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College Football 2023: MAC Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Sunday, Aug 06, 2023

College Football 2023: MAC It is early in the month of August 2023 and, as always at this time of year, excitement is building for the coming Football season. That includes NFL and College Football. Most every sports bettor is quite familiar with the NFL as it is certainly the most popular among sports betting markets. Additionally, when it comes to College Football, many sports bettors are quite familiar with the Power 5 Conferences. The “Power 5” Conferences include the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. Those major conferences in College Football along with the 32 teams in the NFL dominate the attention of most everyone this time of year and heading into the football season. That said, my focus heading into the new season is covering the “other 6” which is the “Group of 5” Conferences as well as the small group of Independents. These less popular teams which comprise the “other” conferences absolutely deserve some attention and yet many sports bettors are the least familiar with these smaller conferences. That is even with the best value often being found where others just do not focus the attention. That said, I feel there is value in at least giving a “quick hitter” preview at these teams heading into the 2023 season. MAC (East listed first then West):Akron – Should be respectable on offense including getting some solid QB play but this team looks very weak on defense. They will likely be battling to stay out the basement in the MAC East and I will be looking for overs involving the Zips. Bowling Green – This is basically a middle of the pack type of team. Nothing stands out to be with this team on either side of the ball. By MAC standards, they are decent on defense and decent on offense and their best spots to play on or to fade will likely to come down to situational aspects. Buffalo – The Bulls are heading the right direction but just not quite there yet. They could surprise based on the respectable talent level they do have. But unless things really jell for this team, they are likely to have a season similar to last year.  Kent State – If this was basketball I would have more positives to express about the Golden Flashes. But in football, this team is just bad bad bad and has trouble to recruit strong players here. It will be another tough season at Kent State. Miami (Ohio) – If the QB play is solid (could have a healthy Gabbert back), the Redhawks could challenge for the East Division. But the defense, young last year, will have to show that the experience from last year has paid off. That plus the health on the offensive side of the ball will key things in Miami, Ohio. Ohio University – The Bobcats should challenge for the East Division title. Quite a balanced team but my concern on offense is the offensive line. However, other than that, I really like this Ohio U team and if the line jells on offense, the Cats are going to be very tough to beat. Solid on both sides of the ball and well-coached. Ball State – Hard to gauge this Cardinals team. But like coach Neu and if the QB transfer Hatcher pans out, this Cards team could be dangerous. Still a middle of the pack finish is the likely ceiling in Ball State this season. Central Michigan – The Chippewas look better on defense than offense so maybe looking for some unders here. They need to get the QB position pushing out solid production. Head coach McElwain needs to make sure he is getting more out of this offense this season.  Eastern Michigan – The Eagles are a hard-fighting team. I like what their long-tenured coach, Creighton, has put together here. These players give strong effort for him. That goes a long way with a team and I like Eastern Michigan as a scrappy team that way. Not the most talented team but a tough team that could challenge in the West Division for sure. Northern Illinois – If QB Lombardi is healthy, this team could be tough this season but I am not a fan of coach Hammond and certainly was not shocked by the disappointing 3-9 campaign last season. The Huskies were fortunate, to say the least, in 2021. Look for 2023 to be better than 2022, but only slightly unless Northern Illinois gets stellar QB play which I doubt based on health concerns. Toledo – The best team in the MAC and I really like their defense too. Their offense might seem unspectacular at times but, based on points scored, Toledo still ranked as one of the best last season. The Rockets should finish as the top of the MAC West and I will look for line value situations to play on this team. Western Michigan – They hired former Louisville offensive coordinator Taylor to lead the way in Western Michigan. The Broncos will have some growing pains. They lost some key players in the trenches on defense and overall this is a rebuilding period for Western Michigan and this season will be a challenge. The future looks bright but the key word there is future! 

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My Big Play Taken By Storm; Update on Daily Recap

by Vegas Writer

Sunday, Aug 06, 2023

I planned on releasing my new and improved "Daily Recap" with the arrival of preseason football, giving you the template of what you can expect as we head into the best time of the year.But after the way the Phoenix Mercury lost to the Seattle Storm last night - my Western Conference Game of the Year - I felt I owed you a personal message.Honestly, I don't know what was more disappointing, watching USA bow out the way it did to Sweden in the World Cup, or seeing how the Mercury lost.I don't like to point fingers at teams or players, but the loss of Shey Peddy at the end of the second quarter was damn near fatal for the second half.You can not have one of your best playmakers off the court when you're trying to defend a lead against a team that is playing for as much pride as you are.When Peddy took an accidental elbow to the back of her head by Storm forward Jordan Horston at 1:34, the scene that unfolded had to be a bit traumatizing for Peddy's teammates, as she was taken off on a stretcher."Whenever you see someone go out in a stretcher, it’s terrifying. Especially Shey, who is such a warrior and always puts everything out there," Diana Taurasi said.Thus, the Storm turned back a nine-point halftime deficit and outscored the shaken Mercury 27-15 in the third quarter.You can't handicap injuries, and you certainly cannot handicap fluke injuries.Nobody take a loss harder than yours truly, so gear up for a big bounce back on Sunday, as I continue this incredible MLB run.I'm on an overall 52-39 roll since June 13, including a 45-26 MLB run for a net profit of $19,340.Over the last seven days, I'm No. 1 on the leaderboard with $5,450 net profit. And over the L30 days I'm No. 2 on the leaderboard with $6,000 net profit.In baseball the L60 Days, I'm No. 1 on the leaderboard with $16,310 net profit, No. 1 the L30 days with $7,850 net cash flow, and No. 2 the L7 days with $4,700.I hit the Minnesota Twins Run Line (+130) over the Diamondbacks on Saturday, and today I'll deliver the goods with another winning day on the diamond.Stay tuned this coming week, as I unveil my new-and-improved Daily Recap that will be a must read this football season.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, CFL and Women's World Cup Previews and Odds - 08/06/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 06, 2023

The Sunday sports card features MLB, CFL, and Women’s World Cup action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Cleveland Guardians host the Chicago White Sox on Peacock at 12:05 PM ET. Xzavion Curry gets the start for the Guardians to pitch against Jesse Scholtens for the White Sox. Cleveland is a -142 money-line favorite, with the total set at 9 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Four MLB games throw out the first pitch at 1:35 PM ET. The Philadelphia Phillies play at home against the Kansas City Royals as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The Toronto Blue Jays travel to Boston to play the Red Sox. The New York Yankees are at home against the Houston Astros as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Baltimore Orioles host the New York Mets as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Two MLB games start at 1:40 PM ET. The Cincinnati Reds play at home against the Washington Nationals as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 11. The Tampa Bay Rays are in Detroit to play the Tigers as a -198 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. Two more MLB games begin at 2:10 PM ET. The Arizona Diamondbacks play on the road in Minnesota against the Twins as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers are at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Colorado Rockies visit St. Louis to play the Cardinals at 2:15 PM ET. The Atlanta Braves are on the road against the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 PM ET as a -122 money-line road favorite. The Texas Rangers host the Miami Marlins at 2:35 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 4:07 PM ET. The Los Angeles Angels play at home against the Seattle Mariners as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Francisco Giants are in Oakland to play the A’s as a -198 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and ESPN2 features the Los Angeles Dodgers playing in San Diego against the Padres at 7:10 PM ET. The Dodgers turn to the recently acquired Lance Lynn to battle against the Padres’ new hurler from the trade deadline, Rich Hill. Los Angeles is a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Week 9 in the Canadian Football League concludes with one game. The Ottawa Redblacks travel to Saskatchewan to play the Roughriders on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Redblacks had won two games in a row before their 16-12 upset loss at home as a 1.5-point favorite last Friday. The Roughriders are on a three-game losing streak after a 31-13 loss on a neutral field to Toronto as a 10-point underdog last Saturday. Ottawa is a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 44.5. The Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia continues with the fifth and sixth matches in the round of 16 knockout stage on FS1 and Peacock. England plays Nigeria at 3:30 AM ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Australia faces Denmark at 6:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2. 

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College Football 2023: Independents Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Saturday, Aug 05, 2023

College Football 2023: Independents It is early in the month of August 2023 and, as always at this time of year, excitement is building for the coming Football season. That includes NFL and College Football. Most every sports bettor is quite familiar with the NFL as it is certainly the most popular among sports betting markets. Additionally, when it comes to College Football, many sports bettors are quite familiar with the Power 5 Conferences. The “Power 5” Conferences include the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. Those major conferences in College Football along with the 32 teams in the NFL dominate the attention of most everyone this time of year and heading into the football season. That said, my focus heading into the new season is covering the “other 6” which is the “Group of 5” Conferences as well as the small group of Independents. These less popular teams which comprise the “other” conferences absolutely deserve some attention and yet many sports bettors are the least familiar with these smaller conferences. That is even with the best value often being found where others just do not focus the attention. That said, I feel there is value in at least giving a “quick hitter” preview at these teams heading into the 2023 season. INDEPENDENTS:Army – The Black Knights are trying to go to a new offensive scheme instead of being run-heavy through the triple-option. Of course there are going to be some growing pains trying to make such a change. But this defense does look respectable and they will be a bit of a tough team to play but only once the offense catches up with the defense! Connecticut – Huskies made it to a bowl last season and certainly showing improvement under coach Mora. However, this UConn team still ranks as one of the weaker teams in the nation and likely will struggle to get to .500 again this season. More respectable offense than seasons past but hard to trust this defense. Keep an eye on them early this season. Massachusetts – The Minutemen were improved on defense but were so anemic offensively. They are trying to improve and become more competitive but this offense still has a lot of work to do and their defense can only hold out so long. At some point the offense has to help out but this team just not there yet and really not close. Again will be one of the worst teams in nation. Notre Dame – Of course this team is the powerhouse of the independents and the Fighting Irish look strong again this season. This is a Top 25 team this season and they look strong defensively. Of course it is easy to like Hartman at QB but will he have enough weapons. This is a different situation than what he was running at Wake Forest and there will be some growing pains. Just different level of wide receiver talent for sure. Very strong program of course but not elite because of concerns about weapons in the offense. Look for very strong defense however. 

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College Football 2023: Conference USA Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Saturday, Aug 05, 2023

College Football 2023: Conference USA PreviewIt is early in the month of August 2023 and, as always at this time of year, excitement is building for the coming Football season. That includes NFL and College Football. Most every sports bettor is quite familiar with the NFL as it is certainly the most popular among sports betting markets. Additionally, when it comes to College Football, many sports bettors are quite familiar with the Power 5 Conferences. The “Power 5” Conferences include the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. Those major conferences in College Football along with the 32 teams in the NFL dominate the attention of most everyone this time of year and heading into the football season. That said, my focus heading into the new season is covering the “other 6” which is the “Group of 5” Conferences as well as the small group of Independents. These less popular teams which comprise the “other” conferences absolutely deserve some attention and yet many sports bettors are the least familiar with these smaller conferences. That is even with the best value often being found where others just do not focus the attention. That said, I feel there is value in at least giving a “quick hitter” preview at these teams heading into the 2023 season. CONFERENCE USA:FIU – Solid coaching staff but concerns on offense after losing some key pieces, including on the offensive line, in the transfer portal. Should be a respectable defense and they are well-coached but concerns loom with this offense. Jacksonville State – The Gamecocks can score well, generally speaking, but there are real concerns about this defense. This is particularly true as they adjust to playing in a tougher conference. Look for overs involving this team. Liberty – Flames just so strong on both sides of the ball. Solid program that keeps reloading and will be right up there again this season with Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Louisiana Tech – Bulldogs another team to keep an eye on in terms of overs. They should have a respectable offense with Bachmeier at the controls and you know coach Cumbie wants to get a strong air attack going here. This team has a lot of new faces (and question marks) on defense however. Middle Tennessee – This team has a veteran coach and plus a defense that lost practically no one so they will be the favorites in this conference. They have one of the best rosters and are well-coached. New Mexico State – Jerry Kill did a great job with the Aggies last season and look for New Mexico State to build off that momentum here. This team does not have the most talented roster but they play hard and that effort counts for a lot in this day and age! They outwork opponents.  Sam Houston – Having lived in Texas for many years, I still can not even believe the Bearkats are at this level of College Football. The fact is they still do not belong! They will likely be in the cellar of this conference and their only hope is a solid defensive front. I will give them that but the rest of this team, including the entire offense, is just not ready for Group of Five football just yet. UTEP – The Miners got a big return on offense when Tyrin Smith decided to remain with the team instead of transferring to Texas A & M. That said, this is a respectable offense and if the defensive jells as the season goes on, this team could be dangerous in this conference. They could surprise for sure if they stay healthy on offense. Western Kentucky – Definitely a strong team and expected to battle it out with Liberty for the top spot in this conference. However, their defense could have some growing pains early in the season. The offense looks strong again and is expected to be pass-happy so looking for overs with this team could be a good idea…especially until the defense catches up as the season goes along. Hilltoppers should end up solid again this season. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, CFL and Women's World Cup Previews and Odds - 08/05/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Aug 05, 2023

The Saturday sports card features MLB, CFL, and Women’s World Cup action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Houston Astros travel to New York to play the Yankees at 1:05 PM ET as a -130 money-line road favorite, with the total set at 8.5. The Tampa Bay Rays play in Detroit against the Tigers at 1:10 PM ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Atlanta Braves are in Chicago to play the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 10.5. The Texas Rangers host the Miami Marlins at 4:05 PM ET. Two more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 4:10 PM ET. The Cincinnati Reds play at home against the Washington Nationals as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Toronto is in Boston on FS1, with Jose Berrios taking the mound for the Blue Jays to face a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Red Sox. The Philadelphia Phillies host the Kansas City Chiefs at 6:05 PM ET as a -225 money-line favorite with a total of 9.5. The Baltimore Orioles play at home against the New York Mets as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Francisco Giants visit Oakland to play the A’s at 7:07 OM ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Three MLB games start at 7:10 PM ET. The Cleveland Guardians play at home against the Chicago White Sox as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Minnesota Twins are at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks as a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers host the Pittsburgh Pirates as a -250 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The St. Louis Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies at 7:15 PM ET as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Diego Padres play at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers on FS1 at 8:40 PM ET. The Padres send out Blake Snell to face a Dodgers’ starting pitcher that has yet to be named. The Seattle Mariners play in Los Angeles against the Angels at 9:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Week 9 in the Canadian Football League continues with one game. The Montreal Alouettes are in Hamilton to play the Tiger-Cats on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Alouettes ended a three-game losing streak with a 25-18 victory against Calgary as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Tiger-Cats won for the third time in their last four games with a 16-12 upset victory at Ottawa as a 1.5-point underdog last Friday. Montreal is a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 45. The Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia continues with the third and fourth matches in the round of 16 knockout stage on Fox and Peacock. The Netherlands play South Africa at 10 PM ET as a -2 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. The United States face Sweden at 5 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.

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College Football 2023: American Conference Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Friday, Aug 04, 2023

College Football 2023: American Conference PreviewIt is early in the month of August 2023 and, as always at this time of year, excitement is building for the coming Football season. That includes NFL and College Football. Most every sports bettor is quite familiar with the NFL as it is certainly the most popular among sports betting markets. Additionally, when it comes to College Football, many sports bettors are quite familiar with the Power 5 Conferences. The “Power 5” Conferences include the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. Those major conferences in College Football along with the 32 teams in the NFL dominate the attention of most everyone this time of year and heading into the football season. That said, my focus heading into the new season is covering the “other 6” which is the “Group of 5” Conferences as well as the small group of Independents. These less popular teams which comprise the “other” conferences absolutely deserve some attention and yet many sports bettors are the least familiar with these smaller conferences. That is even with the best value often being found where others just do not focus the attention. That said, I feel there is value in at least giving a “quick hitter” preview at these teams heading into the 2023 season. AMERICAN CONFERENCE:Charlotte – New head coach and that means it takes time to rebuild.  Working in a lot of new transfers. East Carolina – Trying to continue the momentum here but now shifting more to a ground attack. Lost some significant skill position players including at wide receiver. Ground game will be key here. Florida Atlantic – Exciting times for the Owls as Tom Herman is now the head coach. FAU will see improvement but it will take time yet I do expect a bit of an immediate positive boost too. Memphis – Losing some skill guys again yet this is such a dangerous offense and yet generally struggles defensively. Again looking for great spots with overs involving this Tigers team this season.  Navy – Opposite of Memphis. Might keep an eye on unders with this team. The Midshipmen now coached by a defensive coordinator plus their offense goes as their QB goes and that is a bit of a concern entering this season. North Texas – Offense should be solid but defense is changing to a new alignment and also has some personnel question marks. That coupled with a new head coach coming from a smaller school, Incarnate Word, means we could see some high-scoring games involving this team early this season. Rice – Should be heading the right way and have a solid QB coming from West Virginia but can the defense properly complement the offense at Rice? That is still a question mark the way I see it but this Owls team better than past versions for sure. SMU – Made some key transfers on defense but will take awhile to work those guys in and have everyone on the same page. At the same time, this SMU offense looks very explosive once again. Another team to watch for overs this season is this one! Temple – This team got surprisingly solid QB play last season but this Owls team still tough to trust the way I see it. The Owls just do not have the talent level of most of the other teams in this conference. Tulane – With some of the top teams like Cincinnati and UCF and Houston having gone to the Big 12, the Green Wave certainly appear to be one of the favorites in this conference. I like their chances to duplicate last year’s big success. Tulsa – This offense looks improved and they should thrive under new head coach but I can not trust this defense even though their secondary might be respectable. Opponents might run all over this defense. UAB  – New head coach in Trent Dilfer but hard to trust him with coming from high school level and this Blazers team was already in a bit of a rebuild mode. They just can not get to a consistent level and it will take time now with a former NFL QB leading the charge as their new head coach. USF – This team is so bad and it will be another long season in South Florida. If the offense can be decent, look for overs with this team as their defense was awful last season and it looks like they will struggle badly again.  UTSA – The Roadrunners very likely to challenge Tulane for the top spot in the conference. The Runners are well coached and have nearly the entire offense back from last season plus a respectable defense. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, CFL and Women's World Cup Previews and Odds - 08/04/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Aug 04, 2023

The Friday sports card features MLB, CFL, and Women’s World Cup action.Major League Baseball has 14 games on its schedule. The Atlanta Braves travel to Chicago to play the Cubs. Max Fried takes the ball for the Braves to pitch against Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs. Atlanta is a -166 money-line road favorite, with the total set at 8.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 6:40 PM ET. Cincinnati hosts Washington, with the Reds tapping Graham Ashcraft to pitch against the Nationals’ Patrick Corbin. The Reds are a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 10.5. Tampa Bay plays at Detroit, with Zack Littel taking the hill for the Rays to battle against Reese Olson for the Tigers. The Rays are a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. Three MLB games start at 7:05 PM ET. Baltimore plays at home against New York, with the Orioles sending out Dean Kremer to duel against the Mets’ David Peterson. The Orioles are a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Houston is in New York, with Hunter Brown getting the start for the Astros to face Luis Severino for the Yankees. The Astros are a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. Philadelphia is at home against Kansas City, with the Phillies tapping Aaron Nola to battle against the Royals’ Jordan Lyles. The Phillies are a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Two MLB games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Boston hosts Toronto, with James Paxton pitching for the Red Sox to go against Alex Manoah for the Blue Jays. The Red Sox are a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 10. Cleveland plays at home against Chicago, with the Guardians sending out Logan Allen to duel against the White Sox’s Mike Clevinger. The Guardians are a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Miami Marlins at 8:05 PM ET. Jordan Montgomery makes his debut for the Rangers facing Jesus Luzardo for the Marlins. Texas is a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two more MLB games start at 8:10 PM ET. Minnesota hosts Arizona, with the Twins turning to Bailey Ober to pitch against the Diamondbacks Merrill Kelly. The Twins are a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Milwaukee plays at home against Pittsburgh, with Colin Rea getting the ball for the Brewers to pitch against Quinn Priester for the Pirates. The Brewers are a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The St. Louis Cardinals are at home against the Colorado Rockies at 8:15 PM ET. The Cardinals send out Adam Wainwright to face the Rockies’ Chris Flexen. St. Louis is a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 10. The Seattle Mariners visit Los Angeles to play the Angels at 9:38 PM ET. Luis Castillo gets the ball for the Mariners to pitch against Reid Detmers for the Angels. Seattle is a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers play in San Diego against the Padres at 9:40 PM ET. The Dodgers turn to Bobby Miller to battle against the Padres’ Yu Darvish. Both teams are priced as a -110 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.Week 9 in the Canadian Football League continues with one game. The Toronto Argonauts travel to Calgary to play the Stampeders at 9 PM ET. The Argonauts remained unbeaten this season with a 31-13 victory against Saskatchewan as a 10-point favorite on Saturday. The Stampeders are on a two-game losing streak after a 25-18 loss at Montreal as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. Toronto is a 9-point road favorite with a total of 51. The Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia continues with the first two matches in the round of 16 knockout stage on FS1 and Peacock scheduled for Saturday AM ET. Spain plays Switzerland as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Japan faces Norway as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFLX, MLB an CFL Previews and Odds - 08/03/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 03, 2023

The Thursday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The 2023 NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio. The New York Jets play against the Cleveland Browns on NBC at 8 PM ET. The Jets are a 1.5-point favorite, with the total set at 33.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Major League Baseball has 11 games on its schedule. The Philadelphia Phillies travel to Miami at 12:10 PM ET. Michael Lorenzen makes his debut for the Phillies after being acquired from Detroit to start against Johnny Cueto for the Marlins. Philadelphia is a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Texas Rangers host the Chicago White Sox at 2:05 PM ET. The Rangers send out Max Scherzer in his first assignment for them their trade with the New York Mets to pitch against the White Sox’s Touki Toussaint. Texas is a -265 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Kansas City Royals play at home against the New York Mets at 2:10 PM ET. Brady Singer takes the mound for the Mets to face Carlos Carrasco for the Mets. Kansas City is a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Baltimore Orioles at 3:07 PM ET. The Blue Jays turn to Kevin Gausman to go against the Orioles’ newly acquired Jack Flaherty. Toronto is a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Arizona Diamondbacks play in San Francisco against the Giants at 3:45 PM ET. Brandon Pfaadt takes the ball for the Diamondbacks to face a starting pitcher that has yet to be named for the Giants. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch for Fox regional coverage at 7:15 PM ET. Milwaukee hosts Pittsburgh, with the Brewers sending out   Adrian Houser to battle against the Pirates’ Mitch Keller. The Brewers are a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Houston is in New York with Cristian Javier getting the ball for the Astros to pitch against Clarke Schmidt for the Yankees. The Astros are a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. The Minnesota Twins visit St. Louis to play the Cardinals at 7:45 PM ET. The Twins tap Sonny Gray to duel against the Cardinals’ Matthew Liberatore. Minnesota is a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The Chicago Cubs play at home against the Cincinnati Reds at 8:05 PM ET. Jameson Taillon gets the start for the Cubs to face Luke Weaver for the Reds. Chicago is a -162 money-line favorite. The Los Angeles Angels are at home against the Seattle Mariners at 9:38 PM ET. The Angels give the ball to Shohei Ohtani to go against the Mariners’ Bryan Woo. Los Angeles is a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Oakland A’s at 10:10 PM ET. Julio Urias takes the hill for the Dodgers to pitch against J.P. Sears for the A’s. Los Angeles is a -278 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Week 9 in the Canadian Football League begins with one game. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at home against the British Columbia Lions on the CBS Sports Network at 8:30 PM ET. The Blue Bombers had won three of their last four games after a 28-14 victory against Edmonton as a 15-point favorite on July 20th. The Lions are on a three-game winning streak after their 27-0 victory at Edmonton as a 7.5-point road favorite on Saturday. Winnipeg is a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 49.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB and Women's World Cup Previews and Odds - 08/02/2023

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2023

The Wednesday sports card features action in MLB and the Women’s World Cup.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Atlanta Braves host the Los Angeles Angels at 12:20 PM ET. The Braves send out Yonny Chirinos to pitch against the Angels’ Lucas Giolito. Atlanta is a -155 money-line favorite, with the total set at 10 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Detroit Tigers travel to Pittsburgh to play the Pirates at 12:35 PM ET. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball for the Tigers to pitch against Osvaldo Bido for the Pirates. Detroit is a -122 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers play in Washington against the Nationals at 1:05 PM ET. The Brewers tap Wade Miley to battle against the Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore. Milwaukee is a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Cleveland Guardians are in Houston to play the Astros at 2:10 PM ET. Tanner Bibee gets the start for the Guardians to go against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Astros. The San Diego Padres play in Colorado against the Rockies at 3:10 PM ET. The Padres turn to Joe Musgrove to battle against the Rockies’ Kyle Freeland. San Diego is a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 12. The Seattle Mariners play at home against the Boston Red Sox at 4:10 PM ET. Logan Gilbert goes to the mound for the Mariners to duel against Kutter Crawford for the Red Sox. Seattle is a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Philadelphia Phillies visit Miami to play the Marlins at 6:40 PM ET. The Phillies send out Zack Wheeler to face the Marlins’ Braxton Garrett. Philadelphia is a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The New York Yankees are at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 PM ET. Gerrit Cole goes to the mound for the Yankees to pitch against Shane McClanahan for the Rays. New York is a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles at 7:07 PM ET. The Blue Jays tap Yusei Kikuchi to battle against the Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez. Toronto is a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Minnesota Twins play in St. Louis Cardinals at 7:45 PM ET. Joe Ryan takes the ball for the Twins to face Dakota Hudson for the Cardinals. Minnesota is a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 8:05 PM ET. Chicago plays at home against Cincinnati, with the Cubs sending out Drew Smyly to pitch against the Reds’ Brandon Williamson. The Cubs are a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Texas is at home against Chicago with Dane Dunning taking the hill for the Rangers to face Dylan Cease for the White Sox. The Rangers are a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The New York Mets travel to Kansas City to play the Royals at 8:10 PM ET. The Mets turn to Kodak Senga to take the mound to pitch against Alec Marsh for the Royals. New York is a -185 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 9:45 PM ET. Logan Webb gets the start for the Giants to face Slade Cecconi for the Diamondbacks. San Francisco is a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against the Oakland A’s at 10:10 PM ET. The Dodgers turn to Tony Gonsolin to pitch against the A’s Hogan Harris. Los Angeles is a -305 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5.The Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia concludes the group stage with two matches scheduled at 6 AM ET on Thursday. Germany plays South Korea on Fox and Peacock as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Colombia faces Morocco on FS1 and Peacock as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB and Women's World Cup Previews and Odds - 08/01/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features action in MLB and the Women’s World Cup.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Miami Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:40 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite, with the total set at 8 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Three more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at home against the Detroit Tigers as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers travel to Washington to play the Nationals as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Tampa Bay Rays play in New York against the Yankees on TBS. The Rays won for the third time in their last four games in a 5-1 victory in the opening game of this series on Monday. The Yankees lost for the third time in their last four games. Zach Eflin takes the ball for Tampa Bay to pitch against Carlos Rodon for New York. The Rays are a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Baltimore Orioles at 7:07 PM ET as a -118 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Atlanta Braves host the Los Angeles Angels at 7:20 PM ET as a -258 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Minnesota Twins are in St. Louis to play the Cardinals at 7:45 PM ET. Two MLB games start at 8:05 PM ET. The Chicago Cubs play at home against the Cincinnati Reds as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Chicago White Sox as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Two more MLB games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Houston Astros host the Cleveland Guardians as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The New York Mets visit Kansas City to play the Royals as a -1623 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Diego Padres are in Colorado to play the Rockies at 8:40 PM ET. The Seattle Mariners host the Boston Red Sox at 9:40 PM ET as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Arizona Diamondbacks play in San Francisco against the Giants at 9:45 PM ET as a -120 moneyline road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Oakland A’s are in Los Angeles to play the Dodgers at 10:10 PM ET. The Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia continues with four matches scheduled through Wednesday AM ET. Two games start at 3:01 AM ET. Sweden plays Argentina on Fox and Peacock as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Italy faces South Africa on FS1 and Peacock as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. The other two matches begin at 6 AM ET. Brazil battles Jamaica on Fox and Peacock as a -2 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. France goes against Panama on FS1 and Peacock as a -3.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 4. 

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College Football 2023-24 Preview, Part One: 133 Questions and Thoughts for 133 FBS Teams

by Hollywood Sports

Monday, Jul 31, 2023

For the 13th straight summer, I invested time researching each FBS college football team to serve as the foundation for my college football handicapping in the fall and winter. What initially began as basic notetaking on some fundamental details for each team has become an arduous and detailed process for each team that derives from the reading and studying of multiple sources. Each FBS team takes about 30 minutes to an hour of preparation time. To help document this work while crystallizing my thoughts for each team, I am providing a summary of each team highlighted by a critical question that will go a long way in their success or failure. NAVY: How will the team respond to their first different head coach in 15 years after Ken Niumatalolo was fired in the locker room after the Midshipmen’s loss to Army last December? In theory, promoting defensive coordinator Brian Newberry to the position offers stability for this 4-8 team last year. But has the cut block rule change last year taken away one of the secret advantages for this program with their spread triple option attack? Seventeen starters return, but does sophomore Teddy Gleaton offer them a dynamic athletic threat under center? This team has been at its most dangerous when they had a special player at quarterback. NOTRE DAME: Does the addition of Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman complement or stall the momentum this team found last season? The sixth-year senior has averaged more than 300 passing YPG for the Demon Deacons over the last two years. But after an 0-3 start, the Fighting Irish found a successful identity in running the football with a power running game behind a great offensive line which played into their talent and helped their defense. They closed the season winning nine of ten. It remains to be seen if the Irish have talent at wideout to accommodate an explosive passing attack. UTEP: Can relying on 25 junior college transfers provide the foundation for the continued rise of this program under sixth-year head coach Dana Dimel? After being saddled with a 5-27 record in his first three seasons, the Miners have a 12-13 record in the last two seasons under Dimel. With 15 starters back from a group that outgained their Conference USA opponents by +50.2 YPG, a four-year starting quarterback in Gavin Hardison, and perhaps the best offensive line in the conference,  there are reasons for optimism. But in the world of the transfer portal, this program is feeding on the junior college ranks to replace the players they are losing in the portal. JACKSONVILLE STATE: Can the Gamecocks become the next FBS debutant to find immediate success? In going 9-2 last season, only one of their opponents was an FBS opponent. Quarterback Zion Webb was granted a seventh season of eligibility on June 15th — so second-year head coach Rich Rodriguez has an experienced signal caller to run his spread option attack. The defense lost three of their top six tacklers and now faces a full-FBS schedule while playing in Conference USA.JAMES MADISON: Can the Dukes replace the production of quarterback Todd Centeio who was the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year? He led JMU to an 8-3 record and a +172 net YPG mark in conference play. Senior Jordan McCloud transfers in from Arizona (circa South Florida) with two other second-year QBs and Wake Forest freshman transfer Brett Griffis in the mix. The wide receiving corps are relying on at least four transfers after losing four of their top five receivers from last season. MASSACHUSETTS: How far can head coach Don Brown have his defense carry this team? His zealotry to stay committed to man-to-man pass defense may still cause trouble against Ohio State, but the 68-year-old has overseen some great defenses in his time as the former defensive coordinator for Michigan under Jim Harbaugh and previously at Boston College where he had top-ten statistical defenses. The man pass coverage comes with tons of pressure on the quarterback — the Minutemen ranked fifth in the FBS last season in blitz rate per dropback. UMass returns eight starters and 13 of the 18 defensive players who logged in at least 200 snaps last year from a group that ranked 54th in the nation by allowing 369.6 YPG. The Minutemen will try to control time of possession when they have the ball — and they do a former blue-chipper a quarterback in Taisun Phommochanh who gets a third opportunity after failing to meet expectations at Clemson and then Georgia Tech. NEW MEXICO STATE: Was the Aggies' 6-1 finish evidence that head coach Jerry Kill was successful in fostering significant progress out of his team in his first year with the program, or were they simply beneficiaries of unusual circumstances at the end of the season? At 5-6, their game with San Jose State gets canceled due to a tragedy on the Spartans team. They get a waiver to add a 12th game against an FCS opponent and have it count towards their potential bowl eligibility — they find Valparaiso and crush them by a 65-3 score. They then beat Bowling Green in their bowl game by a 24-19 score. Senior Diego Pavia won the starting QB job during the season — so his emergence must be considered when assessing this team’s progress. Kill has improved the talent base — but the challenge significantly increases with their move from Independent to Conference USA.OHIO: How quickly can Kurtis Rourke regain the form that led him to winning the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year last season? The fifth-year quarterback threw 25 touchdown passes with only four interceptions while posting an adjusted completion percentage of 78% before getting injured near the end of the season and missing the MAC Championship Game and the Arizona Bowl. Tim Albin is building a culture in his image in his third year as the Bobcats’ head coach — but they lost six of the 14 players on defense that played at least 300 snaps. After a dramatic improvement on defense in the second half of the season, their biggest weakness appears to be a defensive line that returns only one starter for their 4-3 look — and they replace both safeties from a unit that ranked 117th in Opponent Pass Success Rate. SAN DIEGO STATE: Was their 12-2 record in 2021 an aberration — or can head coach Brady Hoke get the Aztecs back to double-digit wins again after his team took a step back last year with a 7-6 mark? The offense remains a problem after falling outside the top 96 teams in the nation for the fifth straight season by generating only 324.9 total YPG (113th in the FBS). Quarterback Jalen Mayden had 10 interceptions and 16 turnover-worthy plays in his eight starts after moving back to the position from linebacker to begin the season. And the Aztecs may not be able to continue to lean heavily on their defense since that unit ranks 115th in the nation by returning only 36% of its production from last year — including the loss of their top three-tacklers (who also led the team in tackles-for-loss) and six of the seven in the front-six of their 3-3-5 defense who logged in at least 400 snaps. HAWAI'I: Can embracing the traditions of past glory help second-year head coach Timmy Chang elevate the Rainbow Warriors into contenders to reach bowl games once again? The offense showed signs of life when they embraced Run-and-Shoot principles midseason. But has the Run-and-Shoot been exposed as an offensive scheme with structural weaknesses since the days of the early 2000s when Chang was the team’s quarterback for head coach June Jones? Schemes cannot replace talent — and Chang is rebuilding a proud program that hit rock bottom when they could not field a team for the 2021 Hawai’i Bowl in the waning days of the train wreck that was the Todd Graham era. Chang inherited a program that required a massive rebuild undertaking after ranking second-to-last in FBS teams returning production. Chang has stopped the bleeding, but rebuilding the recruiting connections and surviving the transfer portal remain long-term projects. VANDERBILT: Can teaching and coaching player development overcome the hits the Commodores are absorbing in the transfer portal? Head coach Clark Lea has lost 12 players in the transfer window to fellow Power-5 programs in the last two seasons. But for the first time in five years, this team will have continuity with both their offensive and defensive coordinator from the previous year. Lea has his team playing scrapping with upset victories against Florida and Kentucky last year. Is sophomore A.J. Swann a rising star at quarterback after winning the job four games into the season last year — or were his two interceptions good fortunate that should not mask his 13 turnover-worthy plays in just 198 pass attempts?SAN JOSE STATE: What will be the bigger problem for the Spartans — their offensive line or their pass rush? Head coach Brent Brennan has a stable quarterback situation with senior Chevan Cordeiro returning after finishing on the second-team All-Mountain West Conference squad. But he was sacked 42 times last year. Four starters — and 86 combined starts — return on their offensive line but this is a group that ranked 113th in the nation in Stuff Rate Allowed last season. The defense was very good after ranking 29th in the nation by allowing only 22.0 PPG — but they lost five of their top six leaders in sacks including MWC Defensive Player of the Year Viliami Fehoka. USC: Can the Trojans come close to playing championship-level defense? While they allowed 42.5 PPG in their last two games, does the issue go further than simply improving the talent base? Lincoln Riley’s teams have allowed 40 or more points 18 times in his five years as a coach despite being at two blue-blood programs at USC and Oklahoma. His teams give up 43.9 PPG in his career when they lose. Riley added a bunch of transfer players on that side of the ball — but that was the party line last year as well before their opponents gained 423.9 total YPG against them, ranking 105th in the nation. Leading the nation with 29 takeaways often made up for their leaky play — but is that close to being sustainable if the level of execution does not significantly improve?FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL Did head coach Mike MacIntyre play aggressively because that has become his style or did he feel that those tactics were necessary to compensate for a talent deficit on his roster? He inherited only ten starters from a 1-11 squad in his first season with the program. He brought in at least 11 players in the transfer portal — but while the Panthers finished 4-8 overall, they got outgained by -179.8 YPG in Conference USA. FIU will be a difficult team to invest in or against if MacIntrye continues to embrace high-risk/high-reward tactics since they produce a high variance in game-to-game results. LOUISIANA TECH: Are the Bulldogs improving or simply treading water in the transfer portal? Second-year head coach Sonny Cumbie added almost two dozen new players in the portal to complement 12 returning starters. But Cumbie’s squad finished only 3-9 last season with one of those wins against an FCS program. Five of their losses were by 20 or more points — and the -79 YPG that they got outgained by in Conference USA play was a -33 YPG decline from the team Cumbie inherited.Best of luck -- Frank.

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