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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, NFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/22/2022

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Aug 22, 2022

The Monday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and EPL action.The second week in the NFLX preseason concludes with one game. The Atlanta Falcons travel to the Meadowlands to play the New York Jets on ESPN at 8 PM ET. The Falcons upset the Lions in Detroit, 27-23, in their first preseason game as a 2.5-point underdog two Fridays ago. The Jets upset the Eagles in Philadelphia, 24-21, as a 1-point underdog on August 12th. Atlanta is a 2.5-point road favorite with the total set at 38 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).Major League Baseball has nine games on its schedule. The Chicago White Sox play at Kansas City against the Royals at 2:10 PM ET. Michael Kopech takes the mound for the White Sox to pitch against Daniel Lynch for the Royals. Chicago is a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Three MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET. The New York Mets play across town against the New York Yankees, with the Mets turning to Max Scherzer in their starting rotation to throw against the Yankees’ Domingo German. The Mets are a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 7. Philadelphia hosts Cincinnati with Noah Syndergaard pitching for the Phillies against Luis Cessa for the Reds. The Phillies are a -230 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Atlanta plays at Pittsburgh with the Braves tapping Jake Odorizzi to duel against the Pirates’ Roansy Contreras. The Braves are a -180 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 7:10 PM ET. Minnesota is at home against Texas, with Sonny Gray taking the hill for the Twins against Cole Ragans for the Rangers. The Twins are a -205 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Tampa Bay hosts Los Angeles, with the Rays pitching Jeffrey Springs against the Angels’ Tucker Davidson. The Rays are a -190 money line favorite with a total of 7. The St. Louis Cardinals visit Chicago to play the Cubs at 8:05 PM ET. Jordan Montgomery takes the mound for the Cardinals against Drew Smyly for the Cubs. St. Louis is a -165 money line road favorite. The Miami Marlins play in Oakland against the A’s at 9:40 PM ET. The Marlins turn to Edward Cabrera to pitch against the A’s Adam Oller. Miami is a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to conclude the MLB card at 10:10 PM ET. Julio Urias takes the ball for the Dodgers to battle against Eric Lauer for the Brewers. Los Angeles is a -225 money line favorite with a total of 8.Matchweek 3 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Liverpool travels to Manchester United on Peacock at 3 PM ET. The Reds have settled with draws in their first two matches against Fulham and Crystal Palace. The Red Devils are winless in their first two matches after losing to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. Liverpool is a -1 goal line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of  3.

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2022 Virginia Cavaliers Preview

by Matt Fargo

Sunday, Aug 21, 2022

Virginia Cavaliers2021-22 Season Record 6-6 (4-4 ACC Coastal) - 7-5-0 ATS - 4-8-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 4Defense - 6OverviewVirginia has been stuck in neutral forever and forever goes back to 1890. The Cavaliers have never had a final ranking higher than No. 13 and have not closed a season ranked at all since 2004 while appearing in only five bowl games since then. Former head coaches George Welsh and Al Groh had their moments but could never push them to elite status in the ACC and since then, Mike London and Bronco Mendenhall produced only three winning campaigns between the two in 12 seasons. Mendenhall stepped down after last season and Tony Elliott takes over after spending the last seven seasons as the Clemson offensive coordinator so there is buzz in Charlottesville even after the Tigers offensive woes last season. There is a lot to be done and despite only 10 starters back and a returning production ranking of No. 123, Virginia is projected for a winning record facing a pretty favorable schedule. OffenseVirginia wasted one of the better offensive seasons it has had in a very long time as it finished No. 3 in total offense and No. 22 in scoring offense but lost three games where they scored at least 38 points as the defense could not keep up. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong was tremendous as he threw for 4,449 yards with 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing over 65 percent of his passes but he will be in a precarious situation this season. He gets his three top receivers back and will have the second leading receiver from 2020 back after missing last season. The problem is that the offensive line has to replace every starter as four of those transferred out and after allowing 40 sacks last season, this is a problem. The running game did not do much last season for good reason but the Cavaliers could use some more balance as the leading returning rusher is Armstrong. DefenseThe defense posted two shutouts last season and it was still horrible as Virginia finished No. 121 in total defense and No. 103 in scoring defense and even an average unit can do wonders for the team as a whole. Only six staters are back and experience is lacking all around as the Cavaliers come into the season with a defensive returning production ranking of No. 125. They do possess a solid linebacking corps with Nick Jackson returning after leading the team with 117 tackles and picking up 2.5 sacks while Hunter Stewart also returns in the 4-2-5 scheme. The secondary brings back some experience as well led by safeties Coen King and Antonio Clary who combined for 82 tackles but the unit as a whole has to take the ball away after having only eight interceptions. The defensive line is the weak link as they need to create more pressure and not allow 5.8 ypc like last season. 2022 Season OutlookElliott brings in a winning attitude from Clemson but it will take more than just that to form a team that can compete in a very competitive conference. And it largely comes down to the defense that needs to make plays. There are six teams ahead of Virginia to win the conference and the Cavaliers do not have to play four of those so the schedule is in their favor. Virginia opens with Richmond and then goes to Illinois before coming back home against Old Dominion prior to ACC play. It starts with two road games at Syracuse and Duke, both of which are winnable and then five of the next six games are at home with a bye week thrown in there as well before closing at rival Virginia Tech. the O/U win total is set at 7 and if the offense continues to hum along, a 5-0 start is not out of the question even with three of those one the road. The back-half sets up well even though against tough opposition. 

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2022 Vanderbilt Commodores Preview

by Matt Fargo

Sunday, Aug 21, 2022

Vanderbilt Commodores2021-22 Season Record 2-10 (0-8 SEC East) - 6-6-0 ATS - 5-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 7OverviewVanderbilt has gone 5-28 the last three years and it is in the midst of its worst three-season run since 2002-2004 when it went 6-29. The Commodores had a decent stretch prior to this, going to bowl games six times in the previous 11 seasons which is saying a lot considering they went to just three bowl games in the first 104 years of existence. Former head coach James Franklin was responsible for two of the three seasons where it finished ranked in the AP Poll and he parlayed that into a successful gig at Penn St. while Derek Mason could not get anything going in just under seven seasons, now current head coach Clark Lea has to regroup his team after a 2-10 season in his debut. There is good experience coming back with seven starters returning on each side of the ball and the incoming recruiting class is the third best in program history so the future could be somewhat bright. OffenseThe offense could get nothing going last season as the Commodores managed 30 points only once while scoring 17 points or fewer in half of their games. They finished No. 119 in total offense and No. 128 in scoring offense with all facets of the unit not doing anything right. Quarterback play was a mess as Mike Wright and Ken Seals split time with neither being effective and it is Wright that has been named the starter after throwing for 1,042 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions while completing only 53 percent of his passes. The good news is that the offensive line is pretty good and allowed 28 sacks last season with three starters coming back and adding key transfer help. The receivers lost two of the top three guys with Will Sheppard coming back after 577 yards and four touchdowns. Leading rusher Rocko Griffin also returns but needs to improve his 3.6 ypc average. DefenseThe defense was slightly better in the overall rankings but it was still awful in most areas. The Commodores were No. 118 in total defense and No. 120 in scoring defense and they did show some good things that can be carried over into this season. The linebackers are solid with Anfernee Orji and Ethan Barr leading way as the top two tacklers last season with 177 combined stops and they add Clemson transfer Kane Patterson so there is a lot of potential here. The defensive front was part of the problem with stopping the run, allowing 5.6 ypc yet they should be able to shore that up with all three starters returning but they only played a combined 25 games. Vanderbilt finished No. 114 in passing efficiency defense as it allowed the fifth most passing touchdowns and has two starters back led by safety Maxwell Worship who was third in tackles with 52 and a pair of interceptions. 2022 Season OutlookAn opening loss to East Tennessee St. of the FCS set the tone for the season last year even though Vanderbilt did get to 2-3 before bottoming out with seven straight losses. While there are some positives heading into the season, getting out of the basement will be next to impossible by playing a schedule where every team won at least six games last season. The Commodores open vacation style in Hawaii before facing Elon and Wake Forest at home and then go to Northern Illinois to close out the nonconference schedule where a 2-2 record would be a positive. Then it gets nasty in the SEC with the start being at Alabama, at home against Mississippi and at Georgia. It gets better after that but with all five against bowl teams from last season. The O/U win total is set at 2.5 and it could sneak out going above that with an upset as they will be underdogs in every conference game.  

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2022 UTSA Roadrunners Preview

by Matt Fargo

Sunday, Aug 21, 2022

UTSA Roadrunners2021-22 Season Record 12-2 (7-1 C-USA West) - 9-5-0 ATS - 8-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 6OverviewA decade of UTSA football is in the books and it ended in spectacular fashion as the Roadrunners easily smashed the program win total with a 12-2 record and won their first C-USA Championship. Previous head coaches Larry Coker had two winning seasons while Frank Wilson had one and neither could keep the consistent winning going in their four years apiece. Current head coach Jeff Traylor enters his third season after posting winning records in each of his first two for a combined 19-7 mark and his days at UTSA may be numbered, in a good way. The Roadrunners were consistent on both sides of the ball last season as they jumped out to an 11-0 start before getting dominated at North Texas in the regular season finale. Only 13 starters return but they have a returning production ranking of No. 22 to go along with one of the best recruiting classes in the history of the program. OffenseUTSA has increased its offensive production each of the last four seasons and by a lot. It improved the yardage by nearly 200 ypg from 2018, nearly 100 ypg from 2019 and 24 ypg from 2020 as it finished No. 26 in total offense and No. 12 in scoring offense, averaging 445.0 ypg and 37.8 ppg respectively. The majority of the offense is back with eight returning starters led by quarterback Frank Harris who threw for 3,177 yards with 27 touchdowns and just six interceptions while completing nearly two-thirds of his throws. This will be his third season as the starter in this system under Traylor and it could be his best one yet. He gets his top three receivers back as well as his tight end so the passing game is set. They lost running back Sincere McCormick and his 1,479 yards to the NFL but there is depth that will be running behind a great offensive line that has four starters back. DefenseWhile the offense has dramatically improved over the last four years, the defense has as well just not quite to the same extent. Overall, UTSA was No. 48 in total defense and No. 44 in scoring defense but it was inconsistent, holding four opponents to fewer than 200 total yards but allowing an average of 496.8 ypg over the last four games as they wore down at the end. Unlike the offense, many holes need to be filled on this side but the retuning group is talented. The linebacking corps will be the strength as Jamal Ligon, Trevor Harmanson and Dadrian Taylor combined for 166 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three interceptions and will again be an integral part in stopping the run. The defensive line has two veterans back including Trumaine Bell II who was second on the team with five sacks. The secondary is solid with safety Rashad Wisdom heading the group after leading the team with 87 tackles. 2022 Season OutlookThis is the final season for UTSA in C-USA as next season it heads to the AAC to help the conference ease the pain of losing Cincinnati, Houston and UCF to the Big 12 so getting out of here with two consecutive C-USA Championships is the goal and they have the personnel to do so. The Roadrunners also have a favorable conference schedule and they come in as the slight favorite to win the conference. They open the season with a big home game against Houston before a pair of tough road games at Army and at Texas before concluding the nonconference slate at home against Texas Southern. As for the C-USA slate, they get North Texas and Western Kentucky at home and go on the road at UAB while missing Florida Atlantic. The O/U win total is set at 8.5 and that seems a tad high with those three tough road games not to mention Houston and Western Kentucky at home. A likely pass. 

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2022 UTEP Miners Preview

by Matt Fargo

Sunday, Aug 21, 2022

UTEP Miners2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (4-4 C-USA West) - 8-5-0 ATS - 8-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 8OverviewUTEP entered C-USA in 2005 in the second year of former head coach Mike Price and put together an 8-4 record and a second consecutive bowl game but it has been a struggle since then. The Miners followed that up with eight straight losing seasons, seven under Price and one with his replacement Sean Kugler before a winning season in 2014 but that did not last as UTEP strung together six more losing seasons before going 7-6 last season in the fourth year with Dana Dimel on the sidelines. It did result in another bowl loss as the Miners have gone 0-7 in the postseason since their last bowl win in 1967 and there is confidence to break that skid in 2022. 15 starters are back along with a solid No. 51 ranking in returning production and after a 5-27 start at UTEP, Dimel needs another winning season to likely keep his job as the 1-5 finish tarnished what could have been a really solid year. OffenseThe offense has increased its production each of the last four seasons but it has been nothing short of below average as the Miners finished No. 72 in total offense and No. 89 in scoring offense and there is work to be done. UTEP wanted to open up the offense more and it did just that but with it came a lack of consistency which needs to improve this season. Quarterback Gavin Hardison put up some good numbers as he threw for 3,223 yards with 18 touchdowns but he also tossed 13 interceptions while completing just over 55 percent of his passes. This had a lot to do with the Miners converting just 31.7 percent of their third down opportunities which was No. 124 in the country. The receiving corps will have a makeover with the two top players gone which will put some pressure on the running game behind leading rusher Ronald Awatt and an offensive line that is one of the best in the conference. DefenseThe defense kept UTEP in games early in the season which led to its 6-1 start as it allowed 19.3 ppg during this stretch and then completely imploded down the stretch. After a five-game run of allowing 288 or fewer yards, UTEP gave up an average of 435.2 ypg in its last five games and finished No. 29 in total defense and No. 53 in scoring defense. The Miners are in good position to have another strong defense but cannot fade down the stretch with eight starters back including both linebackers as Breon Hayward and Tyrice Knight were the two leading tacklers that combined for 210 stops and will again be the backbone of this unit. The entire defensive line returns as well and has to do a better job of getting to the quarterback after registering only 25 sacks last season, No. 82 in the country. This will additionally help out the secondary that has to replace three of five starters. 2022 Season OutlookUTEP will be out to put together consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 17 years and will have to do so by drowning out the finish from last year. This is a veteran team that knows it can win and is staring at a favorable schedule late in the season which can help avoid another collapse. The Miners start the season with its C-USA opener at home against North Texas and a win could go a long way. They head to Oklahoma after that before a pair of winnable games against New Mexico St. and New Mexico before closing out nonconference action against Boise St. The next six games are all against teams projected to win fewer than six games and that is where it has to take advantage before closing the season at UTSA. The O/U win total is set at 5.5 and the Miners will be favored in at least five games with road games against Charlotte and Louisiana Tech going either way. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/21/2022

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 21, 2022

The Sunday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and EPL action.The second week in the NFLX preseason continues with three games. The Philadelphia Eagles travel to Cleveland to play the Browns on the NFL Network at 1 PM ET. The Eagles are a 2.5-point road favorite with the total set at 35 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The New York Giants play at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on the NFL Network at 7 PM ET. The Giants are a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 38. The Baltimore Ravens play at Arizona against the Cardinals on Fox at 8 PM ET. The Ravens are a 6-point road favorite with a total of 38.5. Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Chicago White Sox visit Cleveland to play the Guardians on Peacock at 12:05 PM ET. The White Sox are a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Four more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 1:35 PM ET. New York is at home against the Toronto Blue Jays, with the Yankees a -115 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Philadelphia hosts the New York Mets, with the Phillies a -125 money line favorite at Caesars with an over/under of 8.5. Atlanta plays at home against the Houston Astros, with the Braves a -145 money line favorite with a total of 8. Pittsburgh is at home against the Cincinnati Reds with the Pirates a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 1:40 PM ET. Los Angeles plays at Detroit against the Tigers with the Angels a -195 money line road favorite with a total of 7. Tampa Bay hosts the Kansas City Royals with the Rays a -170 money line favorite at Caesars with an over/under of 7.5. Minnesota plays at home against the Texas Rangers with the Twins a -190 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Milwaukee visits Chicago to play the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET. The Brewers are a -145 money line road favorite. San Francisco plays at Colorado against the Rockies at 3:10 PM ET. The Giants are a -130 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11. Seattle travels to Oakland to play the A’s at 4:07 PM ET. The Mariners are a -215 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Three MLB games begin at 4:10 PM ET. Los Angeles is at home against the Miami Marlins with the Dodgers a -175 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. St. Louis plays at Arizona with the Cardinals a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. San Diego is at home against the Washington Nationals with the Padres a -265 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and ESPN2 has the Boston Red Sox visiting the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox are a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 9.Matchweek 3 in the English Premier League continues with three matches. Two games start at 9 AM ET. Chelsea plays at Leeds United on the USA Network as a -1 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). West Ham United hosts Brighton and Hove Albion as a -0.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester City plays at Newcastle United on the USA Network at 11:30 AM ET as a -1.5 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 3. 

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2022 Utah St. Aggies Preview

by Matt Fargo

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

Utah St. Aggies2021-22 Season Record 11-3 (6-2 MWC Mountain) - 10-4-0 ATS - 6-8-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 5OverviewIt took nine years, but Utah St. finally won its first ever MWC Championship last season which was part of a spectacular 11-3 season, matching the most wins in program history, tying the 2012 and 2018 teams. The Aggies were a below average program for years but under head coach Gary Anderson, they went 18-8 in their final two years in the WAC in 2011-2012 and he made way for the move to the MWC where Matt Wells took over and sustained the success with a winning conference record in five of his six seasons before leaving for Texas Tech. A 1-5 COVID shortened season was the end of Anderson in his second go around and Blake Anderson was hired from Arkansas St. and will be in his second year. Last season was a weird one in that all three losses came at home by at least two touchdowns but winning the final three games overall is something to build on. OffenseYou have to take a six-game season with a grain of salt as it was nothing like a normal year but improving by 173 yards on offense last season from 2020 was a big deal. The Aggies finished No. 18 in total offense and No. 31 in scoring offense and hope to keep that going with some good parts in place to keep the pace up. The offense was spearheaded by Logan Bonner who came over with Anderson from Arkansas St. and he did not miss a beat in the familiar system as he threw for 3,628 yards with 36 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and replicating those numbers may be tough. His top three receivers have departed but in this system, a new three can step up out of nowhere just like they did. The running game gets back leading rusher Calvin Tyler, Jr. who ran for 884 yards and seven touchdowns and he will be behind a very experienced offensive line with four starters back. DefenseThe turnaround of the defense was not as massive but it still improved a good deal as the Aggies were No. 78 in total defense, an improvement from a No. 121 ranking the previous season, and No. 58 in scoring defense. They do have to replace a lot more on this side of the ball and they will be counting on a lot of transfers to learn quickly. The strength will be in the secondary but that is by default as that is where the leading returning tackler Hunter Reynolds resides after making 84 stops last season at safety to go along with the other returning starter, corner Michael Anyanwu. The defensive line will be okay as well with end Byron Vaughns and tackle Hale Motu'apuaka combining for 70 tackles and 7.5 sacks. At linebacker, A.J. Vongphachanh played in all 14 games and recorded 45 tackles and two sacks and will be helped by Washington transfer M.J. Tafisi. 2022 Season OutlookAnderson won 62 games in seven years at Arkansas St. so calling his first season at Utah St. a fluke would be unfair. He did come into a good situation with 19 returning starters but they had to learn new systems so it was a hell of a job of what the Aggies accomplished, especially after playing only six games the previous season. There is talent at all levels so there are no significant holes yet it will take some time and that is fine with an easy opening part of the schedule. Yes, they are at Alabama in Game Two but that is a loss no matter who is on the field and the other three games are at home against Connecticut, Weber St. and UNLV. The rest of the slate is fine with the exception being road games at BYU in September and Boise St. to close the season. The O/U win total is set at 7.5 and it is that high based on last season but it looks very attainable with nine games they will be favored in. 

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College Football 2022/23

by AAA Sports

Saturday, Aug 20, 2022

It’s college football season again, and as always it starts – alphabetically (sorry, Air Force; sorry, Akron) and in the polls and certainly in expectations – with Alabama. Who else?Whether you like the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll, Sports Illustrated’s poll, or any one of dozens of podcasts,  the Tide are No. 1. And not too many people doubt that they will be there come Jan. 9 at the championship game in Los Angeles.Just about every online sportsbook has Alabama in the +175 to +185 range to add another national championship to its disputed number. Arguments about polling put the number at between 15 and 20, and the Tide naturally claim the latter number.Oddsmakers have listed Alabama’s Over-Under number at 10.5, and the first win will be in the books after they hand visiting Utah State a fat visitors check for agreeing to take a right to the chin from Nick Saban’s juggernaut on September 3. The Tide are a modest 39-point favorite in that one.---Alabama going into the opener as a five-touchdown favorite raises the issue of huge spreads early in the season. Coaches of power programs are loath to take a loss early on, so they lure a weak opponent with a barrel of cash, grab a confidence-building victory, and hope no one gets hurt as they prep for the conference season and real games. Bettors looking at wide-spread games like to key in on the defense of the dog rather than the offense of the favorite. Another factor is the guaranteed loser’s style of play. Does the patsy have a decent running game that can go on at least one clock-killing drive that leads to winning one of the four quarters? As for the predator, does the coach get off on running up a score? All things to consider.---If you like to cash by fading bad teams, there are some interesting FBS options. New Mexico State is on everyone’s list of among the worst teams in the country, and new coach Jerry Kill (perhaps the best name ever for a coach of a bad unit) hopes to breathe some life into an independent program that is coming off two straight 10-loss seasons and has had only one winning season since 2003 (7-6 in 2017 as a member of the Sun Belt Conference). Two other prime candidates are in the big-time football desert of New England, where Connecticut faces the ultimate long-shot joke odds of 500,000-1 to win the national title, and Massachusetts opens at a 29-point dog against a Tulane team coming off a 2-10 season of its own.---Looking for a possible surprise team? Look West – specifically, look at Utah. The 8.5 O-U on the Utes seems to be undervalued for a team that has won at least nine games in each of the last three full seasons (eliminating the Covid year) and appears to be more than solid this time around. Utah is a legit 2.5-point road favorite in its opener at Florida and features plenty of star power in returning QB Cam Rising and RB Tavion Thomas. Rising has the perfect name for a QB, and a convincing win in the Swamp could get him in the early Heisman conversation. Mix in a decent defense with almost everyone returning from last season, and Utah could open some eyes.---Speaking of the Heisman, the early betting favorite is Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who finished fourth last year and stands at +200 in most places. The No. 2-ranked Buckeyes figure to roll this season as they wait for Alabama to stumble. OSU is a two-touchdown favorite at home against No. 5 Notre Dame in the opener. There is talk that Stroud may run the ball more this season, which increases his chances of getting dinged.

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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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