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
NCAA Football

Week 11: Nebraska vs. Penn State Preview & Free Pick

Nebraska vs. Penn State

Last time Penn State Nittany Lions played a football game, the game ended with everyone celebrating Joe Paterno’s record-setting 409th career victory.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

This weekend Joe Paterno won’t be a part of the Penn State football program for the first time in 61 years.

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

Beaver Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Nebraska (-170) Penn State (+150)
College Football Spread: Nebraska -3.5 (-110) Penn State +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 43

The last week has seen allegations of heinous crimes against children that has rocked an entire community. The last thing from most people’s minds right now is a football game. Even though it does seem so much smaller now than it did before, this weekend’s game against Nebraska is a crucial game in the Big Ten.

Penn State is the only team unbeaten in the Big Ten, and Nebraska is still fighting for the Big Ten Legends Division crown.

Bo Pellini and the Cornhuskers will look to rebound after a disappointing home loss at the hands of Northwestern last weekend. The Huskers were 17.5 point home favorites in that game, but they trailed all game and couldn’t quite pull out a comeback victory. Taylor Martinez had a great game throwing the football, but that really isn’t the team’s strength. Nebraska is at their best when they are running the football early and often. The Cornhuskers only picked up 122 yards on 35 carries last week. Rex Burkhead is a workhorse in the backfield, and it would be hard to find a runner who fights harder for every extra yard. Nebraska’s offense averages 35 points per contest.

The big disappointment this year has been the Nebraska defense. This unit was expected to be one of the best in the nation, but they haven’t been very good. Especially troubling is the fact that they are allowing 161 yards per game on the ground. The front seven will need to step up in this one. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The whirlwind that has gone on around Happy Valley over the last few days has to have affected the players in some way, but only time will tell how they will react. The Nittany Lions are 8-1 at this point in the season, and the defense is definitely the unit to thank for that impressive record. The defense ranks eighth in the nation in total defense. They are only giving up 12.4 points per game so far this year.

What about the Nittany Lions offense? Matt McGloin seems to have taken hold of the quarterback spot of late. McGloin is completing just 56% of his passes, but he has a nice touchdown/interception ratio of 7 to 3. Penn State relies heavily on the running game. Silas Redd has emerged as the team’s primary runner. Redd has already topped 1,000 yards on the season, and he is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The offense should benefit from a healthy Derek Moye being ready to go for this one.

Emotions will be running high at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. I think both defenses will have the upper hand in this one. Look for a fairly low scoring contest.

Free College Football Pick: Under 43
Score Prediction: Nebraska 20 Penn State 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
NCAA Football

Week 11: Wisconsin vs. Minnesota Preview & Free Pick

Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

Wisconsin had higher hopes for this season, but they still have plenty to play for. The Badgers suffered two last minute losses in a row against Michigan State and Ohio State, but this is still a team capable of finishing in the top ten in the nation.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Wisconsin must now try to right the ship and win the Big Ten Leaders Division.

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

TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday November 12, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from 5Dimes
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -27 (-110) Minnesota +27 (-110)
Over/Under: 63.5

Minnesota has a solid new coach in Jerry Kill, but this team is a long ways from competing for a league title. The last couple weeks have been very positive steps for the Golden Gophers. These teams will meet Saturday afternoon in Minnesota.

Russell Wilson transferred to Wisconsin just weeks before the beginning of the season, and he has been terrific this year. Wilson is putting up Heisman Trophy type numbers for the Badgers. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He is also completing 72% of his passes. Even with Wilson under center, the strength of this team is the running game. The Badgers offensive line is dominating every single year, and this season is no different. Montee Ball is racking up huge numbers at the tailback spot. Ball is averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and he already has 24 touchdowns. This offense may be the most balanced in the nation. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Badgers defense has been good statistically this year, though they have allowed a couple of last minute touchdowns that cost the team dearly. This is a unit that wasn’t expected to be all that great this year, but they have done a nice job overall. The secondary has been terrific, while the front seven has struggled at times against the best running teams.

Minnesota looked lost when MarQueis Gray was out of the lineup, but with him back and healthy under center the team has looked much better in their last couple games. Gray isn’t a very efficient passer at this point in his career, but he is definitely a play maker. Despite injury trouble, Gray is easily the Golden Gophers leading rusher. The team has one elite receiver in Da’Jon McKnight, but they are lacking a solid second option. This offense is averaging just 18.7 points per game.

The Golden Gophers defense has been terrible the last few years, and this season is no different. To be fair, this is a defense that has been decimated by injuries this season. Troy Stoudemire is the team’s best cover corner, but he has missed the last five games with a wrist injury. He is listed as questionable for this contest. The rushing defense is allowing opponents to run for 191 yards per game this year. The run defense will be tested in a big way this weekend.

I expect Wisconsin to move the football at will on Saturday afternoon. I don’t like laying this many points, but Wisconsin is so much better than Minnesota at this point that I feel like this is still a solid value.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -27
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 48 Minnesota 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
NCAA Football

Week 11: Ohio State vs. Purdue Preview & Free Pick

NCAA East Region Predictions - Our Pick: Ohio St.

Ohio State vs. Purdue

Last time Ohio State came to Purdue, they lost despite being 12 point favorites. The Buckeyes enter this one with a young team, but they are playing pretty well after a slow start to the season. Purdue is 0-4 on the road this year, but they are 4-1 at home.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

The Boilers will look to get back on track with the help of their home crowd in this one.

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

Ross-Ade Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: Ohio State (-285) Purdue (+245)
College Football Spread: Ohio State -7.5 (-110) Purdue +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 45

Ohio State lost three out of four games earlier this year, and it appeared the season was going to fall apart in no time. Coach Luke Fickell turned to Braxton Miller as the starting quarterback, and the team re-dedicated itself to the running game. The Buckeyes pulled a couple upsets over Illinois and Wisconsin, and then defeated Indiana at home last week. Ohio State hasn’t been throwing the football much at all, but they really haven’t needed to throw the ball. The offensive line is healthy and they are blocking very well. Dan Herron has been extremely impressive since returning from his suspension. Herron has 415 yards in just three games.

The Ohio State defense isn’t quite as dominating as they have been in the last couple years, but they are still very good. The Buckeyes come into this game ranked 16th in the nation in total defense. John Simon has emerged as a star on the defensive front, and Bradley Roby has stepped up in the secondary. Expect Ohio State to key in on the run this week.

Purdue was absolutely blasted in their last two games at Michigan and at Wisconsin. The Boilermakers offense has never really gotten going very well this year. The running game is pretty good, but the passing game has been very inconsistent. Caleb TerBush has seen most of the playing time at quarterback this year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Antavian Edison, Justin Siller, and OJ Ross are all solid receivers, but Purdue is lacking a deep threat. The Boilermakers rely heavily on Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers in the running game. If Purdue is going to be successful this weekend, they’ll need to be able to run the football on Ohio State.

The Boilermakers defense lost its star from last year when Ryan Kerrigan graduated. Ricardo Allen leads a very talented Purdue secondary, but the front seven has struggled in the last few weeks. Purdue is giving up 191 yards per on the ground. Ohio State will test the Boilermakers run defense in this one. Purdue will have to load the box and attempt to make Braxton Miller beat them with his arm.

Ohio State is very happy to control the football and run it every single time right now. Purdue will also look to run the football almost every time. The clock should be rolling along quickly in this one. I think this game stays low scoring.

Free College Football Pick: Under 45
Score Prediction: Ohio State 21 Purdue 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 11: Michigan State vs. Iowa Preview & Free Pick

Michigan St. vs Iowa

Michigan State went into Kinnick Stadium with a lot on the line last year, and they were absolutely humiliated. Iowa led 30-0 at halftime, and they went on to win 37-6.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Michigan State is now in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten Legends Division, but they must come out ready to play this Saturday against a tough Iowa squad.

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

Michigan State vs. Iowa
Kinnick Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -3 (-110) Iowa +3 (-110)
Over/Under: 46.5

Michigan State wasn’t impressive in a 31-24 win over Minnesota last weekend, but they benefited in a big way from Nebraska’s upset loss at the hands of Northwestern. The Spartans now control their own destiny, and this may well be the most difficult game on the rest of their regular season schedule. Kirk Cousins is the senior leader at quarterback for Michigan State. He gives the team a virtual coach on the field because he knows the offense so well. The Spartans are at their best when they are running the football well. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker are a great one-two punch in the backfield. The offensive line has struggled with injuries this year, but they’ll need to come up big this weekend.

How have the Spartans been able to be so successful despite a less than stellar offense? Michigan State’s defense has been amazing all season. This is a unit that ranks second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is an absolute beast along the defensive line, and he draws double-teams on a consistent basis. Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. The Spartans are allowing just 16 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Two weeks ago Iowa suffered an extremely disappointing loss to Minnesota. Last weekend the team upset the Michigan Wolverines. Which Iowa team will show up this weekend? This Iowa team isn’t as talented as some of their recent squads, but Kirk Ferentz and this coaching staff do a very good job preparing them. James Vandenburg has quietly put up some terrific numbers this year at the quarterback spot. The first-year starter has thrown 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Marvin McNutt has already set a career high in receptions, and he has nine touchdown catches. The Iowa running game has been inconsistent this year. Marcus Coker is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but he has struggled against the top defenses in the league.

The Hawkeyes defense has been mediocre this year. They are 72nd in the nation in total defense. The team has done a good job keeping the opponent out of the end zone, which has helped them allow only 22.3 points per game. The biggest disappointment in this unit has been the pass defense, which is giving up 234 yards per game through the air despite returning two veteran cover corners.

Michigan State’s offense has been hit or miss, but the defense is for real. Iowa should show up and give a great effort in front of their home crowd. Expect a hard fought defensive battle in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Under 46.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 20 Iowa 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

Duke Blue Devils Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Duke Blue Devils

Mike Kryzewski is entering his 32nd year as head coach at Duke University. He sits just two wins behind his mentor, Bob Knight, in the all-time wins department.

Continue reading “Duke Blue Devils Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines”
Categories
NCAAB

Syracuse Orange Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Syracuse Orange

Syracuse was in the news a lot over the past few months, but that was because the school will be leaving the Big East to join the ACC in a couple years. Jim Boeheim has made it clear he’s no fan of the move, but at this point there really isn’t anything he can do about it.

2011- 2012 Syracuse Orange College Basketball Preview
Syracuse 2011-2012 Odds to Win NCAA Championship from Bookmaker: +1,200
Syracuse 2011-2012 Odds to Win Big East Regular Season Championship from 5Dimes: +250

For the time being, the Big East will still be the deepest and best conference in college basketball. Syracuse is being as good of a chance as anyone to top the league this season. Can the Orange be serious title contender?

Last Year’s Results: 27-8 (Loss in Round of 32 to Marquette)

Syracuse didn’t lose until mid-January last year. It was an up and down season for the Orange. After starting 18-0, they lost six of their next eight games. The Orange were a team with plenty of talent, but they lacked a clear leader on the floor. Syracuse was one of the youngest teams in the Big East in 2010-2011. The team appeared ready to make a fairly deep run in the tournament, but they upset on the first weekend to fellow Big East member Marquette.

Roster Changes

Rick Jackson was the only senior on the Syracuse team last year. Jackson was one of the better big men in the league, and the team will certainly miss his rebounding and his shot blocking presence on the defensive end. Many were concerned that talented freshman Dion Waters may transfer after last season, but he stayed with the team. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The good news for Syracuse is that Rakeem Christmas will step right into the role of Rick Jackson. Christmas may be the best shot blocker entering college this year. Michael Carter-Williams is a point guard who has the ability to be an absolute star for Syracuse. Trevor Cooney doesn’t get as much attention as the other two, but he is a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc. This year’s recruiting class has several players that should contribute right away.

Top Players

Kris Joseph is probably the team’s best all-around player. Joseph is a 6’7 forward who can shoot it from distance and take the ball to the rim. Joseph is also one of the best defenders in the Big East. Scoop Jardine and Brandon Triche are both very talented guards, but neither of them is particularly consistent when it comes to shooting the basketball. When Jardine and Triche are on, this team is tough to beat, but they can also go cold for extended periods of time. C.J. Fair and Fab Melo didn’t do too much as freshmen last year, but people around the program have high hopes for both of these players.

Syracuse 2011-2012 College Basketball Prediction: #3 Seed in NCAA Tournament (Loss in Sweet Sixteen in NCAA Tournament)

The Orange are going to be even more athletic than they were last season, but the shooting woes could still be an issue. Their athleticism should carry them through most games, but I think the lack of a consistent scoring guard will keep them from advancing past the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Basketball gambling season is right around the corner and we’ve got your back with tons of great college basketball handicapping articles to help you become the best basketball betting expert on your block in the 2011/12 NCAA Hoops season and beyond.

Categories
NFL

Bengals vs. Titans Week 9 NFL Preview & Free Pick

Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher part ways

Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (4-3) NFL Betting Preview

Coming into the season not many people expected much of anything from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals enter this game at 5-2, and very much in the thick of the AFC North race.

Continue reading “Bengals vs. Titans Week 9 NFL Preview & Free Pick”
Categories
NFL

Browns vs. Texans Week 9 NFL Preview & Pick

Cleveland Browns (3-4) vs. Houston Texans (5-3) NFL Betting Preview

Houston is looking to finally get to the playoffs after many near misses, and so far this season they are on the right path.

Continue reading “Browns vs. Texans Week 9 NFL Preview & Pick”
Categories
NCAA Football

Week 10: Northwestern vs. Nebraska Preview & Free Pick

Northwestern vs. Nebraska

Nebraska fans have been waiting for their team to play up to its full potential. It finally happened last weekend when Nebraska dominated Michigan State. Northwestern had high hopes coming into the season, but the team is just 3-5 and they are in danger of not making a bowl game.

Continue reading “Week 10: Northwestern vs. Nebraska Preview & Free Pick”
Categories
NCAA Football

Week 10: Purdue vs. Wisconsin Preview & Free Pick

Purdue vs. Wisconsin

Two straight weeks the Wisconsin Badgers have mounted a big fourth quarter comeback, only to lose the game in the final minute. Wisconsin was squarely in the national title hunt just a couple weeks ago, but now they are fighting for their lives in the Big Ten.

Continue reading “Week 10: Purdue vs. Wisconsin Preview & Free Pick”
Categories
NCAA Football

Week 10: Michigan vs. Iowa Preview & Free Pick

Michigan vs. Iowa

Brady Hoke has certainly had a successful start to his time at Michigan. The Wolverines are 7-1 so far this year, and the defense has been light-years better than last season. Michigan is only 1-1 on the road this year, and they’ll get a tough road test this week at Iowa.

Kinnick Stadium
Saturday November 5, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Michigan (-175) Iowa (+155)
College Football Spread: Michigan -4 (-110) Iowa +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 57

The Hawkeyes are coming off a very disappointing loss at Minnesota. Expect Kirk Ferentz to push the team really hard in practice this week. How will the Hawkeyes respond this Saturday?

Denard Robinson is the main man for the Michigan offense. Robinson actually isn’t having quite the season he did last year, but he is still one of the most dynamic players in football. Michigan will need Robinson to become more accurate throwing the football. He has thrown 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this year, and he is completing just 55% of his pass attempts. The best news for Michigan’s offense this year has been the emergence of Fitzgerald Touissant at the running back spot. Touissant is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and he is taking some pressure off Robinson.

The primary reason Michigan is 7-1 right now is the much improved play of their defense. The Wolverines defense ranks 28th in the nation in total defense. Michigan is forcing turnovers at such a high rate that opponents are only scoring 14.6 points per game on them this year. Mike Martin is the leader on the defensive front, and Jordan Kovacs has stepped up in the secondary.

The Iowa Hawkeyes were 14.5 point favorites at Minnesota last week, but they managed to lose the game. The Hawkeyes are now 5-0 at home this year, but 0-3 on the road. The bad news is they now face a very talented Michigan football team. The good news is they will be in front of their home crowd at Kinnick Stadium.  [soliloquy id=”82219″]

James Vandenburg is having a very good first year as Iowa’s starting quarterback. Vandenburg is completing 62% of his passes, and he has thrown 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions this year. Marvin McNutt is clearly the team’s go to guy on the outside. McNutt has 48 catches and nine touchdowns in 2011. The Iowa offensive line hasn’t been as dominant as normal, and that has hurt the offense quite a bit this year. Marcus Coker is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, but he has struggled against top defenses.

The Iowa defense has been very disappointing this season. They did lose a lot of talent from last year’s squad, but most expected them to still be a strength for this team. Despite having two very solid cover corners; Iowa is just 80th out of 120 teams in pass defense. The Hawkeyes are also allowing 164 yards per game on the ground. This unit needs to play better.

Michigan is just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite. Iowa is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. Iowa should be very motivated in this one, and I think they have a solid chance at an outright upset.

Free College Football Pick: Iowa +4
Score Prediction: Iowa 24 Michigan 21

Categories
NCAA Football

Week 10: Minnesota vs. Michigan State Preview & Free Pick

Minnesota vs. Michigan State

Minnesota is coming off a shocking home win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Jerry Kill’s team was a huge 14.5 point underdog in that win. The Golden Gophers will be looking to carry some momentum into a very tough road test against Michigan State.

Spartan Stadium
Saturday November 5, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -27.5 (-110) Minnesota +27.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 46.5

The Spartans are coming off a disappointing loss at Nebraska, and one would imagine they’ll be anxious to get back on track in this one.

Minnesota now has its best play maker healthy once again. MarQueis Gray has struggled with injuries some this year, but he is back at nearly full strength now. Gray is the team’s quarterback, but he is also probably their best runner. Gray has run for 500 yards on just 105 carries this season. He still needs to work on his accuracy in the passing game, but he does have the ability to improvise. The offensive line is very dinged up right now, which could be a big problem against Michigan State’s terrific defensive front. The team needs to find a way to get the ball to Da’Jon McKnight more often, since he is a game-changer at the wide receiver spot.

The Golden Gophers defense has struggled this season. This unit is allowing 34 points per game so far this year. They are particularly bad against the run. Opponents are gaining 202 yards per game on the ground. Troy Stoudemire is the team’s best cover corner, but he is listed as questionable for this game because of a wrist injury.  [soliloquy id=”82219″]

How has Michigan State gone 6-2 through such a difficult schedule so far in 2011? It has been the amazing play of their defense. The Spartans rank second in the nation in total defense. The pass defense is first in the nation, and they are only allowing a meager 127 passing yards per contest. Jerrell Worthy is the anchor up front for this defense. Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. Michigan State is allowing just 15 points per game.

Kirk Cousins is the senior leader under center for the Spartans offense. This is his third year as the team’s starting quarterback, and he knows the system extremely well. B.J. Cunningham has 48 catches already this year, but none of them came last week against Nebraska. The Spartans will need to get him involved in the offense again this week. Michigan State has a pair of very talented running backs. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker both have over 400 yards rushing already this year. Expect Michigan State to try to establish the run early on against this weak Golden Gophers rushing defense.

Minnesota had a nice win last week, but I think it will be back to reality this week for the Golden Gophers. They were beaten 58-0 at Michigan, and I think Michigan State will be ready to wallop them this weekend.

Free College Football Pick: Michigan State -27.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 45 Minnesota 7

Categories
NCAAB

Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Alabama Crimson Tide

Anthony Grant is one of the young stars in the coaching profession. Grant worked his magic at VCU before coming over to Alabama.

Continue reading “Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines”
Categories
NCAAB

California Golden Bears Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – California Golden Bears

It will be the first year for the new Pac 12 conference, and California is looking to play a major role in the Pac 12 standings.

Continue reading “California Golden Bears Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines”
Categories
NCAAB

Xavier Musketeers Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Xavier Musketeers

The Xavier Musketeers have built up a nice winning tradition in the Atlantic 10. Chris Mack is now in his third year as head coach at Xavier, and expectations are higher this year than they have been in either of his previous two years.

Continue reading “Xavier Musketeers Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines”
Categories
NCAAB

Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Kansas Jayhawks

No one has dominated a league the way Kansas has dominated the Big 12 over the last few years. Seven straight years the Kansas Jayhawks have been on top of the Big 12 Conference.

Continue reading “Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines”