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2022 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (4-4 C-USA East) - 7-6-0 ATS - 6-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 5Defense - 6OverviewHead coach Rick Stockstill has been at Middle Tennessee for 16 seasons which is a very long time for a coach to still be around with a career record of only three games over .500 in that span. The Blue Raiders have just one double-digit winning season and have not won more than eight games besides that and the results are invites to nine mid-to-low tiered bowl games. But he enters his 17th season with the program and the final one in the current C-USA format as more teams are leaving next season and more coming in making a total new look next season. After having 20 starters return last season, only 11 come back this season so it will be a little more challenging especially considering their No. 108 ranking in returning production. 2019 was the last season they had half or fewer of their starters returning and that resulted in a 4-8 season and that is something that has to be avoided this year. OffenseThe Middle Tennessee offense was below average last season as it was ranked No. 100 overall and the rushing game was nonexistent as it was No. 110, averaging a mere 120.8 ypg on 3.5 ypc. The leading rusher gained only 372 yards and he is gone so someone has to step up and it could be Frank Peasant who was third on the team with 239 yards but managed only 3.7 ypc or it could be a young player to emerge. Quarterback Chase Cunningham was progressing nicely with 1,318 yards passing and 16 touchdowns with only three interceptions but he got hurt in the eighth game and was done for the season. He now has to hold off Nicholas Vattiato who finished pretty strong in relief. There are numerous receiving options but none that jump off the chart so it could be another season of spreading the ball around after nine players caught a touchdown pass. The offensive line stunk and now has to replace four starters. DefenseThe Blue Raiders were better on defense and that is what kept them afloat. They held seven opponents to 24 points or less and to no surprise, they went 6-1 in those games and they are going to need another above average performance and one that is more consistent. Middle Tennessee improved by over 70 ypg and 10 ppg from the previous season which was due to being No. 1 in the country in takeaways and that is something that cannot be counted on again. The strength of the defense is going to be up front as all four players from the defensive line are back including sack leader Jordan Ferguson who got to the opposing quarterback six times and was part of the all-around group that finished tied for No. 30 in tackles for loss. That backend is in trouble with the four top tacklers gone including linebacker Reed Blankenship who did it all in the middle. Five replacements back here will have to step up in a hurry. 2022 Season OutlookBy the looks of things, it looks like another average season for Middle Tennessee as nothing jumps out as something that can carry this team if other areas break down. Essentially, every level on both sides will have to improve as the Blue Raiders were No. 53 or worse in seven of the eight major stat categories. Stockstill is a beloved asset to this program so he is not on the hotseat unless something utterly horrible happens but another bowl game will at least keep him around. The schedule is not in their favor as the Blue Raiders have seven road games including nonconference games at James Madison, Colorado St. and Miami Florida and they have to go to UAB in their toughest road conference test. Playing UTSA and Western Kentucky at home is a decent break. The O/U win total is set at 5.5 and while it is low, finding four or five sure wins is difficult enough, let alone six as a 2-5 road record looks about right. 

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NFL - 3 WIN TOTALS

by ASA, Inc.

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

Packers - Over 11 winsGreen Bay has won 13 games for three straight seasons since Matt LaFleur took over head coaching duties in 2019. That regular season consistency has been met with just as much playoff inconsistency, leading to disappointing finishes each year. The lack of playoff success is a major reason why people seem to forget that the Packers still have the back to back NFL MVP. Aaron Rodgers became the starter in 2008, since then, Green Bay has won 10 or more games in 8 of 12 seasons. Obviously, the loss of Davante Adams changes the offense completely, yet LaFleur has shown the ability to scheme other players open in Adams absence. Since 2019 the Packers are actually 7-0 without the All-Pro WR. In a soft division, with a relatively easy strength of schedule (22nd), and a much improved defense, we expect Green Bay to surpass 11 wins.  Rams - Under 10.5 winsFresh off bringing a Super Bowl to Los Angeles, the Rams get rewarded with the toughest schedule in the NFL. Looking through their 2022 opponents, it is difficult to find more than five games that the Rams should clearly win. They play ATL, CAR, NO, and get SEA twice. Outside of those games, they play the entire AFC West, then mix in the Bills, Chiefs, Packers, along with four games against the Cards and 49ers. Matt Stafford and Sean McVay are one for one so far together but they sure do have their work cut out for them in 2022. GM Les Snead has been able to pull off the “going all in” mentality while still maintaining long term success and somehow remaining under the salary cap. The downside to giving up picks is a lack of depth and youth. LA will rely on veterans to play key roles throughout their 17 week trek, and could leave them susceptible to dropping a few close games.  Texans - Over 4.5 wins Houston has the lowest win total heading into the NFL season, and this is not a bad thing. When teams fail to prepare, thinking they have a free win for the week, it leads to trap games that the Texans can possibly win. The fact that they play the Jaguars twice is also a plus when trying to think how Houston can get to five wins. Davis Mills leads the offense and had a surprisingly pleasant end to his rookie campaign. A second year always helps the game slow down and there is positive buzz that he could be the longterm guy in Houston. It feels this team is trending in the right direction with a strong draft class in 2022 that will only improve from their four wins in 2021.

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2022 Michigan St. Spartans Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

Michigan St. Spartans2021-22 Season Record 11-2 (7-2 Big Ten East) - 9-2-2 ATS - 7-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 5Defense - 9OverviewIs Sparty back? After not being ranked for three straight seasons, Michigan St. went 11-2 and closed at No. 9 in the final AP poll. Former head coach Mark Dantonio did something his predecessor John Smith could not accomplish and that was get Michigan St. into the upper echelon of college football as he put together six double-digit win seasons and put the Spartans into the final AP top ten poll three times but a pair of 7-6 campaigns in 2018 and 2019 did him in. While Mel Tucker went just 2-5 in his first season, it was not a good indicator for many teams during the COVID shortened season and with 17 returning starters, he took advantage and let everyone know that Michigan St. is back, at least for one year. Everything went their way as statistically, there is no way they should have won 11 games with the numbers they put up but maybe that is a good sign yet luck can change quickly especially in this conference. OffenseThe offense put up some solid numbers last season as the Spartans were No. 42 in total offense, averaging 431.3 ypg and No. 40 in scoring offense, putting up 31.9 ppg and those averages were up over 100 ypg and 14 ppg from the previous season. That was with 10 starters back and Michigan St. has to work with half of that total this season so there could be a drop off. The running game led the way behind Kenneth Walker III who rushed for 1,636 yards and scored 18 touchdowns but he is now in the NFL and the Spartans are likely going to have to rely on a pair of transfers to carry the load. Quarterback Payton Thorne was excellent as he threw for 3,233 yards with 27 touchdowns and just nine interceptions but we will have to see how he performs without a stud running back. He has two of his top three receivers back and while pass protection was outstanding, three starters on the offensive line have to be replaced. DefenseWhat the hell happened to the Michigan St. defense last season? The Spartans finished No. 116 in total defense but only bent for the majority of the time as they were a more respectable No. 61 in points allowed. What was a weakness in 2021 needs to be the strength this season to carry the offense early on that has to adjust. Nine starters are back and for the talent that is in place, this is a good thing despite the rough numbers last year. Some of it did not make sense as the Spartans were tied for the seventh most sacks in the country but were dead last in passing yards allowed. What? The secondary is a year older and added talent from the transfer portal so it has no choice but to be better and it has to be a lot. The pass rush will be close to the same as the defensive line is strong even though they lose the two top sack leaders. Help is coming in to mold with the veterans and the linebacking crew will again cause havoc. 2022 Season OutlookIt really is mindboggling how a team can be so bad on one side of the ball yet win so many games and seven were by double-digits. Michigan St. caught some teams in the right scheduling situations and also faced some teams missing key players that it took advantage of. This cannot happen again and seeing that Tucker comes from a defensive background, that unit should have a big turnaround to make up for a possible lethargic early season offense. They will not hit 11 wins again but should be above the .500 mark. A pair of home games against the MAC starts the season and then they hit the road in a tough spot at Washington. The early Big Ten slate is brutal with improved Maryland and Minnesota and then Ohio St., Wisconsin and Michigan back-to-back-to back but the first two are home. The O/U win total is 7.5 and we see six most likely wins so there are some swing games that will determine how that total pans out. 

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Tracking Starting Pitchers' Success During Final Stretch is Important

by Vegas Writer

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

As we approach the final stretch of the MLB season, it's important to zero in on pitchers who can give us the best bang for our buck.I'm not a huge advocate of listing pitchers on every wager. I've always been of the opinion when specific systems leave pitchers out of the equation, you have to insist on "action only."Other times, it makes sense to list the pitchers. But who are the right ones?I researched starting pitchers during a 30-day span (June 26-July 25), honing in on starters with an ERA below 2.50 combined with an opponent's batting average less than .200, provided the pitchers have thrown a minimum of 20 innings.Chicago White Sox's Dylan Cease, Miami's Sandy Alcantara, Arizona's Merrill Kelly, Cleveland's Triston McKenzie, and Houston's Jose Urquidy have been the stingiest starting pitchers in that span, with a combined 1.64 ERA and an opponent's batting average of .170.And allow me to point out, these guys are lasting an average of 6 2/3 innings per outing, which is imperative to also apply to your handicapping when looking at these pitchers. After all, it's important to know a heavily priced team has a starting pitcher with the durability to last late into games so they can neutralize lineups.Here is a closer look at each one (L30 Days): Cease (5-1, 0.74 ERA, .182 OBA) - Forget 30 days, over his last 11 starts, the right-hander is 6-2 with a grubby 0.42 ERA, while the White Sox are 9-2 in those games. Teams are hitting a meager .179 against him and he's registered strikes with 61% of his pitches. He also has a 2.7-to-1 strikeout ratio, with 83 strikeouts vs. 30 walks. BE WARY: if he faces the Red Sox, as he's 0-1 in two starts with a 9.00 ERA against them this season. Alcantara (2-1, 1.42 ERA, .164 OBA) - The Miami right-hander has allowed more than two earned runs just twice this season and is sporting a ridiculous 1.81 ERA in 20 starts this season. Teams have a paltry .187 batting average against him, while he has a very stingy 3.6-to-1 strikeout ratio, with 133 strikeouts vs. 36 walks. BE WARY: in Interleague play, as he's 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA in two starts this season and 4-7 with a 3.33 ERA lifetime in 16 career starts. Kelly (4-0, 1.57 ERA, .175 OBA) - After rough months in May and June, the Snakes' right-hander has been lights out in July with a 4-0 mark in five starts and a 1.57 ERA. He's limiting lineups to a .175 batting average and a .214 on-base percentage. He's also done a good job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing just two home runs. BE WARY: against the Dodgers, who have beaten him in all three of his starts against them (0-3, 9.69). McKenzie (3-0, 2.20 ERA, .184 OBA) - After an atrocious June that saw the Guardians' righty hammered to the tune of a 6.44 ERA, McKenzie has allowed just one earned run in July and is 3-0 with a 0.34 ERA. He's shut down the Yankees, Royals, Tigers, and Chisox, holding them to a combined .146 batting average and allowed 0 HRs. BE WARY: when he faces the Twins, as he's 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA in three starts against them. Urquidy (3-0, 2.43 ERA, .149 OBA) - Houston's right-hander has been spotty at times, but he's durable and has a decent lineup backing him up. Since June 21, spanning his last six starts, he is 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA and has quieted hitters to a .153 batting average and .210 on-base percentage. BE WARY: when he faces the Mariners, as he's 1-3 with a 7.58 ERA against them.

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2022 Michigan Wolverines Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

Michigan Wolverines2021-22 Season Record 12-2 (8-1 Big Ten East) - 11-3-0 ATS - 7-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 4OverviewIt was a special season for Michigan that won its most games since winning a National Championship in 1997 and snapped an eight-game losing streak to rival Ohio St. to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship and eventually, the College Football Playoff. The question begs are the Wolverines back to their elite status from years ago or was last season just a one-off and they will come back down to earth? The answer is no one really knows. The nasty defense from last season is no more as all seven starters lost went to the NFL so now it will be up to the offense to carry them. Michigan finished last season ranked in the AP top ten for the first time since 2006 as the typical scenario was being ranked in the top ten early and falling flat late. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has done a very good job in getting Michigan back to playing at a high level with four double-digit win seasons now we will see if he can keep it going. OffenseThe offense was exceptional last season as Michigan finished No. 20 in total offense and No. 13 in scoring offense behind nine returning starters and the Wolverines get the same amount back this season and have the No. 13 ranked returning production offense. Quarterback Cade McNamara was very efficient but did not put up monster numbers as he had only 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns and he will have to get the ball down field more that is if he wins the starting job as it is open with J.J. McCarthy right in the mix. Leading receiver Cornelius Johnson returns while top target from 2020 Ronnie Bell is back after missing last season and there is plenty of depth. The offensive line was the best in the Big Ten as the pass protection was spot on and helped lead the No. 10 rushing attack but there are pieces to replace. Also being replaced is leading rusher Hassan Haskins but backup Blake Corum ran for 952 yards. DefenseThis will be interesting. Losing talent that Michigan has to replace will be a challenge after finishing No. 11 in total defense and No. 4 in scoring defense. The Wolverines were stout in both areas coming in at No. 22 in passing defense and No. 21 in rushing defense and there are pieces in place to be really good but nothing like last season. The defensive line has to replace star Aidan Hutchinson and his 14 sacks which accounted for over 40 percent of the team sacks but the interior remains in place to stuff the run. Another big loss is linebacker David Ojabo who had 11 sacks and five forced fumbles but two starters return for this unit that will be expected to improve the pass rush that was average overall, ranking No. 53 in team sacks. Top tackler and interceptions leader from the secondary Dax Hill along with second leading tackler Brad Hawkins have to be replaced and while there is experience, there is not that "it" guy yet. 2022 Season OutlookThe 2021 season was excellent in a lot of ways and one intangible that should not be overlooked is that Harbaugh got the Buckeyes monkey off his back and there will be less pressure on him going forward. His commitment is still scrutinized as his name pops up every year surrounding coaching gigs in the NFL but he has stayed put, at least for now. No one ever took Michigan lightly but this year will be even more so. A lot of elite programs schedule top caliber nonconference games but Michigan does not and this year is no exception as it opens with home games against Colorado St., Hawaii and Colorado St. and those are not good litmus tests going into Big Ten season. Overall, it is not horrible as they do have Iowa and Ohio St. on the road but get Penn St. and Michigan St. at home with a bye in-between. The O/U win total is set at 9.5 and the over looks doable with eight home games but there is still trouble out there.  

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2022 Miami Ohio RedHawks Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

Miami Ohio RedHawks2021-22 Season Record 6-6 (5-3 MAC East) - 6-7-0 ATS - 6-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 6OverviewMiami Ohio is trending in the right direction after a very extended bad run from 2006-2017 when it had 11 losing seasons over those 12 years. The RedHawks have been .500 or better over the last four seasons, albeit a 2-1 COVID shortened 2020 season included, under head coach Chuck Martin who endured four straight losing campaigns after taking over a program coming off a 0-12 season and going nowhere. This is the best run since the Ben Roethlisberger days and it does not seem to be slowing down as they just had their best recruiting class in a very long time and third overall in the MAC. One thing that Miami Ohio has not deterred from is scheduling tough nonconference games under Martin and they have gone 2-10 over the last three seasons, not counting 2020, but that has made them better down the stretch as the RedHawks have gone 18-9 in the MAC and in bowl games. Expect more of the same. OffenseThe overall stats were not great but they were good enough as Miami Ohio finished No. 48 in total offense and No. 63 in scoring offense and the disparity in those rankings can be attributed to a below average third down offense where it converted only 39.2 percent of its opportunities but that will improve. The No. 20 ranked passing offense was directed by quarterback Brett Gabbert, yes of that Gabbert clan, as he threw for 2,648 yards with 26 touchdowns and only six interceptions but he needs to become more accurate as he hit only 59.5 percent of his passes. He loses top target Jack Sorenson and his 1,406 yards but there is plenty leftover and will have no problem finding open receivers. The offensive line is one of the best in the MAC and brings back four starters that allowed 21 sacks, tied for No. 21 in the country. They will look to improve a running game that averaged 143.9 ypg and while young, everyone is back. DefenseLike the offense, the defense was not great but capable enough to keep games close as the RedHawks were No. 62 overall No. 45 in points allowed and that disparity is a flip of that of the offense as they were excellent on third down defense. It could be a work in progress this season as Miami Ohio has only six starters back and the returning production is ranked just No. 120 in the country. The rushing defense has improved immensely over the last few years but a revamped defensive line will have its growing pains getting thrown right into the fire but there is still talent and experience to form a solid group that will improve. The linebackers are in good shape with Matthew Salopek who was second on the team with 112 tackles and they are getting help in the transfer portal to make up for lost production. Only one starter is back in the secondary but it is a good one in corner John Saunders, Jr. and transfers will be scattered in here as well. 2022 Season OutlookThere is enough on offense to put up big numbers again and they will likely have to do that with a defense that is suspect in some areas. Since 2016, Miami Ohio has endured 15 losses by a touchdown or less and even if half of those go the other way, the 34-33 record over that stretch would be significantly better. Still, the RedHawks are competing again which had not happened in a long time and they should be there once again. Three of the first four games are away from home against Kentucky, Cincinnati and Northwestern along with a home game against Robert Morris and a win over Northwestern is feasible. The MAC schedule is far from daunting and Miami Ohio is the favorite in the weaker East Division and it misses Central Michigan and Toledo from the West. The O/U win total is 6.5 and with only five home games, it will take some work on the road, namely at Buffalo and Bowling Green to get over this number.  

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 07/26/2022

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022

The Tuesday sports card features MLB action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 2:20 PM ET. Keegan Thompson takes the mound for the Cubs to pitch against the Pirates Bryse Wilson. Chicago is a -190 money line favorite (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Miami Marlins play at Cincinnati against the Reds at 6:40 PM ET. The Marlins turn to Pablo Lopez in their starting rotation to pitch against the Reds’ Hunter Greene. Miami is a -115 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET. Atlanta visits Philadelphia with Spencer Strider pitching for the Braves against Aaron Nola for the Phillies. The Braves are a -120 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. Tampa Bay plays at Baltimore, with the Rays giving the ball to Shane McClanahan to battle against the Orioles’ Spenser Watkins. The Rays are a -200 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:07 PM ET. Jose Berrios heads to the mound for the Blue Jays to pitch against Andre Pallante of the Cardinals. Toronto is a -215 money line favorite with a total of 9. Three MLB games start at 7:10 PM ET. The New York Yankees travel across town to play the New York Mets on TBS, with the Yankees tapping Jordan Montgomery to pitch against the Mets’ Taijuan Walker. The Yankees are a -115 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. San Diego travels to Detroit with Mike Clevinger taking the hill for the Padres against Garrett Hill for the Tigers. The Padres are a -200 money line road favorite at BetMGM with a total of 8.5. Boston hosts Cleveland with the Red Sox pitching Josh Winckowski against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Guardians. Two more MLB games begin at 8:10 PM ET. Milwaukee is at home against Minnesota, with Ethan Small making the start for the Brewers against Dylan Bundy for the Twins. The Brewers are a -120 money line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 9.5. Kansas City plays at home against Los Angeles, with the Royals pitching Angel Zerpa against the Angels’ Jose Suarez. The Royals are a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Chicago White Sox visit Colorado to play the Rockies at 8:40 PM ET. Michael Kopeck takes the hill for the White Sox to duel against German Marquez for the Rockies. Chicago is a -115 money line road favorite at BetMGM with a total of 10.5. Two MLB games start at 9:40 PM ET. Houston travels to Oakland with the Astros turning to Luis Garcia to pitch against the A’s Frankie Montas. The Astros are a -175 money line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 8.5. San Francisco plays last Arizona with Carlos Rodon pitching for the Giants against Tyler Gilbert for the Diamondbacks. The Giants are a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Two games conclude the MLB card at 10:10 PM ET. Seattle hosts Texas, with the Mariners’ turning to George Kirby as their starting pitcher to go against the Rangers’ Dane Dunning. The Mariners are a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Los Angeles is at home against Washington, with Mitch White pitching for the Dodgers against Josiah Gray for the Nationals. The Dodgers are a -245 mine line favorite with a total of 9.

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2022 Miami Hurricanes Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Jul 25, 2022

Miami Hurricanes2021-22 Season Record 7-5 (5-3 ACC Coastal) - 6-6-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 7OverviewIt is hard to believe that Miami has been this average for this long. Since finishing No. 2, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5 from 2000-2003, the Hurricanes have one, yes one, double-digit winning season, have not been ranked in the top ten in the final AP Poll and have lost 10 of their 11 bowl games. They have not been awful as they have had only three losing seasons with the worst being a 5-7 record in 2007 but they have been mediocre and that should not be Miami football that is based in the hotbed of recruiting. They have not been able to find the right coach to fit, even Mark Richt could not get rolling, but Miami found its guy and its guy has always wanted to be here. Mario Cristobal left a great situation in Oregon to come back to his alma mater and get this program where it should be, competing for national championships. It will not happen overnight but one of the best recruiters around should make this work. OffenseYardage wise, Miami has gotten better on offense in each of the last four seasons and last year, it finished No. 22 in total offense and No. 25 in scoring offense and should be just as potent in 2022. D'Eriq King opened the season as the starting quarterback but was injured after three games which gave Tyler Van Dyke the opportunity and he ran with it. He threw for 2,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions and it is now his team. His top receiver Charleston Rambo is now in the NFL and his No. 2 is also gone but Key'Shawn Smith is ready to take over after 405 yards while transfer help is also on the way. The running game was lagging far behind as the Hurricanes were No. 97 in the country with just 128.8 ypg but get a boost from Henry Parrish, Jr. who comes from Mississippi where he ran for over 500 yards to work with leading rusher Jaylan Knighton. The offensive line will be better with Cristobal in the mix. DefenseThe heart and soul of this team for years was its defense and it has taken a serious tumble the last two seasons, allowing 400 ypg combined. The Hurricanes were No. 77 overall and No. 88 in scoring last season which is so far below their standards. Allowing 44 points to Alabama is one thing but allowing 30 or more points seven other times is uncalled for. While seven starters are back, the biggest impact is new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele to go along with newcomers as Miami loaded up transfer help from top level programs to deliver right away. The defensive line could see three brand new faces which will vastly improve the pass rush that left the secondary on an island. The linebacking corps brings back its two leading tacklers with even more help on the way. The passing defense was as bad as it could be but a lot of it was not on them as they were put in tough spots and should be a strength this year. 2022 Season OutlookSome legends have roamed the sidelines from Schnellenberger to Johnson to Erickson to Davis to Coker and now Cristobal wants to be put in that group. He made FIU a winner, albeit for just two seasons and went 35-13 at Oregon where he did not have a losing season and now he is back in his hometown and his roots could make all the difference. Playing in the weaker ACC Coastal Division helps and getting to an ACC Championship will happen sooner rather than later. Two home games against Bethune-Cookman and Southern Mississippi will get them off to a confident 2-0 start before a tough trip to Texas A&M. Then Middle Tennessee comes to town prior to a bye week before ACC action kicks off. The early half is navigable then Florida St. and Pittsburgh at home and Clemson on the road are more dicey. The O/U win total is 8.5 and that is big number and even though expectations are high, tread lightly with this one.  

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2022 Memphis Tigers Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Jul 25, 2022

Memphis Tigers2021-22 Season Record 6-6 (3-5 American) - 4-8-0 ATS - 5-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 6OverviewMemphis became part of the American Athletic Conference in 2013 and finished with a 3-9 record and that still stands as the only losing record in the nine seasons there. Justin Fuente turned things around after that as he went 19-6 in a little under two seasons before going to Virginia Tech and Mike Norvell kept it rolling for four seasons before heading to Florida St. Current head coach Ryan Silverfield is in his third season as the helm and after an 8-3 inaugural season, the Tigers took a slight step backwards last season with a 6-6 record. The difference was close games as in 2020, they lost only one game by one possession while in 2021, they dropped three games by a field goal or less so if the breaks went their way, it could have been a 9-3 season. 13 starters are back which is three less than last season but some key players are part of the returnees and will look to avoid another losing AAC season, their first since 2013. OffenseThe offense took a small dip from 2020 but it was not significant as Memphis finished No. 34 overall and No. 52 in scoring, a 26 ypg and one ppg difference from the prior season respectively. The passing game led the way as the Tigers were No. 17 in the country behind one of the best freshman quarterbacks in the country in Seth Henigan as he threw for 3,322 yards with 25 touchdowns and just eight interceptions and missed one game which resulted in a 17-point loss to UCF. His top two pass catchers are gone which are big losses but there was a lot of depth that returns this year so the passing game will be just fine. It is the running game that needs more production as Memphis was only No. 90 in the nation in rushing offense. It was led by another freshman as Brandon Thomas ran for 669 yards and eight scores and he will get better. The offensive line returns its center and both tackles, three key positions for this offense. DefenseMemphis played solid defense in a few games but for the most part it was pretty bad which was an insignificant improvement from a season ago. The Tigers were No. 96 in total offense and No. 92 in scoring defense and that simply puts too much pressure on the offense. Nearly half of the starters have to be replaced including linebacker J.J. Russell who led the team with 123 tackles and seemed to be around on every play. Xavier Cullens was fourth in tackles and he will be the star of this unit and will get help from some transfers. The defense generated 25 sacks and that has to improve as sacks leader Jaylon Allen had a respectable five sacks from the middle of the defensive line but the team needs more push from the outside. The Tigers were No. 101 in passing defense but should be a lot better with the experience as they are led by safety Quindell Johnson who was second on the team with 104 tackles. 2022 Season OutlookA .500 season is nothing to be upset about but Memphis missed out on a bowl game as the Hawaii Bowl was postponed due to COVID issues with the Warriors so the Tigers made the trip for naught which was disappointing for the seniors and ended a seven-game bowl run but that comes with an asterisk. Silverfield has not seen a huge drop off from previous teams but he could still use a big season to keep folks happy and keep the recruits coming in. He hopefully shored up the defense with a new defensive coordinator. The Tigers open with a pair of road games at Mississippi St. and Navy and a 1-1 result would be respectable. Memphis then has four straight home games and it should take the first three with fourth coming against Houston. Cincinnati is off the schedule and they get UCF at home. The O/U win total is set at 7.5 which is a tricky number but seven home games help the cause if they are to surpass that. 

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2022 Massachusetts Minutemen Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Jul 25, 2022

Massachusetts Minutemen2021-22 Season Record 1-11 (N/A) - 4-8-0 ATS - 7-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 8OverviewSince bringing football back to Amherst in 2012, Massachusetts has never compiled a winning record and in those 10 seasons, it has won two or fewer games in half of those. The Minutemen started off in the MAC and after only four years, the ties were cut and they became an Independent where it has not been any better. Yes, there were a pair of 4-8 seasons in 2017 and 2018 but they have gone 2-26 over the last three seasons and are one of the worst programs going. Enter head coach Don Brown who is back to roam the sidelines a second time after success here as a Division II team to see if he can instill any life into a listless culture. Massachusetts was ranked No. 122 in total offense, No. 126 in scoring offense, No. 125 in total defense and No. 130 in scoring defense so it has nowhere to go but up and it should improve in all categories as it brings back 17 starters and is ranked No. 4 in the country in returning production. OffenseThe offense got better, tongue in cheek, from 2020 where is scored a total of 12 points in four games but it was still not good. There were signs of potential as the Minutemen scored 27 or more points four times but also failed to crack the touchdown mark four times as well. The good news is that the offense consistently improved over the latter half of the season and it can build on that this season with nine returning starters including quarterback Brady Olson who took most of the snaps of the five that did last season. He was not good but the experience helps and he has a solid receiving corps to throw to. The pass protection was not horrible as the offensive line surrendered only 26 sacks but the offense was not on the field that much. Still, it is a capable line that will open holes for the running game that features Ellis Merriweather, easily the offensive MVP, after rushing for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns last year. DefenseThe defense had one good game against an equally horrible Connecticut team and in the nine other games against FBS teams, allowed an unfathomable 535.9 ypg and when FCS teams Rhode Island and Maine can hang 35 points on the defense, things are bad. Like the offense, experience is all over the place which can be good or bad and in this case, it will be better and probably by a decent amount as Brown oversaw some solid defenses in his time away. The defensive line is big and with a few transfers coming into the rotation, the pass rush should get a lot better after finishing No. 128 in sacks with 11. The top two returning tacklers are back as linebackers Gerrell Johnson and Da'Shon Rice combined for 156 tackles so this will be the strength of the defense. The big area that has to improve is the secondary as they finished second to last in passing efficiency defense, allowing 24 touchdowns with just two interceptions. 2022 Season OutlookBrown compiled a 43-19 record at Massachusetts from 2004-2008 and while that was at the lower level, it is a building block. If you are a defensive coordinator at Michigan for five years from 2016-2020, you are doing something right and while this is not going to be any sort of total turnaround, things will be looking up. As an Independent, the schedule is pretty similar to past seasons as far as strength with a share of games where it should be competitive. Opening the season with four road games in their first five is not ideal but two at Temple and at Tulane provide hope along with a home game against Stony Brook. Three other games against New Mexico St., Connecticut and Arkansas St., who combined for five wins last season, are late in the season where chemistry should already be together. The O/U win total is 2.5 and the over is certainly attainable if the aforementioned areas do in fact improve. 

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2022 Maryland Terrapins Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Jul 25, 2022

Maryland Terrapins2021-22 Season Record 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten East) - 5-8-0 ATS - 8-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 7OverviewSince leaving the ACC and joining the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland has yet to have a winning conference record as it has gone 19-47 including a 3-6 mark last season. Playing in the brutal East Division with the likes of Ohio St., Michigan, Michigan St. and Penn St. since its arrival has not helped matters as the Terrapins have gone 4-25 against the big four with nearly every one of those losses being blowouts. Thanks to a 3-0 nonconference record last season, Maryland went bowling for the first time since 2016 where it defeated Virginia Tech 54-10 and can carry that momentum into this season where expectations are high for the first time in a while. The Terrapins bring back 16 starters, they have a returning production ranking of No. 40 in the country and their recruiting classes over the last three years have been exceptional. Head coach Mike Locksley could be building something good here in his fourth season. OffenseAfter years with a flailing offense, Maryland stepped it up last season as it finished No. 33 in total offense and had one of the best passing games in the nation, coming it at No. 14 thanks to the breakout of quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. He threw for 3,860 yards with a 69 percent completion rate while throwing 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. A year of great experience and success should make him even better this season and cutting down the turnovers will help. The receiving corps is loaded with Rakim Jarrett and Dontay Demus, Jr., who combined for 1,336 yards and eight touchdowns and they brought in another deep threat through the transfer portal. The one thing lacking was a running game as the Terrapins were No. 94 in the nation and lost their leading rusher but there will be improvements. The offensive line brings back all five starters and with defenses keying on the passing game, the ground game can excel. DefenseThis is where Maryland has struggled for years, especially against those big four teams, although there has been improvement in each of the last two seasons. The Terrapins were No. 93 in total defense and No. 105 in scoring defense as they could not stop teams on third down, allowing opponents to convert over 40 percent of the time, and were near the bottom in the country with only 12 takeaways. Look for both areas to improve this season despite some key losses. The defensive front was strong in the middle and will be again but the linebackers will have to step up. Ruben Hyppolite II was the fourth leading tackler last season and will lead a young group that needs to attack the ball and there were just seven forced fumbles last year. The secondary possesses two strong cornerbacks led by Jakorian Bennett and like the linebackers, help will needed in the middle as the safety spots will be young and thin early on. 2022 Season OutlookLocksley was a disaster at New Mexico where he compiled a 2-26 record and then had a 1-5 stint here as an interim coach in 2015 but after three years at Alabama, the final one as offensive coordinator, he got a second chance in College Park. It did not start great but things are taking a turn for the good and this is a very important year with so much returning production. The nonconference schedule is very gettable again this year as the Terrapins have home games against Buffalo and SMU sandwiched around a road game at Charlotte so a 3-0 start is a must and then it begins. They open Big Ten play at Michigan and at home against Michigan St. and those two games will be an indicator of how the rest will go. Back-to-back road games at Wisconsin and Penn St. and a home game against Ohio St. is a brutal late stretch. The O/U win total is 6 so taking care of business against the teams they should beat is essential for a winning record. 

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2022 CFL: Week 7 recap

by Sean Murphy

Monday, Jul 25, 2022

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have separated themselves from the rest of the pack through seven weeks of CFL action, posting a flawless 7-0 record. The East Division continues to lag but can at least boast one team with an above-.500 record in the Toronto Argonauts. Here's a quick recap of what went down over the last four days north of the border.Alouettes 40, RedBlacks 33Montreal handed Ottawa its sixth consecutive loss to open the season, torching an overmatched RedBlacks defense on Thursday night. Ottawa thought it had solved its quarterback conundrum by signing Jeremiah Masoli in the offseason but he got off to an underwhelming start before suffering a leg injury. His incumbent, Caleb Evans wasn't necessarily the problem on Thursday as he threw for 297 yards. Nor was RB William Powell, who rumbled for 79 yards on 17 carries. The big issue is the RedBlacks defense, which just can't seem to get off the field and has been prone to giving up the big play, as we saw on Thursday night. With a cluster of injuries on that side of the football, they'll need to figure things out before heading to Toronto to face a steadily-improving Argos squad this coming Sunday. Montreal gets a date with the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton on Thursday.Lions 17, Tiger-Cats 13The bye week served the Lions well as they rebounded from a lopsided 43-22 loss to the Blue Bombers with a low-scoring victory over the Ti-Cats on Thursday night. It was a stark contrast to what we had seen from B.C. earlier in the season when shootouts were the norm. RB James Butler continues to pace the Lions offense while QB Nathan Rourke has been turnover-prone, tossing exactly two interceptions in three consecutive games. The Ti-Cats are still searching for answers with a 1-5 record. Hamilton's offense simply hasn't clicked with QB Dane Evans at the helm. Of course, he hasn't gotten a lot of help from his backfield with the likes of Don Jackson and Sean Thomas-Erlington struggling to make any headway running the football. The Ti-Cats will host the Als on Thursday with just one game separating the two teams in the East Division standings while B.C. travels to face a Roughriders squad that will be eager to respond following consecutive losses against Toronto.Blue Bombers 24, Elks 10This game went almost exactly as expected with the Blue Bombers wearing out the lowly Elks on both sides of the football in a comfortable victory. Winnipeg remains undefeated on the season thanks in large part to a fierce defense that has held all seven opponents to 22 points or fewer. The Bombers offense hasn't had to be great and that's a good thing as QB Zach Collaros completed just 7-of-16 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Friday's victory. RB Brady Oliveira has been terrific taking over the starting job following Andrew Harris' departure. The Elks continue to have a tough time staying competitive on a weekly basis. QB Taylor Cornelius was thrown into the fire against the Bombers, attempting 42 passes and leading the team in rushing, gaining 59 yards on 15 carries. That's obviously not a winning recipe given Cornelius' limited CFL resume. Winnipeg will travel to Calgary for a rematch with the Stampeders on Saturday while Edmonton mercifully heads into its bye week.Argonauts 31, Roughriders 21It wasn't easy, but the Argos stayed hot, dispatching of the undermanned Riders in Regina on Sunday. That game was moved back a day due to Saskatchewan's multiple Covid-related absences. The Riders still weren't close to full strength on Sunday, forced to go with QB Jake Dolegala in what was his first CFL start. Dolegala actually turned in an admirable performance, particularly in the first half as the Riders took a lead into halftime. Things came unraveled in the second half as Andrew Harris and the Argos offense imposed their will, scoring 17 unanswered fourth quarter points to secure the double-digit victory. The Argos will have a good opportunity to earn a third straight victory as they host the lowly RedBlacks on Thursday while the Riders look to pick up the pieces and snap their two-game skid at home against the Lions on Friday.

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