Texas Longhorns Host the West Virginia Mountaineers

Texas Looks to Stay Atop the Big 12 Against West Virginia

The West Virginia Mountaineers and the Texas Longhorns battle on Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas and West Virginia will be on tilt this afternoon as they are fighting for who is in the drivers seat for the Big XII Championship.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE: Texas -1.5; O/U: 58

Texas had a clear path to the Big 12 title. They could not quite come through with the game on the line last week. The 15th-ranked Longhorns will try to bounce back and stay in the driver's seat for a spot in the Big 12 championship game when they host No. 10 West Virginia on Saturday.

Texas has held four of its previous five opponents under 20 points. They surrendered 31 in the first half alone at Oklahoma State last weekend and suffered its first conference loss, 38-35.

That loss dropped Texas into a three-way battle for first place in the Big 12 with Oklahoma and the Mountaineers. They all enter the week with one loss.

West Virginia bounced back from its 30-14 setback at Iowa State by blasting Baylor 58-14 at home last week. WVA owns the toughest remaining schedule among the three schools. They have a trip to Oklahoma State and home dates against TCU and Oklahoma still on the schedule after visiting the Longhorns.

Both Teams have Potential to be Great at any Time

West Virginia is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12.

The Mountaineers have scored at least 35 points in each of their six victories. They looked like they had a dominant offense against Baylor.

Quarterback Will Grier threw for three TDs and rushed for another. Grier has racked up at least 332 passing yards in each of the six wins. He was held to 100 yds on 11-of-15 passing in the loss at Iowa State on Oct. 13.

"The thing I liked about it is we had a whole bunch of people touch the ball," West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen told reporters of Grier's performance against Baylor. "There were a lot of guys that went in there and touched the ball. (Grier's) spreading the ball around a lot. He did a good job of preparing all week and made a lot of good checks at the line of scrimmage, which is one thing that he does great."

WR David Sill V is tied for second in school history with 29 TD receptions. He is behind Stedman Bailey,  who had 41.

Texas is 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference.

Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger bounced back from a shoulder injury to throw for two touchdowns and rush for two more in last week's loss at Oklahoma State. Herman would like to take some pressure off his signal-caller.

"We are going to have to run the football. There's no doubt," Herman told reporters. "The best way to stop an offense like West Virginia's is keep them off the field and don't let them get started. But we've also got to score points, too."

Ehlinger owns eight of Texas' 14 rushing TDs on the season. Running back Keaontay Ingram has 455 yards and two TDs. He was limited to 52 yards on 11 carries in the loss to Oklahoma State.

PREDICTION: Texas 28, West Virginia 24

College Football Betting Odds & Trends

West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
West Virginia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of West Virginia's last 12 games
West Virginia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road

Texas Longhorns
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Texas's last 25 games
Texas is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Texas's last 16 games at home

 

Next up:
West Virginia home to TCU Saturday, November 10
Texas at Texas Tech Saturday, November 10

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Kentucky Hosts Georgia in Key SEC Matchup

SEC East Title on Line Today with Georgia and Kentucky

The Georgia Bulldogs and the Kentucky Wildcats meet on Saturday at Kroger Field. This is the biggest game in Kentucky Football's history since "Bear" Bryant was roaming the sidelines. The winner of today's matchup will most likely end up winning the SEC East and play for the conference championship.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: Georgia -9.5; O/U: 47

Fifth-ranked Georgia is used to playing showdown games in November. Those matchup usually come with SEC and national title aspirations at stake. That can't be said for No. 12 Kentucky. They find itself in that unfamiliar spot on Saturday.

The Wildcats defeated Missouri 15-14 last week, scoring on the final play of the game. They are off to their best eight-game start since 1977 behind a defense that is allowing a nation-low average of 13 points. That 1977 team was on probation and couldn't participate in the postseason.

"They've worked hard to put themselves in that position," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops told reporters on Monday. "We just have to stay consistent and be the best version of ourselves we can be."

Kentucky has improved its win total in each of Stoops' six seasons at the helm. They were ninth in the College Football Playoff rankings that were released on Tuesday. That is three spots behind Georgia.

Georgia whipped Florida 36-17 last week. Quarterback Jake Fromm rebounded from a sub-par showing in a loss at LSU to throw three touchdown passes. He now faces a defense led by standout linebacker Josh Allen, who ranks in the top three nationally in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (10).

"Obviously, it is a huge game," Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta told reporters on Monday. "You know we are playing for a chance to go to Atlanta (for the SEC championship game). I would say that is all the motivation that we need for this weekend's game."

Georgia and Kentucky are Two Different Types of Teams, but the Same

The Dawgs are 7-1overall and 5-1 in SEC action. Their only setback coming to 4th-ranked LSU.

Fromm improved to 19-3 as a starter in his career. He ranks second in the SEC in completion percentage at 67.4 %. The Bulldogs enter the week second in the conference in scoring offense at 38.6 points per game.

Running backs Elijah Holyfield and D'Andre Swift combined for 175 yards on 32 carries against Florida and have totaled 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns this season. The defense, which held Florida to a season-low 275 yards, is allowing 16.4 points per game.

DB Richard LeCounte made seven of his team-leading 47 tackles and also recovered a fumble last week.

The Wildcats are also 7-1 on the season and 5-1 in the conference.

Quarterback Terry Wilson completed 22-of-31 passes for 267 yards last week. Wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. had 13 catches for 166 yards while also returning a punt 67 yards for a touchdown.

Running back Benny Snell Jr. was held to 67 yards on 19 carries, but leads the SEC, and ranks 10th nationally in rushing yards per game at 116.9.

The defense gets plenty of attention, but the Wildcats are third in the conference in rushing offense at 214 yards.

Kentucky is the only FBS team yet to allow more than 20 points in a game this season.

PREDICTION: Georgia 24, Kentucky 20

NCAA Football Betting Odds & Trends

Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Georgia is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Georgia is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Georgia's last 5 games on the road
Georgia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Kentucky
Georgia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kentucky
Georgia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kentucky

Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kentucky's last 5 games
Kentucky is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kentucky's last 6 games at home
Kentucky is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Georgia
Kentucky is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Georgia
Kentucky is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Georgia

 

Next up:
Georgia home to Auburn Saturday, November 10
Kentucky at Tennessee Saturday, November 10

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Warriors Host Timberwolves Friday Night

ESPN has the Warriors and Timberwolves as the Late Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors battle on Friday at Oracle Arena. This matchup is hard to figure out tonight. Golden State is playing like, well, Golden State. You throw the Timberwolves and their helter-skelter performances and you have a real Forest Gump Box-of-Chocolates.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS Bay Area (Golden State).

LINE: Warriors -11; O/U 243 after opening at 239.5.

The Minnesota Timberwolves expect disgruntled superstar Jimmy Butler to suit up on Friday. Hell, they might not need him. The Timberwolves will look for another turn-back-the-clock performance from former MVP Derrick Rose.

Butler is still actively seeking a trade out of Minnesota. He sat out to rest on Wednesday and watched Rose explode for a career-high 50 points in a 128-125 win at Utah.

The Warriors have several players on the roster capable of scoring 50 points. They are looking like the best team in the NBA again while riding a six-game winning streak.

Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson exploded for an NBA-record 14 3-pointers and 52 points in a 149-124 win at Chicago on Monday. He only needed to hit one 3-pointer and score 18 on Wednesday. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and company took over in a 131-121 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Expect a Shootout Tonight in Prime Time

The Timberwolves are 4-4 on the season and have shown they can be a force if they can get their cabinet in order.

Rose was supposed to be a useful bench piece for Minnesota. This was after a series of injuries knocked him off the peak that led to an MVP Award in 2011. The 30-year-old is still capable of leaving his teammates in awe.

"D-Rose is the man," center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters. "The legend. Myth. Vintage. It was numbing. I never realized something like that in my life. The man was just out there floating. It seemed like he couldn't do no wrong."

Rose went 19-of-31 from the floor in 41 minutes on Wednesday. He knocked down four 3-pointers, which was one shy of his total from the first seven games.

Golden State is 8-1 on the season and have exploded on offense.

Green will rarely be the player leading Golden State in scoring, but his full toolbox of skills was on display Wednesday. He collected 16 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.

"I thought he was probably the best player on the floor tonight," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters of Green. "I know other guys had some big point totals and all that, but this was not a very clean game for us and when the game gets a little grimy that seems to be when Draymond is at his best. We needed his grit, his rebounding, his defense and he came through in a big way."

Green takes a lot of pride in his work at the defensive end. He told reporters after the win that his goal this season is to win Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

Golden State took six of the last eight meetings.

PREDICTION: Warriors 135, Timberwolves 121

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Minnesota's last 25 games when playing Golden State
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Golden State

Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games at home
Golden State is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Minnesota
Golden State is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Golden State's last 25 games when playing Minnesota
Golden State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

 

Next up:
Minnesota at Portland Sunday, November 4
Golden State home to Memphis Monday, November 5

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Pitt and Virginia Battle in ACC Tilt

First Place in ACC Coastal on Line for Pitt and Virginia

The Pitt Panthers and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet at Scott Stadium on Friday night. Friday night college football is a bad thing to do as you don't bite the hand that feeds you. Friday Nights are for High School games. This ACC matchup will have lots of drama and some pretty good football.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2.

LINE: Virginia -7; O/U 47

First place in the ACC Coastal division is on the line Friday night. No.22 Virginia hosts a Pittsburgh squad who scored with five seconds left to notch an exciting victory over Duke last weekend. The Panthers' offense finally broke out and scored their most points in nearly two years.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett has struggled under center all season. He connected with Maurice Ffrench on a 25-yard touchdown strike to provide Pitt a 54-45 victory over the Blue Devils. Pitt added a safety on the final play of the game for the nine-point margin.

The Pittsburgh offense rolled up 634 yards, including 484 yards rushing. That is the second most in school history. The defense continued to underwhelm, yielding 619 yards.

The Cavaliers posted a 31-21 victory against North Carolina last week. It was behind four total touchdowns from quarterback Bryce Perkins (three passing) to return to the college football rankings for the first time since 2011.

Perkins completed 18-of-27 passes for 217 yards. He added 112 more on the ground as Virginia won its third conference game in a row for the first time since 2011. The win allowed them to remain atop the division at 4-1 with Pitt and Virginia Tech sitting 3-1.

Pitt and Virginia Are Peaking at the Right Time

Pitt is 4-4 overall and 3-1 in the ACC.

Defensive back V'Lique Carter, a 5-9, 170-pound freshman, moved to running back and gained 137 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns in the first game of his career. Workhorse Qadree Ollison added 149 yards and a score on 18 carries. That pushed his rushing total for the season to 795 yards, which is third in the ACC.

Pickett has a 60.6 completion percentage, with eight TDs, and five interceptions on the year. He is averaging just over 10 yards per completion this season. He finished 8-of-18 for 150 yards (72 in the final drive) and two touchdowns with Ffrench catching a 50-yard scoring pass prior to the game winner.

The Panthers surrendered just 19 points in a five-point loss to Notre Dame on Oct. 13. They gave up 120 in the previous three contests, prompting coach Pat Narduzzi to sum up the defense's play by saying, "one step forward and two steps back."

Pittsburgh beat Virginia 31-14 last season and has won three straight in the series.

Virginia is 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in the ACC.

Perkins, who is a junior college transfer, tied season highs in passing and total touchdowns. He also rushed for 100 yards for the third time this season. He has completed 63.1 percent of his 217 attempts for 1,623 yards and 21 total touchdowns (15 passing). Perkins has only eight interceptions.

Olamide Zaccheaus has a team high of 56 receptions, 690 yards and six TDs. He collected 10 catches for the second week in a row and recorded his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season. The output allowed him to become Virginia's all-time career receptions leader with 213.

The Cavaliers are surrendering 18.8 points, which is18th in FBS and second in the ACC. The unit is giving up 327 yards per game, and they have held seven opponents under 400 yards and all but two to 21 points or fewer.

Perkins (575 yards) passed Bill Dudley (469, 1940) and Shawn Moore (505, 1989) to move into second place all-time at Virginia for single-season rushing yardage by a quarterback.

Zaccheaus is the only active player in the nation with 2,000 receiving and 500 rushing yards. He is one of three ACC players to accomplish the feat since 2000.

PREDICTION: Virginia 28, Pittsburgh 24

NCAA Football Betting Odds & Trends

Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 3-4-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Virginia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Virginia

Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Virginia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Virginia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Virginia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Virginia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

 

Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Virginia Tech Saturday, November 10
Virginia home to Liberty Saturday, November 10

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Raiders and 49ers on Thursday Night Football

Raiders & 49ers on Thursday Night Football

Oakland and San Francisco are about as different as night and day, but they have something very much in common this year. Heading into Thursday’s matchup at Levi’s Stadium, the Raiders (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS) are last in the AFC West, while the 49ers (1-7 SU, 2-6 ATS) find themselves at the bottom of the NFC West.

FOX will provide the coverage at 8:20 PM ET. The 49ers opened at –3 and remain there at press time; the total is 46.5. The line is down to San Francisco -1 and the total is down to 44.

The 49ers rank 28th and Raiders 31st in points allowed with 29.5 and 31.1, respectively.

At least San Francisco’s malaise doesn’t seem premeditated. Their season went off the rails in Week 3 when starting quarterback, and franchise savior, Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL. With CJ Beathard at the controls, San Fran have one of the worst offenses in the league.  Their defense isn’t very good, either.

Its losing streak aside, San Francisco has a major injury concern as quarterback C.J. Beathard was unable to practice Tuesday due to a sore right wrist.

"We feel C.J. would be good if we were playing on Sunday but it's going to be a test for Thursday and we probably won't know until then," said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

The 49ers would go with undrafted free agent Nick Mullens if Beathard can't go.

The one reliable offensive option for San Francisco is tight end George Kittle, who has a team-high 37 receptions and at least five in six of eight games. The 49ers are surrendering 262.5 yards passing and have posted only two interceptions.

Raiders are a Lame Duck Franchise Right Now

The Raiders are a lame-duck franchise until they make their eventual move to Las Vegas.

They started clearing out talent well before sending Pro Bowl LB Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears in September. The exodus continued last week when Oakland traded top wideout Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-round pick in 2019.

Derek Carr registered a season-high 136.6 passer rating in last week's 42-28 loss to Indianapolis. He threw for three touchdown passes before the Raiders were torched for 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Doug Martin rushed for 72 yards in place of an injured Marshawn Lynch and tight end Jared Cook continued his stellar season with four catches for 74 yards and a score.

Mack's loss has killed the pass rush, which has an NFL-low 7.0 sacks.

PREDICTION: 49ers 23, Raiders 20

NFL Betting Odds & Trends

Oakland Raiders
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Oakland is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oakland's last 14 games
Oakland is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Oakland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Francisco's last 11 games
San Francisco is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
San Francisco is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home
San Francisco is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland

Get your NFL odds at Bovada today.

Warriors Host the Pelicans Wed Night

Pelicans Battle the Warriors in Halloween Night NBA Action

The fans at Oracle Arena will be the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors when they take their seats on Halloween Night. Golden State has been setting records all over the place so far this season. The Pelicans are off to a pretty good start as well.

TV: 10:30 p.m. FS New Orleans, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State).

Odds: The Warriors as -12.5-point favorites versus the Pelicans, while the game's total opened at 234.5. The Line is now Warriors -9 and the total is 238.5.

Klay Thompson began the season in a massive shooting slump. It only took one game to break out in a big way. Thompson will try to follow up his record-breaking performance on Wednesday.

Thompson, who went 5-of-36 from beyond the arc in the first six games, buried an NBA-record 14 3-pointers. He scored 52 points in a 149-124 win at the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

Pelicans Have to Have Davis to Have a Chance

The Pelicans might have to stop Golden State without their best defender if star forward Anthony Davis (elbow) is forced to miss a third straight game. New Orleans got off to a 4-0 start with Davis leading the way. They have dropped the last two contests without him in the lineup. The Pelicans are 4-2 going into tonight's action.

New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry refused to blame the absence of Davis in a 116-111 loss at Denver on Monday. The Pelicans turned the ball over 22 times.

"I don't think it's ever understandable to turn the ball over 22 times," Gentry told reporters. "I think what happened is that some of our turnovers came because we were trying to play in really tight, confined spaces. Against that team, you can't do that."

Five of those turnovers belonged to reserve power forward Julius Randle. He otherwise played a solid game with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 27 minutes.

Golden State has started the season 7-1, which is not a shock to any NBA fan on the planet.

Golden State leads the NBA in team field-goal percentage at 52.3%, and assists at 29.6 a game. Coach Steve Kerr remains in awe of the unselfish nature of his team.

" I can't even tell you how lucky I am and how I feel every night just watching these guys and how unselfish they are," Kerr told reporters. "They basically take turns, they encourage each other, they want each other to do well, and we have all this talent, but the key is these guys are committed to each other, they play hard for each other, and they want each other to have success, and that's why it works, and it's been amazing to be along for the ride."

Thompson broke the record of 13 set on Nov. 7, 2016 by teammate Stephen Curry. Steph went 13-of-17 in a 116-106 home win over New Orleans.

PREDICTION: Warriors 133, Pelican 121

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 16-4 ATS in its last 20 games
New Orleans is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
New Orleans is 2-18 SU in its last 20 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New Orleans's last 15 games when playing Golden State
New Orleans is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games when playing on the road against Golden State

Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games at home
Golden State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Golden State is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Golden State's last 15 games when playing New Orleans
Golden State is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing at home against New Orleans

 

Next up:
New Orleans at Portland Thursday, November 1
Golden State home to Minnesota Friday, November 2

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Ball State and Toledo in MAC Action

Toledo Hosts Ball State on Halloween Night

The Ball State Cardinals and the Toledo Rockets will meet when they meet at Glass Bowl Stadium on Halloween Night. Toledo is a huge favorite as the injury bug has hit Ball State.

TV: ESPN2, 7:30 PM ET.

LINE: Toledo -19; O/U 65

Ball State lost twice last time they took the field. They not only got beat 52-14 by Ohio, but they lost their starting quarterback as well. Now they will have to take on one of the more explosive teams in the MAC with a backup signal-caller.

The Toledo Rockets are coming off a dreadful second half in their loss to Buffalo. They really found themselves on the offensive side of the ball in their last outing. They also have some questions to answer at the quarterback spot.

Toledo will most likely be going to some kind of bowl game when all is said and done. But Ball State will have to win all three of its remaining games to be eligible.

Ball State has Tall Order Tonight

It was thoroughly disappointing to the Cardinals (3-6 SU, 4-5 ATS) to have lost 52-14 to the Ohio Bobcats. They gave up 31 points in the second quarter, along with 411 yards rushing and 30 first downs.

They lost quarterback Riley Neal, who tore a meniscus and won't be available this week. Neal actually played through the injury for a little while, but wasn't able to move laterally all that well. He was replaced with Drew Plitt. Neal has thrown for 1917 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. He has completed 58% as well.

Plitt has completed 18 of 29 for 235 yards in limited action. He also played some last season, including three starts, and was a 50% passer. Backups got plenty of time last year because Neal missed nine games with a knee injury.

Ball State might be missing other personnel as well. Running back James Gilbert (586 yards, 4.4 yards per carry) has a back injury that has caused him to miss practice. He was first-team All-MAC back in 2016 and sat out with a medical redshirt last year.

Neal's absence also affects the running game, as he has run for 357 yards.

Ball State has had a very hard time stopping opponents on the ground, giving up 4.8 yards per rushing attempt. They are fifth in the nation for first downs, but are 122nd in the nation when it comes to yards per point.

Jacob White, middle linebacker and the team's leading tackler, is hobbled by an ankle injury.

They will have to win each of their remaining games – against Toledo, Western Michigan and Miami of Ohio – to become bowl-eligible.

Toledo Has to Beat Teams they are Supposed to Beat

The Rockets were completely baffled by Buffalo a couple of games ago. They gave up 24 unanswered points in the second half while going limp on offense.

The Rockets (4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS) came through huge against Western Michigan last week. Of course, it didn't hurt them that Jon Wassink, the WMU quarterback, got injured on the opening drive and had to leave the game.

They cut through the Broncos' defense like a knife in hot butter, rolling up 515 yards in a 51-24 annihilation. Starting quarterback, Mitch Guadagni, had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. He had producing 190 yards of total offense. He's 13th in the nation in Passing Efficiency, so that loss will be felt.

Eli Peters came in and threw three touchdown passes. He's only a 47% passer on the season. Peters and Guadagni have combined to throw 22 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

Cody Thompson had three touchdowns, and currently ranks in the nation's top 10 with nine receiving TDs.

Toledo is 12th the nation in scoring at 40.8 points per game.

They have three players who have rushed for more than 400 yards. Guadagni is one of them, but there are two running backs. They are Brian Koback and Shakif Seymour.

They only have two receivers with over 400 yards. But Diontae Johnson is seventh in the nation in kickoff returns.

Toledo's average field position for the offense is the 34-yard line, which is seventh best in the country. And 78.3% of their first downs have been achieved on either a first or second down.

PREDICTION: Toledo 43, Ball State 20

NCAA Football Betting Odds & Trends

Ball State Cardinals
Ball State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Ball State is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games
Ball State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Ball State is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Ball State is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Toledo
Ball State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ball State's last 6 games when playing Toledo
Ball State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toledo
Ball State is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ball State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toledo

Toledo Rockets
Toledo is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toledo is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toledo's last 7 games
Toledo is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Toledo is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home
Toledo is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Ball State
Toledo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ball State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo's last 6 games when playing Ball State
Toledo is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ball State
Toledo is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Ball State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo's last 6 games when playing at home against Ball State

 

Next up:
Ball State home to Western Michigan Tuesday, November 13
Toledo at NIU Wednesday, November 7

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Blackhawks and Canucks on NHL Network

Blackhawks and Canucks are Much Improved

Two much-improved teams will take the spotlight on Halloween Night. The Chicago Blackhawks (6-3-3) visit the Vancouver Canucks (7-6) at 10 PM ET on the NHL Network. After finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference last year, the Blackhawks wrapped up the weekend just one point shy of first place in the Central Division. The Canucks are two points out of the lead in the Pacific.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NHL Network, WGN (Chicago), Sportsnet, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet360 (Vancouver).

Odds: Canucks are -127-moneyline favorites. The total is 5.5 Under -113.

The Canucks have some injury concerns coming into this matchup. Anders Nilsson (.912 save percentage) has been shelved with a broken finger and could miss several weeks of action. He has split the goal-tending duties 50/50 with Jacob Markstrom (.902 SV%).

Nilsson joins top defenseman Alex Edler (sprained MCL) and top LW Sven Baertschi (upper-body) on injured reserve.

Chicago has a clean bill of health for this game. They’ll also have an extra day of rest, while Vancouver beat the Minnesota Wild on Monday.

Canucks and Blackhawks Have Impressive Youngsters

The Canucks Elias Pettersson has established himself as an extremely early favorite for the Calder Trophy with the season's first month coming to a close. With an NHL rookie-best total in goals (seven) and points (10) despite missing six games due to a concussion.

Pettersson, who is the 21st player in NHL history to score at least seven goals in his first seven contests, tallied in both the second and third period of Monday's 5-2 win over Minnesota.

Vancouver snapped a two-game skid to improve to 1-1-0 on its four-game homestand.

Chicago has dropped a pair of contests heading into the opener of a three-game trek through the Pacific Northwest.

Patrick Kane extended his point streak to six games for the Blackhawks with an assist on defenseman Brent Seabrook's 5-on-3 goal in the first period of Sunday's 2-1 overtime loss against Edmonton.

The Blackhawks Corey Crawford allowed one goal in three successive starts before getting gashed for six on Saturday in a 7-3 setback at St. Louis.

The Canucks outscored the Blackhawks 14-6 en route to winning all three games last season.

PREDICTION: Canucks 4, Blackhawks 2

NHL Betting Odds & Trends

Chicago Blackhawks
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games
Chicago is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Vancouver
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Vancouver
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver

Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Vancouver's last 10 games
Vancouver is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Vancouver is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Vancouver's last 22 games at home
Vancouver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

Get your NHL odds at Bovada today.

Predators Host the Golden Knights in NHL Action

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Predators Look to Avoid Back to Back Losses at Home

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Nashville Predators will  on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville has hit a bump in the road while playing at home. They have split their six games, while dropping two of three overall. Two of the best teams in the NHL will tangle for your pleasure tonight.

The Predators look to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season and give the Music City fans a thrill on Tuesday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

Odds: The Predators are -182-moneyline favorites. The game's total opened at 5.5.

The Predator's Filip Forsberg has been exciting NHL fans with nine goals in his last seven games. That includes his franchise-best sixth career hat trick in Saturday's 5-3 setback to Edmonton.

Vegas wrapped up a successful homestand in style as Jonathan Marchessault scored on a penalty shot in overtime. The Golden Knights improved to 3-1-1 on that stretch following Sunday's 4-3 win versus Ottawa.

Predators and Golden Knights are Two of NHL's Best

The Golden Knights are 5-5-1 on the season. The injury bug seems to have taken a liking to coach Gerard Gallant's club. Max Pacioretty sustained an upper-body ailment against Tampa Bay on Friday. Fellow forward Cody Eakin was felled two nights later following a hit from Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki.

Alex Tuch tallied twice versus the Senators. He has three points in as many contests since signing a seven-year contract extension. The young lad collected just 37 points last season before scoring six goals and setting four others during Vegas' run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Vegas is just 4-for-37 on the power play this season.

Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 55 of 56 shots in a pair of meetings with the Predators last season. He finished with a 1-1-0 mark.

Forsberg isn't going it alone for the Preds. Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson have been a huge help. They have collected 38 points (19 goals, 19 assists) and a plus-25 rating this season. That includes 16 (nine goals, seven assists) in the last four.

Arvidsson scored in the first encounter with Vegas. It was a 4-3 shootout loss in Nashville on Dec. 8.

Nashville G Juuse Saros has surrendered 12 goals in his last three games with countryman Pekka Rinne nursing an undisclosed injury.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Golden Knights 2

NHL Betting Odds & Trends

Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Vegas is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games
Vegas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Vegas is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vegas's last 7 games
Vegas is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Vegas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vegas's last 9 games on the road

Nashville Predators
Nashville is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Nashville is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Nashville is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Nashville's last 16 games at home

 

Next up:
Vegas at St. Louis Thursday, November 1
Nashville at Tampa Bay Thursday, November 1

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Raptors Host the 76ers Tuesday Night

Raptors Look to Get Back to Winning Ways

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors will on Tuesday when at Scotiabank Arena. The 76ers have gotten off to an up and down start to the season and are looking for consistency. The Raptors were as hot as a team can be until Monday Night. They were 6-0 before losing last night.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, NBCS Philadelphia Plus, TSN (Toronto).

Odds: Raptors are 6-point favorites. The total is 227.

Toronto is no longer undefeated and they aim to get back on the winning track on Tuesday. Toronto set a franchise mark with a 6-0 start but the impressive streak reached an end with Monday's 124-109 loss to the unbeaten Milwaukee Bucks.

Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard was rested on the front end of the back-to-back. He is slated to be back in the lineup against the 76ers. The contest was the second Leonard has sat out. He is regaining his fitness after playing in only nine games with the San Antonio Spurs last season because of a quadriceps injury.

Teams are Still Finding Themselves Early On

Philadelphia has recorded back-to-back victories and Monday's 113-92 rout of the Atlanta Hawks may have been the team's best performance of the young season. The Hawks held strong with the 76ers until midway through the 3rd quarter. Then Philadelphia quickly opened it's lead.

Philadelphia has started the season 4-3. Backup point guard Markelle Fultz flashed some of his potential against Atlanta. He scored a career-best 16 points in 23 minutes.

Fultz was a big disappointment last season after being the No. 1 overall pick and Philadelphia is letting him run the team while Simmons is resting. That freedom is allowing him more freedom on the floor.

Toronto badly missed Leonard, and his 26.6 ppg average, in the showdown against the Bucks. The team scored its fewest points of the season and putting forth a horrific showing from 3-point range. They shot only 9-44 from behind the arc.

Leonard's absence allowed power forward Serge Ibaka to get 21 shots and he poured in 30 points and also collected nine rebounds. He was one point shy of his career high scoring mark.

Point guard Kyle Lowry recorded 15 assists, but scored a season-low nine points. He missed all nine 3-point attempts during a 3-of-14 shooting performance.

The 76ers have dropped their past 11 visits to Toronto.

PREDICTION: Raptors 108, 76ers 105

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Toronto
Philadelphia is 2-18 SU in its last 20 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto

Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games
Toronto is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games at home
Toronto is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

 

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Los Angeles Thursday, November 1
Toronto at Phoenix Friday, November 2

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