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   . SOUTHERN MISS (6 - 5) - 12/20/2005, 8:00 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   UTEP (8 - 3) vs. TOLEDO (8 - 3) - 12/21/2005, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   TOLEDO is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   BYU (6 - 5) vs. CALIFORNIA (7 - 4) - 12/22/2005, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   CALIFORNIA is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   NAVY (7 - 4) vs. COLORADO ST (6 - 5) - 12/22/2005, 10:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   COLORADO ST is 62-40 ATS (+18.0 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.

   COLORADO ST is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.

   NAVY is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.

   NAVY is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

   NAVY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in December games since 1992.

   NAVY is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

   NAVY is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

   NAVY is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   HOUSTON (6 - 5) vs. KANSAS (6 - 5) - 12/23/2005, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.

   KANSAS is 35-71 ATS (-43.1 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.

   KANSAS is 60-88 ATS (-36.8 Units) in all games since 1992.

   KANSAS is 60-88 ATS (-36.8 Units) in all lined games since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   NEVADA (8 - 3) vs. C FLORIDA (8 - 4) - 12/24/2005, 8:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   C FLORIDA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   AKRON (7 - 5) vs. MEMPHIS (6 - 5) - 12/26/2005, 4:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   MEMPHIS is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   COLORADO (7 - 5) vs. CLEMSON (7 - 4) - 12/27/2005, 5:00 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   RUTGERS (7 - 4) vs. ARIZONA ST (6 - 5) - 12/27/2005, 8:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   RUTGERS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.

   RUTGERS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after a bye week since 1992.

   ARIZONA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   BOSTON COLLEGE (8 - 3) at BOISE ST (9 - 3) - 12/28/2005, 4:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   BOISE ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

   BOISE ST is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

   BOISE ST is 36-17 ATS (+17.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 58-31 ATS (+23.9 Units) in all games since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 58-31 ATS (+23.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 44-23 ATS (+18.7 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) in home games since 1992.

   BOISE ST is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) in home lined games since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   NEBRASKA (7 - 4) vs. MICHIGAN (7 - 4) - 12/28/2005, 8:00 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   UTAH (6 - 5) vs. GEORGIA TECH (7 - 4) - 12/29/2005, 4:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games this season.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.

   UTAH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.

   UTAH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.

   UTAH is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

   UTAH is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

   UTAH is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   OKLAHOMA (7 - 4) vs. OREGON (10 - 1) - 12/29/2005, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   OREGON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

   OREGON is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

   OREGON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

   OREGON is 28-10 ATS (+17.0 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   OREGON is 1-0 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons

   OKLAHOMA is 1-0 straight up against OREGON over the last 3 seasons

   VIRGINIA (6 - 5) vs. MINNESOTA (7 - 4) - 12/30/2005, 12:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   VIRGINIA is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.

   VIRGINIA is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

   MINNESOTA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   NORTHWESTERN (7 - 4) vs. UCLA (9 - 2) - 12/30/2005, 2:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   NORTHWESTERN is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games in games played on turf since 1992.

   NORTHWESTERN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points over the last 2 seasons.

   UCLA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   MISSOURI (6 - 5) vs. S CAROLINA (7 - 4) - 12/30/2005, 3:30 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   LSU (10 - 2) vs. MIAMI (9 - 2) - 12/30/2005, 7:30 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   S FLORIDA (6 - 5) vs. NC STATE (6 - 5) - 12/31/2005, 11:00 AM

   Top Trends for this game.

   NC STATE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   TULSA (8 - 4) vs. FRESNO ST (8 - 4) - 12/31/2005, 1:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   FRESNO ST is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.

   TULSA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday this season.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   IOWA ST (7 - 4) vs. TCU (10 - 1) - 12/31/2005, 2:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   IOWA ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   ALABAMA (9 - 2) vs. TEXAS TECH (9 - 2) - 1/2/2006, 11:00 AM

   Top Trends for this game.

   TEXAS TECH is 62-41 ATS (+16.9 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   IOWA (7 - 4) vs. FLORIDA (8 - 3) - 1/2/2006, 11:00 AM

   Top Trends for this game.

   IOWA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

   IOWA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

   IOWA is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

   IOWA is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   IOWA is 1-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons

   IOWA is 1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons

   1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

   LOUISVILLE (9 - 2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (10 - 2) - 1/2/2006, 12:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 28-8 ATS (+19.2 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

   VIRGINIA TECH is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

   LOUISVILLE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) against ACC opponents since 1992.

   LOUISVILLE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

   LOUISVILLE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   WISCONSIN (9 - 3) vs. AUBURN (9 - 2) - 1/2/2006, 1:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   AUBURN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

   AUBURN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.

   AUBURN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   AUBURN is 1-0 against the spread versus WISCONSIN over the last 3 seasons

   AUBURN is 1-0 straight up against WISCONSIN over the last 3 seasons

   1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

   NOTRE DAME (9 - 2) vs. OHIO ST (9 - 2) - 1/2/2006, 4:30 PM

   There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   W VIRGINIA (10 - 1) vs. GEORGIA (10 - 2) - 1/2/2006, 8:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   GEORGIA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

   GEORGIA is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

   W VIRGINIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.

   W VIRGINIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   FLORIDA ST (8 - 4) vs. PENN ST (10 - 1) - 1/3/2006, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   FLORIDA ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

   FLORIDA ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

   PENN ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   TEXAS (12 - 0) vs. USC (12 - 0) - 1/4/2006, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   USC is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

   USC is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

   TEXAS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

   TEXAS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.

   TEXAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.

   TEXAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   __________________

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 19 2005 2:21pm
2. 0 likes

   * Good Bowl Teams

   - Miami and Boston College are each 7-1 SU & ATS in their last eight bowl games

   - Ohio State and Fresno State are each 3-0 SU & ATS in their last three bowl games

   - Utah has won four straight bowl games and is 3-1 ATS in that span

   - Georgia has won seven of eight bowl games SU and is 6-2 ATS in those contests

   - Boise State has won and covered four of its five bowl games

   * Poor Bowl Teams

   - Northwestern has lost four straight bowl games and is 1-3 ATS in that span

   - Alabama has lost its last four bowl games ATS, winning just once straight up in that time frame

   - UCLA (2-6 SU) and West Virginia (1-7 SU) each have compiled 2-6 ATS marks in their last eight bowl games

   - Louisville is on a 2-5 SU & 1-6 ATS stretch in recent bowl game action

   - Notre Dame has lost seven straight bowl games and is just 1-6 ATS in that span as well

   __________________

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 19 2005 2:22pm
3. 0 likes

   New Orleans Bowl, 12/20 @ Lafayette, LA

   Southern Mississippi won this game last year, 31-10, as 6-point favorite over North Texas, the perennial Sun Belt champ. This is first time in New Orleans Bowl history that North Texas isn't the Sun Belt representative; Arkansas St somehow won tiebreakers and is playing in their first ever bowl game, despite losing 38-10 at Army and winning a home game 3-0 in OT. Sun Belt clubs are 1-3 in this event, losing by 25-10-21 points.

   Southern Miss is also 6-5, but had its life disrupted by Katrina, with two games postponed by hurricane issues; four of its last five games were decided by four or less points, as dogs covered five of their last six games. Eagles are in eighth bowl in last nine years, but they played in this bowl last year (although game was in Superdome, not Lafayette) and I am somewhat concerned that Southern Miss might not be as into this as they should be.

   One power poll I read has Arkansas State #108 in country; they are definitely worst team in bowl this year, losing 44-17 to only bowl-type team they played, when Missouri gained 657 yards, and Missouri isn't that great a club either. ASU played easiest schedule in country, had many tense wins. I don't like to give a lot of points in these bowl games, but don't think Arkansas St can run on Bower's defense. Sun Belt site helps ASU a little, but if I had to play this game (and I think it is bad game to handicap) I would probably lay the points before I took them.

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 19 2005 2:22pm
4. 0 likes

   Special College Bowl Issue!!

   The Gold Sheet!!

   America's Handicapping

   Leaders For 47 Seasons!

   CKO Vol. 44 Dec. 23-29, 2005 No. 17

   CTO Vol. 42 Dec. 23-29, 2005 No. 4

   11 IOWA STATE over Tcu

   Late Score Forecast:

   IOWA STATE 26 - Tcu 17

   Houston Bowl at Houston, Texas

   (Saturday, December 31)

   Not going to knock 10-1 TCU much. The Frogs have a versatile QB in jr. Jeff

   Ballard, a budding star at TB in true frosh Aaron Brown, and an opportunistic

   defense that had an eye-popping 36 takeaways during the regular season. But

   points worth taking with tough-minded Iowa State. Three of the Cyclones' 4

   losses this season came in OT on the road. Nimble soph QB Bret Meyer (62%,

   16 TDP, only 8 ints. TY) has matured into a patient field general. Speedy

   soph WR Todd Blythe (20+ ypc last 2 seasons!) is a very tough cover at 6-5.

   And ISU's ground game picked up down the stretch once jr. RB Stevie Hicks

   recovered from early-season injuries. The careful Cyclones won't help the

   Horned Frogs with giveaways, while the underrated ISU defense (allowing only

   100 ypg rushing on 3 ypc) will give ground grudgingly. TCU's cause not

   helped by the fact that it played its last game 7 full weeks ago!

   10 NEBRASKA over Michigan

   Late Score Forecast:

   NEBRASKA 27 - Michigan 26

   Alamo Bowl at San Antonio, TX

   (Wednesday, December 28)

   CKO scouts report Nebraska players-buoyed by their come-from-behind comeback

   victory over K-State in the wind and their rollicking 30-3 blowout of favored

   Colorado in Boulder-are eager to end the frequent media attacks against their

   second-year coach, Bill Callahan. It has taken a while for the holdover

   Cornhuskers to adjust from smashmouth football to Callahan's quick-pass West

   Coast offense. And it's taken a while for Callahan to get his new West

   Coast-type recruits enough playing time for them to become effective. But

   juco QB Zac Taylor hit 65% for 612 yds., 4 TDs & 2 ints. those last two games

   to a virtually new 2005 set of wideouts. The NU defense, although somewhat

   vulnerable to the pass, led the country in sacks (46) while permitting only

   3.6 ypc. Michigan's only covers as a favorite TY were vs. E. Mich., NW &

   Indiana. And the Wolverines have only one DD bowl victory in nine tries

   under Lloyd Carr.

   10 SOUTH CAROLINA over Missouri

   Late Score Forecast:

   SOUTH CAROLINA 31 - Missouri 16

   Independence Bowl at

   Shreveport, Louisiana

   (Friday, December 30)

   Honeymoon is just beginning for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. After

   starting 2-3 at his new job, the Ol' Ball Coach led the Gamecocks to 5

   straight wins in the rugged SEC. On the other hand, while a divorce might

   not be imminent, the marriage between Missouri and its 5th-year head coach

   Gary Pinkel is definitely on the rocks. After losing 5 of their last 6 to

   miss out on the postseason altogether in 2004, the Tigers dropped 3 of their

   last 4 this season to land in the Independence Bowl for the 2nd time in 3

   years. (Insiders report lackluster ticket sales in Missouri). Much more

   eager to support happy-to-be-there USC. The speedy Gamecock defense (allowed

   only 15 ppg in last 4) matches up well against mobile Missouri sr. QB Brad

   Smith, who was very "containable" down the stretch. And the jelling USC

   attack capable of making plenty of big plays, thanks to confident soph QB

   Blake Mitchell's blossoming rapport with athletic 6-4 RS frosh WR Sidney Rice

   (12 TDs!).

   10 ALABAMA over Texas Tech

   Late Score Forecast:

   ALABAMA 27 - Texas Tech 20

   Cotton Bowl at Dallas, TX

   (Monday, January 2)

   Texas Tech offense is scary, but it's most scary on its own fast

   artificial-turf track in Lubbock. And it's even better when facing lesser

   opponents who don't have the athletes on defense to match up with the Red

   Raider receivers. And when TT's foes don't have the skill performers on

   offense to do plenty of scoring of their own. Well, this game is on grass,

   9-2 Alabama is loaded with speed and experience on defense, and the Crimson

   Tide has plenty of skill and talent on its own offense (just ask Florida,

   whose speedy defense was blitzed for 24 points in the first half by Alabama).

   Yes, the Crimson Tide had pass protection problems down the stretch in the

   defense-oriented SEC. But TT ranked 100th in the nation in sacks TY, with

   only 17. Oft-injured sr. QB Brody Croyle is determined to end his career on

   an up-note, and he's got much more experience than the Raiders' Cody Hodges,

   whose stats dropped off noticeably vs. quality foes.

   10 FLORIDA over Iowa

   Late Score Forecast:

   FLORIDA 30 - Iowa 17

   Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL

   (Monday, January 2)

   Florida finished 8-3 in its first year under Urban Meyer; Iowa 7-4 under

   respected Kirk Ferentz, and most of the season-ending stats of the two teams

   are remarkably similar. But there are a number of key factors that point to

   the Gators, playing in a friendly venue in Tampa. The Hawkeyes were not

   quite the same team away from their Kinnick Stadium home, going 2-3 SU & 1-4

   vs. the spread (compared with a dominating 5-1 SU & 4-1 vs. the spread at

   home). Florida, meanwhile, was a perfect 7-0 SU in its home state, and all

   eight of the Gator victories overall were by 4 points or more. Due to

   maturing QB Leak, perfectionist coach Meyer, and its speedy defense, UF was

   a fine +18 in turnover margin, while Iowa was -3. And Florida led Iowa 32-23

   in sacks even though top Gator DLman McDonald missed a big chunk of the

   season due to injury. The UF defense had 30 takeaways; the Hawkeyes only 15.

   In an otherwise even battle, that defensive quickness & coverage likely to

   tell the tale.

   TOTALS: OVER (47) in Nebraska-Michigan ALAMO BOWL (Dec. 27)-Wolverine offense

   now healthier; dome suits Huskers' new aerial game...UNDER (46) in

   Utah-Georgia Tech EMERALD BOWL (Thur., Dec. 29)-Utah QB Ratliff has only one

   start; Tech "under" 8 of 11 TY...UNDER (41.5) in South Florida-N.C. State

   MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL (Sat., Dec. 31)-Sustained drives with these offenses

   vs. these defenses should be few...UNDER (61) in Tulsa-Fresno LIBERTY BOWL

   (Sat., Dec. 31)-Coach Hill will have steadied Fresno defense by this time;

   Bulldogs prefer the ground game...UNDER 48 in Penn State-Florida State ORANGE

   BOWL (Jan. 3)-Defenses should rule vs. QBs still developing as passers.

   HONORABLE MENTION (Nine-Rated Games): FLORIDA STATE (+7.5) vs. Penn State in

   ORANGE BOWL (Jan. 2)-Seminoles the fastest team Nittany Lions have faced all

   season; they got a HUGE boost with ACC title game victory over Virginia Tech

   and its running QB, Marcus Vick.

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 20 2005 6:40pm
5. 0 likes

   College football bowl trends

   By Jimmy Sirody,

   Don Best Senior Writer December 7, 2005

   Handicappers could get a hernia toting around facts and figures on the 29 college football bowl games that will be played from December 20 to January 4.

   Trying to keep track of all the Cotton, Oranges, Peaches, Roses and Gators, not to mention Poinsettia's, is a taxing task. So, some interesting trends and angles for every bowl matchup appear below.

   NEW ORLEANS

   Favorites have cashed three of four in the New Orleans Bowl, getting the money in the last pair. Southern Miss was just 2-4 as a favorite this season. Arkansas State finished with a rush, 'covering' five of its last seven and three straight as underdogs. The Golden Eagles are 4-3, both straight up and against the spread, in the postseason since 1997. Southern Miss has been on the low side in 19 of its last 26 non-conference games.

   GMAC

   The chalk has cashed in the last three GMAC Bowls. Toledo and UTEP both finished on a down note. The Rockets came up short in four of their last five ATS and dropped their last four as favorites. The Miners faltered in their last four ATS. Toledo has 'covered' 11 of 12 after scoring 42 points or more in its last game. The Rockets have been on the low side in eight of nine on the road after the first month of the season. They have slipped below the number in seven of their last nine.

   LAS VEGAS

   BYU has lost and failed in its last three bowl appearances since 1998. California failed to cash in seven of its last nine while the Cougars cashed in five of their last seven. The Golden Bears are 24-42 as favorites since 1992. BYU has failed in 10 of 25 ATS coming off an upset loss as favorites. California dipped 'under' in seven of its last nine. The Cougars have taken the low road in nine of 10 on a neutral field.

   POINSETTIA

   Navy has 'covered' 20 of 27 non-conference tests. Colorado State has skipped 'under' in 12 straight after failing to cash five or six of seven games.

   FORT WORTH

   Houston cashed four of five as underdogs this year. Kansas is making its first bowl appearance since 1995. The Jayhawks topped the total in four of their last five outings.

   HAWAII

   Nevada is playing in the postseason for the first time since 1996. Central Florida is 9-1 ATS on the road after failing to get the money in two of three games. The Knights eclipsed the total in six of their last eight chances.

   MOTOR CITY

   Akron has 'covered' seven straight versus good rushing teams. The Zips cashed four of their last five and five of six as underdogs this season. Memphis was just 1-5 as a favorite, but it did cash its last three regular season battles. The Tigers slipped below the number in their last three games and Akron followed suit in seven of nine.

   CHAMPS SPORTS

   The favorite has 'covered' in the last three Champs Sports Bowls. Colorado is 2-6 ATS in its last eight trips to the post. The Buffaloes have thrived in the postseason, winning and cashing five of their last seven. Conversely, Clemson has lost six of its last eight bowl games (4-4 ATS).

   INSIGHT

   The favorite has failed in six of the last eight Insight Bowls. Rutgers is 5-15 ATS when playing with two or more weeks rest. Arizona State is 1-9 ATS on road grass. The Sun Devils have failed in four of their last six postseason battles (3-3 ATS). ASU has topped the total in 13 of 17 as favorites.

   MPC COMPUTERS

   Boston College has won and 'covered' in its last five bowl appearances. Boise State is 42-2 at home since 1999. The Broncos are 28-10 as home favorites and they cashed their last five as chalk this year. Boise State is 21-5 ATS after winning five or six of seven. The Eagles slipped 'under' in six of their last eight games.

   ALAMO

   The underdog has barked in three of the last four Alamo Bowls. Nebraska is 6-3, both SU and ATS, in its last nine postseason chances. Michigan has lost three of its last four bowl games (2-2 ATS). The Wolverines have failed in 12 of their last 18 as favorites.

   EMERALD

   Utah has won four straight postseason battles since 1999 (3-1 ATS). The Utes were just 2-7-2 ATS this season. However, they have 'covered' at a 10-1-1 clip as underdogs. Utah is 20-7 ATS when getting 3 1/2 to 10 points. Georgia Tech is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games and 2-4 as favorites. The Yellow Jackets strayed below the number in six of their last seven. They have been on the low side in 16 of 19 when playing on Thursday. The Utes have ducked 'under' in 12 of 14 non-conference road tests.

   HOLIDAY

   Favorites have taken a beating in the Holiday Bowl, cashing at a tepid 4-10-1 clip and dropping the last seven ATS. Oregon has lost its last two bowl games after winning its previous five. Oklahoma is 2-4 ATS in its last six postseason outings. The Sooners are 2-18 ATS after gaining 300 or more rushing yards in their last game. The Ducks 'covered' at a 5-1-1 clip in their last seven regular season games.

   MUSIC CITY

   Favorites have hit a sour note in five of the last six Music City Bowls. Minnesota has 'covered' six straight non-conference games. Virginia is 12-28 ATS on the road during the second half of the season. The Cavaliers have lost and failed in five of their last seven bowl battles. The Gophers have won three straight postseason games (2-1 ATS). Virginia has tipped 'under' in 11 of its last 14 on road grass and in six of its last seven overall. Conversely, Minnesota has eclipsed the number in eight of its last 10.

   SUN

   The Sun Bowl has been a graveyard for favorites, with the dogs getting the money in 13 of 14, including the last 10. Northwestern has cashed six straight as road dogs of 3 1/2 to 10. UCLA is 2-5, both SU and ATS, in its last seven bowl appearances. The Wildcats have slipped below the number in six straight games, while the Bruins have topped the total in nine of 11.

   INDEPENDENCE

   The favorite is 1-6 in the last seven Independence Bowls. South Carolina has dropped 13 of its last 18 when favored. The Gamecocks have cashed 12 of 15 on the road after winning three of four games. Missouri topped the number in eight of its last 11 games.

   PEACH

   The Peach Bowl has been the pits for favorites (4-9 ATS, 2-5 last seven). Miami has thrived in the postseason, winning and cashing six of its last seven. LSU is 3-2, both SU and ATS, in its last five bowl trips. The Tigers dipped 'under' in six of their last seven and the Hurricanes followed suit in six of nine.

   CAR CARE

   North Carolina State is 5-15 as favorites the last three years. The Wolf Pack have won and 'covered' three of their last four bowl games. South Florida slipped 'under' in eight of 10 and North Carolina State dipped below the limit in nine of 10 games.

   LIBERTY

   The favorite has clicked in five of seven at the Liberty Bowl. Tulsa cashed nine of its last 11 and five straight as underdogs. Fresno State got the cheddar in six of its first seven as favorites benference foes.

   HOUSTON The favorite has cashed three straight in the Houston Bowl. Iowa State is 10-3 as an underdog, getting the money in four of five this season. TCU has cashed seven of its last nine. The Horned Frogs have lost three of their last four bowl outings (2-2 ATS).

   COTTON

   Alabama is 1-8 ATS versus good offensive teams (averaging more than 5.9 yards per play). The Crimson Tide were just 3-7-1 ATS this year. Texas Tech has won and cashed in its last three bowl outings. Alabama has ducked 'under' in six straight on the road when the number was between 42 1/2 and 49. The Tide has dipped below the limit in nine of their last 10 on the highway against teams with a winning record.

   OUTBACK

   Favorites are 11-4 in the last 15 Outback Bowl challenges, though the dog has cashed in four of the last five. Florida is 1-5, both SU and ATS, in its last six postseason games. Iowa has won and 'covered' three of its last four bowl tests. The Hawkeyes are 12-5 as underdogs since 2002. Iowa cashed five of its last seven while the Gators came up short in four of five. The Hawkeyes dipped 'under' in seven of their last nine and Florida stayed on the low side at a 7-3-1 pace.

   GATOR

   Favorites are 8-1 in the last nine Gator Bowl showdowns and 10-5 in the last 15. Virginia Tech has 'covered' 28 of 36 as favorites of 3 1/2 to 10 points. Louisville has cashed nine of its last 10 versus ACC opposition. The Cardinals have floundered in five of their last seven bowl appearances (1-6 ATS). The Hokies are just 3-6, both SU and ATS, in their last nine postseason affairs.

   CAPITAL ONE

   Wisconsin has 'covered' five of its last seven as dogs. Auburn has won three straight bowl games (2-1 ATS). The Tigers cashed eight of their last nine and six of eight as favorites. The Badgers have been on the low side in four of five while Auburn zipped 'over' in six of eight.

   FIESTA

   Notre Dame attempts to break a six-game bowl losing slide (1-5 ATS). The Irish cashed in all four opportunities as dogs this season. Ohio State sizzled down the stretch, getting the money in six straight. The Buckeyes also clicked in eight of 10 as favorites. Ohio State has won and cashed three straight in the postseason. Notre Dame zipped 'over' at a 6-2-1 clip in its last nine outings.

   SUGAR

   Georgia has 'covered' 15 of 19 on the road against non-conference foes. The Bulldogs have won seven of their last eight bowl games (6-2 ATS). West Virginia, making its fourth straight postseason appearance, has lost its last three by 26, 34 and 12 points, respectively. The Mountaineers 'covered' their last six and got the money in three of four as underdogs. Georgia clicked in six of its last eight and three in a row as favorites. West Virginia has eclipsed the total in 14 of 18 after taking two or more weeks off.

   ORANGE

   Orange Bowl favorites have cashed at a 10-5 clip, getting the money in three of the last four. Penn State 'covered' its last seven, getting the green in five straight as favorites. However, the Nittany Lions are 1-14 ATS on the road versus good defensive teams (allowing 310 yards or less per game). Florida State had lost three straight until upsetting Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. The Seminoles have split in their last 10 bowl games (4-6 ATS). Penn State has been on the low side in 26 of 36 outside the Big-10. Florida State has slipped below the number in 23 of 33 on the road versus non-conference foes.

   ROSE

   Texas cashed 10 of 12 this season while scoring 40 points or more 11 times. USC was favored by more than 20 points in eight of 12 games. The Trojans failed to get the green in six of their last nine games. Texas topped the total in every game this year. The favorite has cashed in four of the last five Rose Bowl showdowns.

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 21 2005 10:51pm
6. 0 likes

   Fridays Trends

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   Fort Worth Bowl Dec 23

   Kansas had to win three of last four games just to get to 6-5 and be bowl eligible; they might be playing for their coach's job, since the AD there is former UConn AD who might want to bring Randy Edsall to Lawrence. This is first bowl game for Jayhawks since they got crushed by NC State 56-26 two years ago. Kansas plays Texas Tech in Big 12 action, so this wide open Houston offense should be a little familiar to them. Jayhawks were minus in turnovers in each of their last seven games; their backup QB Luke bailed them out in finale vs Iowa State, or else they wouldn't be here.

   Houston had to beat crosstown rival Rice to get to 6-5; they run wide-open offense like Texas Tech, and have third-year starting QB in Kolb; they were leading 10-1 Oregon at halftime back in September, but lost 38-24. Cougars allowed 29+ points in all five of their losses, 24 or less in their wins. Kansas is more of a defensive team than an offensive one. Houston lost their last five bowl appearances, losing last one in overtime at Hawai'i two years ago.

   When naysayers claim there are too many bowls, they're talking about games like this; neither side would seem to be bowl worthy, but they'll benefit next year from extra practices they've been allowed this fall. Houston is playing in its home state, so that has to help somewhat; they were 3-1 as underdog this season. Kansas was 1-1 as favorite, but last time they were favored was Sept 17 vs Louisiana Tech. If I had to choose a side in this game, would take the points with Houston, but I'm glad I don't have to choose. hello

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 23 2005 6:08pm
7. 0 likes

   FOR DEC 29TH

   Emerald Bowl San Francisco Dec 29

   Utah won five of its last six bowl games, going 2-0 under Meyer; they lost their QB to broken leg in Nov 12 loss to New Mexico, but beat BYU in rivalry game the next week with backup Ratliff (17-35, 240 passing yards) under center. Utes lost three in row in October, first of which was 31-17 at North Carolina of ACC, a team Georgia Tech beat 27-21 in September. Utes covered 15 of their last 18 as underdog, while Tech is 40% as a favorite since Gailey became HC (2-4 this year).

   This game is in San Francisco, which allows more Utah fans to attend. Tech won its last two bowl games 52-10/51-14, but lost in last visit to this area, 30-21 to Fresno at San Jose.

   Georgia Tech scored 7,14,17,7 points in its four losses; they averaged 23.9 in their wins. Utah allowed 28+ points in four of their last five games, giving up 31,34 in their last two contests, despite fact that Wittingham is defensive coach, having been Utes' DC for 10 years, prior to becoming HC. Tech plays in better league than Utah; they won at Miami despite completing 11 of 30 passes. Jacket offense scored more than 17 points in only one of their last five games, but the defense is very strong.

   Mountain West teams are 0-3 in this bowl, losing 20-13 (vs Va Tech), 35-21 (vs BC) and 34-19 (vs Navy) so even though stadium is closer to Utah, MWC players might prefer a trip to sunny south. Georgia Tech beat both Miami and Auburn; their defense is very good, they played the harder schedule, but their QB is a scatterarm who was ill during season-he is good runner. Both teams have eight senior starters.

   I look at Tech's defense, and that Ball has had chance to recover from his illness, and I lean towards Yellow Jackets in this game.

   Holiday Bowl San Diego Dec 29

   This is third year in row the #5 team in country has come to San Diego for Holiday Bowl; Texas and Cal, the previous two teams, both lost as favorites that were disappointed to be here, and not in January 1 bowl (who is disappointed to be in San Diego?)

   Underdogs covered the last seven Holiday Bowls, winning SU in four of last five years, all as dogs of 7+ points; these games are usually high scoring (four of last five totals 61+) Oregon won this game 35-30 five years ago. Both sides lost their last two bowl games, so they'll be eager to turn that around. Sooners have better chance, behind stud RB Peterson, since Oregon is using backup QB Dixon after Clemens broke his ankle in game where we had the Ducks at Arizona, a non-covering win.

   Deciding factor here is that Oregon allows 134 yards per game on ground; Cal had 214 against them, Washington State 173, Arizona 168 and USC 278. Oklahoma can do damage there

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 29 2005 2:00pm
8. 0 likes

   Good Bowl Teams

   - Miami and Boston College are each 7-1 SU & ATS in their last eight bowl games

   - Ohio State and Fresno State are each 3-0 SU & ATS in their last three bowl games

   - Utah has won four straight bowl games and is 3-1 ATS in that span

   - Georgia has won seven of eight bowl games SU and is 6-2 ATS in those contests

   - Boise State has won and covered four of its five bowl games

   * Poor Bowl Teams

   - Northwestern has lost four straight bowl games and is 1-3 ATS in that span

   - Alabama has lost its last four bowl games ATS, winning just once straight up in that time frame

   - UCLA (2-6 SU) and West Virginia (1-7 SU) each have compiled 2-6 ATS marks in their last eight bowl games

   - Louisville is on a 2-5 SU & 1-6 ATS stretch in recent bowl game action

   - Notre Dame has lost seven straight bowl games and is just 1-6 ATS in that span as well

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 29 2005 2:02pm
9. 0 likes

   UTAH (6 - 5) vs. GEORGIA TECH (7 - 4) - 12/29/2005, 4:30 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games this season.

   UTAH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.

   UTAH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.

   UTAH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.

   UTAH is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

   UTAH is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

   UTAH is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

   OKLAHOMA (7 - 4) vs. OREGON (10 - 1) - 12/29/2005, 8:00 PM

   Top Trends for this game.

   OREGON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

   OREGON is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

   OREGON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

   OREGON is 28-10 ATS (+17.0 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.

   Head-to-Head Series History

   OREGON is 1-0 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons

   OKLAHOMA is 1-0 straight up against OREGON over the last 3 seasons

   

   posted by phantom

   Dec. 29 2005 2:02pm
10. 0 likes

    Trends Thursday

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

    Thursday, December 29th

    Emerald Bowl

    San Francisco, California

    Utah vs. Georgia Tech, 4:30 EST

    Utah:

    2-9 ATS in all games this season

    6-0 Under away off a conference win

    Georgia Tech:

    6-0 ATS away off a straight up loss

    7-0 ATS away after forcing 1 or 0 turnovers

    Holiday Bowl

    San Diego, California

    Oklahoma vs. Oregon, 8:00 EST

    Oklahoma:

    2-18 ATS after having 300+ rushing yards

    18-34 ATS off a win by 21+ points

    Oregon:

    17-6 ATS off a conference game

    30-15 ATS off a win by 17+ points

    

    posted by phantom

    Dec. 29 2005 2:03pm