Author: Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.

Categories
NFL

Week 13: Ravens vs. Browns NFL Preview & Free Pick

Baltimore Ravens (8-3) vs Cleveland Browns (4-7) NFL Betting Preview

It has been quite a while since Art Modell took the Browns to Baltimore, but Cleveland still hates the Baltimore Ravens. This was a rivalry from the day Cleveland got a pro football team once again.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Ravens are 8-3 this year, but all three of their losses have come as at least 5.5 point favorites. Can they avoid a letdown against the Browns this weekend?

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NFL FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Ravens vs. Browns
Time/Date: 4:05 PM EST, December 4, 2011
Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Ravens vs. Browns Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Spread: Ravens -6.5
Moneyline: Ravens (-275) Browns (+235)
Over/Under: 38.5

Baltimore has an impressive list of teams they have beaten so far this year. The Ravens have taken down the Steelers twice, the 49ers, the Jets, the Texans, and the Bengals. It has been the Jaguars, Titans, and Seahawks who have beaten the Ravens. Baltimore has showed up for all of their big games, but they have consistently played down to their level of competition this year and it has caught up with them a few times.

Joe Flacco has had some great moments this year, but he has been pretty inconsistent at the quarterback spot. Ray Rice leads the team in both rushing yards and receptions. Rice is one of the most versatile players in the league, and the Ravens need to get him the ball more often. The Ravens offense averages 24.7 points per game.

Baltimore’s defense has been stellar this season. Ray Lewis has missed the last couple games with a toe injury, and he is listed as questionable for this one. Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs have been excellent for this unit. Ed Reed may have lost a step, but he is still a great safety. Baltimore’s defense has flourished at forcing turnovers this year. Opponents are scoring just 16.5 points per game on this defense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Cleveland has struggled in a big way on offense this year. This team is simply lacking play makers on this side of the ball. Colt McCoy has improved in his second season under center for the team, but he doesn’t have enough play makers around him. Peyton Hillis is healthy again, and it should certainly help to have him back in the lineup.

The Browns lack a consistent wide receiver, and this unit has had far too many drops this year. The team has tried to work Josh Cribbs into the offense a little bit, but that has largely been unsuccessful. The Browns are averaging only 15 points per contest.

As bad as the Cleveland offense has been, the defense has done a lot of good things this year. This is a terrific young secondary. In fact, the Browns rank first in the NFL in pass defense. Joe Haden is already a star in only his second year in the league. Phil Taylor has provided a nice boost on the defensive line. Injuries have really slowed the linebacker group, and that has allowed opponents to run the ball quite well against this defense. Cleveland ranks sixth in the NFL in total defense.

Baltimore realizes that they can’t afford another letdown, and I don’t think it will happen against a rival like the Browns. Baltimore is better on both sides of the ball. Look for Ray Rice to have a big game here.

Free NFL Pick: Ravens -6.5

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

Michigan St. vs. Wisconsin Preview & Big 10 Championship Free Pick

Michigan State vs Wisconsin

It’s the first edition of the Big Ten Conference Championship Game this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The title game will be a rematch of what might have been the best regular season game of the year in the conference. Michigan State won 37-31 on a last second Hail Mary the first time these two met.

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
Lucas Oil Stadium
Saturday December 3, 8:15 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-365) Michigan State (+305)
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -9.5 (-110) Michigan State +9.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 54.5

Can the Spartans upset the Badgers a second time or will Wisconsin get revenge?

Mark Dantonio has done a terrific job turning around this Michigan State program. The Spartans had been mired in mediocrity before Dantonio came, but the past two years have been great for this team. Other than a misstep at Nebraska this year, the team was perfect in Big Ten conference play.

It was the defense that led the team this year, but the offense progressed a great deal as the season moved along. Kirk Cousins, a third year starter at quarterback, put together a terrific season for Michigan State.

Cousins threw for 2,700 yards and 21 touchdowns this year. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker form a solid tailback tandem for the Spartans. B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin are both capable of making plays down the field on the outside, which helps stretch the defense.

Jerrell Worthy is the anchor for this terrific defense. Michigan State ranks in the top 11 in the country in every major defensive category.

Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. Wisconsin did put up 443 total yards against this unit last time, so they will need to improve this Saturday or things likely won’t end as well as they did last time for the Spartans. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Russell Wilson has been the perfect quarterback for Wisconsin this season. Wilson has better numbers than any other quarterback in the nation. Wilson threw for 28 touchdowns and just three interceptions this year. He also completed a ridiculous 73% of his passes. While Wilson gives this team an extra dimension on offense, it still starts with the power running game.

Montee Ball racked up 1,622 yards this season. Ball had 29 rushing touchdowns and five receiving touchdowns.

James White is a very solid backup tailback, and he averaged 5.1 yards per carry this year. Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis are solid at the wide receiver spots. The Badgers may well have the most balanced offense in the nation. Wisconsin is averaging 45 points per game in 2011.

The Badgers defense was a pleasant surprise this season. The loss of J.J. Watt left many to believe that this unit would struggle this year, but that wasn’t the case at all. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation in pass defense.

The secondary has done a great job keeping everything in front of them this year. Wisconsin is giving up just 15.2 points per contest.

I really like what Dantonio has done at Michigan State, but I think Wisconsin is the much more complete team. The Badgers have a lot to prove here, and I think they’ll do just that.

Look for the Badgers offensive line to assert its dominance early and often.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -9.5
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 38 Michigan State 20

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

New Mexico vs. Boise State Preview & Free Pick

2011 NCAA Over/Under Wins Football Predictions

New Mexico vs Boise St.

Boise State will once again fall short of playing in the BCS National Championship Game, but the Broncos have a chance at a BCS bowl berth as long as they win this weekend.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

New Mexico is one of those teams that is likely looking forward to this season being over. What can you expect in this Mountain West finale on Saturday in Boise?

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

New Mexico vs. Boise State
Bronco Stadium
Saturday December 3, 6:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Boise State -48.5 (-110) New Mexico +48.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 61.5

New Mexico hired former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie to try to stabilize the football program. To say that the last few years have been bad for the Lobos is a major understatement. New Mexico is 3-35 in their last 38 games. Davie is a pretty big name hire for the school, and it will be interesting to see what kind of progress he can make with this team.

It’s tough to find anything positive to say about this year’s New Mexico squad. They did pick up a win a couple weeks ago against UNLV, which had to help boost the morale a little bit. The Lobos are last in all of college football in points per game at just 13.1. Defensively, they are second to last in points allowed per game. The Lobos give up 42 points per game. The offense has been held to ten points or less in seven games this season. The defense has improved slightly as the season has gone on, but they’ll get a big test this weekend.

Boise State was stunned a couple weeks ago by TCU. The Horned Frogs pulled off a 36-35 win in Boise. The loss knocked the Broncos out of the national title picture. It seems Boise State has never totally recovered from that game. Boise State has won the last two weeks, but they haven’t looked very impressive. The Broncos allowed 35 points at San Diego State, and they were tied until seconds before the half last week at home against Wyoming. Kellen Moore has had another stellar season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Moore is clearly one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and I fully believe he is still underrated by most fans. Moore has thrown for more than 30 touchdowns and less than ten interceptions in three straight seasons. Doug Martin and D.J. Harper are a great tailback tandem. Martin is the bruiser and Harper is the speedster that helps provide a change of pace. Boise State has missed Titus Young and Austin Pettis, but Tyler Shoemaker has stepped up and become a top target for Moore.

The Boise State defense hasn’t been quite as dominant this season as it has been the last couple years. The secondary has been hit hard by injuries, and the team has suffered because of that.  Four of the Broncos last five opponents have scored at least 21 points. Another big problem has been the lack of a pass rush. Boise State has just 16 sacks all season.

New Mexico is badly outmanned here. Boise State could probably name their score, but this is a massive point spread. I’ll take the under in this one, because I’m not sure New Mexico can score at all here.

Free College Football Pick: Under 61.5
Score Prediction: Boise State 52 New Mexico 3

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAAB

Wisconsin vs. North Carolina College Basketball Prediction

NCAA Basketball Matchup: Badgers vs Tar Heels

North Carolina is coming off a stunning loss at the hands of UNLV this past weekend.

Continue reading “Wisconsin vs. North Carolina College Basketball Prediction”
Categories
NCAAB

Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota College Basketball Prediction

NCAA Basketball Matchup: Hokies vs Golden Gophers

After the first half of games, the Big Ten leads the Big Ten/ACC Challenge 4-2. There’s still plenty of time for the ACC to catch up, but they’ll need teams like Virginia Tech to pull off a minor upset.

Continue reading “Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota College Basketball Prediction”
Categories
NCAA Football

Week 14: Troy vs. Arkansas State Preview & Free Pick

Troy vs. Arkansas State

Troy was the dominant team in the Sun Belt over the last few years. Larry Blakeney’s team isn’t dominant at all this year; in fact they are just 3-8 in 2011.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Arkansas State has been a huge surprise under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze. The Red Wolves are 7-0 in the Sun Belt, and they can wrap up the conference title with a win this weekend.

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

ASU Stadium
Saturday December 3, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Arkansas State -17.5 (-110) Troy +17.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 57

Troy’s offense has dropped off a lot this year, and that is largely because the team has virtually no running game. Corey Robinson has thrown for 3,100 yards and 19 touchdowns, but Troy averages just 91 yards per game on the ground. Turnovers have been a big problem for the Trojans as well. Robinson has thrown 13 interceptions, and the team has turned the ball over in the red zone far too many times. Eric Thomas is a play maker on the outside for this team. Thomas has 56 catches and nine touchdown receptions in 2011. Troy averages just 23 points per game this year.

The Trojans defense was solid the last few years, but this season they are bad. Troy is 113th out of 120 teams in the nation in total defense. The front seven has been dominated on a weekly basis this season. Troy’s opponents are averaging 210 yards per game on the ground. Opponents have averaged 463 yards of total offense. The Trojans are giving up 33 points per game. The defense must contain Ryan Aplin if they hope to be competitive in this one.

Arkansas State was a disappointment the last couple years, but Hugh Freeze has come into Jonesboro and immediately turn this team into a league leader. It cannot be overstated just how much Freeze has done for this program in his first year. The Red Wolves are 9-2 overall this year, and they are also 9-2 ATS. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ryan Aplin is the star quarterback for Arkansas State. He is the team’s leading rusher and the team’s leading passer. Aplin is completing 65% of his passes, and he has thrown 15 touchdowns. He also averages 4.2 yards per carry, and he has ten touchdown carries. Dwayne Frampton has had a breakout season at the wide receiver spot for Arkansas State. Frampton has caught 80 passes so far this year. Arkansas State averages 32.5 points per game.

The Red Wolves defense has been the best in the Sun Belt this season. Arkansas State is 18th in the nation in total defense. Daryl Feemster leads an opportunistic secondary with four interceptions this year.

The front seven is strong against the run. Opponents are averaging just 111 yards per game on the ground. The front four do a great job pressuring the quarterback, which allows Arkansas State to keep more men back in coverage.

The cold December weather won’t make it any easier for the offenses in this one. Arkansas State should be able to slow down the Troy offense nicely.

The number is set quite high here, and I like the under.

Free College Football Pick: Under 57
Score Prediction: Arkansas State 35 Troy 17

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAAB

Eastern Michigan vs. Syracuse College Basketball Prediction

NCAA Basketball Matchup: Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Syracuse Orange

Syracuse has been getting media coverage for all the wrong reasons lately. Assistant coach Bernie Fine was fired Sunday, and the investigation continues into the alleged sexual crimes.

Continue reading “Eastern Michigan vs. Syracuse College Basketball Prediction”
Categories
NCAAB

Duke vs. Ohio State Free NCAAB Pick | Gambling Preview

Jim Tresel Resigns From The Ohio State University

NCAA Basketball Matchup: Duke Blue Devils vs Ohio St. Buckeyes

The Big Ten/ACC Challenge gets underway tonight. The ACC had dominated this event for years, but the Big Ten has won the matchup in each of the last two seasons.

Continue reading “Duke vs. Ohio State Free NCAAB Pick | Gambling Preview”
Categories
NFL

Bengals vs. Ravens Week 11 NFL Preview & Free Pick

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) vs Baltimore Ravens (7-2) NFL Betting

It’s a battle of two teams fighting for the AFC North crown this Sunday in Baltimore. The Ravens were expected to be fighting for the top of the AFC North, but the Bengals have surprised the entire NFL this year.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Can Cincinnati go into Baltimore and pick up a key win or will the Ravens get a leg up on the upstart Bengals?

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NFL FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Time/Date: 1:00 PM EST, November 20, 2011
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Bengals vs. Ravens Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Spread: Ravens -7
Moneyline: Ravens (-300) Bengals (+250)
Over/Under: 40.5

Andy Dalton was a second round draft pick, but he is a legitimate contender for rookie of the year in the NFL. Dalton has thrown 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions so far this year. His job will be tougher this weekend, because it appears he will be without star wide receiver A.J. Green. Green is listed as doubtful due to a knee injury. Tight end Jermaine Gresham is also listed as questionable for this one. Cedric Benson will be expected to a carry a heavier load this weekend. It will be a tough task for the Bengals offense as they face one of the best defenses in the league.

Cincinnati’s defense is the reason this team is 6-3 right now. The Bengals rank fifth in the NFL in total defense, and they are only allowing 18 points per game this year. Last weekend the Bengals suffered a major loss when Leon Hall tore his Achilles tendon. Hall was the Bengals best cover corner, and he is now out for the season. Adam Jones should step into the cornerback position this weekend. Will injuries start to catch up to this unit?

Baltimore’s defense has been stout all year. The Ravens defense really doesn’t seem to have any weakness at this point. One problem this week will be that Ray Lewis will likely be on the sideline for the first time since 2007. Lewis is listed as doubtful because of a toe injury. Haloti Ngata is a beast in the middle of the defensive line, and the opposition generally has to double-team him. Terrell Suggs leads the team with six sacks. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense has been up and down all year long. Flacco is completing just 55% of his passes so far this season. He did come up with a huge drive to beat the Steelers two weeks ago at Heinz Field, but the offense struggled mightily last week in Seattle. Ray Rice is having another very good season in the backfield. Rice averages 4.1 yards per carry.

He also leads the team with 46 receptions. The Ravens really need to start establishing the run better than they have of late.

This is a team that would be better suited to run to set up the pass rather than the other way around.

The Bengals are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games. They are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 against the Ravens. Since I’m getting a full touchdown, I’ll take the Bengals here.

Free NFL Pick: Bengals +7

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NFL

Jaguars vs. Browns Week 11 NFL Preview & Free Pick

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) vs. Cleveland Browns (3-6) NFL Betting Preview

Two disappointing teams will meet in Cleveland this Sunday. The Jaguars have picked up a couple nice wins, but the team has been very inconsistent. The Browns started 2-1, but they have lost five of their last six.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The fans in Cleveland are begging for something to cheer for, but the Browns simply haven’t played well offensively. Which team gets back on track this Sunday?

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NFL FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Jaguars vs. Browns
Time/Date: 1:00 PM EST, November 20, 2011
Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Jaguars vs. Browns Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Spread: Browns -1
Moneyline: Browns (-111) Jaguars (+101)
Over/Under: 34

Jacksonville decided to put Blaine Gabbert right into the lineup early on in his career. Gabbert has a poor completion percentage of just 48 percent, but he has shown signs of improvement as the season moves along. He has thrown only five interceptions, and he seems to be learning the system quickly. Maurice Jones-Drew is having a good season, especially when you consider that teams are stacking the box and trying to force the Jaguars to throw. Jones-Drew is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, but he only has four touchdowns this season. The Jaguars offense averages just 12.8 points per game.

Jacksonville’s defense ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense. This is the unit that absolutely shut down the Baltimore Ravens a few weeks ago on Monday Night Football. Daryl Smith and Paul Posluszny are the leaders of a strong group of linebackers. Dawan Landry has been a great addition at the safety position. The Jaguars are allowing only 18.4 points per game.

Colt McCoy hasn’t been bad this year, but the Browns just don’t have enough weapons around him for the offense to be as dangerous as they need to be. Peyton Hillis is expected to miss his fifth straight game this weekend, and the lack of a running game has really hurt the Browns this season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Cleveland is averaging only 87 yards per game on the ground. The Browns wide receivers have struggled to get open all year. Joshua Cribbs is a great return specialist, but he has struggled in his time as a wide receiver. The Browns haven’t scored more than 12 points in a game since more than a month ago. Can the Browns find a spark on offense this week?

The Cleveland defense has been pretty solid this year. The secondary has been fantastic. In fact, Cleveland ranks first in the NFL in pass defense. Joe Haden is quickly turning into one of the best cover corners in the league. Sheldon Brown has given the Browns a second reliable corner who keeps the ball in front of him. The rushing defense hasn’t been good, and they’ll need to better in this one because MJD will get a lot of carries for the Jaguars in this one.

These are two of the worst offenses in all of football right now. Neither offense has many weapons at all to work with. Jones-Drew should get some yards, but I think both teams will settle for field goals frequently in this matchup.

Free NFL Pick: Under 34

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

Week 12: Nebraska vs. Michigan Preview & Free Pick

Nebraska vs. Michigan

Nebraska and Michigan enter this game tied for second in the Big Ten Legends Division. Michigan State is in the driver’s seat, but they still have a tough test at Northwestern on their schedule.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Cornhuskers enter as the 16th ranked team in the country in their first season as a member of the Big Ten. Michigan is having a resurgent year under first-year head coach Brady Hoke. I expect this to be a great hard fought Big Ten battle on Saturday afternoon.

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Michigan Stadium
Saturday November 19, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Michigan (-175) Nebraska (+155)
College Football Spread: Michigan -3.5 (-110) Nebraska +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 51

Taylor Martinez is the leader for the Nebraska offense. Martinez averages five yards per carry on the ground, and he has nine rushing touchdowns. Most impressive has been his improved passing over the last three games. Martinez is starting to show some maturity in the pocket, which has helped this offense a great deal. Rex Burkhead isn’t the fastest or strongest running back you’ll find, but he works harder than anyone else. Burkhead averages 5.1 yards per carry, and he has 14 rushing touchdowns. Nebraska must be able to run the ball if they are going to win this game.

The Nebraska defense got off to a very slow start this year, but they have improved a bit of late. The front seven has been hit hard by injuries this year. Most notably, Jared Crick is out for the season with a pectoral injury. The Cornhuskers are allowing 161 rushing yards per game in 2011. The secondary has been much better, and the team ranks 22nd in the nation in pass defense.

Denard Robinson sustained a minor wrist injury last week, but he is listed as probable for this game. Robinson’s numbers actually aren’t quite as good as they were last year. He has 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Robinson continues to struggle with his decision making when throwing the football. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

He is still one of the most electrifying players in football, especially when he takes off to run. Fitzgerald Touissant has helped this offense tremendously in the last few weeks. Touissant is averaging six yards per carry in 2011. His emergence takes some pressure off Robinson. Michigan averages 32.5 points per game this year.

How have the Wolverines started 8-2 this year? The drastic improvement out of the defense is the real story in Ann Arbor. This was the worst defense in the history of Michigan football last year, and now they are one of the better defenses in the country. Mike Martin is a leader on the defensive line and Jordan Kovacs has stepped up as a leader in the secondary. This is an opportunistic defense that has kept the opponent out of the end zone this year. The Wolverines are allowing just 15.5 points per contest.

Both defenses have been playing better of late, but these rushing attacks will be tough to stop. Michigan doesn’t have a good track record of stopping running quarterbacks. Nebraska has been giving up a lot of yards on the ground. I like the over in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Over 51
Score Prediction: Michigan 31 Nebraska 28

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

Week 12: Penn State vs. Ohio State Preview & Free Pick

Penn State vs Ohio State

One year ago Jim Tressel and Joe Paterno were considered two of the most honorable coaches in college football.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Both have been fired in the past six months, and these two schools are the faces of the problems that are abundant in college football right now. Fans in Columbus are debating who the next coach should be for the Buckeyes.

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Ohio Stadium
Saturday November 26, 3:30PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Ohio State (-270) Penn State (+230)
College Football Spread: Ohio State -7 (-110) Penn State +7 (-110)
Over/Under: 39.5

Happy Valley is still reeling from the past two weeks horrific allegations surrounding those involved in the Nittany Lions football program. Both teams had disappointing losses last weekend. Which team will right the ship with a win this week?

The Nittany Lions clearly weren’t ready at the beginning of last week’s contest against Nebraska. Penn State did make a late comeback, but it fell short. Matt McGloin appears to have won the starting quarterback battle, but the passing game has been far from great this year. Penn State’s best player is wide receiver Derek Moye, and the team needs to find a way to get him the ball more often. Silas Redd has emerged as the leading rusher for the Nittany Lions. Redd averages five yards per carry. Penn State only averages 21 points per contest this season.

The Nittany Lions defense has been terrific in 2011. This is a unit that ranks eighth in the nation in total defense. Michael Mauti was the leader of the defense, but he is out for the year with a knee injury. The fact that the defense has performed so well even without Mauti is very impressive. D’Antonn Lynn and Nick Sukay lead a very strong secondary for Penn State.

Braxton Miller is a talented freshman quarterback for Ohio State, but he still has a lot of work to do in the passing game. Miller and the Buckeyes passing offense has been non-existent most of the year. In fact, the Buckeyes are 118th out of 120 teams in the nation in passing offense this year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ohio State does have a good offensive line and a solid stable of running backs, but without balance the offense is limited. Dan Herron and Carlos Hyde both average 5.4 yards per carry for Ohio State. DeVier Posey will be back in the lineup for the first time this year. He has been serving a suspension. Posey is the Buckeyes most talented receiver, and it will be interesting to see if his presence changes things at all for the Buckeyes offense.

Ohio State’s defense isn’t as dominating as it has been in recent years, but they are still pretty good this season. Outside of a couple poor quarters against Nebraska and Miami earlier this season, this unit has been solid. John Simon has stepped up as a leader on the defensive line. Bradley Roby leads the team with three interceptions.

Neither of these teams are as good as they have been in recent years. Penn State is definitely in a difficult position right now, but I don’t see why the Buckeyes are laying seven points here. This game should come right down to the wire, so I’ll take the points.

Free College Football Pick: Penn State +7
Score Prediction: Ohio State 17 Penn State 14

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

Week 12: Wisconsin vs. Illinois Preview & Free Pick

Wisconsin vs. Illinois

Remember when Illinois started 6-0 this season? It’s difficult to remember for Illinois fans, since they have lost four straight to fall to 6-4. The road doesn’t get any easier as the Fighting Illini host Wisconsin this weekend.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Ron Zook will be back on the hot seat quickly if the Fighting Illini can’t finish strong this year. Bret Bielema and the Badgers need to keep winning to have a chance to win the Big Ten Leaders Division.

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Memorial Stadium
Saturday November 26, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-600) Illinois (+450)
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -14 (-110) Illinois +14 (-110)
Over/Under: 51

Wisconsin suffered two straight heartbreaking losses to Michigan State and Ohio State in late October, but this Badgers team is one of the best in the nation. In fact, I believe they have a solid shot at finishing in the top eight in the country. One very concerning issue for the Badgers is injuries all across the offensive line. Wisconsin’s biggest strength is its offensive line, but they currently have three lineman listed on the injury report. Russell Wilson has been putting up Heisman Trophy type numbers this season. Wilson is completing 73 percent of his passes and he has 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Montee Ball has an amazing 27 touchdowns in just ten games, and he is also averaging 6.7 yards per carry. This may be the most balanced offense in the nation.

Some wondered how the Wisconsin defense would fare this year, but they have been very solid. The defense struggled in losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, but overall this year they have been great. The Badgers are giving up just 15.8 points per contest, and they are fifth in the nation in total defense. The secondary has been great all season, but the front seven has struggled at times against good running offenses.

Illinois has struggled largely because their offense has been extremely inconsistent over the last four games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Fighting Illini are averaging just ten points per game in their last four contests. Nathan Scheelhaase is a solid dual-threat quarterback, but this offense lacks the weapons necessary to score on the best defenses. A.J. Jenkins has 76 receptions and seven touchdowns, but no other receiver has more than 23 catches. Jason Ford and the running game haven’t been able to get going of late either. Illinois must find a rhythm offensively if they are going to have a chance in this game.

The Fighting Illini defense has been very good this year. Illinois ranks ninth in the nation in total defense. This is especially impressive when you consider that the Fighting Illini lost their two best defenders from last year’s squad. This is a defense that limits big plays and does a nice job clogging up the running lanes in the middle of the field. Opponents are scoring just 18.6 points per game.

Wisconsin has too much firepower for Illinois. The Fighting Illini are searching for an identity on offense right now, while Wisconsin is racking up huge numbers. Expect the Badgers to roll in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -14
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 35 Illinois 13

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NCAA Football

Week 12: Indiana vs. Michigan State Preview & Free Pick

Indiana vs Michigan State

Michigan State is the team in control in the Big Ten Legends Division. The Spartans can’t afford a slip up, but they are one game ahead of both Michigan and Nebraska.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Indiana comes to town this weekend. The Hoosiers are 1-9 overall, and 0-6 in the Big Ten. Michigan State almost got tripped up by Minnesota a couple weeks ago. Will the Spartans be ready for this contest?

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

Spartan Stadium
Saturday November 19, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -28.5 (-110) Indiana +28.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 53

Kevin Wilson took over the Indiana football program in the offseason. Very little was expected of the team this year, but even with low expectations Hoosier fans can’t be too happy with how the season has gone. Indiana has lost to North Texas and Ball State, and their only win of the year came against South Carolina State. The team did look better in a hard fought 34-20 loss at Ohio State a couple weeks ago. Indiana has had two weeks to prepare for this one so it will be interesting to see if they come out ready to go.

Tre Roberson appears set to get another start at the quarterback spot for Indiana. Roberson is a freshman who has quick feet and is more comfortable running than throwing at this point in his career. As he develops his passing game, he should become a solid signal caller. DeMarlo Belcher has been dismissed from the team, which leaves the Hoosiers without their top wideout. Defensively, the secondary has actually been a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, the rushing defense has been horrendous. Indiana is giving up 246 yards per game on the ground. Opponents are scoring 36 points per game against this defense.
[soliloquy id=”82219″]
Michigan State picked up a huge win last weekend in Iowa City. The Spartans got revenge for last year’s embarrassing loss when they beat Iowa 37-21. It has been the Michigan State defense that has led the way all year long. Jerrell Worthy anchors a very tough defensive line. Worthy is expected to be a first round draft pick, and he receives a double team on nearly every play. The secondary has been a great surprise. The Spartans corners play great defense, and they have forced a lot of turnovers. Isaiah Lewis has four interceptions already this year. Michigan State is giving up just 16.5 points per game.

Kirk Cousins is the steady leader at the helm for the Spartans offense. Cousins has only thrown five interceptions in 297 passes this year. He has 16 touchdown passes and 2,249 yards through the air. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker form a nice tailback tandem for the Spartans. The offensive line has been dinged up this year, but they are starting to get a little healthier. This offense hasn’t been dynamic, but they have come up with big plays when they are most needed.

Michigan State has a key battle in Evanston with Northwestern next weekend, and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if they overlook Indiana a bit here. The Hoosiers seem to be improving as the season moves along, and I think they can keep it within this big number.

Free College Football Pick: Indiana +28.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 38 Indiana 13

CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!

Categories
NFL

Steelers vs. Bengals Week 10 NFL Preview & Free Pick

Two Bengal players arrested

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) NFL Betting Preview

Who would have thought that the Cincinnati Bengals would be tied atop the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens after eight games? The Steelers are just a half-game behind, but they can’t be too happy about the fact that there is another team in the mix.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

On Sunday, the Steelers get a chance to knock off the upstart Bengals in Cincinnati. The oddsmakers favor the road team here. Let’s take a closer look at this game.

Steelers vs. Bengals
Time/Date: 1:00 PM EST, November 13, 2011
Venue: Paul Brown Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Rams vs. Browns Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Spread: Steelers -3
Moneyline: Steelers (-175) Bengals (+155)
Over/Under: 41.5

Pittsburgh appeared to have the lead in the AFC North last week, but they blew a late lead against the Ravens in Sunday night’s game. The mighty Steelers defense allowed the Ravens to go 92 yards in just two minutes last weekend. The Pittsburgh secondary allowed the Ravens to get behind them multiple times on the last drive, which was quite surprising. On the positive side, James Harrison was a beast in his first game back last week. James Farrior is expected back this week, and Chris Hoke and Lamarr Woodley are listed as questionable. The Steelers defense is definitely one of the best in the NFL. Opponents are scoring just 18 points per game on Pittsburgh.

Ben Roethlisberger is having another solid season at the quarterback spot. Mike Wallace has emerged as one of the best deep threats in the entire NFL. Heath Miller and Hines Ward give Big Ben two reliable targets in shorter yardage situations. Rashard Mendenhall had a breakout season last year. The running game hasn’t gotten going quite as well this year. The Steelers offensive line needs to be more consistent in its blocking. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Most Bengals fans hoped Andy Dalton would come in and manage the game well. Dalton has done more than just manage the game; he has played very well for the Bengals. In fact, at this point Dalton has proved to be an upgrade over Carson Palmer’s play from the last couple years. Dalton is completing 62% of his passes, and he already has 12 touchdown passes. A.J. Green is going to be a star wide receiver in the NFL for a long time to come, and he has already caught 40 passes this season. Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson are also having good years. The Bengals offense has been great at converting their chances in the red zone so far this year.

The primary reason this team is 6-2 is the play of the defense. The front seven has been terrific against the run. Opponents are averaging just 85 yards per game on the ground this year. Rey Maualuga is one of the leaders of this defense, and he is expected back this weekend after missing the last four games. Can the Bengals defense rise up against the hated divisional rivals from Pittsburgh?

Both teams understand the importance of this game. The strength of both teams is their defense. Look for this to be a hard fought game where both teams settle for quite a few field goals. I like the under.

Free NFL Pick: Under 41.5

CHECK OUT OUR NFL football betting forums today! Join us today and make NFL football picks against the spread for all NFL Football matchups!

GRAB KYLE HUNTERS NFL PREDICTIONS ALL SEASON LONG – CLICK HERE NOW —–>

Categories
NFL

Rams vs. Browns Week 10 NFL Preview & Free Pick

St. Louis Rams (1-7) vs Cleveland Browns (3-5) NFL Betting Preview

The St. Louis Rams were actually the favorites in the weak NFC West coming into the season. Things haven’t gone as planned so far this year for the Rams. The 49ers are running away with the division, and the Rams are in last place.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Browns were looking to build on some momentum they built up at the end of last season.

Rams vs. Browns
Time/Date: 1:00 PM EST, November 13, 2011
Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Rams vs. Browns Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Spread: Browns -3
Moneyline: Browns (-150) Rams (+130)
Over/Under: 37

Cleveland has lost four out of five, and this is a game the Browns really need to win to get back on track.

Sam Bradford had a spectacular rookie campaign, and many expected another big year out of him. He hasn’t been bad this year, but he hasn’t progressed the way many hoped. Bradford has been slowed by some nagging injuries. It is also important to remember that he has what is probably the worst receiving corps in the league. The recent acquisition of Brandon Lloyd should help the team in the long run. Steven Jackson is having a very impressive season. Jackson is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. It helps that the team has a solid backup in Cadillac Williams. Both running backs are fully healthy coming into this game.

The Rams defense was much improved last year, but they have struggled this season. The front seven has been absolutely dominated on a consistent basis. St. Louis is allowing opponents to rush for 154 yards per contest. The middle of the defensive front has suffered multiple injuries this year, and that certainly hasn’t helped this unit. James Laurinaitis and Chris Long continue to look like youngsters to build this defense around. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Cleveland Browns offense has really had trouble getting started this season. Peyton Hillis was the biggest surprise of the season last year, and he has been one of the biggest busts of the year in 2011. Hillis has been injured constantly and he has been in a contract battle with the Browns front office. The Browns rank 31st in the league in rushing yards per game. Colt McCoy doesn’t have a ton of weapons to work with either, but he has progressed in his decision making under center. The Browns average just 14.9 points per game.

Cleveland’s defense has kept them in the game so far this season. The Browns rank first in the NFL in pass defense. Joe Haden leads a very talented secondary. Haden is quickly becoming known as one of the best cover corners in the league. The front seven hasn’t been nearly as good, especially against the run. Opponents are running for 144 yards per game against the Browns. As a whole, this defense continues to improve on a weekly basis.

The Browns don’t have much of an offense at all right now, so I simply can’t pick them when they are favored. The Rams are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games. I think this sets up as a sloppy game where both offenses settle for field goals.

Free NFL Pick: Under 37

CHECK OUT OUR NFL football betting forums today! Join us today and make NFL football picks against the spread for all NFL Football matchups!

GRAB KYLE HUNTERS NFL PREDICTIONS ALL SEASON LONG – CLICK HERE NOW —–>