Green (24 catches / a team-high 16.9 YPC / 3 TDs) and Purdue rookie Moore (26 catches). What's more, Arizona recently traded for TE Ertz (3-time All -Pro with Philly), and he caught three passes in his first game last Sunday, one for a 47-yard TD. I noted that Green Bay's defense was solid but Arizona's has played as well as any in the league, allowing 316.7 YPG (4th) and 16.3 PPG (best in the league!).

Arizona's offense averages 32.1 PPG (4th), EIGHT points higher than Green Bay's. One can recap the comparison of defenses above. Speaking of COVID-19 issues, Packers also will be without defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who is in COVID protocols. That leaves Green Bay missing its defensive mastermind as it attempts to slow down an Arizona offense averaging 32.1 PPG. It isn't 100 percent that Adams will miss but fellow WR Lazard also landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and he WILL miss Thursday's game. That means, unless Marquez Valdes-Scantling can come off injured reserve (he's missed the last four games with a hamstring injury), the Packers could be without their top three wideouts vs Arizona.

Yes, the line has 'jumped' upon the above news but NOT enough to get me off the Cards. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies have opened 2-1 but 3-0 ATS. The team continues its four-game Western road trip tonight in Portland, after splitting two games at Staples Center. The Grizz beat the Clippers but lost a close one to the Lakers. As for the 1-2 Blazers, they are 1-2 and will be looking to put a humiliating performance behind them when they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.The Trail Blazers are adjusting to new head coach Chauncey Billups and the transition looked ugly in Monday night's 116-86 road loss to the Clippers. Portland committed 30 turnovers in a defeat that shooting guard CJ McCollum termed "a shellacking."

To no one's surprise, PG Ja Morant (35.0 & 8.0 APG) is leading the way for Memphis. However, after three games, Desmond Bane's and De'Anthony Melton's play have SURE been eye openers. Bane is averaging 19.3 & 4.7 and Melton 18.3 & 4.7. Memphis picked up center Stevens Adams in the offseason and he is sure making the front office look good, avergaing 13.0 & 13.0. Some great news is that Jarren Jackson Jr. looks completely healthy, averaging 15.3 & 6.0, after an injury-riddled season last year.

All discussion surrounding Portland revolves around guards Lillard and McCollum but after three games, it;s McCollum and Lillard. McCollum is averaging 27.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG, while Lilard is averaging a modest 17.0 PPG (for him) plus 7.3 APG. Center  Nurkic can match up well vs Adams, as he's also averaging a double-double on the season at 11.0 & 12.0.

Memphis is off its first loss of the year ,a tough 121-118 setback at the Lakers and I believe the Grizzlies will also have their hands full here with a 'hungry' Portland  team, looking to bounce back from an embarrassing effort. Billups was an assistant with the Clippers last season and said after Portland's loss, "It was embarrassing, it was really embarrassing, Just the effort. I don't think we started the game off with the right mindset. ... At the end of the day, there is no excuse. It's tough to compete in a game when you have 30 turnovers." Portland also won't win often with Lillard scoring just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting while missing all EIGHT of his three-point attempts versus the Clippers.

Lillard is averaging just 17.0 points through three games, after scoring at a 28.8 PPG clip last season. However, no one expects this to be more than just a 'blip on the radar. I will remind all that Portland routed Phoenix 134-105 in its lone home game this season (team shot  53.0% from the floor), so I'm expecting a BIG bounce-back here off Monday's "Embarrassment at Staples!" Note that the Blazers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 off a SU/ATS loss in which they scored 100 or less points in. Lilard rises to the challenge of a matchup vs Morant, as the Blazers get the win and cover.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Was Wizards at 7:40 ET.

Boston opened the season losing at New York (138-134 in 2 OTs) and then returned home and got 'spanked' 115-83 by the Toronto Raptors. That result was the team's worst home loss since March of 2007 and was an 'ugly' home debiut for Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka. The etam was booed off the floor with Udoke saying recently, "I think the Toronto game was an aberration. We were building on that, playing the way we wanted to." He's referring to Boston winning its next two games, 107-97 at Houston and 140-129 (in OT) at Charlotte. The 2-2 Celtics are back in front of the hometown crowd again tonight, hosting the 2-1 Washington Wizards. Washington opened with two straight wins but lost 104-90 at the Brooklyn Nets on Monday for their first loss of the season.

Despite the loss, the Wizards were happy to get Bradley Beal (21.0) back after their All-Star guard missed one game with a right-hip contusion. Beal led the team with 19 points against Brooklyn, although his points didn't come easily on an 8-for-22 shooting night, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range. PG Dinwiddie (19.0-5.0-7.0) is off to an excellent start with his new team plus a trio of former Lakers (can we call Washington, LA Lakers-East?) have made immediate impacts. PF Harrell (15.3 & 7.7) is coming off the bench (his preferred role), while Kuzma (14.3 & 13.0) and Caldwell-Pope (7.7) are starting at SF and PG, respectively.

The Celtics feature the 'Dynamic Duo' of Jaylen Brown (28.3 & 7.3) and Jayson Tatunm (27.5 & 8.3), although Brown didn't play on Sunday at Houston. However, he returned Monday at Charlotte and scored 30 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Tatum was the star, scoring a game-high 41 points plus handed out eight assists. The Boston Celtics return home with momentum on their side after back-to-back road wins but starting center Al Horford (14.0 & 10.5) sat out Monday with a left- adductor strain. He is listed as probable.

Washington's l104-90 oss at Brooklyn was a predictable letdown spot, as the Wizards were off a drawing 135-134 OT win at home over the Pacers, while the Nets needed a win to avoid a 1-3 start. The Wizards were still clearly "gassed" from their emotional win over Indiana but there's no better time to refocus and get back on track than right here and now in Boston. The Celtics enter his game with 'heavy legs,' off back-to-back victories (Sun & Mon), needing overtime to pull away for the 140-129 victory at Charlotte on Monday night. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Lakers at 8:40 ET.

The Lakers were taken out in the first round of last season's playoffs by the Suns, as A.D. was hurt during the series and who knows what may have happened if he didn't go down with that injury? The Lakers then opened teh current with back-to-back home losses to the Warriors and Suns, before edging the Grizzlies at Staples Center on Saturday, 121-118. San Antonio lost the "play-in" game last year and finished as the 10th seed in the West with a 33-39 record. The Spurs saw the departures of DeMar DeRozan (21.6-4.2-6.9), Rudy Gay (11.4 & 4.8) and Patty Mills (10.8) this past offseason, leaving a group of supporting players playing in a free-flowing offense. San Antonio opened with a home rout of Orlando but then lost at Denver and back at home to Milwaukee.

LBJ (26.0-6.3-5.3) is expected to play on Tuesday despite suffering a leg injury midway through the win over Memphis. James ended up playing 40 minutes. He said afterward that his leg was "sore" and that he would receive continual treatment on it heading up to the dustup with the Spurs. LA woke up offensively against Memphis, shooting 53.6 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from three-point range. Veteran Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 28 points and he has averaged 17.7 PPG in three games. Anthony Davis added 22 points and eight rebounds and checks in at 25.7 & 11.0 so far. Westbrook (12.0-7.7-8.7) has yet to find his rhythm and I will make no predictions as to whether he will fit in well or not.

The Spurs' Johnson (20.7) is a rising star and leads six players in scoring double digits. Starting alongside Johnson are guards White (15.3 & 6.7 APG) and Murray (13.3-8.0-7.0) plus forward McDermott (14.0) and center Poetl (12.3 & 9.3). Guard Walker (13.3) adds double digits off the bench.

The bottom line is, coming off their first win of the year over a quality Grizzlies team, I believe that the Lakers win again here in this favorable matchup with "room to spare!" Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* MNF Magic play is on the NO Saints at 8:15 ET.

The Drew Brees era came to a close last season in New Orleans and the Saints are second-to-last in the NFL with 169.4 YPG through the air, well off the standard set by Brees and Co. The Saints are currently 3-2 and will likely be playing for a wild card berth as their 'ticket' into the postseason (The Tampa Bay Bradys are 6-1 to lead the NFC South). That said, compared to Seattle, New Orleans is 'cruising' in 2021. The 2-4 Seahawks are faltering at a level rarely seen over the past decade, as Seattle entered the current season having made the postseason in NINE of Pete Carroll's 11 seasons with Seattle, including EIGHT of nine times since Russell Wilson became the team's starting QB in his rookie season.

QB Jameis Winston has just 892 passing yards but has 12 TD passes, and only three INTs (in 116 attempts) for a QB rating of 108.1 (his career QB rating is 86.1!). RB Kamara (368 yards on 3.9 YPC / just one TD) is also the team's leading receiver with 15 catches. However, WRs Harris (12 catches ) and Gallaway (13 catches) have modest reception totals, they've averaged 19.7 and 17.1 YPC, respectively. Defensively, the Saints are allowing just 18.2 PPG (4th-best).

Seattle's woes have a lot to do with the loss of QB Russell Wilson (72.0% with 10 TDs and one INT plus a QB rating of 125.3) to a finger injury and starting RB Chris Carson (232 yards on 4.3 YPC with three TDs with neck troubles that have forced him to miss the last two games. Geno Smith started last week at QB and completed 23 of 32 for 209 yards with one TD and zero INTs but he's NO Wilson! You think? Smith's fumble while being sacked in overtime led to Pittsburgh's winning score. Collins was the featured back and ran for 101 yards (5.1 YPC) and a TD. WRs Metcalf (31 catches / 14.2 YPC / 5 TDs) and Lockett (27 catches / 15.7 YPC / 3 TDs) are excellent but that's when Wilson is the one throwing to them. Getting back to Collins, he came out of last Sunday's game 'beat up!'

However, Seattle's offense is not Carroll's biggest concern. It's a defense that's allowing 433.2 YPG, dead-last in the NFL (32nd). After giving up more than 450 total yards in four straight games (that tied an NFL record), the Seahawks were better last week holding the Steelers to 345 yards. However, Seattle still hasn't held an opponent under 100 yards rushing (can you say a breakout game by Kamara?) and continues to get very little out of its pass rush (had zero sacks against Pittsburgh in the OT loss). The Saints are coming off their bye week and more than a few players will be back from injuries.

New Orleans has been VERY kind  to its backs on the road, going 36-15 ATS in its last 51 as the visiting side. The Saints will have no mercy here on the struggling home team in this one. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks opened by crushing the Kyrie-less Nets 127-104 but then were humbled in their next game 137-95 at Miami in their second game. Milwaukee moved on to San Antonio on Saturday and beat the Spurs 121-111. All five Milwaukee starters and George Hill off the bench scored in double figures. The balanced scoring marked a return to Milwaukee's championship form of 2020-21, when the Bucks led the NBA in points per game (120.1). 

The Pacers opened the season with a 123-122 loss at Charlotte and then lost again by one point at Washington, 135-134 in OT. Indiana played at home for the first time this season on Saturday and the game went to OT again. However, the Pacers pulled away to win 102-91. The Pacers were a postseason participant for NINE of the previous 10 years, prior to sitting out last year's playoffs with a 34-38 record.

Six Milwaukee players are averaging in double digits, led by Giannis (227-10.7-5.7). The Pacers have four double digits and all four are off to VERY impressive starts. PF Sabonis (26.0-12.0-4.3) leads the way, followed by PG Brogdon (24.7-8.7-7.7), Oregon rookie SG Duarte (20.3 & 4.7) and center Turner (17.7 & 7.0).

This marks Milwaukee's third straight on the road and while the Pacers are 1-2, a lucky bounce here or there and they could in fact be coming into this game at 3-0. Saturday was Indiana's first regular-season home game with a capacity crowd since the hiatus during the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19. Rick Carlisle, coaching the home team in Indiana for the first time since 2007, said in his postgame press conference that "the home crowd has an ability to make it tough on the road team." Yes it does. I want the home dog!

Good luck...Larry