Articles

2022 Utah Utes Preview

by Matt Fargo

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

Utah Utes2021-22 Season Record 10-4 (8-1 Pac 12 South) - 7-7-0 ATS - 9-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 6OverviewUtah was always an average team in the WAC and the early stages in the MWC as it would put together some nice winning seasons and make it to a lower-tiered bowl game with nothing more than a final ranking of No. 10 in 1994 to show for it. Then the program hired Urban Meyer in 2003 and everything changed. He went 22-2 in two seasons including a 12-0 record and a Fiesta Bowl win in 2004 which resulted in a final ranking of No. 4. He took that and ran with it and ever since, current head coach Kyle Whittingham has not let the program slip at all as he has produced winning records in 15 of his 17 seasons and he could have one of his best teams yet. They will build off of their Rose Bowl trip last season and come into 2022 with a preseason ranking of No. 7, the highest in program history. 14 starters return with an above average returning production ranking which could turn into something special. OffenseUtah always seem to be really big on both sides of the line of scrimmage and the offensive line paved the way last season as the Utes finished No. 15 in rushing offense, averaging 216.3 ypg while the pass protection was outstanding as they allowed only 13 sacks which was No. 4 in the country. Three starters are back and the two positions that need to be filled are not a problem with the size and depth. Quarterback Cameron Rising took control of the offense and passed for 2,493 yards with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He did not have to do a lot with the great running game but he is capable. His favorite target tight end Brant Kuithe is back after 611 yards receiving and six touchdowns last season and the wide receiver options are plentiful. Running back Tavion Thomas returns after a team high 1,108 yards and 21 touchdowns so this offense is loaded all over. DefenseThe Utes seem to always have a hard-nosed defense and that was the case last season as they were No. 13 overall and No. 24 in scoring and will be just as potent this season. They were great against the run and just as good against the pass thanks to a ton of pressure unloaded on the opposing quarterbacks as they finished with 42 sacks which was tied for tenth most in the country. The defense took a hit with the two top tacklers gone and both from the linebacker position and it equates to 200 tackles, seven sacks and four interceptions having to be replaced. Mohamoud Diabate comes in from Florida to try and shoulder some of that load. The defensive line lost sack leader Mika Tafua but the tackle positions are set and Van Fillinger will star at one of the end spots. The secondary has to replace two starters but safety Cole Bishop and corner Clark Phillips are All Pac 12 players. 2022 Season OutlookThere has never been this much buzz coming into a season in Salt Lake City. They expected a top ten preseason ranking and got it and now they have to run with it and not let all of the expectations get in their way mentally. Go play Utah football and they will be fine. It will not be easy as the Utes have to navigate through a pretty serious schedule. They open the season at Florida where they are a slight favorite and that game could define the entire season. They welcome Southern Utah before the final nonconference game at home against Fresno St. Five of the nine Pac 12 games are on the road with two of those including UCLA and Oregon and the home portion is manageable with the big one being USC to start the second half. The O/U win total is set at 9 which seems right where it should be with Florida, Oregon and USC being the swing games. It will be fun. 

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2022 USC Trojans Preview

by Matt Fargo

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

USC Trojans2021-22 Season Record 4-8 (3-6 Pac 12 South) - 4-8-0 ATS - 7-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 3OverviewLosing seasons have been few and far between for USC as there have been only two since 2001 but those two have come in the last four years and this is the worst run for the Trojans since the early 60s when they had two straight losing campaigns. Long gone are the days of John McKay, John Robinson and Pete Carroll and while there have been a couple good seasons over the last 12 years, USC has not been able to get back to its consistent dominance. They scored the biggest coaching hire of the offseason as Lincoln Riley comes over from Oklahoma where he was 55-10 in his five seasons there and he has already made an impact. The recruiting class was not great but it should not matter as the Trojans brought in the top transfer class in the nation filled with playmakers that will make a difference right away. Expectations are sky high as the Trojans come in ranked No. 14 which actually seems low. OffenseThe No. 1 ranked offense in the Pac 12 last season is only going to be better. Overall, the Trojans were No. 27 in total offense and No. 66 in scoring offense and has the potential to be one of the best units in the country if the chemistry is there from its new toys. Riley certainly knows his offense and is coming into a great situation. He brought with him quarterback Caleb Williams who threw for 1,912 yards with 21 touchdowns and only six interceptions to go along with great running ability in not even close to a full season. He has one of the best receivers at his disposal as Jordan Addison transferred from Pittsburgh after winning the Biletnikoff Award. Two other big transfers will provide a ton of depth as well. Running back Travis Dye rushed for 1,271 yards and 16 touchdowns at Oregon last season. This will all work behind a line that should be vastly improved as well. DefenseThis is where things could get dicey but this is not a huge concern with an offense that will have the ability to outscore anyone. USC was bad last season on defense as it finished No. 90 overall and No. 102 in points allowed after giving up 31 or more points eight times. It can be looked at it from both ways as it is either good news or bad news that only three starters are back and it is probably somewhere in-between. The defensive line is going to be a lot better with Tuli Tuipulotu and Nick Figueroa coming back and both are future NFL players and should be all over the opposing backfield. Two transfers will help out the linebacker situation that is headed by Ralen Goforth, the second leading tackler from last season. The secondary will have the biggest makeover with new corners taking over but the Trojans are set at safety with Xavion Alford and Calen Bullock returning. 2022 Season OutlookWhile the Trojans come into the season at No. 14 in the country, they will be in the top ten in no time with a very favorable early schedule that will get the chemistry in line and the confidence for a big second half. If this defense comes around and is just even a little above average, this could be one scary team and they are a National Championship sleeper team for a reason and they have already been bet up to the fifth lowest odds to win it all. USC should open the season 6-0 with the only two possible stumblers being a home game against Fresno St. and at Oregon St. Then comes the big one as they travel to Utah before three more likely wins and it closes the season at UCLA and at home against Notre Dame. The O/U win total is set at 9.5 which is very lofty but for a very good reason. There are nine games on paper that the Trojans win so it will take a victory in one of those three big games to go over.  

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2022 UNLV Runnin' Rebels Preview

by Matt Fargo

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

UNLV Runnin' Rebels2021-22 Season Record 2-10 (2-6 MWC West) - 8-4-0 ATS - 7-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 8OverviewIt has been a long run of consistent losing for UNLV as there have been just two winning seasons since 2000, the last one coming in 2013. In 45 seasons of playing Division I football, the Rebels have never been ranked in the preseason or during the season which is one of the most undesirable runs in all of college football. While a ranking this season is not going to happen, UNLV should be a much improved team and it is showing that in the projected win total. Current head coach Marcus Arroyo is entering his third season with the Rebels after a 2-16 start but he has had very little experience to work with and that changes this season as they come in with the No. 16 returning production ranking while bringing back eight starters on each side of the ball. Six of their 10 losses last season were by one possession so we should see a turnaround of that, at least to a small degree. OffenseThe offense could not find any consistency last season as it scored 20 or fewer points seven times and overall, it ended up No. 112 in scoring and No. 120 in total offense yet there is upside heading into 2022. It all starts at quarterback and the Rebels could have a good one in place as Harrison Bailey comes over from Tennessee and he is an upgrade even with his limited action with the Volunteers where he completed 68 percent of his passes in seven games. His success, as well as the success of the offense as a whole will come down to the offensive line that was not good in any regard last season. They finished No. 116 in rushing offense with 109.8 ypg on 3.3 ypc while allowing 40 sacks which was tied for No. 119 and four starters return to block for a new group of backs. The receiving corps lost its top pass catcher but there are plenty of options with a lot of depth. DefenseThe defense was weak on all three levels last season but there is good experience coming back as a ton of underclassmen got playing time and the unit is ranked No. 10 in the country in returning production. In the two victories, the defense allowed 30 points combined but allowed 24 or more points in every other game and that needs to improve in a hurry. It was the best defense in four years but it just shows how bad it was previous to 2021 as the Rebels ended up No. 89 in total defense and No. 108 in scoring defense. While the offense gave up too many sacks, the defense could not generate any as they had only 22 on the season and a new look defensive line hopes to generate more of a push. The linebacking trio of Brennon Scott, Kyle Beaudry and Austin Ajiake will help out as well and is the strength of the defense. The secondary was lit up but three of the four starters are back. 2022 Season OutlookUNLV football has never been relevant and that will not change this season but this is one of the better rosters they have had and the addition of Bailey at quarterback could be the missing part they have lacked for years. Arroyo was a great offensive coordinator at Oregon for three years before coming here and if they can find that missing consistency, this could be a fun team to watch as the season goes along. They have the ability to get off to a quick start with five winnable games in their first six even with two of those being on the road. The conference slate is not horrible as they do have to travel to Utah St. and San Diego St. but get Air Force and Fresno St. at home. A trip to Notre Dame is part of a late four-game stretch against teams that had at least 10 wins last season. The O/U win total is set at 4.5 and it attainable early if it takes care of business where it needs to. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB, CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/20/2022

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

The Saturday sports card features NFLX, MLB, CFL, and EPL action.The second week in the NFLX preseason continues with eight games. Two games kick off at 1 PM ET. The Detroit Lions travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts as a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 38.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos on the NFL Network as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 42. The Kansas City Chiefs are at home against the Washington Commanders at 4 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 44. Four NFLX preseason games start at 7 PM ET. The Las Vegas Raiders visit Miami to play the Dolphins as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. The Jacksonville Jaguars play at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 2-point favorite with a total of 42. The Tennessee Titans are at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the NFL Network as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 37.5. The Minnesota Vikings host the San Francisco 49ers as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 38.5. The Los Angeles Chargers play at home against the Dallas Cowboys on the NFL Network at 10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 37.5.Major League Baseball has 16 games on its schedule. Two games throw out the first pitch at 1:05 PM ET. The New York Yankees are at home against the Toronto Blue Jays as a -175 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The New York Mets travel to Philadelphia to play the Phillies in the opening game of their doubleheader. The Los Angeles Angels play at Detroit at 1:10 PM ET as a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Milwaukee Brewers visit Chicago to play the Cubs on FS1 at 2:20 PM ET as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Boston Red Sox are at Baltimore against the Orioles at 4:05 PM ET as a -115 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Tampa Bay Rays play at home against the Kansas City Royals at 4:10 PM ET as a -205 money line favorite with a total of 7. The Cleveland Guardians are at home against the Chicago White Sox at 6:10 PM ET as a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds at 7:05 PM ET as a -130 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Minnesota Twins play at home against the Texas Rangers at 7:10 PM ET as a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Three MLB games begin at 7:15 PM ET in Fox regional coverage. The Mets play in Philadelphia in the second game of their doubleheader with the Phillies. The Seattle Mariners visit Oakland to play the A’s as a -180 money line road favorite with a total of 7. The Atlanta Braves are at home against the Houston Astros as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two MLB games start at 8:10 PM ET. The San Francisco Giants play at Colorado against the Rockies as a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 11. The St. Louis Cardinals travel to Arizona to play the Diamondbacks as a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The San Diego Padres are at home against the Washington Nationals as a -320 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Miami Marlins play in Los Angeles against the Dodgers at 9:10 PM ET. Week 11 in the Canadian Football League concludes with two games. The Montreal Alouettes host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at 4 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5. The Calgary Stampeders are in Toronto against the Argonauts at 7 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 50. Matchweek 3 in the English Premier League kicks off with six matches. Tottenham is at home against Wolverhampton on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a 1.5-goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Four matches begin at 10 AM ET. Crystal Palace plays at home against Aston Villa in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5. Everton plays at home against Nottingham Forest as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Fulham hosts Brentford in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5. Leicester City is at home against Southampton on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 3. Arsenal visits Bournemouth on NBC at 12:30 PM ET as a -1.5 goal line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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2022 UL-Monroe Warhawks Preview

by Matt Fargo

Friday, Aug 19, 2022

UL-Monroe Warhawks2021-22 Season Record 4-8 (2-6 SBC West) - 5-6-1 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 6OverviewUL-Monroe football has been around for nearly a half-century and has one bowl game in its pocket, the 2012 Independence Bowl which resulted in a 31-point loss. Prior to current head coach Terry Bowden, the previous two coaches came into bad situations, slightly turned things around halfway through their tenure only to see it bottom out at the end with Todd Berry going 2-11 and Matt Viator going 0-10 in their final seasons. Bowden certainly came into a bad situation and it looked as though things were moving forward right away as the Warhawks opened last season 4-3 but a tough backend of the schedule that had four road games over the final five contests resulted in a 0-5 end to the season. The encouraging part was that three of those losses were by just one possession and they lost to LSU by only 13 points so there are positives heading into this season. OffenseThe Warhawks had the second worst offense in the Sun Belt Conference last season and its 321.7 ypg was ranked No. 115 in the country while its 20.9 ppg was good for just No. 110 in the nation so there is a lot of work to be done. Eight starters are back though with all of the main playmakers in place but if there is going to be a chance for any significant improvement, it will come down to the offensive line that has to replace the three missing starters. Pass protection was nonexistent as they allowed 39 sacks and the running game produced only 3.2 ypc so the pressure is on to make this a workable unit. Quarterback Chandler Rogers is back as the starter after throwing for 1,311 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in split time and he gets almost every receiver back. Running backs Andrew Henry and Malik Jackson combined for 933 yards and need more space to run. DefenseWhile the offense could not carry the load, the defense was even more challenged as it allowed at least 521 yards five times and finished No. 112 in the country, allowing 442.8 ypg while giving up 33.5 ppg, tied for No. 110. The stop unit has less to work with as only six starters are back with a returning production ranking of No. 126. They registered only 23 sacks which did not help the passing defense that finished No. 117 in passing efficiency as the Warhawks allowed the third most passing touchdowns in the country with 30. Only one starter is back in the secondary and based on last season, this may not be a bad thing. On the defensive line, both tackles return to get a bigger push and it will be up to ends Seth Mason and Anthony Campbell to follow suit. Their best player is linebacker Zack Woodard who was the second leading tackler a season ago with 89 stops. 2022 Season OutlookUL-Monroe outgained only one opponent last season and you are not going to win many games by doing that. The Warhawks should improve in that regard and it will likely come down to the defense to stay competitive. Bowden is safe no matter what happens and if they can get fortunate and have the close losses from last year turn into close wins this year, it could be a successful season. The problem is that the schedule is brutal. They open at Texas and then get a break with Nicholls before going to Alabama and then coming home to open SBC action against defending champion Louisiana. They do have a couple winnable road games at Arkansas St. and South Alabama but neither is a given. There are just five home games in total. The O/U win total is set at 2.5 so beating Nicholls and Texas St. at home means there has to be an upset as they will be dogs in every other game. 

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Five Things to Watch in the 2022 NFL Season

by Oskeim Sports

Friday, Aug 19, 2022

In less than a month, the 2022 NFL season will have kicked off and fans and bettors alike will be back in business. The Buffalo Bills are favored to win Super Bowl LVII. The Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, is the favorite to win the league’s MVP. How will it all play out? That’s the beauty of a new NFL season. We can attempt to predict outcomes, but the ball has a funny way of bouncing sometimes. Here are X things to watch this season. Each will have an effect on the 2022 NFL season as a whole. 3-Peat? Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has won the last two straight NFL MVP awards. Winning a third in a row would tie him with the guy he replaced in Green Bay – Brett Favre – as the only players in NFL history to win three straight MVPs. This wasn’t the plan. The Packers drafted Jordan Love with the expectation he would eventually replace Rodgers. That isn’t happening anytime soon. Rodgers just signed a $150 million contract extension for the next three seasons. The problem Rodgers will have this season is at receiver. Davante Adams is gone and so is Marquez Valdez-Scantling. The type of season Rodgers has will not only determine his MVP hopes but also if the Packers are a Super Bowl team. The Cowboys Hot Seat Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl and a number of division titles in Green Bay. A couple of mediocre seasons led to his demise there. Now in Dallas, McCarthy went 12-5 and won an NFC East title in Dallas. For doing that, he is now on the proverbial coach’s hot seat. The Cowboys were knocked out of the playoffs in the wild card round by the 49ers last season. Owner Jerry Jones is getting impatient. Dallas hasn’t even been to a conference championship since the Super Bowl-winning season of 1995. McCarthy is going to have to go deeper in the postseason in 2022. He’ll have to do so without the likes of Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and a few others. Dallas is still talented enough to get back to where they were a year ago. Will that be enough? Tua or Not Tua? The Miami Dolphins could have had Justin Herbert but instead chose Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft. Herbert and the Chargers are among this year’s Super Bowl favorites. Tua’s Dolphins are not. Tua has had his moments. He just hasn’t had enough of them. In his third season, the Dolphins quarterback will have everything he needs. He has a solid offensive line and a number of receiving threats – Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Jaylen Waddle. Miami upgraded at running back too with Sony Michel, Chase Edmonds, and Raheem Mostert. In new head coach Mike McDaniel’s first season, it’s time for Tua to step up or step out of Miami. The Browns Cleveland looked like it might be turning the corner on one of professional sports’ longest periods of ineptitude. The Browns made the playoffs in 2020 but blew it last year. Then came the fiasco. The Browns traded for beleaguered Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson. Great move, right? It was until his whole massage-gone-bad ordeal turned into what is now an 11-game suspension. Watson could return in Week 13. Can Jacoby Brissett keep the Browns within striking distance of a playoff berth? Who knows, but how it all plays out will determine the Browns' immediate future.Balance of Power The NFC has won each of the past two Super Bowls, but the balance of power is shifting to the AFC. Two of the top three Super Bowl favorites at most sportsbooks – Buffalo and Kansas City – are from the AFC. Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, and Khalil Mack, among a number of others, are all now playing for AFC teams. The AFC West, which now features Wilson (Broncos) and Mack (Chargers), is regarded as the toughest division in the NFL. Could this be the year an AFC team wins another Super Bowl? 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/19/2022

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Aug 19, 2022

The Friday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The second week in the NFLx preseason continues with three games. The New England Patriots host the Carolina Panthers in the opening game of a doubleheader on the NFL Network at 7 PM ET. The Patriots are a 3-point favorite with the total set at 40 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Green Bay Packers play at home against the New Orleans Saints at 8 PM ET. The Packers are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 38.5. The Houston Texans visit Los Angeles to play the Rams in the nightcap on the NFL Network at 10 PM ET. The Texans are a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 37.5. Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Milwaukee Brewers travel to Chicago to play the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET. The Brewers are a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Four MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET. The Boston Red Sox play at Baltimore against the Orioles with both teams priced as a -110 money line favorite with a total of 9. Cincinnati is at Pittsburgh against the Pirates with the Red Sox a -120 money line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 7.5. Philadelphia hosts the New York Mets, with the Phillies a -125 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. New York is at home against the Toronto Blue Jays on Apple TV+ with the Yankees a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Three MLB games start at 7:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay plays at home against the Kansas City Royals, with the Rays a -200 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. Cleveland hosts the Chicago White Sox with the Guardians a -135 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Los Angeles travels to Detroit to play the Tigers with the Angels a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. The Atlanta Braves are at home against the Houston Astros at 7:20 PM ET. The Braves are a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5.The Minnesota Twins play at home against the Texas Rangers on Apple TV+ at 8:10 PM ET. The Twins are a -140 money line favorite with a total of 8. The San Francisco Giants visit the Colorado Rockies at 8:40 PM ET. The Giants are a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11.5. Three MLB games begin at 9:40 PM ET. St. Louis travels to Arizona to play the Diamondbacks with the Cardinals a -175 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego hosts the Washington Nationals with the Padres a -340 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Seattle plays at Oakland against the A’s, with the Mariners a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 7. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against the Miami Marlins at 10:10 PM ET to conclude the MLB card. The Dodgers are a -250 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Week 11 in the Canadian Football League kicks off with two games. The Ottawa Redblacks are at home against the Edmonton Elks at 7 PM ET. The Redblacks are a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 48.5. The British Columbia Lions play at Saskatchewan against the Roughriders at 10 PM ET. The Lions are a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 52. 

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2022 UCLA Bruins Preview

by Matt Fargo

Thursday, Aug 18, 2022

UCLA Bruins2021-22 Season Record 8-4 (6-3 Pac 12 South) - 8-4-0 ATS - 7-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 2OverviewUCLA is considered one of the storied programs in college football which is a very questionable label. The last time the Bruins finished in the final AP Top Ten was 1998 which was toward the end of their last real consistent run of winning. Since 1999, they have been ranked at the end of the season only three times, none since 2014, despite being ranked at some point in the season in 14 times in those 23 years. UCLA snapped a five-season losing streak last year with an 8-4 record with head coach Chip Kelly responsible for three of those losing campaigns and while things look to be on the upturn, there are a lot of questions going into this season. They had 20 starters return in 2021 so expectations were high and while an eight-win season was good, it should have been better. This season, only eight starters are back and with no Pac 12 divisions, rising to the top will be tough. OffenseThe Bruins have gotten the offense rolling the last couple seasons and last year, they finished No. 31 overall, averaging 441.2 ypg and No. 12 in scoring offense with 36.5 ppg. There are pieces in place to keep the unit moving but there are also holes that will have to be filled. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson led the offense and put up great numbers, throwing for 2,409 yards with 21 touchdowns with only six interceptions and he can use his legs for production as well. His receiving corps will be relatively new as leading receiver Kyle Philips is gone and the lone holdover with any significant experience is former running back Kazmeir Allen who will working out of the slot with the other two spots being taken over by transfers. The offensive line will be ok with three starters back and the running game lost a big part in Brittain Brown but Zach Charbonnet is back after rushing for 1,137 yards. DefenseThis is where things could get real sticky as the Bruins have to replace nine starters from a defense that finished No. 70 overall, allowing 384.4 ypg while giving up 26.8 ppg, which was No. 74 in the nation. UCLA was not clutch on this side of the ball as it allowed opponents to convert 43.6 percent of its third down opportunities, tied for No. 110 in the country and the new look defense is going to take some time to come together. The defensive line will feature three transfers to fill some big shoes that have departed and they will work around Bo Calvert who led the team in sacks with four and is moving from linebacker to end to get more pressure. The linebacking corps will be even more thin now and they will need Hawaii transfer Darius Muasau to produce right away. The secondary got blown up as well with senior safety Stephan Blaylock having the most experience. 2022 Season OutlookThe Bruins have to tackle the entire conference and not just the South Division with the current realignment taking place this season. If the transfer portal is going to affect one team the most in the entire country, it is probably UCLA as it is going to rely on numerous transplants. Kelly knows his offense and it has finally come around behind Thompson-Robinson who is a special talent but he still needs help around him. UCLA has eight home games which is a huge benefit and a 4-0 start is a likely given but then a tough home test against Washington cannot be overlooked. Then it is Utah and Oregon in back-to-back games albeit with a bye in-between, and the latter half of the Pac 12 schedule includes three games against three improved teams. The O/U Win total is set at 8.5 and the last time UCLA won this many games was in 2014 with a lot more talent than what they have this season. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL and MLB Previews and Odds - 08/18/2022

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 18, 2022

The Thursday sports card features NFLX and MLB action.The second week in the NFLx preseason kicks off with one game. The Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Bears on ESPN at 8 PM ET. The Seahawks lost their opening exhibition game on the road at Pittsburgh, 32-25, as a 1.5-point underdog last Saturday. The Bears are 1-0 in the preseason after their upset against Kansas City, 19-14, as a 1.5-point underdog on Saturday. Seattle is a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 40 (all odds from DraftKings).Major League Baseball has 11 games on its schedule. The St. Louis Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies at 1:15 PM ET. Adam Wainwright takes the ball for the Cardinals to pitch against the Rockies’ Antonio Senzatela. St. Louis is a -225 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Texas Rangers play at home against the Oakland A’s at 2:05 PM ET. The Rangers turn to Dane Dunning in their starting rotation to battle against the A’s Zach Logue. Texas is a -195 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 2:10 PM ET. Houston visits Chicago with Luis Garcia taking the mound for the Astros to pitch against Lucas Giolito for the White Sox. The Astros are a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. Los Angeles plays at Milwaukee with the Dodgers tapping Andrew Heaney to duel against the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes. The Dodgers are a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. The Baltimore Orioles host the Chicago Cubs at 3:05 PM ET. Spenser Watkins gets the starting assignment for the Orioles to pitch against Adrian Sampson for the Cubs. Baltimore is a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. The San Francisco Giants play at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 3:45 PM ET. The Giants turn to Logan Webb to pitch against the Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen. San Francisco is a -140 money line favorite with a total of 7. Two MLB games start at 7:05 PM ET. New York is at home against Toronto, with Frankie Montas pitching for the Yankees against Jose Berrios for the Blue Jays. The Yankees are a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Boston travels to Pittsburgh with the Red Sox sending Josh Winckowski to the hill to pitch against the Pirates’ J.T. Brubaker. The Red Sox are a -180 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Kansas City Royals play at Tampa Bay at 7:10 PM ET. Neither team has yet declared its starting pitcher. The New York Mets are in Atlanta against the Braves at 7:20 PM ET. Josh DeGrom takes the mound for the Mets to pitch against Max Fried for the Braves. The San Diego Padres host the Washington Nationals at 9:40 PM ET. The Padres tap Yu Darvish to pitch against the Nationals’ Anibal Sanchez. San Diego is a -365 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. 

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2022 UCF Knights Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

UCF Knights2021-22 Season Record 9-4 (5-3 American) - 5-8-0 ATS - 8-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 8OverviewUCF has had an abundance of success over the years since entering the FBS ranks in 1996 and the program really took off when legendary head coach George O’Leary came onto the scene in 2004. He led the Knights to seven winning records in his 12 seasons which ironically opened with a 0-11 record in his first year and closed with a 0-12 record in his final year. Scott Frost took over for two years and put together that magical 13-0 season in 2017 amid controversy where UCF did not get a chance to play for a National Championship and since then, Josh Heupel and current head coach Gus Malzahn have continued the success. Malzahn went 9-4 in his first season last year, all four losses on the road, as the Knights had 17 starters back which is the same amount they have heading into 2022 and they have a schedule that sets up very well for what could be another one of those magical seasons. OffenseThe success of the past was behind a potent offense that was among the best in the country but that changed last season. The Knights averaged 400.2 ypg which was down close to 169 ypg from 2020 while the scoring was down by a double-digit average. Overall, UCF finished No. 69 in total offense and No. 38 in scoring offense, although the latter was buoyed by defensive points along the way. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel only played three games last season which definitely put a kink into the offense but Mikey Keene took over and performed well under the circumstances as he threw for 1,730 yards with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions and last year was a springboard. His leading receiver is back but depth is an issue, the running game is set with Johnny Richardson and Isaiah Bowser forming a great 1-2 punch and the offensive line will be stout once again.DefenseThe lack of a consistent offense would normally have been a major issue but the defense stepped up and carried the team. The stop unit improved by 124 ypg and eight ppg and finished No. 54 overall and No. 55 in scoring, certainly nothing special but it was enough for a successful season. Eight starters are back and there should be even greater improvements. Two of the three top tacklers are gone and both were linebackers so this unit will need some work early on and the transfer portal is expected to help as they work around Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste who had 51 tackles, a sack and an interception last season. The defensive line also loses some players, namely Big Kat Bryant who led the team with six sacks and contributed 47 tackles. The secondary will be the early strength with everyone returning led by safety Quadric Bullard who had 83 tackles and a trio of playmaking corners. 2022 Season OutlookThe situation is pretty simple in Orlando. Keep the defense as strong as it was, and it should be even better, and get the offense close to where it used to be, which is very possible, and this can be one dangerous team ready to dominate before heading to the Big 12 next season. That will be a big jump but this team is more than capable yet 2022 is on the mindset. The nonconference schedule consists of three home games, including Louisville and Georgia Tech, and a road game at Florida Atlantic so going 4-0 is a definite possibility. As for the American slate, the two tough road games are at East Carolina and Memphis with the home portion containing Cincinnati and SMU and the Knights miss Houston. The O/U win total is set at 8.5 and this is a very gettable number as all it should take is a pair of wins in those four aforementioned conference games which is doable. 

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2022 UAB Blazers Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

UAB Blazers2021-22 Season Record 9-4 (6-2 C-USA West) - 9-3-1 ATS - 6-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 8OverviewUAB entered the FBS in 1997 as an Independent for two years before joining C-USA with very little success. Through 2014, the Blazers had a winning record just three times and made it to one bowl game, the Hawaii Bowl in 2004 and then suddenly, the university cut football altogether. They basically gave up. But in 2017, football was reborn and all they have to show for that is five straight winning seasons, a pair of C-USA championships and five bowl bids. Not bad for a team that took two years off and won with JUCO castoffs. Head coach Bill Clark led the resurgence but unfortunately, he resigned in June with back issues and offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent will serve as interim coach this season in what is the final one in C-USA before moving to the AAC next season. After having 18 and 19 starters back the last two seasons, only 14 return this year so there is work to do. OffenseThe offense was not great but it did enough to win three games by one possession and it did put up a decent number of points in most games. Overall, the Blazers finished No. 79 in total offense and No. 59 in scoring offense with the latter partially attributed to the defense that put them in good positions. Only six starters are back this season but quarterback Dylan Hopkins is one of those after throwing for 2,275 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions and while he is not a running threat, he did rush for five touchdowns as well. After checking out the transfer portal, leading receiver Trea Shropshire is back after gaining 702 yards with seven touchdowns but there is not much else experience. The running game is in fantastic shape as DeWayne McBride and Jermaine Brown are both back after combining for 2,002 yards but will be behind a patchwork offensive line. DefenseThe defense has been the strength for years and last season was no exception as UAB was No. 16 in total defense and No. 41 in scoring defense and with eight starters back, they are in great form. The linebackers took a hit with Alex Wright and Justin Thomas no longer around after combining for 10.5 sacks last season but they can work around Kyle Harrell and Noah Wilder who combined for 117 tackles and three sacks. The defensive line was stout against the run, finishing No. 11 in the nation but two key pieces of that three-man front have departed and there is not a ton of depth behind Fish McWilliams who is a massive body at nose tackle. It may take a while for the front seven to come together but the secondary can carry the unit in the early going. Safeties Keondre Swoopes and Will Boler combined for 111 tackles last season while corner Starling Thomas is a playmaker as well. 2022 Season OutlookIt is unfortunate that Clark had to retire but did have successful spinal fusion surgery so hopefully he can come back at some point. Vincent has a good knack for the offense so the unit should be fine as long as additional receivers can step up and keep the downfield attack vibrant. With once season left in C-USA, the goal is simple and that is to claim one last championship before moving on. The nonconference schedule includes a pair of easy games at home but the Blazers have to go to Liberty and then to LSU late in the season. The conference slate is pretty tame although they do get Western Kentucky from the East Division on the road with nothing else to demanding and the home schedule is manageable. The O/U win total is set at 8.5 which is lofty but deserved with a fairly easy schedule and the total wins could come down to a pair of November home games against UTSA and North Texas. 

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CFL Week 11 preview

by Sean Murphy

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

We're right around the halfway point of the CFL season and we've seen clear separation between the West and East Division with the former proving vastly superior. Will the West's dominance continue this week? Two non-division matchups key the four-game Week 11 slate. Here's a quick preview of all four contests.FridayEdmonton Elks at Ottawa RedBlacks (-4.5, 48)The RedBlacks sit in last place in the East Division while the Elks occupy that same spot in the West. Ottawa finds itself near the bottom of most offensive statistical categories and is coming off a 17-3 drubbing at the hands of the Stampeders. The good news is, the RedBlacks are fresh off their bye week and welcome an Elks team that doesn't play a lick of defense. Edmonton has allowed 30 or more points in five of seven games to date. While the Elks did come close to pulling out a win (and cover) last week against the Roughriders, it was all for not as they allowed two unanswered touchdowns in the game's final four minutes in an eventual 34-23 defeat. Ottawa RB William Powell's status remains in doubt due to a nagging knee injury as he has yet to practice this week. While it hasn't helped all that much, the Elks are arguably the healthiest team in the CFL with no key injuries to mention.B.C. Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+4.5, 52.5)There are currently four points separating the Lions and Roughriders in the West Division standings with B.C. sitting in second place and Saskatchewan in fourth. The Riders will obviously have their sights set on narrowing that gap with this home clash on Thursday night. This marks the first home game in which the Riders have been listed as an underdog this season. It's been a bit of a slog for the Saskatchewan aerial attack this season as it has notched 20 or more pass completions in only two of seven games to date. In fact, the Riders offense as a whole has struggled and that could spell trouble as they welcome a Lions squad that has held each of its last three opponents to 83 or fewer rushing yards and no more than 203 passing yards. B.C.'s offense has been 'best in class' all season, averaging 101 rush yards per game and 367 pass yards per contest. SaturdayHamilton Tiger-Cats at Montreal Alouettes (-3, 48.5)These two East Division rivals are riding high off impressive victories last week. Hamilton delivered a 34-27 win over Toronto while Montreal pulled off a stunning upset victory over the previously undefeated Blue Bombers in Winnipeg. The Als needed overtime to secure that improbable road victory but shouldn't be any worse for wear as they've had a couple of extra days off with that game being played last Thursday. Since scoring 31 or more points in three of its first four games this season, Montreal has now been held to 20 or less in three straight contests. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a season-high 34-point performance last week. Hamilton's offense has quietly turned things around following a slow start, led by a rushing attack that has compiled 102+ yards on the ground in three of its last four games. The Als have been torched for 138, 102, 152 and 118 rushing yards over their last four contests.Calgary Stampeders at Toronto Argonauts (+2.5, 50)This will be the first meeting between the Stamps and Argos this season and it comes at a time when both teams are struggling. Calgary has dropped three of its last four games following a perfect 2-0 start while Toronto has lost two of its last three contests since posting consecutive victories over Saskatchewan in mid-July. The Stamps would be well-advised to button things up defensively having allowed all six opponents to attempt 30+ passes this season with their last two opponents getting off 44 and 52 pass attempts. Toronto can sling it, having completed 24 or more passes in five of its last six games. Both teams could be missing their star running backs for this game with Kadeem Carey of the Stamps working through a nagging hamstring injury and Andrew Harris of the Argos having reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle. 

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