Thursday 8/28 Service Plays
top dollar (GOLD MEMBER) 3 months ago // 48 responses // TopSportsBets.com Other Service Plays

Northcoast Early Bird Play

South Carolina

Power Sweep Power Plays

4* Mia Ohio
4* So Carolina

Lucky Lester

Vanderbilt Commodores @ Miami-Ohio Redhawks (-4)

Vanderbilt loses their best player in wide receiver Earl Bennett. He was by far their most effective and productive offensive player. Their leading returning receiver is out with a stress fracture (George Smith). If that weren’t enough, the Commodores also said goodbye to their leading rusher from last year, as well as their entire starting offensive line – that’s the kicker. Miami has a stout defense with very talented linebackers. They may be a smaller college, but they can play football. The Commodores don’t have much cohesion right now, as new starters are still being decided. The starting quarterback for this Thursday’s game wasn’t decided by the weekend, leaving much to be answered in the four days before kickoff. While Vanderbilt has all the questions, Miami of Ohio looks to be full of answers.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-12) @ Baylor Bears

Wake Forest is the real deal. Despite winning 8 of their last 10 games and then spanking Connecticut in the 2nd half of their bowl game, the Deacons just can’t seem to get the credit they deserve. THe Deacons return their freshman quarterback sensation, Riley Skinner, and while they lose their top receiver from ‘07, Wake is full of young talent at receiver. Head coach Jim Grobe knows what he’s doing. The Deacons are off and on on the road, but they’ve been a darn good football team with Riley Skinner at quarterback. I expect them to start off the season hot, and ride their quarterback to the top of the ACC. Take them over the Bears by a couple touchdowns.

Oregon State Beavers (-3) @ Stanford Cardinal

The Oregon State Beavers seem like the forgotten Pac-10 team heading into the season. Everyone seems to forget that the Beavers won 7 of their last 8 games including an upset victory over Maryland in their bowl game. During the last 8 games of the season, the Beavers’ only loss came against USC in Southern California. Last year, when the Beavers played Stanford, a tough Oregon State defense held the Cardinal out of the end-zone, winning 23-6. The Beavers lost their talented tail-back, Yvenson Bernard, to graduation – but they have a nice offensive line and a couple new running backs that have impressed when given the chance. One player that should have a great bounce back season is Sammie Stroughter, the speed demon that was a 2006 3rd team All-American. With family problems and injury woes, Stroughter struggled in 2007, playing only 3 games. He was awarded a medical red-shirt, and now he has one more chance to prove himself in the Pac-10. Every time he touches the ball, touchdowns can happen. Look for the Beavers to out-talent the Cardinal all over the field, dominating this early-season conference match-up.

Scott Ferrall

NFL Pre-Season WEEK 4 (Thursday’s games)

Eagles 3 to Jets-the game is in Ferralladelphia, which makes it automatic for the Birds—OVER 35.5

Giants 2 Pats-New England acts like we don’t know they throw games that don’t count—UNDER 36.5

Bills 2 to Lions-Detroit can’t win in Orchard Park—UNDER 34

Ravens 3 to Falcons-Baltimore gets Troy Smith rolling and they win easily over crappy Atlanta—UNDER 33.5

Jags +3 from Redskins-Washington has looked like shit and Jax is flat out better-OVER 34

Colts 3.5 to Bengals-Cincy is a mess as usual—OVER 35

Panthers +3.5 from Steelers-This one is a sucker bet and the panthers have been looking sharp-UNDER 36.5

Browns PK over Bears-Chicago chokes in Cleveland-OVER 38.5

Cowboys 2.5 to Vikings-Minney looked lousy against the Steelers and it won’t get better in Dallas—OVER 35.5

Texans 3 to Bucaneers-Houston at home does it up for their fans to tune up for the season—UNDER 36.5

Rams +4 from Kansas City-I’m betting against the Chiefs a lot this yr because they blow-UNDER 34

Saints 3 to Dolphins-New Orleans gets it done on Bourbon St against the Phins—OVER 35

Packers +5 from Titans—Hey, the game is in Green Bay and they are getting points, so what the hell ? OVER 36

Scott Ferrall

UTEP +3 from Buffalo—they both blow

Wake Forest 12.5 to Baylor-I like the Deacons, even in Waco—they keep getting better and better

Oregon St 3 to Stanford-The Beavers are for real this year, as usual, under Mike Riley

FAO Sports

UTEP over Buffalo

UTEP is 3-0 the first game of the season the L3Y, outscoring their opponents by 9.33 PPG.They are not necessarily the best road team,but will have enough to beat this Buffalo team.Buffalo is 1-2 the first game of the season the L3Y. They have been outscored by their opponents by 22.33 PPG.The only team they beat was the Temple Owls in 2006 9-3 at home.

WINNING POINTS

PREFERRED

Buffalo* over U.T.E.P. by 14

Lou Diamond

NC State and So Carolina

North Carolina State Under is 6-1-2 in Wolfpack last 9 non-conference games. Under is 5-1 in Wolfpack last 6 Thursday games. Under is 5-2-1 in Wolfpack last 8 road games. Under is 18-8-2 in Wolfpack last 28 games on grass. South Carolina Under is 4-1 in Gamecocks last 5 vs. ACC.

Bryan Leonard

Vanderbilt at Miami OH

Vanderbilt is returning only 10 starters this season including just three on the offensive side of the football. They lost three players to the NFL draft including wide receiver Earl Bennett who had been a fixture in the end zone. The Commodores do have depth at the quarterback position and the running attack has talent. But the receiving corps has a lot of work to do to make up for Bennett’s departure. The offensive line loses all five starters but they do have some experienced players stepping in. Defensively the strength will be in the backfield, led by cornerback DJ Moore who was first-team All-SEC a year ago.

Miami is coming off a divisional championship season despite ranking 108th in the country in scoring. We expect more of the same from the Redhawks this season as the quarterback and running back combination looks weak. They do have a solid receiving corps if the man behind center can find his teammates a little more often than a year ago. The defense returns nine starters including one of the best linebacking corps in the country. Clayton Mullins was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year last season and he looks to continue his success.

Despite returning just three offensive starters the Commodores still have the better offensive unit. But with the Miami defense returning virtually intact they will still hold the upper hand in that matchup. Vanderbilt beat Miami 24-13 in Nashville a year ago. With the offense being down a bit for the Commodores we can see this game being another very low scoring affair.

PLAY UNDER

Terron Chapman

Oregon State vs. Stanford
Play: Stanford

Jim Harbaugh begins his second season as head coach of the Stanford Cardinal with an opening game against an old friend. Mike Riley will bring his Oregon St.Beavers to Palo Alto Thursday evening as the two teams kick off their respective seasons with a conference clash.

Harbaugh was quarterback under Riley when Riley was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 99-00. In his first season as coach, Harbaugh and the Cardinal made national headlines upsetting then #2 ranked USC. The Cardinal return 16 starters from last seasons squad and will look to avenge a 23-6 loss to the Beavers in Corvallis last year.

In that game, the Cardinal commited four turnover’s while rushing for -8 yards on 25 attempts. They were a putrid 1-13 on 3rd down, yet the Beavers only had three more first downs than the Cardinal.

The Beavers led the NCAA in rush defense last season at (70.6 ypg) but must replace their entire defensive line and linebacking corps. They do return three starters on O-line. The Cardinal on the flip side return four starters on the O-line and five players with starting experience on the D-line and should hold the edge in the trenches this go around. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will be on their way to a victory and the way the Cardinal got pushed around at times in last year’s game they should be anxious to return the favor.

I’m not too sure about the Beavers who have lost their last five road openers. Their losses on defense are heavy and they still have uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. They must break in a new running back and who’s to say if standout wide reciever Sammie Stroughter can return to his 2006 form. The Cardinal on the other hand appear to be a team on the rise this year. They return a solid starting quarterback and should have a much improved defense. Throw in the home field advantage and we like the Cardinal to pull off the slight upset. Play on the Stanford Cardinal for 2 units.

Pupsnchalk Sports

Oregon State vs. Stanford
Play: Stanford +3

Jim Harbaugh begins his second season as head coach of the Stanford Cardinal with an opening game against an old friend. Mike Riley will bring his Oregon St.Beavers to Palo Alto Thursday evening as the two teams kick off their respective seasons with a conference clash.

Harbaugh was quarterback under Riley when Riley was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 99-00. In his first season as coach, Harbaugh and the Cardinal made national headlines upsetting then #2 ranked USC. The Cardinal return 16 starters from last season and will look to avenge a 23-6 loss to the Beavers in Corvallis last year.

In that game, the Cardinal commited four turnover’s while rushing for -8 yards on 25 attempts. They were a putrid 1-13 on 3rd down, yet the Beavers only had three more first downs than the Cardinal.

The Beavers led the NCAA in rush defense last season at (70.6 ypg) but must replace their entire defensive line and linebacking corps. They do return three starters on O-line. The Cardinal on the flip side return four starters on the O-line and five players with starting experience on the D-line and should hold the edge in the trenches this go around. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will be on their way to a victory and the way the Cardinal got pushed around at times in last year’s game they should be anxious to return the favor.

I’m not too sure about the Beavers who have lost their last five road openers. Their losses on defense are heavy and they still have uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. They must break in a new running back and who’s to say if standout wide reciever Sammie Stroughter can return to his 2006 form. The Cardinal on the other hand appear to be a team on the rise this year. They return a solid starting quarterback and should have a much improved defense. Throw in the home field advantage and we like the Cardinal to pull off the slight upset. Play on the Stanford Cardinal for 2 units. Good luck to all.

John Ryan

Wake Forest vs. Baylor
Play: Baylor +12

Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Baylor – AiS shows a 68% probability that Baylor will lose this game by 12 or fewer points. Love these early season DOGS that have 9 or more returning offensive starters along with the QB. That is the case for Baylor as they return 9 including the QB and this will be a dominant factor in this game. Wake Forest also has a history of not being a solid double digit favorite either noting they are 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points since 1992. Supporting this graded play and the returning starter phenomenon is a strong system posting a 75-36 ATS mark for 68% since 2002. Play on home dogs of 10.5 to 21 points with an experienced QB returning as starter. Don’t laugh either as I strongly believe taking a 1* unit on the money line is a solid bet as well. I have seen this line at +450 and offers a great opportunity. We are not going to win a high percentage of these ML plays, but if we hit between 43 and 48% (last 5 seasons) then it will make a significant contribution to the bottom line.

WILD BILL

CFB
Vanderbilt + 3 (5 units)
Baylor +12 1/2 (5 units)
Stanford + 3 (5 units)

NFLX
Lions-Bills Under 34 1/2 (5 units)
Lions +3 (5 units)
Jaguars +3 1/2 (5 units)
Jaguars-Redskins Under 34 (5 units)
Bears +2 (5 units)
Bears-Browns Under 38 1/2 (5 units)
Vikings-Cowboys Over 35 (5 units)
Falcons +3 (5 units)
Colts -3 (5 units)
Panthers +3 1/2 (5 units)
Tampa +3 (5 units)
Rams +4 (5 units)
Dolphins +3 (5 units)

Great Lakes Sports

Minnesota at Dallas
Play on: Dallas

There is usually not a lot of value in the last preseason game as teams try to avoid injuries, and play their scrubs to see who will make the cut for their respected teams. We her at Great Lakes Sports find some value playing on the Dallas Cowboys as they are 4-1 ATS where the total is 35 points or less the last three years, and they are 3-1ATS when playing a home game where the total is between 32.5 to 35 points the last three years, and they are only 2-3ATS vs conference opponents the last three years. We look for the Dallas Cowboys to roll over the Minnesota Vikings for the home ATS win & cover tonight.

Jimmy The Moose

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts

Both team’s have looked pretty bad in the preseason and tonight’s game won’t be much better. The Bengals are 1-2 SU and are having major issues with injuries. Palmer, Chad and Rudi Johnson and TJ are all banged up and won’t see any time in this game. The Bengals backup QB’s will have a lot of trouble in this one. The Colts will also rest many starters but their backup QB’s Sorgi, Lorenzen and Gray have all looked better than the Bengals QB’s. Indianapolis would like to get their first win at a new stadium out of the way and that happens tonight. Play on the Colts

Marc Lawrence

Play On: Florida

Note: The Marlins take on the Braves in the finale of their three-games series this evening when Anibel Sanchez faces Charlie Morton in Atlanta. Aside from being in solid current form, Sanchez is 3-1 in his career team starts on Thursdays. Meanwhile, Morton is 1-6 at home with an 8.18 ERA. With that we’ll back the better pitcher and the better team here tonight.

Big Al McMordie

Cincinnati Reds vs. Houston Astros
Play: Over

At 2:05pm our complimentary selection is on the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros ‘over’ the total. When it comes to handing out the award for most inconsistent pitcher in baseball for the month of August, you can pretty much retire the trophy and hand it to Houston’s 30-year-old righthander Brandon Backe. Consider these stats: sandwiched between three starts in which Backe gave up three, one, and three earned runs respectively, Backe had two starts in which he gave up 11 earned runs (one in less than six innings and the other in less than four innings). Because of this, Backe’s stats over his last four starts are about as ugly as any pitcher in the league. As bad as Backe has been in some of his recent starts, Cincinnati’s righthander Aaron Harang has arguably been worse. Like Backe, Harang’s last start was strong (at Colorado), but his three previous starts to that were disasterous. One of those starts, which occurred on August 10 was against this same Houston team and resulted in a 13-4 demolition at the hands of the Astros. In fact, none of Harang’s last four starts has gone less than a total of ten runs combined for the two teams, and even more dramatically, five of Backe’s last six starts have gone a total of ten or more runs. Take the ‘over’.

Michael Cannon

Boston +110 at NY YANKEES

Let’s take the Red Sox this afternoon for the series sweep over the Yankees.

The Yankees look like they’re dead in the water after dropping the first two games of this series by a combined 18-6 score.

Jon Lester will get the start for Boston and he’s 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA on the year. The left-hander has been brilliant against the Yankees this year, winning both of his starts and allowing just two earned runs in 16 innings while racking up 16 strikeouts.

Mike Mussina will start for the Yankees and he’s posted a nice 16-7 record this year, but is just 1-3 with a 5.52 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox this year.

Take Boston as they grab the win and series sweep.

3♦ BOSTON

Oregon State at STANFORD +3

Take the points with Stanford as the home dog over Oregon State.

Stanford enters year two of the Jim Harbaugh era and they have plenty to feel good about after a colossal road upset of Usc and a season-ending upset over Cal.

The Cardinal defense returns nine starters, so they should improve on last year’s No. 9 conference ranking. They will get an opportunity to show that improvement tonight against an Oregon State offense that is unsettled at the quarterback position.

On the other side of the ball, Harbaugh should be able to grind it out on the ground against a Beavers front seven that is totally rebuilt.

Being able to control the clock with the ground game as a home dog gives the Cardinal a chance at an outright win.

Take the points with Stanford.

4♦ STANFORD

Sports Gambling Hotline

NC State at SOUTH CAROLINA -13½

We like the direction NC State coach Tom O’Brien has the Wolfpack going in, but tonight they will simply be outclassed by a South Carolina team that is out for blood, and also happens to be very talented.

The Gamecocks closed last season with 5 straight losses, that after a 6-1 start to the year. Expect the returning starters – and there are 16 of them! – to be on a mission this season, and expect them to pull away in this game before the final gun.

NC State did lose 6 games last year by 17-points or more, and this looks like deja vu, as the ‘Pack is a very young bunch, and is likely to become unglued in this night time road game.

South Carolina owns a 6-3-1 spread mark their last 10 as a home favorite, and that mark will rise to 7-3-1 by the conclusion of this one.

Steve Spurrier gives the home faithful something to cheer about as the ‘Cocks take care of business in Columbia tonight.

3♦ SOUTH CAROLINA

Matt Rivers

For Thursday take the Redhawks of Miami O.

It is certainly possible that tomorrow I will say shame on me for laying points with a MAC team against an SEC opponent but I still will take my chances here with Miami against Vanderbilt.

The Commodores are very likely in for a tough year. Normally they lose most of their conference games and are able to muster a few wins outside of the conference but the cupboard appears to be a lot more bare this season than over the past few seasons and Bobby Johnson’s team may be in for a long long season.

Vegas has posted the ‘Dores win total at right around 3 under 30 and that is pretty darn poor obviously. They lost their entire offensive line and a stud in Earl Bennett at the wide out position. Compare that to the Redhawks who return a whopping 17 starters including Quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh and three of the top linebackers in the conference including Clayton Mullins who was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year a season ago.

I just do not see Vandy being able to muster much offensively and despite going against some conventional wisdon by laying points with the smaller conference team I do see Ben Roethlisberger’s alma mater getting off to the quick start today.

John Fina

Selection: Florida Marlins -115

Reason: Put us down on the Florida Marlins (-125) for our Free MLB Selection on Thursday. Today the Florida Marlins will be on the road as they take on the Atlanta Braves. We will side with the Florida Marlins! One reason why we will side with the Florida Marlins is because they will be sending to the mound the much better starting pitcher. This says it all… The Florida Marlins Starting Pitcher (Anibal Sanchez) has a 3.86 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Atlanta Braves Starting Pitcher (Charlie Morton) has a 10.24 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, the Florida Marlins will be sending to the mound the much better starting pitcher. In this case, the value is with the team who will be sending to the mound the much better starting pitcher. Take the Florida Marlins!

K & B SPORTS

The Jaguars got a win in their last preseason game 23-17 while the Redskins lost their last preseason game 47-3. The Jaguars are 14-9 ATS in preseason since 2003. And the Redskins are 9-14 ATS in preseason since 2003 (this record does not include the 2008 Hall of Fame Game). The Jaguars were 6-2 ATS in 2007 regular season games on the road. And the Redskins were 3-4-1 ATS in 2007 regular season games at home.

PLAY: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Ross Benjamin

Toronto @ Tampa Bay
Play: Tampa Bay –140

The Toronto starter Jesse Litsch is 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA versus the Rays in 2008. Litsch is 3-8 with a lofty 5.20 ERA in his team starts at night this season and 4-7 in his team starts on the road with a 4.74 ERA. Tampa Bay is an astounding 44-12 in their last 56 home games and 8-2 in the last 10 at home versus Toronto. Play on the Tampa Bay Rays.

SPORTS ADVISORS

North Carolina State at South Carolina

A nationally televised ACC-SEC matchup is on tap at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., where North Carolina State pays a visit to Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks in the season opener for both schools.

Playing for first-year coach Tom O’Brien last season, the Wolfpack missed a bowl game for the first time in eight years when they finished 5-7 (5-6 ATS). After a 1-5 start, N.C. State seemed to turn things around with four straight wins, but season-ending losses to Wake Forest (38-18) and Maryland (37-0) killed the Pack’s postseason hopes.

O’Brien’s offense looks to be in trouble early this season as he’s selected redshirt freshman QB Russell Wilson as his starter. Also, top WR Donald Bowens (41 catches last season) suffered a spinal injury in practice and is out for the year. On the bright side, Wolfpack is TE Anthony Hill, who was an all-ACC performer in 2006 before missing the entire 2007 campaign with a knee injury, returns to the lineup.

The Gamecocks opened the 2007 season with a 6-1 record (4-2 ATS) and climbed as high as No. 6 in the nation. But from there, the team lost its final five games (1-4 ATS) and missed out on a bowl game as a result. South Carolina has 16 starters back, including 10 on defense.

The Gamecocks will start junior QB Tommy Beecher, who saw limited action a year ago behind senior Blake Mitchell. Beecher was 14-of-23 for 175 yards with a TD and an INT. His top target figures to be returning all-SEC receiver Kenny McKinley (77 catches, 967 yards, nine TDs in 2007). McKinley has 153 catches and 15 TDs in his career with South Carolina.

Spurrier is 17-1 SU in season openers as a collegiate head coach, but just 3-9 ATS in lined contests. The Gamecocks are also on ATS slides of 0-5 in home openers and 1-3 in August contests. However, they are on ATS runs of 8-3 as chalk dating back to 2006 and 4-0 in weekday affairs.

O’Brien’s Wolfpack are on an 11-7 ATS roll as a non-conference underdog, including 4-1 ATS as a non-conference road ‘dog of more than three points.

The last time these two squared off was 1999 when North Carolina State scored a 10-0 home victory as a 7½-point favorite.

South Carolina stayed under the posted total in seven of 11 games last season, but the over is 23-9 in its last 32 in front of the home fans. For N.C. State, the under is on runs of 6-1-2 in non-conference games, 5-2-1 on the road and 18-8-2 on grass.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SOUTH CAROLINA

(23) Wake Forest at Baylor

One of the preseason favorites to win the Atlantic Coast Conference title opens on the road when the Demon Deacons visit Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas, to take on Baylor.

After finishing last in the ACC’s Atlantic Division three seasons ago, Wake Forest has won 20 games the last two seasons and claimed its first ACC title in 36 years in 2006. Last year, Jim Grobe’s Demon Deacons finished 9-4 SU and ATS, including a 24-10 win over Connecticut in the Meineke Bowl as 1½-point favorites.

Wake has nine starters back on a ball-hawking defense that ranked 28th nationally last season at 340.4 yards per game, holding five of its final six opponents to 20 points or less while returning eight turnovers for touchdowns. On offense, the Deacons have the last two ACC rookies of the year in RB Josh Adams (953 yards rushing and 11 TDs as a freshman last season) and QB Riley Skinner, who had the nation’s highest completion percentage at 72.4 percent in 2007 and threw for 2,204 yards, 12 TDs and 13 INTs.

Baylor (3-9, 4-7 ATS in 2007) lost eight straight games (2-6 ATS) to finish last season, finishing last in the Big 12 for the 11th time in the league’s 12-year history. The Bears had the seventh-worst scoring offense (17.9 ppg) in the country backed by the eighth-worst scoring defense (37 ppg allowed).

Art Briles moves from Houston to coach the Bears and has a quarterback controversy brewing between true freshman Robert Griffin, a 400-meter hurdler who expands the playbook with his running ability, and returning QB Blake Szymanski, who tossed 22 scoring strikes last year.

Baylor, which has dropped five of six season openers SU, has lost 12 straight games against ranked foes, and the school is just 2-38 SU against Top-25 teams since the Big 12 was formed in 1996. The Bears are also mired in ATS slumps of 8-18 overall, 5-16 as underdogs, 2-9 as a home ‘dog and 4-11 at home since 2005.

Wake Forest is on ATS runs of 21-11-1 overall and 11-5 on the highway against non-conference opposition, including 3-1-1 as a road favorite since 2005. This Deacons were 5-2 ATS when installed in the chalk role a season ago.

Baylor has won all four of the previous matchups between these schools, but the last came in 1961.

For the Deacons, the over is 7-3 in their last 10 overall and 5-1 in their last six on the road. However, the under is 5-2 in Baylor’s last seven in Waco.

ATS ADVANTAGE: WAKE FOREST

Oregon State at Stanford

It’s an early Pac-10 matchup as Oregon State heads to Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, Calif. to take on the Cardinal.

Oregon State has dominated this series lately, winning six of the last seven and covering the number in eight of the last 10 dating back to 1997. The Beavers have outscored the Cardinal 53-13 the last two seasons, covering both games easily as two-touchdown favorites. Oregon State has also won its last three visits to Palo Alto (2-1 ATS).

The Beavers’ defense returns just three starters, and nobody in the front seven, from a unit that led the nation in rush defense last year. That defense was the main reason Oregon State (9-4 SU and ATS in 2007) closed last season on a 7-1 SU and ATS run, including a 21-14 victory over Maryland in the Emerald Bowl, covering as a four-point chalk.

QB Lyle Moevao returns this season after going 77-of-147 last year with two TDs and six INTs in the final three games of the regular season (3-0 SU and ATS). A big key for the Beavers this year is the return of WR Sammie Stroughter, who had 74 catches in the 2006 campaign but only played three games last year before sitting out with a kidney injury.

Aside from an historic upset of USC as a 39-point road underdog, Stanford (4-8, 5-7 ATS) struggled in its first year under coach Jim Harbaugh. However, the Cardinal return almost the entire defense, as well as QB Tavita Pritchard, who started seven games a year ago, including the stunning 24-23 win over then-No. 2 ranked Southern Cal on the Trojans home field. Pritchard threw for 1,114 yards, five TDs and nine INTs in his limited action in 2007.

The Cardinal are just 2-11 SU (3-10 ATS) in their last 13 games in recently refurbished Stanford Stadium, and they are on an 0-3 ATS slide in Pac-10 openers and they went 2-4 ATS as a home ‘dog last year.

Oregon State is 5-1 ATS in its last six season openers and 21-12-1 as a favorite since coach Mike Riley returned to the sidelines in 2003. However, the Beavers have stumbled in roadies to start the season, going 3-10 ATS in the first one on the highway the last 13 years, including last year’s ugly 34-3 loss at Cincinnati as a 3½-point road chalk.

The under was 9-3 for the Cardinal last season and is on further streaks of 45-16-1 overall, 37-13-1 in Pac-10 games and 16-5 on grass. For Oregon State, the over is on runs of 7-3 in Pac-10 games and 4-1 on the road, but the under is 4-1 in the Beavers’ last five Thursday contests. Finally, the under is 5-0 in the last five series meetings between these schools.

ATS ADVANTAGE:OREGON STATE and UNDER

NFL PRESEASON

N.Y. Jets (2-1, 1-1-1 ATS) at Philadelphia (2-1 SU and ATS)

The Jets, wrapping up a preseason that included acquiring QB Brett Favre, travel to Lincoln Financial Field for a matchup with the Eagles in a game where starters – as is customary in the final week of exhibition play—will likely see very little playing time.

New York edged the neighboring Giants 10-7 last week, getting a push as a three-point chalk, with both teams scoring all their points in the second half. The Jets have been rather successful in preseason play since 2003, going 16-8 (12-11-1 ATS), and they’re 6-2 SU and ATS on the highway during that stretch.

Philadelphia rolled over New England 27-17 last week, putting up three second-quarter TDs to easily cash as a one-point road underdog. It was the second straight win and cover for the Eagles, who have been a middling preseason team under coach Andy Reid, going 12-12 ATS (10-14 SU) in August games since 2003, including 6-5 SU and ATS at home. That said, they’ve covered in five of their last seven home exhibition contests.

The Jets and Eagles have met in the preseason finale the past eight years, and New York has won the last six in a row (4-2 ATS).

Mangini said it would be “safe to say� that he’s leaning toward not playing Favre at all tonight. That would leave the starting chores to Kellen Clemens, followed by Brett Ratliff and rookie Erik Ainge. Clemens went 9-for-12 for 83 yards, leading one field-goal drive, against the Giants.

Likewise, Reid is expected to give little if any time to his starters, meaning QB Donovan McNabb will likely take a seat. Kevin Kolb should get the starting nod, but regardless, Kolb and A.J. Feeley will both see significant playing time.

The under has cashed in four of the Jets’ last five preseason games (2-1 this August). On the flip side, the over is 6-2 in Philly’s last eight exhibition games, and the total has gone high in three of the last four preseason clashes between these two teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

New England (0-3 SU and ATS) at N.Y. Giants (1-2, 1-0-2 ATS)

In a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, the Patriots finish out a disappointing preseason with a trip to East Rutherford, N.J., to take on the Giants.

New England, which has not had QB Tom Brady on the field at all this August, lost to Philadelphia 27-17 last week as a one-point home favorite. The Pats are 2-6 SU and ATS in their last eight preseason contests, though they haven’t had a winless preseason since 1990.

New York lost to the cross-town rival Jets 10-7 last week, but still got a push as a three-point pup. The Giants are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five August home games (not counting Jets-Giants contests), and they are 9-4-2 ATS in preseason play dating to August 2005. This will be the fourth straight year these two teams have closed the preseason against each other, with New York holding a 2-1 SU and ATS edge.

Brady (foot) is not expected to play for the Patriots, so Matt Gutierrez and Matt Cassel will continue their battle for the No. 2 spot – a battle Gutierrez appears to be winning. Coach Bill Belichick didn’t indicate who would start, but both should see significant time. Last week, Gutierrez went 14 of 20 for 217 yards and two fourth-quarter TD passes, while Cassel was a mediocre 8 of 14 for 60 yards. Rookie Kevin O’Connell could also see some action in this one.

The Giants, dealt a crushing blow last week with the season-ending loss of Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee), will almost certainly keep the bulk of their starters out of the firing line. That includes QB Eli Manning, who will probably sit and watch David Carr and Anthony Wright lead the offense most of the way, with rookie Andre Woodson also likely to see action.

The over is 6-3 in New England’s last nine August games. Conversely, the under is 10-5 in preseason play for New York dating to 2005.

ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Philadelphia (73-60) at Chicago Cubs (83-50)

The streaking Cubs send Ryan Dempster (15-5, 2.85 ERA) to the mound at Wrigley Field to open a four-game series against the similarly hot Phillies, who will counter with ace Cole Hamels (11-8, 3.20).

Chicago topped Pittsburgh 2-0 in a pitchers’ duel Wednesday afternoon to complete a three-game sweep of the Pirates. The Cubs have ripped off five straight victories and have won eight of their last 10, and they are on further runs of 22-6 overall, 9-1 against left-handers, 9-2 against winning teams and 14-3 with Dempster starting at home.

Philadelphia had its five-game winning streak snapped in a 6-3 home loss to the Mets on Wednesday, splitting a two-game series and ending a five-game winning streak. Like the Cubs, the Phillies have won eight of their last 10 games, and they are 44-20 in their last 64 series openers. However, they’re in ruts of 2-5 on the road and 1-4 when Hamels faces winning teams.

These two squads have gotten together only once this season, with Philly taking two of three at home in April. Additionally, the Phils are 26-12 in the last 38 meetings overall, including 13-6 in the last 19 clashes at Wrigley Field.

Dempster has notched wins in his last three starts, including a 9-2 home victory Saturday over Washington, in which he yielded just one run on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander has been sterling in his last seven starts, allowing just nine earned runs in 46 innings (1.76 ERA).

Hamels has won his last two starts, with the Phillies drilling the Dodgers 9-2 at home in his most recent outing Saturday, as the southpaw allowed two runs on five hits in seven innings. He’s given up two earned runs or fewer in four straight starts.

Dempster is 12-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 16 home starts this year, and he’s 4-3 with a 4.67 ERA in 19 career appearances (12 starts) against Philadelphia, though his last start versus the Phillies came in 2003. Hamels is 5-2 with a 3.40 ERA and five no-decisions (three of them Phillies losses) in 12 road starts this season, and he’s 3-1 with 3.00 ERA in four career efforts against Chicago.

The over for Chicago is on runs of 9-2 against winning teams and 8-3 against the N.L. East. On the flip side, the under is 8-3 in Dempster’s last 11 home starts and 18-8-2 in Philadelphia’s last 28 games against winning teams. Finally, the under is 8-3-2 in the last 13 Wrigley Field meetings between these teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO CUBS

JIM FEIST

MARLINS / BRAVES UNDER

These teams are in the middle of the pack in the NL in offense, with the Braves ranked 10th in runs. Atlanta’s offense is slumping, scoring 3 runs or less in 10 of 15 games. “Terrible road trip — not good at all,” said manager Bobby Cox, whose Braves have lost 12 of their past 14 games. They won’t find the going easy here as Florida unveils a terrific young righty in Anibal Sanchez (3.99 ERA). He’s punched out 27 in 29 innings and has a career 1.80 ERA against the Braves. Florida is on a 14-8-1 run under the total with an improved defense and pitching staff. The last 4 starts by Sanchez the Marlins are 3-1-1 under the total. This is a high total for an NL game and a decent pitcher’s park. Don’t look for many runs, play the Marlins/Braves under the total.

DAVE COKIN

TEXAS RANGERS

The Angels have had it on cruise control lately and they’re clearly not playing their best ball right now. They also are likely to be without both Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar, as their 2B/SS combo both left early Wednesday with hamstring issues. Jon Garland is not pitching especially well, and he’s had career long difficulties with Texas. Brandon McCarthy had some control problems in his first start back with the big club following a great rehab, but I thought he threw the ball well. Looks to me like a really nice spot to go for a big dog price with the Rangers.

PAUL BOVI

DETROIT LIONS

The Bills are bucking the trend of Coach Dick Jauron as hey sport a 2-1 preseason record. They are off a short week here as they disposed of Indy on Sunday night and are back days later to take on the undefeated Lions, who now sport a balanced attack on offense. The Lions are rested having last played a matinee on Saturday, and will be anxious to keep the momentum going into the preseason. A short flight from Detroit to Buffalo as the Lions get in and out with the win and an undefeated record after 4 preseason games

DUSTIN HAWKINS

OREGON STATE / STANFORD UNDER 46

Oregon State is known for running the ball and doing it well. When you run the ball and do it well you control the clock. Stanford is very in consitant and should turn the ball over in this game. LooK for oregon state to get up early and run the ball as they increase the lead and shorten the game. This SHould Stay under the number Oregon State 24 Stanford 10.

INFO PLAYS

HOUSTON ASTROS -139

Houston will beat up on Aaron Harang tonight just like every other team has been doing all season long. Harang is 4-13 with a 5.55 ERA as a starter this season. He’s 1-2 with a 10.80 ERA and a 2.176 WHIP over his last 3 starts. Houston is 9-2 against the Reds in 11 games facing Cincinnati in 2008. Harang allowed 8 earned runs in 4 frames in his only start against the Astros earlier this season, a 13-4 Houston victory. Brandon Backe is 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA in his career against the Reds. With Harang struggling, and the Astros taking care of the Reds in every way possible this season, we’ll bet Houston at home as our free play Thursday.

Bobby Maxwell

L.A. Dodgers at WASHINGTON

The Dodgers offense has disappeared lately and even though they got four runs on Wednesday, they still fell to the Nationals 5-4 and have now dropped six games in a row. But we’re looking for a big win and explosive offense show from them tonight and we’re playing them on the Runline.

Look for Los Angeles to break out of it in a big way tonight. The offense is going to jump all over Washington hurler John Lannan (7-12, 3.95 ERA) who allowed five runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings Friday against the Cubs. That came after a five-start streak when the Nationals lost every game he pitched and he went 0-3 with a 5.76 ERA.

The Dodgers have 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw (2-4, 4.11) on the mound who will rebound from a lousy outing last time out. He gave up six runs in four innings of a 9-2 loss to the Phillies on Saturday. But he’d been dominating before that start, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in his previous five starts. He blanked the Nationals for six innings of a 2-0 win back on July 27.

The Nationals have swept just two series this season and they’d lost 10 of 15 before the Dodgers got to town. Los Angeles wins this one big.

Make it a Runline play on the Dodgers.

2♦ L.A. DODGERS (RL)

Oregon State at STANFORD +3

These teams jump right into the fire with a Pac 10 game as the opener for both teams comes on the first day of college football. We’ll play the home team Cardinal in this one as they are going to be a much-improved team this season.

Stanford is in its second year under coach Jim Harbaugh and returns virtually its entire defense from a season ago. And this early in the season, defenses tend to dominate. The Cardinal also have QB Tavita Pritchard back after a shaky season last year. He threw for 1,114 yards, five TDs and nine INTs, but we all remember what he did in the shocker of the year against Southern Cal.

Pritchard led a game-winning drive against the dominant Trojan defense and completed a 10-yard TD pass on fourth down with 49 seconds left to pull off the stunner and get Stanford a 24-23 outright win as a 39-point underdog.

Oregon State relied on its defense to win games last season but has nobody back from the front seven. The team that led the nation in rush defense has nobody back to stop the run this season. The Beavers weren’t lighting up the scoreboard under QB Lyle Moevao who started the final three games and won all three but was just 77 of 147 for two TDs and six INTs. Those aren’t good numbers for winning QB.

Oregon State struggles in road games to start the season, going 3-10 ATS including a 34-3 loss at Cincinnati a year ago as 3 1/2-point favorites.

Take a chance with the Cardinal as they are pumped up for this home opener.

3♦ STANFORD

Karl Garrett

UTEP at BUFFALO -3

Tonight the G-Man takes it to the college gridiron.

Go ahead and lay the small impost with Buffalo, as they play host to UTEP.

The Miners are making a bizzare road trip to the northeast tonight to open the 2008 campiagn, and they will be in trouble in this one, as Buffalo coach Turner Gill continues to recruit strong classes, and does have an experienced QB in Drew Willy to run the show.

UTEP’s defense was terrible last year, and with limited returning starters for the new season, things don’t look to get much easier for Mike Price, and his 5 new assistants!

Throw in the fact the Miners are caught in a classice “look-ahead” spot, as the Texas Longhorns are on-deck for UTEP in El Paso, and you have an easy win and cover for Buffalo served up tonight.

Take the Bulls.

1♦ BUFFALO

JEFFERSONSPORTS

MLB EARLY RELEASES FOR THURS
MINN TWINS-147
CHIC CUBS-140

Black Magic Sports

1 Unit on New York Yankees -120

It’s going to be tougher than hell for the Red Sox to beat the Yankees in three straight at Yankee Stadium Thursday. New York throws their best starter in Mike Mussina at the Sox to stop the bleeding. Meanwhile, Jon Lester is coming off his worst start of the season, yielding 7 earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings at Toronto on Saturday, August 23rd. Mussina didn’t allow a single earned run in his last start against Boston, and he’s 16-7 with a 3.45 ERA on the season. Boston is just 8-18 in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.00 or better this season. This is the last series with Boston at Yankees stadium, and I have a hard time believing the Pin Stripes will just fold and let the Sox walk all over them again Thursday. Cash in with the Yankees as the favorite.

Matt Foust

Stanford +3.5

Head Coach Mike Riley has turned Oregon State into a well respected PAC 10 football program. In his seven years his has put together a 47-38 record as well as five straight bowl appearances. Last year’s 9-4 club may have been his best yet in Corvallis. Jim Harbaugh is trying to put the same sort of program together at Stanford, and although his club finished at 4-8, they showed progress.

Stanford was anything but a powerhouse offensively last year. They averaged just 111 yards rushing per game and 211 yards passing, which equated to 19.6 points per game. However, they return seven starters from last year’s offense and they have had over a year to soak in Harbaugh’s system. They should be much improved on the offensive line too. That, combined with what should be improved quarterback play (Tavita Pritchard, Jr) and running back play (Toby Gerhart, So), will increase the yardage and point totals by quite a bit.

Oregon State was a force on defense last season, especially against the run and they have dominated Stanford in this area for several seasons now. However, the Beavers are returning just three starters from last season’s 9-4 team and the entire starting front seven is gone. They should still be good, but far short of last season’s success.

We are going to go with the Cardinal here at home +3.5. The OSU drop off in defense contrasted with the Stanford upgrades on offense is the motivating factor in our selection. Last year the Beavers overwhelmed the Cardinal at home 23-6. I would expect OSU to be somewhere in that point range again as Stanford returns nine starters from last year’s defense, but I expect the Cardinal to produce far more than six points.

Things to consider: OSU has lost their last five road openers. Stanford beat USC, Arizona, and California in Harbaugh’s first year, the only figure to get better this season and they are catching OSU at a good time.

Take the Stanford Cardinal +3.5 at home.

Matt Fargo

Minnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics
Prediction: Minnesota Twins

Minnesota picked up a huge victory on Wednesday as it took out Seattle and ended a four-game losing skid. That streak did not hurt the Twins too much as they remain just a game out of first place in the American League Central. The Republican National Convention has forced the Twins on its longest roadtrip in 39 years and they are hoping for a better second half after going 3-4 through the first seven games. The Twins are 22-9 in their last 31 games against a team with a losing record.

Oakland is coming off a rare series win over the Angels, its first since taking three of four against Seattle way back on July 7-10. That was actually the last time that the A’s won back-to-back games as they have gone 0-10 in their last 10 games following a win. They lost those 10 games by an average of 3.7 rpg. The bats woke up with six runs last night but one game isn’t a cure as Oakland has averaged only 2.8 rpg over its last 12 games. The A’s are 7-21 in their last 28 games against a team with a winning record.

Nick Blackburn gets the call for Minnesota and he is looking to snap a three-game winless streak. He has not been pitching bad especially last game where his defense let him down. Over his last six starts, he has a 3.62 ERA which is just under his season ERA of 3.78. He faced the A’s 10 days ago and pitched a solid game, allowing three run on six hits in eight innings of work. Minnesota is 5-1 in his last six road starts against a team with a losing record.

Oakland hopes to get a similar start from Dana Eveland like the one he tossed last time out. He allowed just one run seven innings against Seattle which was his first start since getting called back up from the minors. He had gone six straight starts without tossing a quality outing and posting an 8.36 ERA. One start is not going to suddenly turn him back around. The Twins are hitting .337 in their last 10 games against lefties and are 19-7 in their last 26 games against a left-handed starter. Play Minnesota Twins 1.5 Units

Tony Stevens

Troy vs. Middle Tenn St
Play:Troy -6.5

Favorite is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Trojans are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Brian Graves

Boston vs. New York
Pick: Boston +105

The Red Sox said goodbye to the Yankees playoff chances last night and they have a good matchup to drop the coffin all the way in the ground today. Jon Lester has been dominant against the Yankees this year and coming off one of his worst outings of the season in Toronto over the weekend I expect hime to shut down the lifeless Yankee offense. Even though Mussina has been a great story this year he doesn’t have enough to keep the Sox from scoring their share of runs this afternoon. Boston wins 7-2!

Frank Jordan

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Play: New York Giants -1

This is the annual preseason rematch of the two teams that met 6 months ago in the Super Bowl. That game was won by the 17 point underdogs NY Giants by a score of 17-14. Look for the Giants, despite the loss of Osi Umenyiora, will once again show they were and are the better team with a win at home. Play NY Giants

TONY WESTON

We’ve got a solid game tonight that we’re cashing in with as we’re going with Oregon State on the road at Stanford in some Pac-10 action.

The teams finished in opposite directions last season as Oregon State went 9-4 SU and 8-4 ATS on their way to a bowl game. After starting the season 2-3 SU and 1-3 ATS, the Beavers finished strong, going 7-1 SU and ATS to finish the year, including wins SU and ATS in each of their last four games.

Stanford, on the other hand, finished the year 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS, including a huge upset of USC, beating the Trojans outright 24-23 as 39-point dogs. But that was about the only highlight for the Cardinal, who won only two games SU and ATS over the last month and a half of the season.

Now Oregon State and Stanford are set to do battle to start the season. Consider that over the last two years the Beavers are 2-0 SU and ATS against the Cardinal, having beat them by a combined 53-13. And including last year’s 23-6 win, Oregon State is 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS against the Cardinal in their last 10 meetings.

Also, Stanford was only 2-4 ATS as a home dog last year and is only 6-14 ATS their last 20 home games. The Cardinal are also 0-3 their last three Pac-10 openers.

The Beavers are favored by about a field goal, and that’s subject to change, but that won’t matter. Oregon State will still get over easily tonight. Go with the Beavers on the road.

3♦ OREGON STATE

TONY MATHEWS

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Selection: Toronto/Tampa Bay Under 8.5

The Toronto Blue Jays will use starting pitcher Jesse Litsch. Jesse Litsch has pitched well as of late. In fact, Jesse Litsch has a 3.06 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jesse Litsch pitching another great game today.

The Tampa Bay Rays will use starting pitcher Edwin Jackson. Edwin Jackson has also pitched well as of late. In fact, Edwin Jackson has a 1.89 ERA in his last 3 starts. We also see Edwin Jackson pitching another great game today.

The bottom line, we should see a low-scoring game today!

Take the Toronto Blue Jays/Tampa Bay Rays Under 8.5

JEFF BENTON

It’s a new era for Baylor football, as former Houston coach Art Briles takes over what has been a moribund program for years. Obviously, because of the coaching change not to mention the talent gap Wake Forest is at an advantage here, hence this big number. But I think it?s too big for a couple of reasons. Even though Wake has a veteran, Top 25 team, it’s still not easy to go on the road to open the season and cover a double-digit number. In fact, the Deacons have been a road favorite just 11 times in coach Jim Grobe’s eight years, and they’re only 4-7 ATS.

Also, Briles is known for his confusing, complex offenses, which means if his players have picked up enough of the nuances, Wake’s talented defense could be in a for a few surprises.

Finally, when it comes to Wake Forest football, a good way to make money is to play the underdog. Get this: The dog is 43-23-3 ATS in the Deacons last 69 games! Throw in the fact that Wake Forest is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games as a double-digit favorite, including 0-5 ATS in that role since 2004, and I’ll take the generous points with the home team.

3♦ BAYLOR

DCI

Pacific-10 Conference
Oregon State 36, STANFORD 16

Sun Belt Conference
Troy 37, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 29

FBS Non-Conference
BALL STATE 33, Northeastern 27
BUFFALO 42, Utep 34
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 48, Eastern Illinois 33
CINCINNATI 46, Eastern Kentucky 18
CONNECTICUT 33, Hofstra 15
EASTERN MICHIGAN 52, Indiana State 17
GEORGIA TECH 40, Jacksonville State 10
MIAMI (FLA.) 46, Charleston Southern 12
SOUTH CAROLINA 31, NC State 21
South Dakota State 31, IOWA STATE 29
Vanderbilt 27, MIAMI (OHIO) 16
Wake Forest 45, BAYLOR 14

FCS Non-Conference
Gardner-Webb 34, TENNESSEE TECH 29
NORTH DAKOTA STATE 50, Austin Peay 15

Matty O’Shea

NCAA Favorite Play O’ the Day

Buffalo -3.0 vs UTEP

The Buffalo Bulls are a program on a rise under head coach Turner Gill, who is looking to lead his team to a winning record in his third year. The Bulls have improved the last two seasons, at least doubling their win total each year after going 1-10 in 2005. Now they have 18 starters back, including 10 on offense. The same can’t be said for the UTEP Miners, who lost their last six games of 2007, all by three points or more. UTEP returns only five starters on offense and eight on a defense that ranked #117 in the country last year. I’m simply going with the better team at home in backing Buffalo as my Single Dime NCAA Favorite Play O’ the Day for Thursday.

Tommy Rider

Vanderbilt +4

I have to take a shot with the ‘Dores here. Bobby Johnson is an excellent coach and while Vandy doesn’t have the horses to compete in the SEC, their defense is more than good enough to play with a MAC team. When I look at this line, I see tremendous value here. Both teams are led by their defenses, so I can see a close, low-scoring game here. Vandy’s secondary, led by all-everything CB D.J. Moore, is actually one of the better units in the SEC. I know Vandy lost a lot of starters but at schools like this, I don’t think that’s a major concern. I just don’t think the drop-off between the starters and second stringers is that noticeable in lower-level Division I teams. The Commodores will certainly miss WR Earl Bennett but other than that, I think they’ll be fine. I expect the MAC conference to better overall this year but any time one of those teams is giving four points to an SEC squad, I have to take the points, even if it’s Vanderbilt.

DUNKEL

Minnesota at Oakland
The Twins squeaked out a 6-5 win over Seattle yesterday to avoid their fifth straight loss, but travel to Oakland today to face an A’s team that returns home after taking two out of three from the front-running Angels in Anaheim. Oakland is the underdog pick (+165) according to Dunkel, which has the A’s favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+165). Here are all of today’s games.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 15.768; Houston (Backe) 14.277
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Houston (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+135); Under

Game 953-954: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Sanchez) 15.547; Atlanta (Morton) 13.837
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Florida (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-125); Under

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 14.561; Washington (Lannan) 12.790
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-175); Under

Game 957-958: Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.270; Cubs (Dempster) 16.270
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-140); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-140); N/A

Game 959-960: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.128; NY Yankees (Mussina) 15.322
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+115); Over

Game 961-962: Toronto at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Litsch) 15.600; Tampa Bay (Jackson) 17.250
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-140); Under

Game 963-964: Minnesota at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 14.546; Oakland (Eveland) 15.766
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+165); Under

Game 965-966: Texas at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (McCarthy) 14.971; LA Angels (Garland) 16.601
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-175); Under

NCAAF

NC State at South Carolina
After a 1-5 start, Tom O’Brien’s Wolfpack won four of their final six games last year and look to take advantage of a South Carolina team that is 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings between the two teams. NC State is the underdog pick (+13) according to Dunkel, which has South Carolina favored by only 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NC State (+13)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Game 127-128: UTEP at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 68.990; Buffalo 77.122
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 8; 67
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 3; 61 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-3); Over

Game 129-130: Vanderbilt at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 81.267; Miami (OH) 88.466
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 7; 37
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4; 41
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-4); Under

Game 131-132: NC State at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 86.061; South Carolina 94.380
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 8 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 13; 46
Dunkel Pick: NC State (+13); Under

Game 133-134: Wake Forest at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 93.472; Baylor 79.035
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 14 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 12; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-12); Over

Game 135-136: Oregon State at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 90.344; Stanford 90.364
Dunkel Line: Even; 45
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 3; 49
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+3); Under

Game 137-138: Troy at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 82.957; Middle Tennessee State 79.734
Dunkel Line: Troy by 3; 52
Vegas Line: Troy by 6 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (+6 1/2); Under

Vegas Experts

Vanderbilt at Miami (OH)

Vanderbilt is in for a long season this year and the losing begins tonight in Oxford, Ohio as the Commodores return only nine starters from what was a five-win team to begin with and face a RedHawks squad that hasn’t hosted an SEC team since 1920. Lost in Miami’s losing year in ‘07 was the fact that they outgained conference foes by a league best 97.7 YPG.

Play on: Miami (OH)

Craig Trapp

Cincinnati Reds vs. Houston Astros
Play: Cincinnati Reds

What value play. Take CIN here over HOU. With Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang (4-13, 5.35 ERA) having a subpar season, the Astros’ lineup will have a good opportunity to build some momentum. One of Harang’s worst starts of the season came against Houston on Aug. 10, when he allowed eight runs and nine hits in four innings as Cincinnati lost 13-4. Harang is 8-6 with a 4.49 ERA in 18 career starts versus the Astros. The veteran right-hander snapped a three-start losing streak in his last outing, though, giving up six hits in six shutout innings as Cincinnati beat Colorado 8-5 on Friday night. He had been 0-4 with a 10.74 ERA in his previous six starts. Think Harang is finally healthy and will have another great game. Houston will counter with Brandon Backe (8-12, 5.54 ERA), who won his last start, allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings as Houston beat the New York Mets 8-3 on Saturday night. Look for CIN to win a close one. SCORE CIN 5 – HOU 3

Nelly

Middle Tennessee State + over Troy

The 2007 season ended for Middle Tennessee State with a 45-7 blowout loss at Troy as the Blue Raiders allowed over 500 yards. Troy still had hopes for the Sun Belt title at that point in the season but the Trojans fell short in the final game. The season did not close well for the MTSU last year but there is enough talent back in place for a competitive 2008 campaign. Troy is likely still the team to beat in the Sun Belt but the Trojans are just 14-33 S/U on the road the past seven seasons. Troy will be working in a new QB to start the season and the top two rushers and receivers are also missing from last year’s team. This is a great opportunity for Middle Tennessee to catch Troy early in the year at home.