bowl services for december 30
All things considered, it has been a good year for Nick Bogdanovich, one of the most respected bookmakers in Nevada for the past 20 years.
The downside was Bogdanovich lost his job as sports book manager at the Golden Nugget when the casino changed owners.
Advertisement
The upside is he has been a consistent winner at almost everything else, and last week he won the $50,000 Leroy's "Money Talks" football handicapping tournament.
Bogdanovich has made the transition from sports book director to full-time bettor.
He's looking for another job, but few quality opportunities are available in Las Vegas with so many casino mergers.
"I don't mind this side of the counter. Everything has been going good. But I definitely prefer the other side. I do miss it," said Bogdanovich, a 1980 Western High School graduate.
"If the right opening would present itself, I would love to go back. I like the structure, and I like getting up and going to work. I take pride in putting out a good product and running a good book."
In the meantime, Bogdanovich is spending his time handicapping football games and is taking a shot at the "Busting Balls" college bowl challenge sponsored by Cheetah's on KSHP-AM (1400).
Bogdanovich made seven picks for the show, which airs 11 a.m. Monday to Thursday, and his best bet is Minnesota (-4) over Virginia in Friday's Music City Bowl.
The Gophers, 7-4 straight up and against the spread, are led by running backs Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell. The Cavaliers, 6-5 straight up, lost five of their last eight.
"Minnesota has great running backs and the quarterback has been playing well. I don't think the other team will be able to match scores with them," Bogdanovich said. "I'm looking to back Big Ten teams in some of these bowls."
He's also backing Southern California as a 7 1/2-point favorite over Texas in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4, partly because the Trojans are playing at home and have the edge in big-game experience.
Bogdanovich said USC coach Pete Carroll will have a defensive scheme to stop Longhorns quarterback Vince Young -- and there's no stopping the Trojans with running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Matt Leinart.
"I think USC will win comfortably. This is the best offense I've ever seen," he said.
Bogdanovich's other picks: Michigan (-10), Northwestern-UCLA over 74 1/2, Iowa (+1 1/2), West Virginia (+7) and Penn State (-8 1/2).
posted by phantom
29 replies
-
0 likes
Dunkel Index - NCAA Football
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
Minnesota 97.9 (3 1/2) Virginia 94.5
Total Points: 58
UCLA 95.8 (4) Northwestern 91.6
Total Points: 75 1/2
South Carolina 92.0 (4) Missouri 87.8
Total Points: 53
Miami, FL 106.0 (1) LSU 105.0
Total Points: 38 1/2
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:35am -
0 likes
DR BOB Bowls picks: (no rating is an opinion)
4 Iowa
Louisville
Wisc
4 Ohio St
2 WVa
2 PS
Tx
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:35am -
0 likes
Marc Lawrence Sun Bowl Super Pick Super Play - Friday 12/30
Play On: Northwestern (Sun Bowl)
Note: Wildcats rush the ball for 5.0 YPR which fits like a glove into UCLA's permissive 5.4 YPR defense. That sets up the fact that Northwestern is 20-2 ATS as a dog in games in which they rush for 200 > yards. With the favorite in the Sun Bowl on an 0-10 ATS run, we'll take the points with Northwestern here today.
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:37am -
0 likes
Marc Lawrence 100% Perfect Peach Bowl Beauty! - Friday
Play On: LSU
SEC teams in general have made a habit of ending and covering against high powered teams off big wins (11-2 SU/ATS vs .750 or better off a win of 8 or more) and LSU is 10-1 ATS when not favored by 16 or more off exactly one loss if the Tigers were favored in that loss and are playing a .700 > foe. That fits nicely into the fact that ACC bowlers are 0-4 ATS against SEC opponents that check in off a SU favorite defeat. Bengals lost the SEC title game here in the Dome to Georgia last month. Not today.
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:38am -
0 likes
Marc Lawrence 5* COLLGE BOWL GAME OF THE MONTH! - Friday
PLAY ON: Missouri
South Carolina fits into the same schematic as Georgia Tech – Underdog in its last two regular season games, now favored in a bowl game against a team that averages at least 160 rushing yards per game. Mizzou doesn't rush for just 160, though. The Tigers run for 205 yards per game and complement that strong ground attack with a passing offense that averages 218 yards per game. At 423 yards per game, Missouri ranks 32nd in the nation, SEVENTY-ONE spots higher and 115 yards more than the pedestrian South Carolina
attack. On the other side of the ball, Carolina's defensive advantage adds up to a meager 18 yards per game, certainly not enough to qualify the Gamecocks as a legitimate favorite here. Missouri was here in 2003 against Arkansas and played much better than the 14-point loss indicates. South Carolina is 8-16 ATS in its last 24 games as a non-SEC favorite and bears the burden of the conference reputation in this event.
SEC bowl favorites, those with regular season winning percentages less than .750, are a miserable 4-15 ATS in their last 19 postseason appearances and a moneyburning 1-9 ATS when that percentage falls under the .666 mark. Missouri is 16-4 ATS as a winning team off exactly one loss, including 14-2 ATS against sub .666
opposition. They are also a diversified 200/200 offense.
These kind are most difficult to defend in bowl games. Like Georgia Tech, Carolina would rather be somewhere else. Brad Smith, a four-year starter, goes out in a blaze of glory against the blasé Gamecocks
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:39am -
0 likes
ASA
5* Minn Gophers
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:40am -
0 likes
The Maniac
NCAA Football
3 Units on Miami Florida U 41 -110
NBA Basketball
2 Units on Memphis Grizzlies -5 -110
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 4:41am -
0 likes
Tom Luicci Bowl Plays
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season record .excellent and free ..60 ~ 40 ~ 2
bowl record up to today..6 ~ 7......0 ~ 2 yesterday doing bad in bowl games
upcoming plays..
Dec. 30;;Music City Bowl;;Nashville, Tenn;;Minnesota-Virginia;;Minnesota by 3
Pick: Minnesota, 30-16
It has been a good week for Virginia. No assistant coaches have bailed out on Al Groh. Erratic Cavs, perennial underachievers under Groh, will play this game after losing both coordinators and two assistants. They better hope someone knows how to stop the run. Gophers will grind away with Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell. And QB Brian Cupito has improved.
Dec. 30;;Vitalis Sun Bowl;;El Paso, Texas;;UCLA-Northwestern;;UCLA by 3 1/2
Pick: Northwestern, 44-37
Now this is what a non-BCS bowl matchup should look like: Two of the country's best offenses facing two of the nation's worst defenses. Whoever has the ball last wins. A fun QB showdown with Northwestern's Brian Basanez dueling against UCLA's Drew Olson. And two top-flight running backs in the Bruins' Maurice Drew and the Wildcats' Tyrell Sutton.
Dec. 30;;Independence Bowl;;Shreveport, La.;;South Carolina-Missouri;;South Carolina by 4
Pick: South Carolina, 24-14
It's hard not to be impressed by the coaching job Steve Spurrier did at South Carolina this year. He even turned Blake Mitchell into a serviceable quarterback -- something not many people thought was possible. And he is as impossible as ever to work for, with three assistants leaving after the regular-season finale. Missouri has never reached its potential with Brad Smith at QB, and Big 12 schools could be exposed this bowl season.
Dec. 30;;Peach Bowl;;Atlanta;;Miami-LSU;;No line
Pick: Miami 23-17.
The uncertain status of Tigers QB JaMarcus Russell (shoulder) and the uncertain emotion of Miami in a non-BCS affair make this a game not even the Vegas sharpies will touch. Defenses should rule, but both running games can be effective. If Russell can play, LSU has a chance. If not, Miami's defense will carry the day.
Dec. 31;;Meineke Car Care Bowl;;Charlotte, N.C.;;North Carolina State-South Florida;;North Carolina State by 6
Pick: South Florida, 24-17
A shining example of why there are too many bowl games. Wolfpack earned a "home" bowl thanks to victories over Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State in a 6-5 season. The defense is solid, but the passing game is a mess. USF lost its final two but still earned its first-ever bowl bid. TB Andre Hall, the Big East's leading rusher, holds the key to their success.
Dec. 31;;Liberty Bowl;;Memphis, Tenn.;;Fresno State-Tulsa;;Fresno State by 7
Pick: Tulsa, 37-34
If the pre-USC Fresno State team shows up, the Bulldogs will be a handful. But if it's the team that saw an 8-1 start dissolve into an 8-4 finish after giving the Trojans all they could handle, Tulsa can pull off the upset. Fresno QB Paul Pinegar threw for 3,122 yards, but had 11 interceptions the last three games. Tulsa has the nation's top passing-catching tight end in Garrett Mills and had to win the C-USA title game on the road to get here.
Dec. 31;;Houston Bowl;;Houston;;TCU-Iowa State;;TCU by 4
Pick: TCU, 34-17
Junior QB Jeff Ballard has given TCU's offense the balance it once lacked with the threat of a passing game. And the Horned Frogs have a gamebreaker they like to utilize in wide receiver/kick return Cory Rodgers. This will also be like a home game for TCU, which won its last nine and relishes the chance to knock off a BCS conference school. Cyclones could have won the Big 12 North but couldn't beat Kansas in their finale. ISU's QB Bret Meyer, a sophomore, is still a work in progress.
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:07pm -
0 likes
I believe Dr. Bob is 12-1 in the Bowls
Today:
1. Minny
2. UCLA
3. Says it is a toss up for SC/Mizz
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:07pm -
0 likes
Lenny "20 stars" Stevens
20 stars Minnesota
10 stars Northwestern
10 stars Mizzou
freebie in college hoops-Lasalle
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:08pm -
0 likes
Scotty S.P.R.E.I.T.Z.E.R.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCOTT S.P.R.E.I.T.Z.E.R'.S HAMMER VALUE CRUSHER! 4-0 run! Not only is Scott on a PERFECT 4-0 ATS RUN in the bowls, but he's also coming in off his LINE ERROR GOY WINNER WITH UTAH, A 37-POINT COVER! Here's another rocking chair winner! Cash Scott's Hammer Value Crusher before you pay! MINNESOTA
SCOTT S.P.R.E.I.T.Z.E.R.'S SUN BOWL TOP HAMMER WINNER! 3-0!
Scott's CASHED 3 straight Bowl Hammers, including his HAMMER OF THE MONTH with Nebraska! Scott's first Hammer since sweeping on Wednesday is the Sun Bowl battle between UCLA & Northwestern. Grab his 4th straight Hammer winner and cash before you pay!
UCLA
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:09pm -
0 likes
NESS Dog GOY: Northwestern
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:11pm -
0 likes
Vegas Experts Tip Of The Day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mostly reliable..so far this week 1-2
tuesday 1-0 over rutgers
wednesday 0-1 under knicks
thursday 0-1 over ok
LSU Tigers at Miami Hurricanes
Friday, December 30, 7:30 P.M. EST
LSU comes into this game without starting QB JeMarcus Russell. As a result, Miami is a lofty 7-point favorite with a low 41 point total. Both teams have struggled to score this season vs. quality opponents. LSU scored 21 points vs. Florida, 20 vs. Auburn, 16 vs. Alabama and 14 vs. Georgia. Miami tallied 7 vs. Florida State, 23 vs. Colorado, 27 vs. Virginia Tech, 10 vs. Georgia Tech and 25 vs. Virginia. In addition, LSU is 18-5 UNDER after having won 4 out of their last 5 games and MIAMI is 19-8 UNDER as a favorite.
Play on: Under
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:12pm -
0 likes
Greg Roberts MVP and Bowl GOY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As posted yesterday his MVP PLAY today (6 star) is on Minnesota
His Bowl GOY (8 star) is on Ohio State.
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:13pm -
0 likes
Nick Patrick
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeping this matchup simple I believe the value is in the total guys...
Miami
10-2 under in non conf....
14-5 under after non Conf oppt....
18-9 Under as a fav...
14-3 under against a team with a winning record....
2-0 Under last 2 Bowls
These 5 combined are a 22-7 under this year alone....
Both play Outstanding run defense and average 15 points and 12 points against Per game respectively...
1.5 Units Under 41
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:13pm -
0 likes
KELSO STURGEON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Bowl Upset Game Of The Year
25 Units
LSU (+6 ½) over Miami
Peach Bowl
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Prediction: LSU by 7
Starting Time: 7:30
TV: ESPN
Other Plays
2 Units
Minnesota (-6 ½) over Virginia
Music City Bowl
The Coliseum, Nashville, TN
Prediction: Minnesota by 13
Starting Time: 12 Noon
TV: ESPN
2 Units
Northwestern (+2 ½) over UCLA
Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl Stadium
El Paso, TX
Prediction: Northwestern by 4
Starting Time: 2:00
TV: CBS
2 Units
South Carolina (-3 ½) over Missouri 3:30 ESPN
Independence Bowl
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
Prediction: South Carolina by 10
Starting Time: 3:30
TV: ESPN
2 Units
Northwestern (+2 ½) over UCLA
Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl Stadium
El Paso, TX
Prediction: Northwestern by 4
Starting Time: 2:00
TV: CBS
2 Units
South Carolina (-3 ½) over Missouri 3:30 ESPN
Independence Bowl
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
Prediction: South Carolina by 10
Starting Time: 3:30
TV: ESPN
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:15pm -
0 likes
Hank Green
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hank Green....
(he Is Calling This His Biggest Day In Hank Green Sports History)
7* Bowl G.o.y. Ucla
7* Bowl G.o.y. South Car.
5* Miami Fl
3* Virg.
3* Under Miami Fl/lsu
Hoops...
College G.o.m. Ind. St.
Nba G.o.y. Tor.
6* Syrc
6* Milw. Bucks
5* Old Dom.
5* Il.
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:16pm -
0 likes
Cali Sports
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSOURI..BOWL GOY
VIRGINIA
mia fla
these guys have to be the worst in big games..i think mighty is better than them ..thats how bad they are..and there on the same game as mighty
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:17pm -
0 likes
NorthCoast...Offical Late Phone Selections:
3* Over 60 Music City Bowl @12:00 Noon ET Triple Play (Top Play of the Day & Marquee Play)
3* LSU +7 vs Miami, Fla @7:30 pm ET
Top Opinions
Triple Play: Over 51 Independence Bowl @3:30 pm ET (Marquee Totals Play PPH)
Triple Play Over 74 Sun Bowl @2:00 pm ET (Marquee Totals Play PPH)
Regular Opinions
Virginia +6 vs Minnesota
UCLA -2.5 vs Northwestern
Double Play: Under 41 Peach Bowl (Marquee Totals Play PPH)
Missouri +4 vs S Carolina
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:20pm -
0 likes
Dave C.o.k.i.n
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UCLA,MISSOURI,virginia
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:21pm -
0 likes
bob balfe
minn -5.5
n-western/ucla ov 74
mizzou +3.5
mi fla -6
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:22pm -
0 likes
EXECUTIVE
250 Vir/Minn over next update at 3:10
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:22pm -
0 likes
Info Plays
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFB
10* on South Carolina -3.5 -108
7* on Miami -6.5 -110
7* on Northwestern +3 -115
7* on Minnesota -5.5 -110
NBA
7* on Miami -2.5 -102
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:23pm -
0 likes
Cowtown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOY LSU, virginia, virginia over
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:23pm -
0 likes
Blazer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:25pm -
0 likes
Sebastian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowl Record 10-4
*20 Missouri *10 Under Lsu *10 N West *5 Vir
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:26pm -
0 likes
Originally Posted by RIPPLE
SCOTT S.P.R.E.I.T.Z.E.R'.S HAMMER VALUE CRUSHER! 4-0 run! Not only is Scott on a PERFECT 4-0 ATS RUN in the bowls, but he's also coming in off his LINE ERROR GOY WINNER WITH UTAH, A 37-POINT COVER! Here's another rocking chair winner! Cash Scott's Hammer Value Crusher before you pay! MINNESOTA
SCOTT S.P.R.E.I.T.Z.E.R.'S SUN BOWL TOP HAMMER WINNER! 3-0!
Scott's CASHED 3 straight Bowl Hammers, including his HAMMER OF THE MONTH with Nebraska! Scott's first Hammer since sweeping on Wednesday is the Sun Bowl battle between UCLA & Northwestern. Grab his 4th straight Hammer winner and cash before you pay!
UCLA
the Hammer Value Crusher is ...MIZZ....NOT Minn.....Mizz is 100,000 % confirmed !!
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 12:27pm -
0 likes
ATS
Bowl GOY
10* LSU
5* Minnesota
4* South Carolina
3* Northwestern
JB SPORTS
Minnesota, Missouri, LSU under
Special K
20* LSU
10* Northwestern
PrimeTime Sports
Bowl GOY
UCLA
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 2:13pm -
0 likes
Peach Bowl - Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA
Week 15 Friday, 12/30/2005 7:30 PM
Miami (9-2 overall, 6-2 Pac-10/3rd)
Last Bowl: 2004 Peach Bowl (Miami 27, Florida 10)
vs
LSU (10-2, 7-1 SEC Western Division Co-Champions)
Last Bowl: 2005 Capital One Bowl (LSU 25, Iowa 30)
History
Miami and Louisiana State will be meeting for the 12th time ever and for only the second time in 36 years. The Tigers lead the series 8-3. The two teams last played in 1988, a 44-3 Miami victory. Prior to that, they had not played since 1969. Miami returns to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl one year after defeating Florida 27-10 on December 31, 2004. This will be the third appearance for the Hurricanes in the Peach Bowl. On Jan. 2, 1981, the Hurricanes defeated Virginia Tech 20-10 in the Peach Bowl in a game that has been credited as the turning point in the Miami football program. Prior to that Peach Bowl, Miami had not appeared in a bowl game for 14 years. Since that game, the Hurricanes have qualified for 21 bowl games in 25 years. Overall, Miami is making its 32nd bowl appearance. The Hurricanes have a record of 18-13 in 31 previous bowl games. LSU will be making their fourth appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the first since a 28-14 win over Georgia Tech in 2000. LSU beat Florida State, 31-27, in the 1968 Peach Bowl and then posted a 10-7 victory over Clemson in the 1996 Peach Bowl. LSU will also be appearing in a bowl game for the 37th time, which includes a school record streak of six consecutive seasons with a bowl trip. Since 2000, the Tigers have appeared in the Nokia Sugar Bowl twice, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl twice, the Cotton Bowl and the Capital One Bowl.
TRENDS
LSU:
LSU HC Les Miles is 10-3 ATS off an SU & ATS loss.
MIAMI:
Miami is 7-1 SU and ATS in their last 8 bowl appearances.
Miami HC Larry Coker is 3-1 SU & ATS in his 4 games while coaching at Miami.
Miami is 3-7 ATS as a favorite this year and 16-27 ATS as a favorite since 2002.
Miami is 9-4 ATS as a favorite of 7 or less points since 2002.
Miami is 11-2 SU & 10-3 ATS away against an SEC opponent.
CONFERENCE AND BOWL TRENDS
The underdog is 9-3 ATS in the last 13 Peach Bowl games. (Favored Miami won ATS against Florida last year)
LSU:
LSU starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell did not accompany the Tigers to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. Russell, who injured his left shoulder Dec. 3, remained in Baton Rouge for treatment and rehabilitation, meaning Matt Flynn will make his first start in Friday's Peach Bowl. Miles said that walk-on Jimmy Welker will serve as Flynn's backup at quarterback against Miami. Welker, who has served as the LSU's scout team quarterback all season, has never played in a college game. LSU was second in the SEC and fifth in the nation in total defense (276.3 ypg). The Tigers were also third in SEC and seventh in nation in rushing defense (94.8 ypg). Five of LSU's 10 wins have come by four points or less, which includes a 2-point win over Arkansas (19-17), 3-point wins over Auburn (20-17) and Alabama (16-13) and 4-point wins over Arizona State (35-31) and Florida (21-17). The Auburn and Alabama wins came in overtime.
LSU Leaders:
Rushing: Joseph Addai (12 G, 163-781 yards, 8 TD)
Passing: JaMarcus Russell (12 G, 188-311, 2,443 yards, 15 TD)
Receiving: Dwayne Bowe (11 G, 38-659 yards, 9 TD)
Head Coach: Les Miles (Michigan, '76)
Career Record: 38-23 (5th year)
Record at LSU: 10-2 (1st year)
MIAMI:
Miami wide receiver Ryan Moore has been suspended for violating team policy and will not play in the Peach Bowl against No. 10 LSU on Friday night. Moore had 28 catches, third-most on the team, for 464 yards and four touchdowns this season. Lance Leggett will likely replace Moore in the starting lineup.
Miami Leaders:
Rushing: Tyrone Moss (8 G, 137-701 yards, 12 TD)
Passing: Kyle Wright (11 G, 170-286, 2,303 yards, 18 TD)
Receiving: Sinorice Moss (11 G, 35-604 yards, 6 TD)
Head Coach: Larry Coker (Northeastern, '70)
Career Record: 53-8 (5th year)
Record at Miami: 53-8 (5th year)
COACHING NOTES: LSU coach Les Miles will coach in a bowl game for the fourth time when the Tigers face Miami. Miles led Oklahoma State to three bowl games in four years before joining LSU for the 2005 season. Miles is 1-2 in bowl games, with his win coming against Southern Miss by a 33-23 count in the Houston Bowl in 2002. He also coached the Cowboys in the 2003 Cotton Bowl and the 2004 Alamo Bowl. Ole Miss beat Oklahoma State, 31-28, in the Cotton Bowl, while Ohio State posted a 33-7 victory over the Cowboys in the Alamo Bowl.
GAME NOTES: This years Peach Bowl features two top 10 teams for the first time in its history as the ninth-ranked Hurricanes face the No. 10 Tigers at the Georgia Dome on Dec. 30. It's one of only three bowl games this season pitting two top 10 teams against each other. No. 1 Southern California plays No. 2 Texas in the Rose Bowl for the national championship, and fourth-ranked Ohio State meets fifth-ranked Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. LSU leads the all time series with Miami, 8-3. The teams last met on Nov. 19, 1988, with #3-ranked Miami claiming a 44-3 win over then #11 LSU in Baton Rouge. These two teams have never met in post-season.
Analysis
An Atlanta tradition since 1968, it looks like this will be the final Peach Bowl. Officially this will be the Chick-Fil-A Bowl next year, with the title sponsor swallowing up the full name and what a match-up we get to watch. This contest will feature one of only three bowl games pitting a pair of Top 10 teams. Both teams are very similar as both have won recent national titles, attract enormous talent, have plenty of players on this field who will be in the NFL some day, and have had some impressive wins. One other thing they have in common is the fact that they’ve disappointed their fan bases this year. A pair of losses is too many for the fans of both teams, who expect BCS berths if not national championships on an annual basis.
These teams are statistically similar as well. Both clubs have top 5 defenses but neither has a top 50 offense. Miami leads the nation in two defensive categories – pass defense (148.2 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (84.57 rating) and it is second in scoring defense (11.9 ppg) and third in total defense (252.1 ypg). LSU ranks among the top 8 in the nation in four defensive categories, including a No. 5 ranking in both total defense (276.3 ypg) and pass efficiency defense (97.66 rating), as well as being No. 7 in rushing defense (94.75 ypg) and No. 8 in scoring defense (15.2 ppg). In addition, there are only three teams in college football who allow less than 3 yards per rush and less than 5½ yards per pass attempt, and these are two of them (Virginia Tech is the third). With both defenses being the superior units on the field, don’t be surprised if both teams struggle offensively.
Louisiana State is coming off a disappointing 34-14 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game on Dec. 3 in the Georgia Dome. Les Miles has led the Tigers to a 7-1 mark in the SEC this season and is looking for win No. 11 in his first year as LSU’s head coach. The Tigers were led by strong-armed junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who suffered a shoulder injury in the SEC Championship game against Georgia. (Russell is out for this game: meaning back-up QB Matt Flynn will make the start. Flynn was just 3 of 11 for 36 yards with a TD and an int. in relief vs. the Bulldogs). Russell, who has thrown for 2,443 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, is complemented by the strong backfield tandem of Joseph Addai (781 yards, eight TDs) and Justin Vincent (457 yards, five TDs). Dwayne Bowe has pulled in a team-best 38 receptions for 659 yards and nine TDs. All-purpose man Skyler Green leads the the Tigers in punt returns (13.6 average, one TD) and kickoff returns (357 yards, 19.7 average) and is second on the team in receiving (32 receptions) and fourth on the team in rushing (111 yards). The stingy Tigers defense is anchored by All-SEC defensive lineman Claude Wroten (9.5 tackles for loss) and Melvin Oliver’s team-best 8.0 sacks. Defensive back LaRon Landry also took home All-SEC honors with a team-best three interceptions and 65 tackles. LSU comes into this contest having held nine of its last 10 opponents, seven of which are SEC foes, to 20 points or less. Prior to the Georgia game in the SEC Championship, LSU held nine straight opponents to 20 points. Over the past 10 games, LSU's defense has allowed a total of 121 points (7 vs. Mississippi State; 6 vs. Vanderbilt; 17 vs. Florida; 17 vs. Auburn; 3 vs. North Texas, 0 vs. Appalachian State, 13 vs. Alabama, 7 vs. Ole Miss, 17 vs. Arkansas, 34 vs. Georgia) for an average of 12.1 points per game over that span.
Meanwhile, Miami’s “off and onâ€Â
posted by phantom
Dec. 30 2005 3:44pm