Leans

Last batch of leans before New Years’. Hope you enjoy.

kensingtondawg

Nevada at La Tech (+10)

FSU vs. Va Tech (-4)

Oregon at Oregon State (+16.5)

barndawg

Illinois (-5.5) at Fresno State

Nevada (-10) at Louisiana Tech

Utah State at Boise State (-39.5) — And because I leaned with them watch them win by 35.

granite

Oregon (-16.5)
Auburn (4.5)
Arizona (-6)

corbindawg

Arizona State at Arizona (-6) (Thursday)-I like the Wildcats.

Washington (-6.5) at Washington State-Washington wins. 

Oregon (-16.5) at Oregon State-Ducks

ucheedawg

Arizona State (+6) @ Arizona- 6 points is way too much to cover in a rivalry matchup of this caliber. I’ll take the points and the Sun Devils.

Washington @ Washington State (+6.5)- Ahh, the battle for the Apple Cup. I’ll take the farmers in this one and the points they’re getting. State covers.

Oregon @ Oregon State (+16.5)- The Civil War. Guns ‘n Roses told us “they don’t need no Civil War”. But this is a fun Civil War. Beavers and Ducks. Ducks and Beavers. Enemies on the gridiron and the farm pond. I’ll go with the swimmers over the flyers. Beavers getting 16.5…you better take them. Beavers cover.

Tuesday Leans

Been a few weeks since we’ve had any leans, but with corbin going 3-0 last week we thought it only fair to share today.

kensingtondawg (20-8-2)

Oklahoma State @ Texas (+5.5)

USC (+4.5) @ Arizona

Southern Miss @ South Florida(+2.5)

granite (14-16-0)

Texas Tech at Oklahoma  (-15)
Indiana at Wisconsin (-21.5)
South Carolina at Florida (-6.5)

barndawg (13-15-2)

Mississippi State at Alabama (-14.5) Bama just lost to LSU, but even with the revenge factor, I think this spread is too big. Take State and the points.

Utah (-4.0) at Notre Dame This is where revenge factor will take place. Utah was destroyed last week. Look for them to bounce back. Utes cover.

C-USA Special: East Carolina (-2.0) at UAB. UAB couldn’t beat Tennessee. But East Carolina let Navy hang 76 on them. For no reason at all I like East Carolina.

corbindawg (13-16-1)

Stanford (-5.5) at Arizona State:  Oregon, Stanford, Boise State and Ok State are all money ATS this season.  Arizona State will get over matched and outclassed.  I can’t believe it is only five and a hook.  Go with the Cardinal all day long.

 Utah (-5.5) at Notre Dame-Notre Dame is hurting now physically, and Utah is hurting now emotionally.  It is always easier to get over a 40 point beat down with Notre Dame on the schedule.  Take the Utes getting right. 

Southern Miss at Central Florida (-10)-George O’Liary has his Knights going right now.  But don’t EVER count out the Golden Eagles from Hattiesburg.  Take the men from Hattiesburg in a straight up upset, but take the points just in case. 

ucheedawg (12-16-2)

Miami (-3) @ Georgia Tech The bumble bees can’t weather the storm that’s coming to Atlanta on Saturday. Miami gets a big win over a hurt team here. Lay the points and take The U.

UGA @ Auburn (-9) I honestly feel like 9 points is just too much to give here. Not making the bold proclamation that “Coach Richt wins these type of games and will have the boys ready to play”, but I do feel like we can keep it relatively close in this one and maybe, just maybe pull out the upset here. I’ll take the points and our Dawgs on the Plains.

Stanford (-5.5) @ Arizona State Arizona State doesn’t have much going for it in this matchup. Stanford is truly one of the elite teams in college football this season. Not many teams would want to draw them right now. They win and win big in the desert. Lay the points and take the Cardinal.

Tuesday Leans

Another week, another batch of losses for the most part. Kensington is making money, but not quite as fast as the rest of us are losing it. Corbindawg just cannot stay away from the Dawgs. We’ve told you before, nobody in America loves them more than this guy. He just can’t stay away. But he’s swapping up his betting habits this week it seems….

kensingtondawg (10-3-2)

Alabama at South Carolina (+6.5) Every media analyst I’ve heard has already given the national title crown to the Tide for 2010 after their dominating performance over Florida.  The fact of the matter is CorbinDawg was right at the beginning of the year when he said the Gators would be down.  They are not the best team in the East.  That team is South Carolina who Bama faces Saturday.  The Gamecocks have a week off to rest up and expect Spurrier to stick with Stephen Garcia the who way Saturday.  Bama has played two dink and dunk teams in Arkansas and Florida.  They will get a big time physical matchup on Saturday, and I don’t believe they will be ready.  Gamecocks cover and will end Bama’s 28 game regular season winning streak.

Boston College (+9) at NC State Devastating loss for the Wolfpack last week against the Hokies in a game that led the whole way.  The Wolfpack have major defensive issues and which is nothing new under sad sack DC Mike Archer.  They will struggle Saturday against the Eagles.   Take Boston College and the points.

UCLA at California (-8) Despite some recent success I’m not buying into anything coached by Rick Neuheisel.  I think Cal has very good team that can score in bunches and are very alive in a quest for the Rose Bowl.  Take Cal and give the 8.

barndawg (6-8-1)

Clemson at North Carolina (-2.5) In two back to back losses, Clemson has looked good. Andre Ellington is a beast, already racking up 7 yards a carry, even though Kyle Parker has played hurt during Auburn and Miami games.  Regardless, I think Clemson covers.

Boston College at NC State (-9) I’m going with the team from North Carolina in this one.  Russell Wilson has been the best QB in the ACC so far, and he’ll be going against a defense that let Notre Dame QB Crist throw for 200 yards and 2 TD. State covers.

Michigan State at Michigan (4.5) The good thing about Tuesday leans? Its not a lock. This is going to be a really good game…but I think Michigan wins by 7. Also, I thought about saving this game on DVR, until I realized Matt Millen is calling the game for ABC.

ucheedawg (5-8-2)

Oklahoma State @ Louisiana-Lafayette (+24) If UGA can beat ULL by 42, then I am confident that Oklahoma State can as well. Even though it’s an away game in a small stadium at 9 pm, I’ll lay the points and take the Cowboys.

Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-22) That’s a lot of chalk for a slow paced Wisconsin team. Minnesota isn’t that bad. Their record stinks, but they’ve played some teams close. They’re closer to having a winning record than our Bulldogs, and though they’ll lose again this week, it will be by less than 22. Take the points and the Gophers.

USC @ Stanford (-9) I will call for the Cardinal to win big this week. They’re a better team on both sides of the ball and I am convinced that they are better coached and will be more prepared. USC hasn’t played anyone this year, including last week in their L to Washington. Stanford got their toughest game of the year out of the way last week and have Washington State on deck. Lay the points as Stanford wins by at least 2 TD.

corbindawg (5-9-1)

Tennessee (+12.5) at Georgia I don’t know if Vegas was watching the highlights from 2002 or what, but this UGA team has a hard time scoring more than 12.5 points, much less beating anyone by 12.5.  Shoot, much less beating anyone.   Anything over 10 is a lot of chalk for an SEC contest, but especially one involving this offense we have now.  Dawgs should win, but I don’t think they will cover. 

Baylor at Texas Tech (-2)  Baylor is still Baylor…I like the Red Raiders at home.

Auburn (-7) at Kentucky Only 7?  In the battle of the felines, take the Tigers.

granitedawg (4-11)

Bama @ SC (+6.5)

Florida State @ Miami (-6.5) FSU wins outright

Clemson @ UNC (-2.5) Clemson wins outright

Arkansas @ TAMU (+6.5)

And whoever kensington picks.

tgt

Tuesday Leans

Well, it was another poor week for TGT on our locks, as we went a collective 6-8 ATS. That with Kensingtondawg going a smooth 3-0 (says alot about the rest of our picks.) But we’re battlers, and here we are with another batch of leans.

kensingtondawg (6-2-1)

Alabama (-8.5) at Arkansas Arkansas is planning for a “red out” this game.  Wow… we UGA fans know how well that works out when you are playing Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.  Plus, it appears the best way to beat Bama is to run the ball successfully.  Bama has struggled so far in this area since they rank only 42^nd in the nation against the run.  However, you won’t beat them throwing every down, Bama is too quick and will sack Mallet early and often.  Tide will spoil the “red out”.  Tide covers

California (+7) at Arizona Wildcats are riding high after a big win over Iowa late Saturday night.  The Golden Bears were embarrassed at home to Nevada.  I think you’ll see California bounce back in a big way and upset Arizona.  Just just to be safe, take Cal and the points.

Fresno State at Ole Miss (-3) Well, Col. Reb is no longer the mascot, but nothing has changed with Ole Miss football as they are still are embarrassing.  But hey, I think they’ll bounce back Saturday.  Fresno has a long way to go, and Mississippi is miserable when it’s 98 degrees.  Rebels cover.

ucheedawg (4-3-1)

Air Force @ Wyoming (+13) Air Force held Oklahoma close last weekend, losing by  only a field goal. They pounded BYU the week before. Wyoming got hammered by Boise State in a game where many thought the Cowboys would play the potato pickers close. Air Force travels to Wyoming to play a game that is sandwiched between two of their biggest games of the year, as they have a rivalry game with Navy next week. Look for Wyoming to keep it closer than the experts think, and take the points and the ‘Boys.

Oklahoma @ Cincy (+16.5)  Oklahoma, as stated above, struggled with Air Force last week. Cincy won’t be able to keep them close the way AF did though, as they can’t control the clock at all. Lay the points as Oklahoma wins big on the road.

USC @ Washington State (+21.5) Lane Kiffin is the biggest idiot in college football. I’d take Mark Richt and 20 more years of mediocrity rather than spend a day with the Kiffer at the helm of UGA football. He’ll find a way to blow the spread, even though his team should win by 40. Take the points and Washington State.

barndawg (4-5-0)

Oregon (-10.5) at Arizona State Oregon has rolled through the past 3 games with a combined score of 189-13. Insane. And now the fun begins through the Pac 10. Ducks cover.
 

West Virginia at LSU (-7.5) Even though they have Noel Devine, WV isn’t what it used to be. LSU covers.

Kentucky at Florida (-13.5) Rolling the dice here. Florida hasn’t hit their stride yet, and watch for the Joker to make this a close one. Take Kentucky and the points.

granitedawg (3-6-0)

With the minimal effort we’ve come to expect….

Alabama @ Arkansas (+7.5)
UGA @ Miss St (-1)
Utah State @ San Diego State (-7.5)

corbindawg (1-7-0)

North Carolina at Rutgers (pk) UNC is the most talented 0-2 team in the country.  Rutgers struggled to put away Florida International.  Since I am no good picking the spreads, but decent at picking who wins straight up, go with UNC to beat the Scarlet Knights straight up.

Stanford (-4.5) at Notre Dame Stanford is not only undefeated in the wins column, but more importantly, they are undefeated ATS.  Jim Harbaugh is a very good coach and lead Stanford to a win and cover the four and a hook,  sending Notre Dame to a 1-3 start.

Georgia at Mississippi State (-1) There is no way UGA loses this game.  If they do, we have more problems than my losing the Grit Tree Picks.  Georgia burned me last week, and I usually don’t pick them ATS.  They only way UGA loses is if they lay down and quit.  This team in the last two weeks showed that when they are not playing their best, they can still put themselves in a position to win.  This is break even or break off time, and I think UGA wins.

Tuesday Leans

Last week, TGT went a combined 6-7-2 in our Locks, thanks primarily to pitiful picks by granite and an insistence by corbin that VT would somehow beat Boise State  a number of upsets and early season jitters. Today starts a new week and a new slate. Below are some leans to ponder between now and Friday.

Corbindawg (1-2 last week)

Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M (-18) I know it’s a lot of chalk, but I like the Aggies here. 

Oregon (-13) at Tennessee The teams with the ugliest uniforms in College Football collide. Oregon knows they have crazy uniforms; Tennessee doest have a clue.  Oregon also knows they have a high power, potent offense, Tennessee doesn’t.  13 points is a lot against an SEC defense, but look for the Ducks to clobber Tennessee in a statement game.  

BYU (-1) at Air Force This game is a pick on some boards.  I had an interest in the BYU-Washington game Saturday, and was very impressed with what I saw from the Cougars.   When most teams have two quarterbacks, they don’t have one.  Well, BYU has two very good quarterbacks and look for them both to have a big game.  Take the Mormons. 

Granitedawg (0-3 last week)

Auburn (+2) at Mississippi State Auburn covers.

Georgia Tech (+13) at Kansas Georgia Tech covers.

LSU (+10) at Vandy LSU covers.

No dialogue this week; no one wants to hear what last place has to say.

Ucheedawg (1-1-1 last week)

Miami @ Ohio State (-9.5)This game features two teams I consider on the rise. Both have athletic qb’s and speed on both sides of the ball. Ohio State opens at a heavy favorite, and while I think they win, I think Miami keeps it close. Take the points and The U.

Oregon (-13) @ Tennessee Dooly’s Hounds won’t keep this one close. Oregon is too strong for a relatively weak UT team, and I look for Oregon to win and win big on Rocky Top. Lay the points and take the Ducks.

Ole Miss (-21) @ Tulane Two cupcakes in a row to start the season, right? Wait, they played the Gamecocks in week 1. Oh, a different Gamecocks? Well then. Take the points and Tulane.

Kensingtondawg (1-1-1 last week)

Auburn (-2) at Mississippi State The Tigers struggled on defense against Arkansas State; however , I think they will get it together for a big Thursday night win in Starkville.  I am also very impressed with the play of Tiger QB Cameron Newton.  The Bulldogs are well coached about they will be out talented here.  Tigers cover.

BYU (-1) at Air Force Air Force struggled in their opener and BYU got huge win against Washington.  BYU is not the team they have been the last couple of years, and I think that will show in this trip to Colorado Springs.  Take Air Force and the gift point.

N.C. State at UCF (-3) Despite the opening win, the Wolfpack are still a team trying to find its way under head coach Tom O’Brien.  UCF is an excellent football team and the preseason favorite to win Conf USA.  They will get a big win at home.  Knights cover.

Barndawg (3-0 last week)

Ga Tech (-12) at Kansas Kansas was victim of one the big “upsets” last week, losing to North Dakota State. While Tech needed a while to get going, they still won. The nerds go to Lawrence and cover.
 
Troy at Oklahoma State (-11.5) Last week I called that RB Kendal Hunter would have 100+ rushing yards vs. Washington State. What did he do? Oh..21 carries, 257 yards, 4 TD’s. Cowboys roll again

Florida State at Oklahoma (-9).  I have a feeling this spread is going to shrink through the week. OU pass defense was terrible last week while FSU QB Christian Ponder had a great day. I like FSU.

Tuesday Leans

With Opening Day now on the horizon, we are glad to be back with our weekly leans and picks. Each Tuesday, The Grit Tree will provide you with a few leans as you look forward to the weekend. On Friday, we will lock in our picks for 3 games each week. If you are a gambler, use these as basis to pick the opposite way if you want to make your dollar go farther. With no further ado:

Corbindawg

Kentucky (-3) @ Louisville Charlie Strong held out for a good head coaching job and got….Louisville.  Joker Phillips has some talent, and Hartline and Cobb are playmakers.  I like the Wildcats. 

Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (+3) The Broncos are traveling across the Country for a game in which is basically a home game for the castrated turkeys.  Virginia Tech has a power running game and a quarterback that can make plays with his feet.  Frank Beamer and Chris Petersen are complete 180 on coaching styles.  Two National Title Contenders enter DC on Labor Day, and only one survives-Virginia Tech and its strong defense and power running attack will overpower the Broncos and send them back to tater country. 

Utah State at Oklahoma (-34.5) Bob Stoops has some offense at his disposal.  Landry Jones has improved and Demarco Murray is 100% healthy.  Coach Stoops is an a-hole who wasn’t afraid to run up the score on opponents in Bradford’s 2008 Heisman campaign (50+ ppg) and will quiet the pissed off Sooner fans who were mad at a poor season last year.   Look for Stoops to run up the score for Boomer Sooner.

Granitedawg

Southern Cal @ Hawaii (+21) Look for my boy Lane to run up the score here. I love this guy, and he could be the next coach at UGA if we play our cards right. The SEC will really miss his genius this year. Lay the points and take USC.

Utah State @ Oklahoma (-34) Bob Stoops is a jerk and is going to run up the score on lowly Utah State. Again, lay the points.

SMU @ Texas Tech (-13.5) Even though my second favorite pirate is no longer the captain of this ship, I love Texas Tech. I’ll give the points here against the Methodists and call for the Red Raiders to claim their bounty over the Mustangs.

Kensingtondawg

Purdue at Notre Dame (-11) The Irish hit a home run when they hired Brian Kelley to coach this football team.  He is demanding and tough.  He mission to get Notre Dame back on track will begin Saturday against a Purdue team that has been flat out mediocre the last few seasons.  Call me crazy, but I think the Irish are a darkhorse to play for the national title.  If you don’t believe me look at the schedule.  It’s a breeze!  Irish will roll in Kelley’s first game and cover the 11.

UCONN at Michigan (-3) This is a make or break season for Rich Rodriquez.  UCONN returns a pile of starters and has a great coach in Randy Edsall.  However, I think Michigan will continue to improve, and they know the stakes for this opening game at Ann Arbor.  A loss here and the season could unravel quickly.  It won’t happen.  Michigan win will and cover the 3.

Oregon State at TCU (-13.5) This number looks very high on paper, however I think TCU is looking to make a statement here.  Boise State is getting all the preseason love as the non-BCS team that could make it to Glendale.  Oregon State is well coached under Mike Reilly but typically start out slow and catch fire late.  Plus the Beavers can’t be too excited about traveling to Fort Worth, TX to may in a small stadium so early in the year.  The Frogs will make a statement and roll Saturday.  Lay the 13.5

Ucheedawg

Purdue @ Notre Dame (-10) As bad as it pains me, I really like this season opener for the Fighting Irish. They have incorporated a new, faster paced offense and will be too much for Purdue. I’ll give the 10 and take ND in a big way.

North Carolina vs. LSU (pk) Vegas has this game as a pick. I’m mildly surprised that LSU isn’t a small favorite here. I think it will be a close game, but will lean towards the SEC in this matchup and take LSU to open the season with a W against a good UNC team.

Boise State (-2.5)  vs. Virginia Tech Vegas is throwing out a teaser here to see how many folks they can get to take VA Tech, but in the end it  just won’t be enough. Look for the Broncos from the Blue Turf to come east and win by………………..wait for it………………..2 TDs en route to a berth in the MNC!!!!!!!!

Barndawg

Oklahoma State (-14.0) vs. Washington State The ‘Boys from Stilly get a much easier opener from last year. Wazzu has been horrible for a long time.  RB Kendall Hunter gets 100+ rushing yards. Oklahoma State wins big.

So Cal (-19.0) vs. Hawaii  USC will try to beat their opponents into submission as much as they can– to at least get some brownie points. USC and give the points.

UL-L at Georgia (-24.5) Aaron Murray has a great debut. AJ makes Sports Center with some insane, Prothro like catch. The 3-4 gets a couple of offsides, but takes control early. Red kool-aid is the best flavor. UGA rolls.

The Grit Tree