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02/28/2009 - Tallahassee, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Top-25 foes meet in the Sunshine State today, as the 12th-ranked Clemson Tigers invade the Tucker Center for an ACC clash with the 23rd-ranked Florida State Seminoles.
Oliver Purnell's Tigers would like to close the season strong and bolster their seeding for the upcoming ACC Tournament. That goal took a wrong turn this week, as the team dropped an 80-77 decision at home to Virginia Tech to fall to 8-5 in league play. Still, Clemson hits the road where it is seeking its 11th win on the season, a number that would tie the school record set by the 1996-97 team.
Trying to prevent that from happening is the Seminoles, who are also coming off a loss, dropping a 72-67 decision at Boston College on Tuesday. The loss halted a brief two-game win streak and leaves FSU also at 8-5 in the ACC.
Florida State holds a 28-24 advantage in the all-time series with Clemson and is seeking the regular-season sweep after posting a 65-61 win at Clemson back on February 7th. The last time FSU swept the Tigers was during the 2000-01 campaign.
One of the better offensive teams in the conference, Clemson is delivering on 46.6 percent of its shots, leading to nearly 80 points per game (79.2). The team boasts of a trio of capable scorers in Trevor Booker, K.C. Rivers and Terrence Oglesby. Booker is the resident muscle in the low post and is one of the top frontcourt performers in the league, averaging a near double-double with team-highs of 15.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, while also having strong skills as a shot-blocker (58). Rivers is next in line at 14.4 ppg and has a bit more range, ranking second on the team with 55 three-pointers. Leading the way from long range is Oglesby (79 treys), who is shooting just over 40 percent from behind the arc, leading to 13.6 ppg. The Tigers shot a mere .361 from the floor in the second half against Virginia Tech this week and that ended up playing a huge role in the team's loss to the Hokies. The setback spoiled strong performances by Oglesby (22 pts), Booker (21 pts, 13 rbs), Demontez Stitt (14 pts) and Rivers (11 pts, 10 rbs).
The Seminoles turned the ball over 18 times and it proved costly, as the team dropped a narrow decision in Chestnut Hill this week. Toney Douglas led FSU in scoring with 19 points, despite shooting just 5-of-16 from the field. Young center Solomon Alabi added 16 points and seven rebounds to the cause, while Derwin Kitchen tallied 14 points, but FSU's bench came up small in the game, with only six points, as the 'Noles shot a disappointing .386 from the floor overall. The poor offensive display is not as alarming when considering that FSU is averaging a conference-worst 68.2 ppg. The team is first and foremost a defensive-minded squad, ranking first in the ACC in both scoring defense (64.1 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (.387). At the offensive end, everything funnels through Douglas. One of the top players in the ACC, the veteran guard is netting 20.5 ppg. The scoring pool dries up fast after that, with the second-leading scorer being Uche Echefu at 8.8 ppg.
<< Villanova hosts Georgetown in Big East tussle
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Georgetown Hoyas hope to continue
their recent success over the Villanova Wildcats as the Big East Conference
rivals collide this afternoon in Philadelphia.
Georgetown was expected to be a contender in
<< Tar Heels seek return to win column in clash with Yellow Jackets
Chapel Hill, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have the
unenviable task of taking on the fourth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in
Chapel Hill this afternoon.
Paul Hewitt has achieved great success during his tenure as th
<< Brodeur, Devils host Panthers at the Rock
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Even a near four-month layoff couldn't slow down Martin
Brodeur. Fresh off his 99th career shutout, the New Jersey Devil netminder
will face the Florida Panthers this afternoon at the Prudential Center.
Brodeur returned to
<< Heat host Knicks in South Beach
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Heat open up a three-game homestand Saturday by
welcoming the New York Knicks to South Beach.
The Heat will be trying to bounce back from a tough loss in Atlanta on Friday.
Al Horford pulled down a career-high 22
Irish to try their luck against Huskies in Storrs >>
Storrs, CT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The second-ranked Connecticut Huskies continue
their quest for a Big East title, as they play their last home game of the
season this weekend, welcoming the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Storrs, for a
conference sho
Sun Devils visit Cougars in key Pac-10 contest >>
Pullman, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 14th-ranked Arizona Sun Devils will try to
rebound from a critical loss and remain in the thick of the Pac-10 race this
evening, as they challenge the Washington State Cougars at Friel Court.
In a battle fo
Huskies can claim share of Pac-10 title with win over Wildcats >>
Seattle, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 21st-ranked Washington Huskies will try to
claim at least a share of the Pac-10 title today, as they welcome the Arizona
Wildcats to Bank of America Arena in Seattle.
The Huskies and Arizona State did battl
Beat Vikings and Bulldogs win outright Horizon League title >>
Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 24th-ranked Butler Bulldogs will try
to wrap up the outright Horizon League title today, as they host the Cleveland
State Vikings at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
With a 78-57 trouncing of Youngstown State on Thu
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
MySportsbook.com : Fortune Favors Favorites in March Madness betting?
Just like Day 1 of the “Sweet 16”, Friday’s games are chock full of some of the nation’s elite. Unlike Thursday’s games, there is a little bit more of a “Cinderella” feel as #7 seed UNLV and #6 seed Vanderbilt will attempt to move on to the Elite Eight. With powerhouses Florida, UNC and Georgetown looking to continue their momentum against lesser known teams, it isn’t surprising that once again the “betting public” is backing most of the favorites. As the early coin rolls in, 56% of Sportsbook.com bettors prefer Georgetown (-7.5) as they take on Vanderbilt; 84% of the early money is backing Oregon (-3) as they square off against UNLV; and a slight majority (52%) of the early cash is on Florida (-10.5) against Butler as the Gators continue their quest for another National Title. The only favorite the public don’t seem confident in is UNC, as 59% of the cash is backing the underdog Trojans (+8).
Midwest
#1 Florida vs. #5 Butler
The defending National Champs have been on a mission since last April. Joakim Noah and Al Horford turned down millions of dollars for one reason, to REPEAT. After a late season hiccup which saw them lose three out of four, the Gators have won six straight by an average of 20.3 points. More importantly, they covered in five of those six games. Behind their stymie defense that yields only 56.9 PPG, Butler has been a very pleasant surprise this season. As their 20-11 ATS record will indicate, “surprise teams” like Butler are often good bets for gamblers. Playing in an average conference, Butler wasn’t and underdog too often but when they were, they covered (6-0 ATS). Butler’s defense will have its hands full against a Gators offense which averages 80.1 PPG on an amazing 52.9% shooting from the field. With Florida’s tournament experience over the last few years, it isn’t surprising that they are 5-1 ATS this season, 20-4 ATS over the last three seasons and 38-20 since 1997 in tournament action.
#3 Oregon vs. #7 UNLV
As a #7 seed, UNLV is the closest thing to a “Cinderella” we have this year. If you bet on UNLV this season with any regularity, you most likely cashed in. Behind their guard oriented attack, the Rebels are an impressive 20-11 ATS this season. As an underdog they covered in 8 out of their ten games which isn’t surprising since they are 52-30 ATS as a ‘dog since 1997. The Rebels have been a consistent cover during the month of March as well. This March they are 6-0 ATS, 11-3 ATS over the last three seasons and 24-11 since 1997. Their impressive ATS trends don’t end there; versus teams with a winning record they are 15-6 ATS this season and 41-21 over the last three seasons. Although Oregon hasn’t been as generous to gamblers as UNLV this season, they have been covering consistently as of late. There is no question that they are playing their best ball of the season having won their last 8 straight up (SU) by an average of 14.5 points. Not surprising they covered in 7 of those games. It is interesting to note how similar these teams are in regards to scoring and scoring defense. UNLV averages 75 PPG while giving up 66.5 PPG and Oregon scores 75.8 PPG while yielding 65.5 PPG.
East
#6 Vanderbilt vs. #2 Georgetown
“Hoya Paranoia” is officially back! After a decent start, Georgetown has rolled through the second half of the season. Over their last 18 games, they are 17-1 SU. They have definitely improved ATS as the season has progressed as well. After opening the season 1-4-1 ATS, the Hoyas have covered 78.3% of their games. With their great interior play of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas as a team shoot 50.5% from the field. Like the Georgetown teams from years ago, they also excel on defense. Hoya opponents averaged only 56.8 PPG on 38.2% shooting from the field and an extremely low 30.4% from beyond the arc. The last stat could be of some concern to Vanderbilt considering they shoot 37.7% from long-range. Ranking second to last in the SEC in rebounding margin, Vanderbilt will have its work cut out for them against the Hoya trees. As far as covering is concerned, Vanderbilt has been almost a “sure thing” (7-1 ATS) versus good defensive teams that allow less than 64 PPG.
#1 UNC vs. # 5 USC
The Tar Heels are as talented and as deep as any team in the country. Going ten deep and chock full of HS All-Americans, UNC averages 86.1 PPG and scored 100+ seven times. Led by All-American forward, Tyler Hansbrough (18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG) UNC has a very balanced attack which can kill you on the inside as well as on the perimeter. UNC only real concern is their youth as eight of their rotation players are either sophomores or freshmen. UNC was a reliable cover this season going 20-13 ATS. An intriguing covering trend for the Tar Heels in recent years has been how they fared after non-conference games. This season they are 11-3 ATS after non-conference games and over the last three seasons they are 31-13 ATS. USC is also a pretty deep team which is loaded with swingman types. An match-up to keep an eye on will be freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG) as he squares off against the AA Hansbrough. USC has been a covering machine this season achieving a 21-10 record ATS. They have thrived in the underdog role, having covered 10 out of 12. When playing a team with a winning record, the Trojans are an incredible 20-6 ATS. Keep in mind, USC dedicated their season to former star to Ryan Francis who passed away before the season so as they get closer to the ultimate goal, emotion could definitely be on their side.
With Friday -105 juice on Basketball betting, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on all of the “March Madness” action. Don’t forget to monitor who the public is backing at this sportsbook “Betting Trends”. By doing so, you have the best chance of predicting a possible line change, thus getting the best value for your wager.
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