Our appologies we have been away on vacation...we will update every very soon and so far today, we have two plays...

NCAAB: Tennessee +2.5, Arizona State -1.0

December 29, 2009 - NHL

In addition to the Van ML pick made by Krichael.... I have two of my own.
Pick: Chicago Reg Line, no need to explain this pick, look at their last 10 games. They only lose against teams they are supposed to lose against. They arent supposed to lose to Dallas, and they wont. If you can take this on the Reg line do it, you get 2.05 to one

Pick: Anaheim - Minnesota Under 5.5. Anaheim does not have Lupul, Getzlaf and the Finnish Flash Selanne. Being at home gives gorilla head Carlyle last change to matchup to Minnesota's streaky offensive options. I love the under in this game.

December 29th, 2009

It was not a perfect day; however, 2-1 is a good day by anyone's standards. Looks like there are a few good ones tomorrow...so keep your eyes open as we are likely to have a few winners! (Photography by Rick Scuteri/Reuters)

Overall: 41-21
NCAAB: 8-5-1 NBA: 8-3 NFL:3-2-1 NHL: 21-11 SOCCER: 1-0

NHL: Vancouver ML
NCAAB: Syracuse -3.0,

December 28th, 2009

Well we road The Raptors in our email play...giving us a record of 4-2-1 on the day. Am still steaming about the push in the Ravens/Steelers game...that sat at 40 points for what felt like an enternity.

Overall: 39-20
NCAAB: 7-5-1 NBA: 8-3 NFL:3-2-1 NHL: 20-10 SOCCER: 1-0
Paid Picks (Dec 27th): 1-0


NCAAB: Marshall -2.0
NHL: Montreal ML, Atlanta/New Jersey UNDER 6.0
Paid Pick in the NBA

Tomorrow's plays are under investigation and should be up some time tomorrow...

December 27th, 2009

So I'm not sure if you can get much better than today...I mean Boxing Day shopping and a perfect 6-0 record. We live up to our name, with six perfect picks and are excited to begin work for upcomming games!

Overall: 36-18
NCAAB: 7-5-1 NBA: 7-3 NFL:3-1 NHL: 18-9 SOCCER: 1-0

NBA: Spurs -2.5
NFL: Raven/Steeler OVER 43.0, Jets/Colts UNDER 41.0
NHL: Florida ML, Buffalo ML, Vancouver ML

The NHL Plays may be modified...this is where we are right now; however, are trying to do more research to solidify are leans. Check back late afternoon and then lock in...Cheers

December 26, 2009 - NHL

Pick: MTRL ML, After Halak's trade request he has been ridiculous in net and Markov is playing well

Pick: ATL-TB Over, Thrashers have scored 24 goals in their last 5, while their offense is almost keeping pace, having posted 20 goals.

Pick: PHI ML, Former Carolina netminder Leighton is in net and will want to prove the hurricanes made a mistake in waving him. Also, can Philadelphia stay this bad this long?

Pick: Van -1.5, Edmonton has lost their last 5 games, by an average of 3 goals. I'm not going against that trend.

December 24th, 2009

An average night at 2-2 was helped with our email play of The Toronto Raptors on the hardwood making it a positive evening at 3-2. As I sure all of you are aware, the holidays are a busy time for everyone...us included, therefore for a few weeks they will probably not be many write-ups; however, we will do our best to put our plays up as much as possible to help in anyway we can.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !

Overall: 30-18
NCAAB: 6-5-1 NBA: 6-3 NFL: 3-1 NHL: 14-9 SOCCER: 1-0

NBA: Spurs -3.0

NCAAB: West Virginia -3.0

December 23th, 2009

Well we knew we could not stay perfect forever. The Hawks out shot the Sharks 47-14 and Nabokov stood on his head... But a great third period by the Ducks stopped the bleeding.

Overall: 28-16
NCAAB: 6-5-1 NBA: 6-3 NFL:3-1 NHL: 12-7 SOCCER: 1-0

As of right now we like Montreal ML, Buffalo ML, Toronto ML, and FLORIDA/RANGERS UNDER on the ice this evening; however, check back closer to game time to see if we have come across new information to change our thoughts.

December 22nd, 2009

Another great night going 3-0 on the site...and our record is improving more and more every day. We hope you are taking advantage of our free plays and strongly encourage you to purchase our paid picks, which we are often more confident about.

Overall: 27-14
NCAAB: 6-4-1 NBA: 6-3 NFL:3-1 NHL: 11-6 SOCCER: 1-0

Butler Bulldogs at UAB Blazers (-2.5)

Last year’s meeting saw Butler come away with a 72-68 victory and this season The Bulldogs return to this game with the exact 5 starters from last year. The Blazer however has lost Kinnard, Vaden, and Delaney, who combined for 58 of last season’s 68 points. This team has been impressive out of the gate and their recent win over a solid Big East opponent in Cincinnati 64-47 was one that should help when it’s time for tournament selections, they may have run into a team a little bigger, a little better, and a little more experienced. Butler has lost three games this year; however, they are all too respectable opponents in Georgetown, Clemson, and Minnesota...all likely to make the NCAA tournament. Some may wonder if the 5’8” speedster in Aaron Johnson will cause Butler problem, but last year in 32 minutes of action he was held to zero points and 6 assists. Clearly the Butler guards can match up well here and the undersized Blazer’s forwards may have a tough time matching up with Hayward and Howard. Just a side...this game opened at -1.0 and has already moved to -2.5, therefore we may be able to wait and grab even more points with The Bulldogs here for security...just keep your eyes open. Never the less, Butler should have too many weapons for UAB to contain and take this one.

PICK: BULLDOGS +2.5


Dunk here:

I really will not have much time to get to a computer tomorrow. So, both of these selections are just leans for now... I will finalize them as soon as I get a look at the starting goalies. However, there is no harm analyzing the matchups right now.

SJ vs. CHI

San Jose played against Dallas right now. It was a 4-2 win, thats good and expected. However, what is giving me concern is the fact that Nabokov had 38 Shots on him. The reason this concerns me is that its a rather high workload to be giving your starting goalie, and then playing him back-to-back against Chicago, who in your last matchup fired 41 SOG. My initial reaction was to play San Jose here; Firstly, you will get great odds, Secondly, I think they are the much better team and will be eager to take over the First place in the Western Conference mantle from the "ready-in-two-years" Blackhawks. Looking into the matchup further, I see that the SJ-Dallas game from last night was not a 4-1 blowout with a consolation goal at the end for Dallas. Rather, it was a 3-2 game for 14 minutes. It obviously was not an easy game for SJ, so its not like they rested their star players. Dan Boyle and Douglas Murray, SJ's best defensemen, both played over 24 minutes last night. We all know how ridiculous Chicago has been playing, and their goaltending has been out of this world. Through 4 games of their current 5 game homestand, they have posted 4 wins and 3 shutouts. I have no idea what the odds are, as they aren't available to me yet, however, early indications are pointing to Chicago. Keep in mind that I will finalize this in the morning and post my picks, I am merely breaking down the matchups for you now.

Pick: Chicago Reg Line

Anaheim Vs. Colorado

A lot of the same reasoning applies in this matchup. Colorado played last night, yes they stormed out to an early 4-1 lead, however, Minnesota stormed back and made this one a nailbiter. Anaheim has to start winning games. I dont need to provide a huge writeup to say who im going to pick in this one. I know Anaheim is the better team, and they are starting to play like it. Both of their goalies are providing them with exceptional goaltending lately. Anderson backstopped Colorado last night, so I really do not know who they will play in net. I would feel a lot more comfortable if it was Anderson actually, because Budaj, while terribly inconsistent can play lights out on any given day. With Anaheim, I would very much like to see Hiller starting in goal for them, however, I do have faith in Giguere either way. Based on Anaheim needing the W badly, and Colorado playing last night, combined with Anaheim having won the last 4 games against Colorado, I will make this selection final.

Pick: Anaheim ML

Nashville Vs. Vancouver

Here we have two teams that I can not understand. Nashville is flying right now, and Vancouver is one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. At times they are world beaters, and at times, like last game, they lose to the St. Louis Blues. I definitely feel a lot safer siding with Nashville here. Nashvilles latest games have been wins against mediocre opponents, except for the Calgary game which they throughly dominated a contender. Although these were wins against mediocre teams, they were wins nonetheless. That is important. This team is finding a way to win right now, with scoring coming from three lines. Their star players are firing and they are getting secondary scoring. I would feel very comfortable if Dan Ellis is starting, even though I rate Rinne as the better goalie, Ellis has been on fire. Vancouver on the other hand are a bit bi-polar lately. They beat the Capitals, have a good game against Anaheim, and beat the then western conference leading L.A. Kings. They then seem to lose against mediocre teams. I think the hot hand of Nashville is the way to go, however, you really never know what Canucks team will show up. I will wait for the morning goaltender announcements. I am definitely leaning towards Nashville, however, odds and starters will have a major role.

December 21st, 2009 - NHL

Two plays in the NHL, I could not get to a computer all day so this is a bit rushed. Apologies in advance.

Im taking NJ Devils over Pittsburgh

Pick: New Jersey ML

Florida Panthers over Philly

Pick: Florida ML

December 20th, 2009

Well unfortunately we did not share our Cincinnati +7.0 or Pitt ML...just not enough time to do write ups but stayed par today with a 2-2 effort. So it's Monday and that brings Monday Night Football...

Overall: 24-13

NCAAB: 6-4-1 NBA: 6-3 NFL:2-1

NHL: 9-5 SOCCER: 1-0

New York Giants at Washington Redskins (1.0)

Last year the Giants won both meeting in sweeping the season series with the Redskins and this year they are half way there already. Washington has played well the last few weeks; however, has only managed one win in their last four, while losing 3 others by a combined 7 points. This team seems to keep finding new ways to lose. The Giants on the other hand are in most win territory and if they win in hopes to make the playoffs. New York is used to playing under the spot light in important and high pressure games and should feel comfortable in this type of environment. Manning and Jacobs will be too much fire power and the Redskins will not be able to score enough points to upset the Giants. Look for the Giants to cruise to a comfortable victory.

PICK: GIANTS -1.0

December 19th 2009

Great day again...with the help of our special guest we go 7-1 publically and 1-0 on the paid picks with Kansas State building such a big lead it was never in doubt.

Overal: 22-11-1

NCAAB: 6-4-1 NBA:5-3

NFL: 2-0 NHL: 8-4 SOCCER: 1-0

New Orleans Hornets at Toronto Raptors (205)

Now every saw or heard about Toronto’s big win and their 37 point lead at half time and while they did win by 23 points it was not all roses. I’m sure after losing the second half by 14 points and showing no sense of defensive intensity Jay Triano will have something to focus on at practice. Now obviously with a 37 point half time lead there is no reason why you cannot exchange buckets; however, make no mistake The Raptors coaching staff should have them ready on the defensive end to make a few stops. Another issue is the time of this year...most players have routines and schedules and with an early game they may be just a little off. Look for the players to take a quarter to warm up and find their rhythm and that should make this one stay under.

PICK: UNDER 205

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)

With a combined record of 6-20 this game does not have the urgency of two teams trying to make the playoffs; however, we all know the Seattle is one of the hardest places to play in the NHL and a Buccaneers team that has already proven they can hardly win anywhere let alone away from Tampa...0-6 this far. Seattle seems to be able to beat up against the weak team and struggle against the elite. They are 5-2 against teams with below 500 records and 0-6 against teams that boast a winning record. This Seattle team will be determined to give their home fans what they came and against the worse team in the NFL (Buccaneers) the fans, the coaches, and the players will be expecting nothing less than a comfortable win.

PICK: Seahawks -6.5

Hockey guy here. A solid night last night, in fact, better than advertised. I did not post a lot of my plays last night as it was my first night on here, but I am hoping that i receive some encouragement from all of you out there to release all my NHL plays.

For Sunday, I am looking at playing both games. I have not looked at totals at all, but will do so in the morning. My gut is telling me to play both home teams on the Regulation Line.

Breaking down both games, we have a Detroit team who is just straight banged up. We may as well change the team name to Datsyuk and the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL team). That, combined with the recent outstanding goaltending, nevermind their 1st place position in the conference, gives me plenty of confidence in Chicago.

Pick: Chicago Reg. Line

The Vancouver - St. Louis matchup has some history behind it, evidenced by their recent playoff matchup. You know what, Stl is just playing terrible hockey. If they somehow manage to create some offense against Luongo and the defensive style of the Canucks I will be shocked. Vancouver is really producing offensively lately; in fact, I would never have guessed that Hank Sedin would ever be third in the league in scoring, let alone this far into the season. The "all lines are firing" offense of the Canucks, and the non-existant offense of the Blues is all its going to take to convince me.

Pick: Vancouver Reg. Line

Keep your sticks on the ice.

Super Saturday NHL - Guest Capper

Alright, guest capper here, in addition to my help with earlier selections of Barcelona ML and Anaheim ML I have a one more NHL picks for this evening.

First off, lets start with Pittsburgh ML. Yes, Pittsburgh struggled last game, barely getting by Philly who we all know have been terrible lately. However, Buffalo played last night against an always tough to play against Maple Leafs squad. In addition, Patrick Lalime is slated to start for the sabres. As far as im concerned, if there is not Ryan Miller, there is no Buffalo Sabres.

Pick: Pittsburgh ML

This post will be updated throughout the night if I see other plays that catch my eye, until then, lets watch some hockey.

December 18th 2009

Well this is finally a night I am pleased with...3-1 on the site and 1-0 on the paid pick with Drexel dominating CSU Northridge. There was a soccer play earlier but we have received your opinions and are not going to expand to ever sport in the book...we'll focus on the ones we know and excel at those.

Overal: 15-10-1
NCAAB: 5-4-1 NBA:3-3 NFL: 2-0 NHL: 5-3

NCAAB: Tennessee -11.0, Texas Tech +6.0, Paid Pick
NHL: Flyers/Rangers UNDER 5.5, Anaheim ML
NBA: Kings +6.5, Pacers +12
Soccer: Barcelona ML

Minnesota Wild at Ottawa Senators

So usually I try to avoid making my primary reason something like travel or arriving late; however, this fire that destroyed all of the Wild gear cannot be ignored. Most of us have played sports of some kind and all know how hard it is to play with new gear that is not worn in and while you might be surprised to hear but many professional athletes have lots of superstitions...and not having their lucky socks can be more serious than anticipated in a game in mental toughness is a huge part. Look for The Senators to walk out of this one with a win, while the Wild will still be trying to determine how their equipment got ruined.

PICK: SENATORS ML

December 17th, 2009

Well have a write up for tomorrow; however, here are my plays so far.

Overal: 12-9-1
NCAAB: 4-4-1 NBA:2-2 NFL: 2-0 NHL: 4-3

NCAAB: Long Beach State +3.5
NBA: Clippers/Knicks OVER 200.0, Bucks/Cavs UNDER 194.0
NHL: Carolina/Florida OVER 5.5

Milwaukee Buck at Cleveland Cavaliers (194.0)

Both teams will look to slow down the pace and look for their half court set. For the Cavaliers, you want your best player in LeBron James to touch the ball every time on the offensive end. They will look to work the high scene and roll and try to isolate certain match ups. As far as the Bucks are concerned, while the Brandon Jennings show was exciting for awhile it’s time to get back to your roots. Andrew Bogut is one of the elite centers in the league and with his exceptional passing ability it is a must that the offence goes through him on every possession. It should be a game of post...re-post and let Bogut go to work down low or find the open shooter. So LeBron should be able to score every time down the floor; however, as long as O’Neal is on the floor he will not bring Bogut outside and allow him to remain in the paint and disrupt James every time he tries to drive the ball to the basketball. Therefore James may have to settle for outside jumpers...and while he is a great player, the one weakness in his game may be his jump shot. Now for the Bucks, Bogut as primarily none as a passing and defender, it is going to be hard for him to provide offense against a solid Shaquille O’Neal, while Hickson and James are lingering to get the weak side block. A slower pace and great defence should cause shots to be altered...keeping this one under the number.

PICK: UNDER 194.0

December 17th 2009

Last night turned out alright with Atlanta stayed within one goal on the ice and some people getting the Wizards at +3.5 to get a win there; however, a 3-2 record needs to be improved upon and will certianly looked to do just that this weekend.

Overal: 10-7-1

NCAAB: 4-4-1 NBA: 2-2 NFL: 1-0 NHL:3-1
NFL: Colts ML
NBA: Paid Pick
NHL: Phoenix ML, Edmonton ML, Anaheim PL

December 16th 2009

The Raptors were very disapointing last night, at the start it looked as though they could score at will; however, defensive breakdowns let this one slip away. On the Ice the Kings almost ruined a great 2-0 start, but managed to pull out a 3-2 win. Tomorrow is a crazy day and therefore will not be doing any write ups; however, will be posting my plays...just do not have the time to put my thoughts in writting. Best of luck...

Overall: 8-4-1
NCAAB: 3-2-1 NBA:1-2 NFL: 1-0 NHL:3-0

NCAAB = Wake Forest -7.0, Oregon State -2.0, Cincinnati -1.5
NBA = Paid Pick and New Orlenes -5.5
NHL = Atlanta PL

December 15th 2009

Last night was less than impressive; however, a special thanks to Matthew and Duncan after going perfect of the Ice last night at 2-0. This brought a terrible night back to par...great work boys. Tomorrow the boys like The Blues at home.

Overall: 7-3-1

NCAAB: 3-2-1 NBA: 1-1 NFL: 1-0 NHL: 2-0

Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat (-7.0)

It appears that this heat team is a great match up for the Raps, as they have won 8 of the last 10 contest. Wade should give them problems and will most likely get his points; the loss of a good perimeter shooter from the outside will be huge. Chris Bosh > Jermaine O’Neal, Hedo Turkoglu > Michael Beasley, Andrea Bargnani > Yahkouba Diawara...and Wade and Chambers most likely have the edge in the back court. The key will be how well Jack and DeRozan can play these two on the outside, because as soon as they get beat someone will be forced to help and Toronto’s defence will break down. With Richardson out and Wade not a strong shooter from the outside, The Raptors would be smart to go zone and hopefully they see this opportunity as well and choose to do so. It may be a little harder to rebound out of; however, Miami seems to be struggling in that department losing 49-26 in that category in their last game versus Memphis. Look for a very determined Raptor team that will make an effort to pick up their level of play defensively in this one.

PICK: Raptors +7.0

December 14th 2009

Just starting out here and in a few weeks will be moving to a professional site; however, feel free to check out the plays(free and paid) until then... Also like Atlanta and Toronto on the ice this evening, but may not have time to do a write up.

NCAAB: 3-1-1 NBA: 1-0 NFL: 1-0

Florida Atlantic Owls at New Orleans Privateers (-3.0)

Last year these 2 split their two meetings, with each team winning at home. Home court seems to be an advantage not only in this series, but against any opponent in this young season for both teams. They are both undefeated at home; however, both only have 1 win each on the road and a combined road record of 2-7. Therefore, New Orleans seems like the right play here, 4-0 on their home hardwood. The Owls have a brand new group of guys with no returning starters and needed overtime to beat a Division II Royals squad. While the Privateers have Tyrna as a returning starter and Carmouche as a player who played double digits minutes in last year’s contest. Lastly both teams play a small 3 guard line up; however, The Owls go 5’6”, 6’2”, and 6’4” in the back court, while The Privateers have all three players at 6’2”. The major issue is both teams players up front, Florida Atlantic only has their front court listed at 6’6” and 6’8” and New Orleans goes 6’8” and 6’10”...causing match up problem that The Owls may have to counter by bringing in less experience big men in Royster and Mattison off the bench. With this smaller line up, rebounding will be an issue for Florida Atlantic and they have lost that battle in 4 out of their last 5, while New Orleans has dominated the glass winning in that category in their last four games. If this game in close down the wire, The Privateers have the advantage from the charity stripe and their home fans should provide the extra boost need to cover this spread.

PICK: Privateers -2.5

Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets (207.5)

Every time these two meet...the number seems to go over and even big totals like 226 and 227. In fact, in those two games the point totals were 298 and 284 points and all of their last 9 meeting have gone over the total. If you even a defensive struggle you may want to watch something else because this game will feature scoring...scoring...scoring, and lots of it. Both teams should score over 100 points and put this game over with ease. In Denver’s last game they faced a tough Phoenix opponent and that game was most likely a measuring stick for both teams, who seemed to step up the defence and create an almost playoff like atmosphere. Now that The Nuggets have that big win this will be looking to just coast here against The Thunder. These teams should struggle to match up on the defensive end, which will result in baskets being traded pushing this game over the total.

PICK: Over 207.5

December 13th 2009

Wow, I am soo impressed with Purdue...after being down by 16 in the second half to battle back and win by 8 was unbelievable. "If you learn to quit, it becomes a habit" (Vince Lombardi) and this team proved that they will never quit and seem to have something special this season.


Late Night Plays:

The Spurs -6 on the hardwood.

Cincinnati Bearcats at Xavier Musketeers (-3.5)

While the Bearcats have only won 1 of the last 4 meetings between these two, they have covered the number in 3 of 4. The Musketeers have lose 40 points in last year’s victory with the departure of Brown, Anderson, and Raymond, while the top scoring in last year’s contest, Deonta Vaughn for Cincinnati with 27 points, will be returning for the Bearcats. Xavier has three good loses in Kansas State, Baylor, and Marquette; however, have no good wins other than over a mediocre Creighton team. On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati have a great lose in overtime to Gonzaga 59-61 and two great wins over Maryland and Vanderbilt by 9 and 12 points. The Bearcats will be a team in the upper half of the Big East this season and while many people feel this is a down year for this conference...I could not agree more with both West Virginia and Syracuse looking as though they are both deserving of number one seeds in the NCAA tournament.

PICK: Bearcats +4.0


Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (1.0)

Sunday night, under the lights in a divisional game, should be a great one...right? Well if The good Giant team shows up then it may be close; however, if they do not the Eagles will roll out of the Big Apple with an easy victory, as they did in their previous meeting this season 40-17. In that beat down the turnover ratio was won by the Eagles 3-2 and most of the rushing and passing yards were fairly equal. The big problem for the Giants was big plays they allowed on defence. A 41 and 66 yard run, both for touchdowns...and a 54 and 23 yard pass, also both for touchdowns. The big play threats did not go anywhere for the Eagles and Antonio Pierce (New York’s quarterback on defence), who played in the last meeting, will be out of action here. The defence will play conservative in an attempt to prevent big plays; however, this may allow Philadelphia to pick up small chunks of yardage and methodically drive the ball down the field.

PICK: Eagles -1.0

Villanova Wildcats at Temple Owls (3.0)

These two usually meet up every year and in the last 7 meetings, The Wildcats have won 6 including the last 4 in a row. Temple has proven they will be a good team with wins over Virginia Tech and Siena, but have not faced a team with the talent level that Villanova has. The guard trio of Reynolds, Fisher, and Stokes will create steals on the defensive end and either score or build up fouls when they penetrate on the offensive end. Last year’s meeting saw Villanova win 62-45 and while The Wildcats no longer have Anderson and Cunningham, The Owls have lost the face of their school in Dionte Christmas. Up until last year, Villanova had covered the spread in their last 5 straight and while playing on the road to good teams in Maryland and St. Joseph’s were good wins, they gave up 86 and 89 points in both games. Temple will try to slow the pace of this one down as they cannot keep pace with the high powered scorers for The Wildcats. In saying this it should not matter as Villanova will take advantages of turnovers and push the ball on the break, taking advantage of their quick transition game.

PICK: Wildcats -3.0

December 12th 2009

St. Mary’s Gaels at Oregon Ducks (1.0)

With not much size inside the paint this year for Oregon, they rely heavily on their strong three-point shooting by guards Porter and Humphrey. With both either side lined or barely playing at all last game due to injuries the Ducks offense seem to have no spark and no chance in keeping pace with Missouri. Also there is the question of whether senior; Joevan Catron will play due to an aching back that keeps him out of the line up last week. If all three players do not play, we can end right here and give the win to the Gaels. Although let’s make it interesting a say they all play, how will St. Mary’s match up to a heavy Ducks team? They seem to look very strong in the paint with the “Twin Towers” of Allen and Samhan, both standing tall at 6’11”. This will create problems on the defensive end for Oregon who will have no one to match up on either of these two inside and create no low post threat for Oregon when they are on offense with those two clogging up the paint area. Oregon’s only chance is if Porter and Humphrey shot lights out from behind the arc. And let’s not forget McConnell for the Gael can get hot as well, so it’s hard to go against a team with that much size and an excellent outside shooter in this one.

PICK: Gaels +1.5

Oregon State Beavers at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-6.5)

These two meet last year with the Beavers prevailing 64-63, but both teams are very different with few familiar faces. The Cornhuskers have only 1 returning starters, while the Beavers have 3. But of these three only one is a starter this season which leads me to believe that their recruits and transfers have made this a better squad this time around. Schaftenaar and Haynes, who no longer, start combined for 20 of the 64 point in last year’s meeting and will provide plenty of bench scoring. During the game last year The Beaver’s shot under 40% from the field and had an astonishing 24 turnover while Nebraska seems to take care of the ball very well and had only 11 mistakes. This season Nebraska has been gliding along with a 6-2 record and may think they have already beaten a solid Pac-10 team in USC 51-48, unfortunately this is not a normal USC squad and will not finish near the top in the standings this year. The Beaver’s are a team going unnoticed with wins over Colorado and George Washington...and even more impression a 64-60 lose at Texas Tech. Regardless of the outcome here, this team will probably remain under the radar, so watch them this year as they should cover lots of spreads as road dogs.

PICK: Beaver’s +6.5

Purdue Boilermakers at Alabama Crimson Tide (4.5)

So Alabama has impressed many people this year with an impressive 6-2, including wins over Michigan, Baylor, and Providence. All while all that is impressive they have yet to face anyone like Purdue and the defensive intensity that they bring. Purdue is off to an 8-0 start is no surprise but was not a given considered they played the likes of Wake Forest, Tennessee, and San Diego State. There is not much need to take about the battle on the glass because with all the poor shots the boilermakers will force Alabama to take, they will surely win this statistic. As far as match ups go Purdue seems to have a huge edge there as well. Johnson will be far too much for Green to handle down low; however, with Knox also at 6’9” coming off the bench they will essentially have 10 fouls to use. Here’s Alabama’s next problem, who will guard Robbie Hummel? How will either guard be able to shake who I believe could be the best defensive player in the country in Chris Kramer? And is there anyone on this Crimson Tide squad who is quick enough to stop E’Twaun Moore. All of these questions and more lead me to believe that the coaching staff of Alabama will realize they cannot match up well in man to man and will be forced to play a zone. Unfortunately, packing it in may not show the problem, as Purdue has shot 32.9 % from behind the arc in their previous 8 games. This is usually a disciplined Purdue team with all 5 starters returning from last season and their experience should be able to keep the turnovers down and come out of the Coleman Coliseum with a comfortable victory.

PICK: Boilermakers -5.5