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2025 Australian Open Preview: (Tennis)

by William Burns

Saturday, Jan 11, 2025

Another gruelling season of tennis is officially underway in the year of 2025 and we've arrived at the first of four "Grand-Slam" events in the Australian Open. Luckily for us, we get to watch a bundle of great matchups that are poised to happen over the course of this tournament. After the bracket was announced, this could go down as an absolutely epic Aussie Open. Get your popcorn ready, this is about to be a wild ride!  The Overall Favorites to win the Tournament: Men's 1.) Over the past year now, Jannik Sinner (+110 to Win) has solidified himself as the top contender in the Men's tennis world. He's an outstanding ball striking that has the speed to cover the entirety of the court. He's the most consistent player on tour, and will look to kick off his 2025 with another great performance. He won this tournament last year after coming all the way back from down two sets to love in the final against Daniil Medvedev after beating Novak Djokovic in the Semi Finals. 2.) Although the tennis world is still wowed constantly by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz (+350 to Win,) he had a bit of a disappointing year last year considering how talented this man is. Alcaraz is still one of the best players in the world and one of the most talented players that this game has ever seen. He's lightning quick and has the ability to completely take over matches when he gets hot. I expect him to have a great tournament here to start his season off well. 3.) The GOAT of tennis, Novak Djokovic (+600 to Win) is a bit of a sleeper for this year's Australian Open. Despite winning this title 10 times over the course of his career, Djokovic is aging, which is why his odds slowly decrease year after year. Having said that, Novak is still one of the top players in the game. His longevity has separated him from the rest and that is why I, and many believe that he is the greatest to ever play the game. He's definitely capable of winning this tournament, but he needs to be at his best and cannot have any lapses against the best of the best in the later stages. Women's 1.) In the women's game at the moment, Aryna Sabalenka (+240 to Win) has taken over. The current #1 overall player in the world is a power machine. She hits the ball with so much ferocity that it's hard for her opponents to even think that they have a chance at the beginning of the match. Even with the tough draw, compared to normal, I believe that she will cruise through to the later stages of the tournament and end up winning this tournament overall just like she did a year and two years ago. 2.) Coco Gauff (+500 to Win) is the best American Women's tennis player in the world at the moment and there's no question about it. She's one of the best overall players, and definitely has a shot at winning this tournament. Coco changed her coach once again going into this year and has gained confidence since losing in the 4th round of the US Open in 2024. Now, she's won just one Grand Slam over her young career so far, but this one is going to be a difficult task. 3.) Talking about Women's tennis, one cannot go without mentioning the name of Iga Swiatek (+500 to Win.) Her will/determination to simply just win is unmatched in the tennis world. Although she might have fallen off a bit since a year and a bit ago now, Swiatek is still always going to be one of the top players in the Women's game. I believe that she has as good of a chance at winning this tournament as anyone if she's playing her best tennis. It's going to be necessary for her to stay focused throughout the tournament though. Full Odds to Win the Tournament (via. DraftKings:) Men's: Jannik Sinner (+110)Carlos Alcaraz (+350)Novak Djokovic (+600)Alexander Zverev (+1000)Daniil Medvedev (+1600)Taylor Fritz (+3000)Alex De Minaur (+5000)Jack Draper (+6000)Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (+7000)Stefanos Tsitsipas (+8000)Women's: Aryna Sabalenka (+240)Coco Gauff (+500)Iga Swiatek (+500)Elena Rybakina (+1000)Qinwen Zheng (+1500)Mirra Andreeva (+3000)Karolina Muchova (+3000)Naomi Osaka (+4000)Emma Navarro (+5000)Madison Keys (+5000) Burns' Australian Open 2025 Projections:  Overall, this should be a very good tournament. So many great potential matchups and many new contenders that believe this is their time to shine. Having said that, I expect the pure ball strikers that have power to thrive here in Melbourne. The surface is Hard Court, which makes the ball move a lot faster and also leads to more aces. That being said, this is the perfect event for someone like Aryna Sabalenka to go out and do her thing. On the men's side of things, it's harder to predict a winner if one doesn't want to just go straight to the two favorites. Even though it's laying quite a lot of juice, playing on the Big Three against the field might be the best play. Here are my 2025 Australian Open Best Bets. Best Bets:  1: Aryna Sabalenka to Win >> +2402: Naomi Osaka to Win 2nd Quarter >> +11003. Big Three vs. The Field (Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz) >> -500

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds 01/11/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 11, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB  action.The National Football League kicks off its postseason with two games in the wildcard playoff round. The Los Angeles Chargers travel to Houston to play the Texans on CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with the total set at 41.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Amazon Prime at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Houston Rockets play in Atlanta against the Hawks at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 233. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Utah Jazz at 5:10 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Detroit Pistons are at home against the Toronto Raptors at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Miami Heat are in Portland to face the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 218. The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. The Florida Panthers play at home against the Boston Bruins on ABC at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 p.m. ET. The Ottawa Senators visit Pittsburgh to battle the Penguins as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres are home against the Seattle Kraken as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Seven NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Dallas Stars play in Montreal against the Canadiens as a -225 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils host the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The St. Louis Blues are home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are in Winnipeg to face the Jets with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Vancouver Canucks as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a -325 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Nashville Predators play at home against the Washington Capitals at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club is home against the New York Islanders as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Three more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Kings play in Calgary against the Flames as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are in San Jose to challenge the Sharks as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the New York Rangers as a -160 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 143 games between Division I opponents. Ten NCAAB games are on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon et. Creighton visits Butler on Fox as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 145. Duke hosts Notre Dame on ESPN as a 19.5-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. New Mexico plays at home against San Diego State on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 147. Two NCAAB games on major national television begin at 2:00 p.m. ET. Texas Tech is home against Iowa State on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147. UConn plays at Georgetown on Fox as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 143. Florida is at Arkansas on ESPN at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Tennessee travels to Texas on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 136. Two major nationally televised NCAAB games start at 8:00 p.m. ET. Alabama plays at Texas A&M on ESPN as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 159.5. Iowa hosts Indiana on Fox as a 5-point favorite with a total of 166.5. Arizona plays at home against Central Florida on ESPN as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAF, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/10/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 10, 2025

The Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The college football postseason continues with the second semifinal game of the college football playoffs on ESPN and ESPN2. Ohio State battles Texas in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Buckeyes won for the seventh time in their last eight games with their 41-21 victory against Oregon as a 2.5-point favorite on New Year’s Day in the quarterfinals of the playoffs last Wednesday. The Longhorns won for the seventh time in their last eight games in a 39-31 win in overtime against Arizona State last Wednesday. Ohio State is a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 53.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 221. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Orlando to face the  Magic as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 208.5. The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Golden State Warriors as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 222.5 Two NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics are home against the Sacramento Kings as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 230. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in New York against the Knicks as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 225.5. The Chicago Bulls host the Washington Wizards at 8:10 p.m. ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 240.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Brooklyn Nets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 15.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes are home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Chicago Blackhawks as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets are home against the Los Angeles Kings at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club hosts the San Jose Sharks at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 14 games between Division I opponents. Four NCAAB games are on major national television. Kent State is at Buffalo on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 10-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Wisconsin plays at home against Minnesota on Peacock at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Maryland is at home against UCLA on Fox as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Toledo hosts Central Michigan on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with a total of 151.5. 

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NFL Wildcard Weekend Player Props

by ASA, Inc.

Thursday, Jan 09, 2025

Bills - RB James Cook Over 57.5 Rushing Yards (-115)Cook, somewhat quietly, had a monster year in Buffalo amassing 1K yards while punching in a league-most 16 touchdowns. Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs also tied that touchdown number but seem to get more notoriety than Cook. Of the ten running backs to amas 1K yards and have double digit touchdowns, Cook saw the least amount of carries, speaking for his efficiency and nose for the end zone. Sunday’s noon matchup against Denver has the Bills as heavy favorites (-9) which bodes well for a run heavy game script. Cook plays on average 48% of the offensive snap while averaging 63 ypg on the ground. During playoff time, expect Cook to be on the field more than usual and the Bills to lean on him to close the game. Eagles - WR AJ Brown Over 84.5 Receiving Yards (-115)Arthur Juan Brown was nagged by a hamstring issue to start the year but since managed to get to 1K yards with seven touchdowns in just 13 games. He ranked fifth in receiving yards per game with 83. A physical specimen and one of the best big body pass catchers in the game, he is in store for lots of volume this week. The Packers are without Jaire Alexander, leaving a thin secondary to try and contain both Brown and DeVonta Smith. Green Bay also has to worry about stopping Saquon Barkley and getting pressure against one of the best offensive lines in football. Brown had 119 yards on 5 catches in their week 1 matchup against the Pack in Brazil. He has the chance to do similar damage in the Wild Card round. Commanders - WR Terry McLaurin Over 59.5 Receiving Yards (-115) Scary Terry has surpassed this current yardage total in 10 of his last 15 games. McLaurin had nearly 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in a major bounce back year with rookie Jayden Daniels. Keep in mind, there were also numerous occasions Daniels missed McLaurin for big plays, highlighting the elite wide receiver that he is. The matchup at Tampa Bay is the highest point total of the weekend (50.5), and for good reason, as both defenses have major issues. Tampa ranked 29th in passing yards allowed with Washington ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed. In the warm Tampa weather, points will be flowing in this one, which is fantastic news for Terry’s yardage total. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/09/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 09, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The college football postseason continues with the first semifinal game of the college football playoffs on ESPN and ESPN2. Notre Dame challenges Penn State in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Fighting Irish are on a 12-game winning streak after their 23-10 victory against Georgia as a 1-point favorite in the quarterfinals last Thursday. The Nittany Lions won for the sixth time in their last seven games in a 31-14 victory against Boise State as an 11.5-point favorite on New Year’s Eve last Tuesday. Notre Dame is a 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 45.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors as a 15.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Orlando to play the Magic as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 205.5. The Detroit Pistons play at home against the Golden State Warriors as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 219.5. The Houston Rockets play at Memphis against the Grizzlies at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 232. The Dallas Mavericks are home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 219. Two NBA games start at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Miami Heat are in Utah to play the Jazz as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Phoenix Suns host the Atlanta Hawks as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 238. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 10:40 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 220.5. The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Six NHL games from the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Dallas Stars visit Philadelphia to play the Flyers as a -166 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins as a -205 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are home against the Boston Bruins as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Seattle Kraken are in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -118 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils travel to New York to play the Rangers as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The St. Louis Blues are home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche play in Minnesota against the Wild as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the New York Islanders at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 55 games between Division I opponents. Four NCAAB games are on major national television. Chattanooga plays at home against UNC-Greensboro on the CBS Sports Network at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Purdue is at Rutgers on FS1 at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 149. William & Mary is home against Elon University on the CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Liberty travels to Sam Houston on the CBS Sports Network at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/08/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 08, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Oklahoma City Thunder on ESPN as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 229 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the Washington Wizards as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 220. The Indiana Pavers are home against the Chicago Bulls as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 241. Two NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks host the Toronto Raptors as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Detroit Pistons travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 213. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play in Denver against the Nuggets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 228. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the San Antonio Spurs on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. Two NHL  games drop the puck at 7:37 p.m. ET. The Colorado Avalanche are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks on TNT as a -265 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals host the Vancouver Canucks as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Florida Panthers visit Utah to play the Hockey Club on TNT at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against the Calgary Flames at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 50 games between Division I opponents. Nine NCAAB games are on major national television. UConn plays at Villanova on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 147. Three NCAAB games tip-off on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Bradley is at home against Drake on the CBS Sports Network as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 126. Arkansas hosts Mississippi on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 148. North Carolina State plays at home against Notre Dame on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. Three major nationally televised NCAAB games begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Kansas City is at Nebraska-Omaha on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 139.5. Kansas is at home against Arizona State on ESPN2 as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. North Texas hosts Rice on ESPNU as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 125.5. San Diego State plays at home against Air Force on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 21.5-point favorite with an over/under of 131.5. California is home against Virginia on ESPNU at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 132.

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College Football’s Final Four Storyline

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Jan 07, 2025

In the first round of the College Football Playoff, the teams seeded 5-8 all won. In the second round, they all won again.The moral of this story: who knows, other than something doesn't totally add up when not a single one of the top four teams, all of which received the advantage of a first-round bye, advances into college football's final four. No conference championship? No problem. None of the schools won a conference title or earned a first-round bye in the playoffs, but each features a coach who has never won a national championship before. The semifinals are set: Next Thursday in the Orange Bowl, it will be No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame. Then, Friday in the Cotton Bowl, it will be No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State.What’s with the SEC?Texas is the highest remaining seed. There's no way Ohio State should be seeded eighth. Suddenly, seventh-seeded Notre Dame seems like the bracket's cuddly underdog. That's one way to look at it. Here's another: The SEC is on the clock. If Texas loses the Cotton Bowl to Ohio State, the SEC will be out of the championship game for the second consecutive season. One thing this expanded tournament could still use: a well-played, truly great football game. Other than the two-overtime win by Texas over Arizona State on Wednesday, all these playoff games have been double-digit snoozefests.Who’s Hot?Ohio State is the hottest team in the field but still is internalizing its own special angst of not being able to win the big one on the heels of a fourth straight loss to rival Michigan to close the regular season. Hottest? Hang on because Notre Dame may want to have a word. The Irish have shed themselves of the torment from the Northern Illinois loss. The 12-game winning streak since then is the longest in the country.Will defense win this?If defense wins championships, then Marcus Freeman has this thing figured out. The 62.5 rushing yards per game is the best in the playoff. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has allowed the two playoff opponents -- Indiana and Georgia -- only 61 plays each. The Irish have held the ball 56% of the time (67 out of 120 minutes). PENN ST vs NOTRE DAME (-2.5)No. 7 Notre Dame (13-1) The Story: When the Irish lost 16-14 at home to Northern Illinois on Sept. 7, Notre Dame's odds of winning the national title ballooned to 100-1. Twelve wins later, including two by double digits in the playoffs, and they are listed at 7-1.We shall see if quarterback Riley Leonard can be the difference offensively. Against Georgia, he passed for less than 100 yards but led the Irish in rushing. No. 6 Penn State (13-2) The Story: After a loss to Oregon in the Big Ten title game, Franklin's record against teams in the AP Top 10 dropped to 3-19. Oregon isn't playing anymore, Ohio State is and Franklin's record against the Buckeyes is 1-10.Penn State has the most explosive running game in the playoff (more than 200 yards per game). Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton are the first pair of 1,000-yard rushers for the Nittany Lions in the same season. Quarterback Drew Allar just completed his eighth career game with at least three touchdown passes and no interceptions. But Allar always seems to miss one or two wide open receivers per game. He's either still developing or that is an ongoing flaw in his game. That's not a good combination with ND leading the country allowing only 51% of opponent passes to be completed. PSU's All-American tight end Tyler Warren can go off at any time. In the playoff, he has 17 touches receiving, rushing and throwing for 102 yards and two touchdowns.Hidden stat: Penn State lives in the opponent's backfield. Only two other Power Four programs have more tackles for loss. Penn State has 20 TFLs in 148 opponents' snaps in the postseason. TEXAS vs OHIO ST (-6)No. 5 Texas (13-2) The Story: The Longhorns are 0-2 against Georgia and don't have to worry about the Dawgs anymore. They are 13-0 against the rest of the country.Quinn Ewers returns to his "roots" against Ohio State. It seems like a decade ago, but Texas' quarterback started with the Buckeyes after reclassifying to get out of high school a year early. He basically did it for an NIL bag. Ewers took only four snaps that freshman season. Now, he has become the face of Texas with an NFL-quality arm backed by an elite defense. Because of its lack of attention to detail, Texas allowed Arizona State to rally late to tie in Peach Bowl quarterfinal. The Longhorns arguably should have lost after a targeting penalty against Michael Taaffe wasn't called.No. 8 Ohio State (12-2) The Story: After punctuating a fourth straight loss to Michigan by standing on the field looking lost while the Wolverines triggered a melee by planting the team flag at the 50-yard line, there was good reason to think coach Ryan Day could only keep his job by somehow rallying to win a national title that felt unlikely.Hidden stat: Ohio State is one win away from becoming the fourth team ever with four wins against top-five ranked teams in a season. The others are Notre Dame (1943), USC (1967) and LSU (2019). 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/7/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 07, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets travel to Washington to play the Wizards as an 11.5-point road favorite with the total set at 226 (all odds from DraftKings). The Phoenix Suns play in Charlotte against the Hornets as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 222. The Los Angeles Lakers are in Dallas to face the Mavericks on TNT at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 218.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves visit New Orleans to play the Pelicans at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 220. The Atlanta Hawks play in Utah against the Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 235.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors host the Miami Heat as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 218. The Boston Celtics are in Denver to battle the Nuggets on TNT as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 236. The National Hockey League has 10 games on its slate. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to Tampa Bay to play the Lightning as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars play in New York against the Rangers as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators are in Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers visit Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play in Philadelphia against the Flyers at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Wild are home against the St.Louis Blues as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the Nashville Predators as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5.The Calgary Flames are in Anaheim to play the Ducks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights travel to San Jose to play the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -258 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 34 games between Division I opponents. Twelve NCAAB games are on major national television. St. John’s plays at Xavier on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 151.5. Three NCAAB games are on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Florida plays at home against Tennessee on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Louisville is at home against Clemson on ESPNU as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Duke hosts Pittsburgh on ESPN as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5.Two major nationally televised NCAAB games tip off at 8:00 p.m. ET.  Marquette plays at home against Georgetown on the CBS Sports Network as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Iowa is home against Nebraska on Peacock as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 159. Two NCAAB games are on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Auburn is at Texas on ESPN2 as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 152.5. Mississippi State visits Vanderbilt on ESPNU as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5.  Two major nationally televised NCAAB games start at 10:00 p.m. ET. New Mexico plays at Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 147. UCLA hosts Michigan on Peacock as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Boise State plays at home against UNLV on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 140. Saint Mary’s is home against Loyola-Marymount on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 135.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 1/6/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 06, 2025

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Phoenix Suns as a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 222.5. The Detroit Pistons play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 225.5. Three NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Indiana Pacers travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The New York Knicks are home against the Orlando Magic as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 209.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 230.5. Three NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 237. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Dallas Mavericks as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the Los Angeles Clippers as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 215. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The Washington Capitals visit Buffalo to play the Sabres at 7:10 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks play in Montreal against the Canadiens at 7:40 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche are home against the Florida Panthers at 9:10 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are in Seattle to play the Kraken at 10:10 p.m. ET as a -185 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 17 games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. Two of these NCAAB games on major national television tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Wisconsin travels to Rutgers on FSI as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Wichita State hosts South Florida on ESPN2. The Shockers had won two games in a row before their 91-85 loss at Temple as a 1-point underdog on Friday. The Bulls have won three straight games after their 75-69 victory against East Carolina as a 1.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Wichita State is an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 154.5. Three more NCAAB games on major national television start at 9:00 p.m. ET. Ohio State plays at Minnesota on FS1 as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 137. Texas Southern plays at home against Grambling State on ESPNU as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Houston is at home against TCU on ESPN2. The Cougars have won 11 games in a row after their 89-55 victory against West Virginia as a 19.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Horned Frogs won for the third time in their last four games after their 63-62 victory against Kansas State as a 3.5-point favorite on Saturday. TCU is an 18.5-point favorite with an over/under of 128.5. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Nottingham Forest is at Wolverhampton on the USA Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NCAAB, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 1/5/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 05, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 18 in the NFL concludes with 14 games. Eight NFL games kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Indianapolis Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 44.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Buffalo Bills travel to New England to play the Patriots as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 366.5. The Washington Commanders play in Dallas against the Cowboys as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 43.5. The Philadelphia Eagles play at home against the New York Giants as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 36.5. The Green Bay Packers are home against the Chicago Bears as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 41.5.  The Atlanta Falcons host the Carolina Panthers as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5. The Tennessee Titans play at home against the Houston Texans as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 36.5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are home against the New Orleans Saints as a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. ]Five more NFL games start at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Arizona Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 42.5. The Seattle Seahawks are in Los Angeles against the Rams as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 38.5. The New York Jets play at home against the Miami Dolphins as a -0.5 point favorite with a total of 38.5. The Los Angeles Chargers visit Las Vegas to play the Raiders as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The Denver Broncos play at home against the Kansas City Chiefs as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 40.5.Sunday Night Football on NBC has the Detroit Lions at home against the Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Lions are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 56.5.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Boston Celtics at 3:40 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 222. Two more NBA tip-off at 6:10 p.m. ET. The New Orleans Pelicans play in Washington against the Wizards as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 15-point favorite with a total of 222. The Orlando Magic are home against the Utah Jazz at 6:40 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 212. The Houston Rockets host the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 218.5. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The New York Rangers are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks on ABC at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Boston Bruins are home against the New York Islanders as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maples Leafs play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 24 games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. Florida Atlantic plays at Eastern Carolina on ESPN2 at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 150. UConn is at home against Providence on NBC at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 15-point favorite with a total of 137. Drake is at home against Murray State on ESPN2 as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 127. Oregon hosts Maryland on Peacock at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 150. Memphis plays at home against North Texas as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League continues with two matches. Fulham is at home against Ipswich Town as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Liverpool hosts Manchester United on NBC at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAF and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/4/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 04, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 18 in the NFL kicks off with two games on ABC and ESPN. The Baltimore Ravens host the Cleveland Browns at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 19.5-point favorite with the total set at 41.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 48.5. The college football postseason continues with one bowl game. Buffalo plays Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas. The Bulls are a 4-point favorite with a total of 50.5. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers play in Brooklyn against the Nets at 6:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 215.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Phoenix Suns as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 235. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at Detroit to play the Pistons as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 218.5. Four NBA games start at  8:10 p.m. ET. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 12-point favorite with a total of 228. The Denver Nuggets visit San Antonio to play the Spurs as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Miami Heat host the Utah Jazz as an 8-point favorite with a total of 224. The New York Knicks play in Chicago against the Bulls as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 235. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 234.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Atlanta Hawks at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5.The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. The Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers at 12:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are in San Jose to play the Sharks at 4:07 p.m. ET as a -305 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are home against the Boston Bruins as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Minnesota Wild as a -290 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars are home against the Utah Hockey Club at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings host the Tampa Bay Lightning at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators travel to Calgary to play the Flames as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 7.5. The Edmonton Oilers play in Seattle against the Kraken as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights play at home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 137 games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Kentucky is home against Florida on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 166.5. North Carolina is at Notre Dame on CBS at noon ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 156. Tennessee is home against Arkansas on ESPN at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 2:00 p.m. ET. Iowa State hosts Baylor on CBS as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 152. Nebraska plays at home against UCLA on Fox as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 134. Boise State is home against San Diego State on CBS at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Michigan travels to USC on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 151. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Newcastle United plays at Tottenham on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Four more EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Aston Villa hosts Leicester City as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of  3.5. Bournemouth plays at home against Everton on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Chelsea is at Crystal Palace as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester City is home against West Ham United as a -1.5 goal—line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Brentford visits Southampton as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal plays at Brighton and Hove Albion on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and NCAAF Previews and Odds - 1/3/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 03, 2025

The Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The college football postseason continues with two bowl games on ESPN. Texas State battles North Texas in the First Responder Bowl at the Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The Bobcats won for the third time in their last four games in a 45-38 victory at South Alabama as a 2.5-point favorite on November 29th. The Mean Green ended a five-game winning streak with a 24-17 victory at Temple as an 11.5-point favorite on November 30th. Texas State is a 14-point favorite with the total set at 64 (all odds from DraftKings). Minnesota plays Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Golden Gophers ended a two-game losing streak with a 24-7 victory at Wisconsin as a 2-point favorite on November 29th. The Hokies had lost three games in a row before a 37-17 win against Virginia as a 5-point favorite on November 30th. Minnesota is a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Detroit Pistons host the Charlotte Hornets at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 216.5. The Orlando Magic travel to Toronto to face the Raptors at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 215.5. Three NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 7-point favorite with a total of 232.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are home against the New York Knicks as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 221.5. The Boston Celtics play at Houston against the Rockets as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 221. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Dallas to play the Mavericks at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.The Denver Nuggets host the San Antonio Spurs at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 236. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the Atlanta Hawks at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 231.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Florida Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Montreal Canadiens visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Anaheim Ducks at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -455 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Nashville Predators play in Vancouver against the Canucks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 16 games between Division I opponents. Eight NCAAB games are on major national television. Akron is at Bowling Green on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Wisconsin hosts Iowa on FS1 as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 162.5. Temple plays at home against Wichita State on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 153. Two NCAAB games start at 8:00 p.m. ET. Ohio State is home against Michigan State on Fox as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149. Georgetown hosts Xavier on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Two NCAAB games begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Saint Louis plays at home against Saint Joseph’s on ESPN2 as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Marquette is at home against Creighton on FS1 as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. New Mexico hosts Nevada on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5.

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