Spooky Express Bowling For Dollars Selection And Analysis Thread

[Spooky]

The list of 12 Random stuff for Christmas Day


12) Georgia Tech football coach Paul Johnson gets a $75,000 bonus if his Yellow Jackets make it to a bowl; if that
bowl is a BCS bowl, the bonus jumps to the $200,000 mark.

11) High school QB named Shavodrick Beaver from Texas chose Tulsa over Michigan, an unusual choice. Shouldn't a kid named Beaver have to play at either Oregon State or Penn State (PSU plays home games in Beaver Stadium)?

10) If Rich Rodriguez can't outrecruit Tulsa for a QB, makes you wonder how soon the Wolverines will be bouncing back.

9) Rough basketball night for Big 12 Tuesday; Kansas got crushed by Arizona in desert, Missouri lost to Illinois (again), Iowa State lost at home to South Dakota State, and Nebraska lost at home to UMBC (Maryland- Baltimore County). Colorado beat UL-Monroe, but only by three. Rough night, even though Texas did beat Wisconsin in Madison.

8) Through Week 12 of pro football season, NFL players had been fined a total of $3,527,000 in 2008, 22% more than after 12 weeks LY, and that doesn't include Plaxico Burress' donations after Glockgate. Big year for the charities that receive the NFL's fine money.

7) I need an explanation, please; why has it been 20 years since there has been a bowl game between an SEC team and a Pac-10 club? Cal is playing Miami this year in the Emerald Bowl, but Miami is an ACC team. Probably has something to do with wanting to keep teams reasonable close to their fan bases, so people can travel if they like, but you figure once in two decades isn't too much to ask.

6) College football players are allowed to receive up to $500 in "swag" (free gifts) when they go to a bowl game-you'd be surprised at some of the nice stuff they get.

5) Kenpom.com reports that of the 73 college basketball teams in the six BCS-related conferences, Nebraska and Marquette have shortest players, with both teams' average player a little bit under 6-3.

4) Syracuse just won 72-65 at Memphis a few days ago, but a writer from San Jose didn't rank Orangemen in the Top 25 this week, but he did rank Memphis. Is anyone out there paying attention?

3) When you add up what CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixeira will earn in the Bronx next summer, it is more than what four teams paid their entire bankrolls LY, including the AL champ Rays.

2) The biggest advantage Bronx has is fact that they can afford to make mistakes; they paid total of $86M for Carl Pavano and Kei Igawa, for instance. The less resources you have, the fewer mistakes you can afford to make.


1) According to one of the New York newspapers, maybe Bronx Bombers broke the bank to sign Mark Teixeira because they wanted to sell out those last seven luxury boxes that remain unsold in their expensive new ballpark. Can't imagine paying a guy $21.5M a year who made the All-Star team once in his six-year career

[Spooky]

THE SPOOKY FAMILY WISHES EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE BEST OF NEW YEARS TO ALL MY FORUM FRIENDS!!

[Spooky]

Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........


13) From looks of things, Hornets weren't too thrilled playing on the road Christmas Day; New Orleans got down 30 in first half, making the Law and Order marathon on TNT a much more appealing viewing option. Rest of the day's games were highly competitive.

12) When Dennis Felton moved from Western Kentucky to Georgia, and Jeff Capel went from VCU to Oklahoma, part of the language in their contract buyouts said they had to play home/home series with their old schools, guaranteeing the old school two big paydays.

11) There is a high school sports league in the San Diego area called the Avocado League; who wouldn't want to live in an area where the local high school plays in the Avocado League?

10) How bogus will it be if Eldrick Woods loses his #1 golf ranking because he has been out hurt since June? It would be embarrassing to be the guy who takes his place, especially if it happens before Woods returns to competition, which could happen in March.

9) Watching the Spurs-Suns game on Christmas, unusual that Terry Porter played D-III college ball in Wisconsin; Gregg Popovich went to the Air Force Academy. Wouldn't expect them to be NBA head coaches.

8) Chris Paul's streak of games with a steal ended Thursday at 108, which is the NBA record.

7) Denver Broncos went 0-7-1 vs spread at home this year (4-4 SU).

6) Road team is 12-3 vs spread in the Lions' games this season.

5) The ACC has a half-page ad in The Sporting News touting both the present and past of its conference, with a player from each of the 12 schools shown; problem is, Rick Barry and Dell Curry are two of the players shown-- Miami and Virginia Tech were not in the ACC when those future NBA stars played in college.

4) When Portland State upset Gonzaga earlier this week, it probably improved their seed in NCAA tournament by a seed or two, if they win the Big Sky tournament, which is a big deal, since a lot more 13 and 14 seeds pull upsets than 15 seeds (only four ever). .

3) Interesting difference in philosophy; NBA schedules five games on Christmas Day, all nationally televised; the NHL, which could use a little exposure, opts not to play, when they definitely could get NBC to put them on Christmas afternoon. NHL has an outdoor game on New Year's Day at Wrigley Field, but they think Christmas is day for family, so they don't schedule games. Interesting choice.

2) Milwaukee owner Mark Attanasio thinks baseball might now need a salary cap (ya think?), noting that the Bronx Bombers just shelled out $420M for three guys-- he paid $220M for his entire franchise when he bought the Brewers from Bud Selig's daughter.

1) Pittsburgh Penguins are getting a new arena soon, but their season ticket holders will not have to buy hideous PSLs in order to purchase their season tickets. Thank the Lord someone has some sense-- with the economy struggling like it is, charging for PSLs is now ludicrous, if it wasn't (????) before now. How greedy can people be?


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[Spooky]

Motor City Bowl
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
[ESPN | 7:30 PM ET]


FLORIDA ATLANTIC +7

Florida Atlantic: Florida Atlantic enters with tremendous momentum, posting a 5-1 record in the final six games and junior quarterback Rusty Smith heated up by passing for 1,553 yards and 17 touchdowns. The program is still in its early days, but they became the youngest program to earn a berth to a bowl game when they captured a victory in the 2007 New Orleans Bowl. Owls head coach Howard Schnellenberger possesses a perfect 5-0 bowl mark and has said, "It's a great feeling for us to be invited to play in the Motor City Bowl and a personal thrill for me to be taking FAU to Detroit."

Howard Schnellenberger is 5-0 in bowl games at Miami, Louisville and Florida Atlantic; Owls (-3) trounced Memphis 44-27 LY in New Orleans Bowl, their first-ever bowl. This year, FAU started season 1-5, losing its first two Sun Belt games, before winning five of last six, including 56-50 OT game vs Fla. International in last game that got them here. Owls are 2-4-1 vs spread as underdog this season, losing money grabs at Mich St (17-0), Texas (52-10), Minnesota (37-3). FAU is 6-0 when they score 20+ points, 0-6 when they don't.

Florida Atlantic is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Florida Atlantic's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - OL Vinnie Henderson (ankle) is probable.
K Warley Leroy (academics) is OUT.
LB Andre Clark (academics) is OUT
OL Kevin Miller (academics) is OUT.
OL Brandon Jackson (academics) is OUT.

Central Michigan (-7, O/U 68): Central Michigan may enter Friday's game lacking motivation, as the Chippewas will be one of just three programs to be playing in the same bowl game for at least the third year in a row. The offense has thrived when playing at Ford Field, averaging 40.6 points per game in five previous appearances en route to a 3-2 all-time record. Defensively, Central Michigan will lean heavily on a line that accounted for 28 sacks this season, which is more than the team total for any other school in the Mid-American Conference.

Central Michigan is playing in this bowl third year in row, losing 51-48 in LY's game to Purdue (+7.5) after beating Middle Tennessee 31-14 (-8) two years ago. Chippewas allowed 31-56 points in losing last two games to Ball State (31-24), Eastern Michigan (56-52)- their last three wins are by 1-3-3 points, with CMU allowing average of 29 ppg in the three Ws. In their last five games, Chippewas allowed average of 34.8 ppg. MAC teams are 28-16 vs spread out of conference this season, 7-4 as favorite. Central Michigan is 1-4 vs spread as a favorite this season.

Howard Schnellenberger was head coach in NFL and had won a national title with Miami Hurricanes before any of these players were even alive. Have to respect his 5-0 bowl record, especially with QB who has made 29 career starts. Motor City Bowl isn't ideal destination for college kids, but at least the game is indoors, in an NFL stadium; Central will have big edge in crowd support, since they're couple hours away. MAC teams are 2-4 in this bowl the last six years, with favorites 6-5 vs the spread.
FAU program is really excited about going to another bowl game, be it Detroit or not. This gives them another chance of showing the nation their program and all statistics are basically even. They basically had polar opposite seasons, with Central Michigan starting fast and ending poorly while FAU got beat up early playing the Texas, Michigan State, Minnesota teams and got hot late in the season.

You can call it emotional or practical but Florida Atlantic will probably win this game so definitely grab the points.

Central Michigan is 18-6-2 ATS in its last 26 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 14-6 in Central Michigan's last 20 games overall.

Key Injuries - S Chaz West (foot) is questionable.
DT Casey Droscha (leg) is OUT.

[Spooky]

Are you kidding me? The line is up to 71 on the total. Get me some of that. Sorry, although this might be a shoot out and is indoors, Pierre
from FAU will do some running tonight and Howie will give him the ball quite often since this is his last game and would like nothing more than to get another win for the up and coming program.

Copying this again since I am unable to edit. Can you hear me now Dirty. lol

--------------------------------------------

Motor City Bowl
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
[ESPN | 7:30 PM ET]

FLORIDA ATLANTIC +7 (4 UNITS)

FLORIDA ATLANTIC/CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNDER 71 POINTS (2 UNITS)

Florida Atlantic: Florida Atlantic enters with tremendous momentum, posting a 5-1 record in the final six games and junior quarterback Rusty Smith heated up by passing for 1,553 yards and 17 touchdowns. The program is still in its early days, but they became the youngest program to earn a berth to a bowl game when they captured a victory in the 2007 New Orleans Bowl. Owls head coach Howard Schnellenberger possesses a perfect 5-0 bowl mark and has said, "It's a great feeling for us to be invited to play in the Motor City Bowl and a personal thrill for me to be taking FAU to Detroit."

Howard Schnellenberger is 5-0 in bowl games at Miami, Louisville and Florida Atlantic; Owls (-3) trounced Memphis 44-27 LY in New Orleans Bowl, their first-ever bowl. This year, FAU started season 1-5, losing its first two Sun Belt games, before winning five of last six, including 56-50 OT game vs Fla. International in last game that got them here. Owls are 2-4-1 vs spread as underdog this season, losing money grabs at Mich St (17-0), Texas (52-10), Minnesota (37-3). FAU is 6-0 when they score 20+ points, 0-6 when they don't.

Florida Atlantic is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Florida Atlantic's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - OL Vinnie Henderson (ankle) is probable.
K Warley Leroy (academics) is OUT.
LB Andre Clark (academics) is OUT
OL Kevin Miller (academics) is OUT.
OL Brandon Jackson (academics) is OUT.

Central Michigan (-7, O/U 68): Central Michigan may enter Friday's game lacking motivation, as the Chippewas will be one of just three programs to be playing in the same bowl game for at least the third year in a row. The offense has thrived when playing at Ford Field, averaging 40.6 points per game in five previous appearances en route to a 3-2 all-time record. Defensively, Central Michigan will lean heavily on a line that accounted for 28 sacks this season, which is more than the team total for any other school in the Mid-American Conference.

Central Michigan is playing in this bowl third year in row, losing 51-48 in LY's game to Purdue (+7.5) after beating Middle Tennessee 31-14 (-8) two years ago. Chippewas allowed 31-56 points in losing last two games to Ball State (31-24), Eastern Michigan (56-52)- their last three wins are by 1-3-3 points, with CMU allowing average of 29 ppg in the three Ws. In their last five games, Chippewas allowed average of 34.8 ppg. MAC teams are 28-16 vs spread out of conference this season, 7-4 as favorite. Central Michigan is 1-4 vs spread as a favorite this season.

Howard Schnellenberger was head coach in NFL and had won a national title with Miami Hurricanes before any of these players were even alive. Have to respect his 5-0 bowl record, especially with QB who has made 29 career starts. Motor City Bowl isn't ideal destination for college kids, but at least the game is indoors, in an NFL stadium; Central will have big edge in crowd support, since they're couple hours away. MAC teams are 2-4 in this bowl the last six years, with favorites 6-5 vs the spread.
FAU program is really excited about going to another bowl game, be it Detroit or not. This gives them another chance of showing the nation their program and all statistics are basically even. They basically had polar opposite seasons, with Central Michigan starting fast and ending poorly while FAU got beat up early playing the Texas, Michigan State, Minnesota teams and got hot late in the season.

You can call it emotional or practical but Florida Atlantic will probably win this game so definitely grab the points.

Central Michigan is 18-6-2 ATS in its last 26 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 14-6 in Central Michigan's last 20 games overall.

Key Injuries - S Chaz West (foot) is questionable.
DT Casey Droscha (leg) is OUT.

[Spooky]

[Spooky]

Saturday in late December means nothing but football.
Jumping all over West Virginia and have been all month long
per the numbers posted early.

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Car Care Bowl
West Virginia vs. North Carolina
[ESPN | 1 PM ET]


WEST VIRGINIA -1 (4 UNITS)

North Carolina: North Carolina will feel right at home playing in Charlotte, as the Tar Heels have compiled a spectacular 15-3-2 all-time record in the Queen City. It should certainly feel like a home game with the Meineke Car Care Bowl averaging more than 60,000 fans during its first six years, with two sellouts. Turnovers are certainly going to play a main-factor in this game, with North Carolina possessing a +16 margin in its eight wins and -12 in its four losses.

Butch Davis is 4-0 in bowl games; his Tar Heels are in bowl for the first time since 2004, a 37-24 loss to Boston College in this bowl. .Carolina only has 11 seniors on squad, whch trailed in six of its eight wins, three times by double digits, and played thru losing QB Yates (broken ankle). UNC scored 17-13-15-10 points in its losses this season, 28+ in all eight of its wins- underdogs are 7-4 vs spread in its games. One red flag for the Tar Heels is the 326-195-187 rushing yards they gave up in consecutive November games to Georgia Tech, Boston College and NC State.

North Carolina is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games vs. teams with a winning record.
The OVER is 7-2 in North Carolina's last 9 games vs. Big East.

Key Injuries - TE Zack Pianalto (leg) is questionable.
WR Brooks Foster (knee) is probable.

West Virginia (-2, O/U 46): West Virginia comes into Saturday's matchup with a chance to even their all-time record against the Atlantic Coast Conference at 95-95-5. It's been an entirely different story for the Mountaineers in bowl games against the conference, coming in with a dismal 2-9 record in 11 meetings. The senior class should enter highly-motivated, as they've produced a 41-9 four-year record, needing just one more win to break the school record. Leading the way is Pat White, who will be attempting to become the first QB to win four bowl games in four years.

West Virginia played in major bowls (Gator-Sugar-Fiesta) the last five years, scoring 38-38-48 points in winning its last three bowls-- they held eight of last ten opponents under 20 points, but are one-dimensional on offense-- you worry about those kind of teams because of the extra prep time in bowls. WVa picked off nine passes in its last five games, with a +12 turnover ratio for season. Major red flag for West Virginia is despite having experienced QB, they're 0-3 in games decided by less than 6 pts.

Big East teams are 1-4 in this bowl, with West Virginia losing 48-22 to in first-ever Car Care Bowl. ACC teams are 5-1 in tis bowl, played in heart of ACC country, but Tar Heels were only loser, dropping this game four years ago. Coaching edge goes to Davis; QB edge goes to WVa's White, both teams should have a lot of fans, though with game in ACC country, Tar Heels figure to have slight edge. Key question is can Carolina score against Mountaineer defense that shut down most of Big East?


West Virginia is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games vs. ACC.
The UNDER is 6-2 in West Virginia's last 8 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - C Mike Dent (neck) is doubtful.
LB Anthony Leonard (foot) is probable.

[Spooky]

Tough game, with the line moving up and the running bowl teams always a factor gonna ride with Wisky. More a Crown Royal fan, but
lets get er done.
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Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
[ESPN | 4:30 PM ET]

WISCONSIN +6 (2 UNITS)

WISCONSIN/FLORIDA STATE UNDER 53 POINTS (buy 1/2) (1 UNIT)

Wisconsin: Wisconsin certainly had high hopes of playing in the Rose Bowl, but the program is pleased to be playing in a school-record seventh straight bowl game. The Badger faithful have grown accustomed to playing close games during the 2008 season, with six of Wisconsin's 12 games being decided by three points or less. The biggest hurdle for head coach Bret Bielema is getting his team motivated in playing a postseason game in the state of Florida for the fifth consecutive year.

Wisconsin is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 non-conference games.
The UNDER is 10-4 in Wisconsin's last 14 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - LB Jonathan Casillas (knee) is OUT.
S Jay Valai (shin) is probable.

Florida State (-6, O/U 52): Head coach Bobby Bowden can motivate his team in the locker room before Saturday's Champs Sports Bowl by simply mentioning that Florida State has never lost a game in Orlando. The Seminoles bring in a 6-0-2 record in the city that Mickey Mouse calls home and have an 11-9 overall mark against Big Ten schools under Bowden. Hailing from the ACC may add to the Seminoles' dominance in the Sunshine State, as the conference has recorded a 37-11 record against non-conference opponents.become the first QB to win four bowl games in four years.

Florida State is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 neutral site games.
The OVER is 7-3 in Florida State's last 10 lined games.

Key Injuries - WR Preston Parker (ankle) is questionable.

[Spooky]

Another game that I have been on since my early numbers showed the way. Line was closer to 8 when I first bought, but now the line keeps moving against with all the player changes on Miami. Will be back to update shortly.

Emerald Bowl
Miami (Florida) vs. California
[ESPN | 8 PM ET]


CALIFORNIA -8

Miami: This is a very important game for head coach Randy Shannon, as he brings in an even 12-12 record after completing his second year at Miami. The Hurricanes are 8-2 in their last 10 bowl appearances, including a 21-20 win over Nevada in the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl. Shannon can drill home the fact that the last time Miami played a bowl game in the state of California was in 2002, when the proud-program picked up a 37-14 victory over Nebraska to win the school's fifth national championship. The Hurricanes have suspended five players for this game but only QB Robert Marve is notable. Jacory Harris will start in Marve's place.

Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on field turf.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Miami's last 8 bowl games.

Key Injuries - QB Robert Marve (academics) is OUT.
WR Travis Benjamin (ankle) is doubtful.

Cal (-10, O/U 50.5):Bowl berths are now expected in Berkeley since head coach Jeff Tedford arrived on campus, but the school isn't far removed from earning just five bowl bids in the 48 years prior to his arrival. Cal is 4-1 in the postseason under Tedford, including three straight wins that have seen the Bears' offense score at least 35 points in each contest. Running back Jahvid Best leads this year's attack, as he's averaging an amazing 8.0 yards per carry, which is the highest in school history for a leading rusher.

Cal is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 8-2-1 in Cal's last 11 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - NONE

[Spooky]

GREAT BOWL GAME AND SO HAPPY WEST VIRGINIA WON.

CASHED LOTS OF TICKETS FROM EARLY ON AT PK AND
PLAYED SOME ON THE MONEY LINE.

Glad that worked out when the line went up some.

But a good game and half a loaf is better than none.

Saturday's six-pack

Six college football teams that led the country in
atten in '08

1) Michigan, 108,571-- Better start winning soon, or else......

2) Penn State, 108,254-- Joe Paterno was once a QB at Brown.

3) Ohio State, 104,976-- Its either go to Horseshoe on Saturday, or go to Browns/Bengals games on Sunday. What would you do?

4) Tennessee, 101,448-- Not sure if Lane Kiffin knows what he is in for-- tough league, high expectations and he has to wear orange.

5) Texas, 98,046-- Mack Brown is an underrated coach.

6) Georgia, 92,746-- Florida State hasn't been same since Richt left.

[Spooky]

Saturday's List of 13: Random post-Christmas knowledge

13) Must have been a Merry Christmas at Al Groh's house; Virginia's coach fired his son as offensive coordinator two weeks ago. Wonder how he likes sleeping on the couch........

12) New York Times has had a 20% drop in ad revenue over the last year, as financial crisis hits newspapers hard.

11) Times owns a 17% stake in New England Sports Ventures, the company that owns the Red Sox, Boston Globe and NESN. Rumors have the Times selling their stake in NESV.

10) Some collector from Arkansas paid $1.62M for a Honus Wagner baseball card in August, and turned down $1.7M for the card a month later. Wonder what its going for these days........

9) In case you care about such things, Pepsi owns Gatorade, Vitamin Water is owned by Coca-Cola. Gatorade has new packaging now and has had vitamins added to it for the first time, not that they help.

8) According to a CNN poll, 23% of Americans say they will miss George W. Bush as President; most of them have to be the comedians who will have to work a lot harder for their material now.

7) MLB Network, starting in 50 million homes on New Year's Day, will have Harold Reynolds, Al Leiter, Joe Magrane and Dan Plesac as studio analysts. They'll have a live game on every Thursday night-- no word if they'll have spring training games.

6) Army hired Rich Ellerson away from Cal Poly to be football coach which means the Cadets will run the same triple option offense that Navy runs so well. Cal Poly lost in OT at Wisconsin this season.

5) '76 Tampa Bay Bucs have gotten lot of publicity this week with the Lions being winless; Bucs were a first-year expansion team that then started '77 0-12, but two years after that, they played in NFC title game, losing 9-0 to the Rams, so there is hope for the Lions.

4) Jeff Withey, a 7-footer from San Diego who transferred away from Arizona after Lute Olson retired, will play at Kansas next year, and will be eligible as a freshman after the first semester ends.

3) Miami, OH lost senior point guard Kenny Hayes for the season with a hand injury, which helps explain their dreadful performance at West Virginia in their last game.

2) You wonder why the Suns won't win the NBA title? On the last possession Thursday, they leave Roger Mason open for a
3-pointer; Mason may not be a household name, but he is third in NBA, hitting 48% of his 3-pointers. Not the best guy to leave open.

1) SEC football is a cash cow; 15,061,000 viewers watched the SEC title game between Florida, Alabama on CBS, the most-watched game all season in college football.

[Spooky]

PapaJohn's.com Bowl
Rutgers vs. N.C. State
[ESPN | 3 PM ET]


RUTGERS -6 (buy 1/2 point) (4 UNITS)

Rutgers (-6.5, O/U 56): The Scarlet Knights are going to their fourth straight bowl game after winning six straight games to close out the regular season following a 1-5 start. Rutgers QB Mike Teel rebounded from a rough beginning to the year and is coming off a school-record 447 passing yards and seven touchdowns in a 63-14 shellacking of Louisville. “Mike Teel is an incredible competitor,” Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano said. “I think he had a tough start to the season, as we all did here at Rutgers, but I think Mike’s perseverance and his toughness showed through.”

Rutgers has senior QB, hot team; they won last six games, covered last nine; this is their fourth bowl in row, going 2-1 in series of high scoring games (40-45 vs Arizona State (+9), 37-10 vs Kansas State (-8.5) and 52-30 vs Ball State LY (-10.5). Scarlet Knights' last five wins are all by 18+ points; after horrible start, when they were -8 in turnovers, Rutgers was +6 rest of the way. When they beat Pitt 54-34 October 25, Teel had five TD passes....at halftime. Knights did lose 44-12 to North Carolina of ACC, a team NC State crushed.

Rutgers is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
The OVER is 4-1 in Rutgers' last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - DE Jamaal Westerman (biceps) is OUT.

N.C. State: The Wolfpack is riding a four-game winning streak into Birmingham thanks to the improved play of redshirt QB Russell Wilson, who has thrown a school-record 226 passes without an interception. “I’m just excited about the bowl game," Wilson said I’m just excited about going in here and playing against a Rutgers team that is playing real well right now.” N.C. State also head coach Tom O'Brien owns a streak of seven straight bowl wins - all with Boston College - heading into this game.

Tom O'Brien won his last six bowls while coaching Boston College; his NC State Wolfpack won their last four, covered their last seven games. Wolfpack won their last three bowls, but last one was three years ago, when Amato was still State's coach. Freshman Wilson is excellent QB; once he got healthy, Pack went on roll, scoring 79 points in last couple games, wins over North Carolina (41-10), Miami (38-28). State is 9-1 vs spread as an underdog; they're +11 in turnovers this season. Wolfpack lost to South Florida, a team Rutgers pounded.

Nothing says bowl season like a Monday afternoon in Birmingham, as two of nation's hottest teams match up. Big East favorites are 9-13 vs spread out of conference, 3-6 on the road. ACC underdogs are 8-3 vs spread, 5-0 away from home. ACC teams are 2-2 so far in bowls so far this season. Big East teams are 2-0. Senior QB vs freshman QB is pretty big advantage Rutgers. In a game with two lives teams, prefer the explosive team in Rutgers along with lots of points to be scored.

N.C. State is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
The OVER is 6-3 in N.C. State's last 9 games overall.

Key Injuries - DB Clem Johnson (ankle) is questionable.

[Spooky]

Line is up over 13 and buying the 1/2 point.
This is crazy. Numbers showed from day 1 this
may be a field goal game and it gets scary playing a
Little 10 team in a bowl, but what the hell.
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Alamo Bowl
#21 Missouri vs. #23 Northwestern
[ESPN | 8 PM ET]

NORTHWESTERN +14 (buy 1/2) (4 UNITS)

Missouri (-12.5, O/U 66.5): The Tigers are looking to post back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history, a goal that is still in focus for QB Chase Daniel after their disappointing finish. “It’s going to sting for a while and why wouldn’t it?” Daniel said . “But we can finish off in style. When was the last time a Missouri team won 10 games back-to-back in history? Never. We still have a chance to make history.” Daniel threw just one interception during a 5-0 start for Mizzou but threw 14 the rest of the way to finish with a Big 12-high 15.

Missouri has been amazingly consistent in bowls, scoring 38-38-38 pts in last three bowls, going 2-1 SU, 3-0 vs spread; average total in bowls under Pinkel is 58. They crushed Arkansas 38-7 in Cotton Bowl a year ago, but this season has been disappointment for Mizzou, going 4-4 in last eight games after 5-0 start, losing last two games to Kansas (40-37). Oklahoma (62-21). Six of last seven Missouri wins are by 17+ points. Big 12 favorites are 14-9 vs spread out of conference, 7-2 on the road.

Missouri is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 7-3 in Missouri's last 10 neutral site games.

Key Injuries - S William Moore (ribs) is probable.
CB Castine Bridges (knee) is OUT.

Northwestern: The Wildcats have not won a postseason game since 1949 when they beat Cal in the Rose Bowl. However, they also have the opportunity to finish with 10 wins and become only the second team in school history to accomplish that feat, possibly joining head coach Pat Fitzgerald's 1995 Rose Bowl team. “I think, if anything, (the bowl drought) will provide a little extra motivation,” Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher said. “At the beginning of the year we set out to win a bowl game and we’ve put ourselves in a position to do that.”

Northwestern is 9-3, scoring 21+ points in eight wins; they were held to 20-19-10 points in its losses, by 17-2-35 points. Unlike most teams in bowls, Wildcats had -5 turnover ratio. This is Fitzgerald's first bowl as head coach, after taking over for deceased Walker before 2006 season. Wildcats haven't won a bowl since the 40's, losing bowls over the last 13 years by 9-20-49-4-12 points (1-4 vs spread). Big 11 underdogs are 2-3 vs spread this season. Northwestern has a senior QB, which helps.

Double digit underdogs in non-January 1 bowls have traditionally been a strong play, but can Northwestern stifle powerful Missouri offense??? Are Mizzou players happy to be here? Big 12 favorites are 2-5 vs the spread in the Alamo Bowl, with Big 11 squads 7-5 SU vs Big 12 teams in Alamodome. Big 12 teams are 12-19 vs spread in non-conference tilts. Don't like laying double digits in bowls; would lean to the over here. But will wait until later for my final answer.

Northwestern is 3-1 SU & ATS in its last 4 games overall.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Northwestern's last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - RB Terrell Sutton (wrist) is probable.
DE Vince Browne (knee) is probable

[Spooky]

Should have posted the 2 plays as big wagers last night, huh?
Posted Louisiana Tech and the Under at SFP but didnt love em.

But the NFL did awesome!!!!

lol
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Monday's six-pack


Bowl knowledge for the coming week.......

-- 10 of 12 ACC teams are in bowls this season, first time that has happened; so far, ACC clubs are 2-2 in bowls.

-- Missouri covered two of its last eight games this season.

-- Louisiana Tech's win Sunday night was first in four tries by the WAC this bowl season.

-- Rice QB-WR duo (Clement-Dillard) holds all-time NCAA record with 50 connections for touchdowns.

-- Boston College won its last eight bowl games.

-- Air Force beat Houston 31-28 in September in game played on a neutral field in Dallas, in front of about 2,000 fans, because of the hurricane that hit the gulf states back then.

[Spooky]

Simple as this. Nevada was a selection weeks ago.
The numbers point out to a 2 touchdown victory.
Mentioned that back when and now the line has moved up.
Bought some at pk, also bought some at minus 1.
No different from last night when Northwestern was picked to
lose by a field goal which they almost did if the
kid didnt miss in regulation from Missouri.

Will not be around much today. No satellite tv here
and waiting on Direct TV to get it fixed. They said,
next Monday. How fucked up is that.

And bowling tonight to sell the rest of the
Super Bowl Squares that are remaining.

Have a great day.
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Humanitarian Bowl
Maryland vs. Nevada
[ESPN | 4:30 PM ET]


NEVADA -2 (5 UNITS)

Maryland: Some may doubt the motivation of the Terrapins in this game after they had a shot at the Orange Bowl but dropped three of four to end the regular season. However, Maryland senior defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre said he and his teammates will go all out in their final game. “I’m just happy I’m not going to be sitting at home during Christmas break watching other guys play,” Navarre said. “You’ve got to take what you get. I’m happy we’re still practicing, to be honest with you.”

Long way for Maryland to travel to play WAC team on a Tuesday; they were 4-1 at one point, with wins over Cal, Clemson, but lost three of last four games, scoring just 13.5 ppg- they were outscored 67-23 in the first half of those games. Favorites are 4-1 vs spread in Maryland's bowls in Friedgen era, with Terps winning three of last four- they lost 21-14 LY in San Francisco, against Oregon State in Emerald Bowl. Terps had only one INT in their last seven games, bad news against a WAC team.

Maryland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Maryland's last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - WR Derrius Heyward-Bay (leg) is probable.
LB Rick Costa (suspension) is OUT.

Nevada (-1.5, O/U 58.5): The Wolf Pack have a unique coaching advantage in that Maryland's former defensive coordinator Chris Cosh left to take over that same job at Kansas State. Linebackers coach Al Seamonson takes over for Cosh and will try to stop one of the nation's top offenses, and that has Terrapins head coach Ralph Friedgen worried. “I see that they’re second in the country in rushing, and they have two 1,000-yard rushers,” Friedgen said. “They’ve played some really good football teams, so I think they’re a very, very good football team.”

Nevada is in fourth straight bowl, splitting pair of one-point games, then getting shut out 23-0 by New Mexico in Albuquerque LY; they lost in this game to Miami two years ago, 21-20. Wolf Pack allowed an average of 46.2 ppg in their five losses, 19.6 in their wins- they had +8 turnover ratio in their last four games, with only one giveaway. Nevada lost 35-19 at home to Texas Tech this year (+9.5), 69-17 at Missouri (+26)- only two of its twelve games this season were decided by less than 7 points.

Three of last four Humanitarian Bowls were won by six points or less, with ACC teams 3-2 in last five visits here. WAC teams are 1-3 in bowls this season, with Louisiana Tech winning a home game in Shreveport Sunday; they're 12-23 vs spread in non-conference games this season. ACC teams are 2-3 in bowls this season after Papajohn's Bowl Monday they're 23-12 vs spread in non-conference games this season. WAC clubs are 7-3 vs spread in this game the last ten seasons.

Nevada is 3-1 SU in its last 4 games overall.
The OVER is 4-1 in Nevada's last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - LB Joshua Mauga (pectoral) is OUT.

[Spooky]

Back later with the weight of the selection and
any total selection.

Holiday Bowl
#13 Oklahoma State vs.#17 Oregon
[ESPN | 8 PM ET]


OREGON +3

Oklahoma State (-2.5, O/U 76): The last time the Cowboys were in the Holiday Bowl, head coach Mike Gundy was the star QB leading his team to a 62-14 win over Wyoming. That was 20 years ago, and Gundy will become the first coach and player to participate in the Holiday Bowl. “We’re very excited about heading to San Diego for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl,” Gundy said. “It was a tremendous experience for me as a player and I’m happy our team will get to enjoy San Diego and the festivities that surround a great bowl game. We look forward to playing an excellent Oregon team.”

Oklahoma State was 7-0 before 28-24 loss at Texas; they finished 2-3 in last five games, also losing 56-20 at Texas Tech, 61-41 vs Oklahoma; in their last four games, Cowboys were outscored 99-54 in the second half. OSU won its last two bowls, 34-31/49-33; this figures to be like most of the Holiday Bowls have been; high scoring games that go down to wire. Big 12 teams are 14-10 as favorites this season, 7-3 on road. Missouri's lost last night was first Big 12 bowl game this season.

Oklahoma State is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games overall.
The UNDER is 3-1 in Oklahoma State's last 4 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

Oregon: Like Maryland in the Humanitarian Bowl, Oklahoma State will be playing without its defensive coordinator, as Tim Beckman took the head coaching job at Toledo. However, Ducks head coach Mike Bellotti believes this game will still be decided by defense despite two high-scoring offenses being showcased on the field. “We can talk about the offenses coming in but I have a feeling well be talking about the defenses going out,” said Bellotti.

Oregon won three in row, five of last six games, running ball for average of 276 yards/game over their last six games. Despite having QB issues, starting four different guys for second year in a row; they scored 35-55 and 65 points in their last three games, last two of which were vs bowl teams (Arizona/Oregon State). Ducks crushed South Florida 56-21 LY in Sun Bowl, ending 4+-game losing streak in bowls- this is fourth year in a row in a bowl for Oregon, and sixth in last seven seasons.

Big 12 teams are 2-6 vs spread as favorites in Holiday Bowl, which has an average total of 63.3 the last eight years. Oregon lost to Oklahoma in this game three years ago, beat Texas five years before that. This is the first Holiday Bowl in 20 years for OSU. Can Cowboys slow down run game of Oregon? Can Ducks stop Cowboys' passing game? History of Holiday Bowl is for lots of scoring and close games. Oregon was +10 in turnovers the last five games, after being -5 in first four. Exciting game.


Oregon is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 11-4-1 in Oregon's last 16 games on grass.

Key Injuries - LB Terrell Turner (knee) is questionable.

[Spooky]

Back later with weight of selection and
any total on game.

Texas Bowl
Western Michigan vs. Rice
[NFL | 8 PM ET]


WESTERN MICHIGAN +3

Western Michigan: The Broncos have lost all three of their previous bowl games and hope to come through with a victory this time around behind one of the top passing offenses in the country. Western Michigan was ranked 10th nationally in passing offense (301.2 yards per game) led by QB Tim Hiller and WR Jamarko Simmons. The problem is, Rice ranks fifth in the nation in passing offense with QB Chase Clement setting conference career marks for touchdown passes (96) and total TDs (120).

Western Michigan lost 27-24 to Cincinnati in International Bowl couple years ago, their first bowl since '88, and fourth overall (0-3); Broncos are 9-3, upsetting Illinois 23-17 at Ford Field in November +7.5); in last two years, they've lost at West Virginia (62-24), Missouri (52-24), and 47-24 at Nebraska-- they upset Iowa 28-19 at end of last season. Sicne this is a road games basically, we see Western is 3-3 on road, and gave up 47-38- 45 points in their losses this season.


Western Michigan is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games overall.
The OVER is 9-1 in Western Michigan's last 10 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - CB Londen Fryar (toe) is probable.
TE Branden Ledbetter (abdominal) is probable.

Rice (-2.5, O/U 74): The Owls will be looking for their first bowl victory since 1954 and try to reach 10 wins for just the second time in school history. Rice has outscored its opponents by an average of 13.5 points during a six-game winning streak. “In this one game, we can accomplish so much more than just one win,” said second-year head coach David Bailiff, who was named Conference USA Coach of the Year.

Rice's QB combo of Clement/Dillard has 50 TD passes, most in history of college football; they're both seniors, looking to go out the right way in front of home fans. Owls last won a bowl when they beat Alabama in Cotton Bowl, way back in 1955, beating Bart starr's Alabama team. Rice lost in New Orleans Bowl 41-17 to Troy two years ago, which was their first bowl since '61. Rice won its last six games (5-1 vs spread), scoring an average of 46.2 ppg. They try to outscore you.

Favorites won all seven Texas Bowls SU, going 4-1-2 vs spread- game is in Houston; teams from Texas are 4-1 in this bowl, 3-1-1 vs spread, with average total of 50.5 in last six. Neither side here has any experience with this bowl thing. Teams' profiles are similar; both sides have experienced QBs, haven't played in many bowls, are excited to be here. Raines is a senior LB for Rice who had a broekn arm, and career was supposed to be over, but he's come back and played last few games.

Rice is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games vs. a team with a winning record.
The OVER is 13-3 in Rice's last 16 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - NONE

[Spooky]

Back with my 1 man posting thread.

Get well soon Mr. General!!!
Happy and Healthy New Year

Tuesday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a winter day.......


13) Eric Mangini was 23-25 in three years with the Jets, but had a couple winning seasons out of three, 9-7 this year, but he got fired on Monday. Why? Because the Jets' nitwit owner needed to quell an overly negative fanbase that is less likely to buy expensive PCLs for the new stadium they didn't need to build.

12) Disgruntled fans are less likely to shell out big bucks to watch a team that didn't make the playoffs; hiring a big name (Bill Cowher is the preferred choice, obviously) creates buzz, and sells PSLs.

11) Alabama lost its best offensive lineman for Sugar Bowl because of alleged dealings with an agent, which are a no-no. Its kind of sad that everyone else makes a fortune off college sports, but the kids are the ones punished for least little thing. How about suspending the agent? Isn't he, as the adult, more responsible?

10) The economy is going to hit the PGA Tour hard, and soon; back in 1995, total prize money on Tour was $67M; four years later, the total was $134M, in 2007, $270M, but now they've lost at least one tournament off the '09 schedule, and more could be on the way. Look for the Tour to lower the minimum to sponsor a tournament in order to keep a full schedule of events in 2010 and beyond.

9) Thanks to the geniuses of the cable TV industry for putting the Western Michigan-Rice bowl game on the NFL Network. Rice is one of the best teams to watch, they throw it on every play, but I will be bowling so I guess it will not matter.

8) Brian Billick is getting paid $15M over the next three years not to coach the Ravens; I wish people would pay me not to do things.

7) Stupid stat of the week: Arizona Cardinals are 6-1 when they get eight or more penalties in a game, 3-6 when they don't.

6) Over the last ten years, or since John Elway retired, the Broncos are 1-4 in playoff games, diminishing Mike Shanahan's reputation as a football genius. After reading Shanahan's book a few years ago, I had the feeling he fancied himself a combination of Walsh and Lombardi. Without Mr Elway under center, not so much.

5) Florida State's punter had one of the greatest games I've ever seen a punter have Saturday night in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. He was voted MVP by the TV people. Graham Gano's first three punts were downed inside the Wisconsin 4-yard line; he drew a roughing penalty after that, and had another punt downed at the 7. Tremendous game for a kid who also made 24 of 26 field goals this year for the Seminoles.

4) Miami Dolphins were 1-15 LY, under head coach Cam Cameron, who was fired; his only win was at home in OT, against the Ravens. Cameron is now Baltimore's offensive coordinator; he'll be in Miami this weekend for a playoff game-- who would have guessed it?

3) This is how fragile coaching in the NFL is: at midpoint of the 2007 season, Detroit Lions were 6-2, and Rod Marinelli was in running for Coach of the Year. 14 months later, the Lions are 1-23 in their last 24 games, and Marinelli is unemployed. Did he suddenly become dumb? Players stop playing well, and coaches stop getting paid.

2) Bad news for Raider fans; Al Davis' mom lived to the age of 103.

1) Another popular theory out of New Jersey is that Brett Favre did not like Mangini much, and the Jets need Favre back to sell the PSLs and create hope for immediate future. Putting Kellen Clemens under center next year ain't going to sell any luxury boxes.

[Spooky]

Spooky's Top 12 sports thieves of 2008


12. Adam Mister Jones. At $700,000 for the year, he's strictly small change in terms of lack of bang for the buck -- heck, Roy Williams is making $3.7 million to catch less than two balls a game and make Terrible Owens even crazier than usual -- but at least Williams is inconspicuous in his suckery. If The Artist Formerly Known as Pac Man made a positive play for the Cowboys this year, it's an upset.

11. Tony Kornheiser. I don't know what he makes, but given that it's television and he's old, let's be safe and assume a million bucks a year. In a field of people who tell you nothing of any actual merit while pissing you off, Kornhole goes the extra mile of telling you nothing of any actual merit about events that have nothing to do with what you are watching. If I could make a Faustian bargain of giving up some number of years from my life to have him off the screen, I'd do it in a heartbeat. If only for the gratitude of millions.

10. Vince Young. Matt Leinart's partner in convincing you that no one needs to take college football championship games seriously made just under $4 million in salary this year. He did something even more impressive than losing a job to Kurt Warner, in that Kerry Collins has, unlike Warner, never been considered very good. Plus, VY also gets the gold star for making people think he was going to off himself like a middle school goth girl. This is taking the Madden Curse to a whole new level, really.

9. Matt Leinart. Nearly $10 million a year to do something no one has done in nearly a decade -- lose a job to Kurt Warner. Oh well, at least he's a gritty competitor who is trying all that he can to learn and get better. Either that, or doing beer bongs with the underaged.

8. Brett Favre. $12 million buys you a lot of interceptions -- Saint Brett's 22 led the NFL, naturally -- and a December collapse that was intense even by J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS standards. I'm pretty sure you can buy his Jets gamer on eBay for a buck today.

7. Perdo Martinez. $14 million in 2008 bought you a 5-6 record, a 5.62 ERA and untold heartbreak. Pedro's final numbers in NY are 32-23 and less than 500 innings in four years. A darn shame that the Red Sox didn't re-sign him, really.

6. Barry Zito. How badly is Barry Zito overpaid? Enough so that the local media has created a handy little application of depression that shows you just how many years it would take you to make what he'll make in a year. This might be the worst contract in MLB history... and the Giants till be paying it for years to come, because no one else will take him. And as bad as his numbers are, remember this... the Giants play in a pitcher's park. Yikes.

5. Stephon Marbury. Over $20 million a year to refuse to play? We should all find opportunities in life to be so abundant. Special kudos to the media apologists that have somehow contorted themselves into being on Marbury's side, despite the fact that he makes decent people spit. Oh well, at least he'll come off this list in a year, and out of the Association entirely in two...

4. Derek Jeter. $30 million in salary plus endorsements should get you more than a below-par defensive shortstop with a fairly empty .300 average, shouldn't it? And for all of the vaunted post-season clutchitude, his teams haven't won a playoff series since 2004. At 34 with over 8,500 at bats in the bigs, it's also not very likely that he's going to be delivering more value for the money in 2009.

3. The New York Mets. Two part thievery going on here. First, you have the nine-figure-plus payroll that bought them back to back September choke jobs. Then you had the Citibank naming scandal, in which the team refused to return the $20 million naming deal even after the financial company started sucking down taxpayer dollars like Mets Fan trying to forget Aaron Heilman with light beer. Let's just call the new yard Enron 2 and be done with it, shall we?

2. Tiger Woods. A controversial choice, in that it's usually hard for a guy that doesn't get paid unless he wins in a solo sport to make this list, but Eldrick's endorsements are so beyond the pale that anything short of winning all the majors and keeping Buick (and Detroit) afloat counts as theft. In 2008, he had major knee surgery, stayed home with the wife and kids, won one (admittedly unforgettable) major, and banked just under $128 million. By the time he's done, he's going to make more than any other athlete in history, even if he never recovers from the knee injury. I'm kind of hoping he goes the John Daly route, now that Barak Obama has stolen his thunder of Most Revolutionary Black Guy, and just get all fat and happy...

1. Clay Bennett. The supremely odious owner of the stolen Seattle NBA franchise has a 3-28 record that's on pace to be the worst in the Association's history. He's received one additional honor before being christened as Thief of the Year... he was named Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today magazine.

No, seriously.

Just in case you needed any extra motivation for the stolen team to set the record.

[Blackcloud]

Wish I had checked in here earlier. Nice babes and some good picks. GL Spooky.