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

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 18, 2022

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

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2022 UCF Knights Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

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

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2022 UAB Blazers Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

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

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CFL Week 11 preview

by Sean Murphy

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

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

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/17/2022

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

The Wednesday sports card features MLB action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Philadelphia Phillies visit Cincinnati to play the Reds at 12:35 PM ET. Ranger Suarez takes the ball for the Phillies to pitch against the Reds’ Nick Lodolo. Philadelphia is a -165 money line road favorite with the total set at 8.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Chicago Cubs play at Washington against the Nationals at 1:05 PM ET. The Cubs tap Drew Smyly to pitch against the Nationals’ Cory Abbott. Chicago is a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals at 1:10 PM ET. Tyler Mahle takes the mound for the Twins to battle against Daniel Lynch for the Royals. Minnesota is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 8. The Toronto Blue Jays play at home against the Baltimore Orioles at 3:07 PM ET. The Blue Jays turn to Ross Stripling in their starting rotation to pitch against the Orioles’ Austin Voth. Toronto is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Seattle Mariners travel to Los Angeles to play the Angels at 4:07 PM ET. George Kirby takes the hill for the Mariners to duel against Touki Toussaint for the Angels. The San Diego Padres play at Miami against the Marlins at 4:10 PM ET. The Padres send Mike Clevinger to the mound to duel against the Marlins’ Pablo Lopez. San Diego is a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 7.The MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET. Boston visits Pittsburgh with the Red Sox turning to Rich Hill to pitch against the Pirates’ Roansy Contreras. The Red Sox are a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. New York is at home against Tampa Bay with Domingo German taking the ball for the Yankees against Cory Kluber for the Rays. The Yankees are a -145 money line favorite with a total of 8. The Cleveland Guardians host the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 PM ET. The Guardians tap Cal Quantrill to pitch against the Tigers’ Daniel Norris. Cleveland is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The New York Mets travel to Atlanta to play the Braves at 7:20 PM ET. Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Mets to pitch against Jake Odorizzi for the Braves. New York is a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. The St. Louis Cardinals play at home against the Colorado Rockies at 7:45 PM ET. The Cardinals turn to Jordan Montgomery to pitch against the Rockies’ German Marquez. St. Louis is a -200 money line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Oakland A’s at 8:05 PM ET. Cole Ragans gets his turn in the starting rotation for the Rangers to go against Adam Oller for the A’s. Texas is a -165 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 8:10 PM ET. Los Angeles plays at Milwaukee on FS1, with the Dodgers tapping Tony Gonsolin to pitch against the Brewers’ Eric Lauer. The Dodgers are a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Houston is at Chicago with Framber Valdez pitching for the Astros against Michael Kopech for the White Sox. The Astros are a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 8. The San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 9:45 PM ET. The Giants send out Carlos Rodon to battle against the Diamondbacks’ Zach Davies. San Francisco is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. 

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2022 Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

Tulsa Golden Hurricane2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (5-3 American) - 8-5-0 ATS - 7-5-1 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 6OverviewFormer head coach Steve Kragthorpe and his Tulsa team entered C-USA in 2005 and had its most sustained run since the 50s as he put together five winning records, including three double-digit marks, in six seasons before he left for Louisville where things did not work out as planned. The reigns were turned over to Bill Blankenship and he had two solid seasons, going 19-8 and then things took a turn. A bad turn. Six losing seasons in the next seven years cost him his job after four seasons and current head coach Philip Montgomery took over in 2015 which was the second year in the AAC for the Golden Hurricane and he took them to two straight bowl games. A rough stretch for the next three years followed and then the shortened COVID season produced a 6-3 record which likely saved his job and last season was another positive one. Now, we will see what he can do with very little. OffenseThe Tulsa offense has been pretty steady the last three seasons and last season with 10 starters back, it averaged 436.4 ypg which was No. 37 in the country but it averaged only 26.1 ppg which was No. 84 overall and that is a huge discrepancy. The problem was turnovers as the Golden Hurricane gave it away 24 times which was tied for No. 124 in the nation and many of those were drive killers. Quarterback Davis Brin will be in his second season as the full time starter and he needs to become more efficient. While he threw for 3,269 yards and 18 touchdowns but he tossed 16 interceptions while completing just over 59 percent of his passes. Two of his top three receivers are back led by JuanCarlos Santana who had 689 yards and three scores. Leading rusher Shamari Brooks has departed so a running back by committee takes over. The offensive line has just one starter back and that is a problem. DefenseThe defense tailed off in the passing game from 2021 and despite 10 starters back on this side of the ball as well, they allowed 38 more ypg and five more ppg, finishing No. 69 and No. 77 respectively. This season, only six starters return and the front six is going to need help from the start. Starting with the defensive line, they do get Anthony Goodlow back at one of the end spots and he led the team with six sacks but had just 27 tackles and the other two spots need replacements with Colorado transfer Jayden Simon likely grabbing one of those and the depth after that is a concern. Linebacker Justin Wright led the team with 82 tackles and contributed 3.5 sacks and like the front three, two additional starters need to be replaced. The secondary is the most experienced level with four of the five players having starting experience including all three safeties so the pass defense should be better. 2022 Season OutlookEven though he is coming off two straight winning seasons, this is a big year for Montgomery to keep the momentum going and not begin another tailspin. Lack of experience and a fairly tough schedule are going to make it difficult to contend in the once again loaded American and a decent start is important as last season, they started 0-3 and were forced to win their last three to become bowl eligible. A 2-2 record in the four nonconference games is necessary at the very least and a 3-1 start is doable with the opener at Wyoming being a big swing game. The conference schedule has its good and bad portions with home games against Cincinnati and SMU and road games at Memphis and Houston being most difficult and those last two come late in the season. The O/U win total is set at 6 and that looks to be spot on and that includes not losing to both Navy and Temple in back-to-back roadies. 

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2022 Tulane Green Wave Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

Tulane Green Wave2021-22 Season Record 2-10 (1-7 American) - 6-6-0 ATS - 7-5-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 8OverviewTulane endured 10 straight losing seasons from 2003-2012 but then went 7-6 in its final season in C-USA and head coach Curtis Johnson could not keep it going as he went 3-9 the next two seasons and made way for current head coach Willie Fritz who is now in his seventh year on the sidelines. After a pair of losing seasons to start his stint here, he carried the Green Wave to three straight bowl games with a 20-18 record over that stretch and while that is nothing spectacular, it was progress in the right direction as Tulane did not have three straight seasons of being .500 or better since 1979-1981. Then last year happened. It nearly started with a major upset at Oklahoma as it lost by just five points and then the wheels fell off with eight straight losses. The one positive from this is that there was no quit as the last three defeats were by a touchdown or less and they will be a hungry bunch. OffenseThe offense was supposed to dominate last season as 10 starters were back from a team that scored 31 or more points eight times in 2020 but got to that number only three times last year, one against Morgan St. of the FCS. The unit did not drop off much but more was expected and overall it finished No. 74 in total offense and No. 72 in scoring offense. Most everyone is back and this is the season where a big leap needs to take place where quarterback Michael Pratt will be leading it again. He threw for 2,381 yards with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions but he completed just 57.6 percent of his passes as he was constantly under duress. The offensive line allowed 32 sacks, No. 97 in the nation, but four starters are back and should be much better. Three of the top five receivers are back that combined for 1,054 yards while leading rusher Tyjae Spears and his 863 yards also returns. DefenseThe defense was nearly the same as the offense where the yardage averages were roughly the same from the previous season but the points allowed took a nosedive similar to where the offense dropped off in scoring. The defense was gashed a bunch early to midseason but the Green Wave allowed 20 points or less in three of the last four games yet overall still finished No. 115 in scoring defense and No. 103 in total defense. There is talent at every level with Nick Anderson and Dorian Williams leading the way at linebacker in the 4-2-5 scheme after combining for 129 tackles last season. Up front, there needs to be more disruption as end Darius Hodges is back after leading the team with five sacks but the rest of the group needs to get more involved. Safety Macon Clark is the leading returning tackler with 75 stops and heads the secondary that should improve. 2022 Season OutlookAfter the disappointing season last year, Fritz is in need for a rebound or this could be the end of the line. A lot of pieces are in place for a big improvement but anything similar to last season likely means a change would be imminent. The schedule is in their favor in some regards but it is still not an easy one overall. The Green Wave have seven home games, the most since 2012 and they have to take advantage of this. The first four are all winnable against Alcorn St., Massachusetts, Southern Miss and East Carolina but the backend of Memphis, UCF and SMU is a challenge. The road slate has one easy game at South Florida but the other four are at Kansas St., Houston, Tulsa and Cincinnati, the last three that resulted in home losses last year by 44 points. The O/U win total is set at 6 which is more than attainable but there can be no home upsets and it will have to find a way for a couple big road wins. 

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2022 Troy Trojans Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

Troy Trojans2021-22 Season Record 5-7 (3-5 SBC East) - 4-8-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 9OverviewTroy entered the Sun Belt Conference in 2004 and immediately became a player with winning seasons in six of its first seven years under head coach Larry Blakeney but he finished 17-31 the next four years and was let go. Neal Brown took over a program that was heading in the wrong direction but he turned it around quickly as after a 4-8 first season, the Trojans put together three straight double-digit win seasons and three bowl victories and Brown was scooped up by West Virginia. Chip Lindsey was brought in from a great background as offensive coordinator at Southern Miss, Arizona St. and Auburn over five years but he could not continue the momentum as his three-year tenure resulted in three five-win seasons. Current head coach Jon Sumrall is in his first season after a three-year stint at Kentucky, the last being co-defensive coordinator and knows this program. OffenseTroy returned 10 starters on offense last season and the production dipped considerably over the previous two seasons, going from an average of 458.4 ypg in 2019 to 393.2 ypg in 2020 to 339.9 ypg last season which was No. 108 in the nation while averaging just 22.8 ppg, No. 102 overall. The Trojans return nine starters this season and the offense should improve immensely. Quarterback Gunnar Watson is in his fifth year in the program and this will be his third head coach and different system but this should be his best after a very average season last year. Three of his top four receivers are back highlighted by leading receiver Tez Johnson who had 735 yards and four touchdowns while hauling in 67 catches. The offensive line has four starters back and needs to open holes for a running game that was No. 122 in the country. Leading rusher Kimani Vidal is back after gaining 701 yards. DefenseThe defense kept Troy competitive last season as it finished No. 27 in total defense but allowed 26.1 ppg which was just No. 65 overall and a lot of that was due to a poor finish where it allowed 35 or more points in four of its last five games after not allowing that many points in any of the first seven contests. Nine starters also return on this side and a really good defense should be even better. The front six is loaded with pass rushers and will be anchored by bandits Javon Solomon and Richard Jibunor who combined for 18.5 sacks and 91 tackles and defensive tackle Will Choloh who had 40 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Behind them are two of the top three returning tacklers in Carlton Martial and K.J. Robertson who combined for 191 stops at linebacker. Safeties T.J. Harris and Dell Pettus had 110 tackles between them to lead the secondary so there are playmakers at all three levels. 2022 Season OutlookSumrall comes into a very good situation and his first season is comprised of experience and talent everywhere on both sides of the ball and overall, Troy is ranked No. 17 in returning production so there is no reason for this team to make a big jump. Actually, one reason going against that could be the schedule as the Trojans have one of the toughest in the conference while playing in the loaded SBC East Division. They open the season at Mississippi and then get a break with a home game against Alabama A&M before opening conference action at Appalachian St. The two remaining nonconference games are no east tasks at Western Kentucky and at home against Army. Troy also faces UL-Lafayette from the West Division on the road. The O/U win total is set at 6.5 and despite the brutal road portion of the slate, there are enough winnable games to surpass the number and get back to a bowl game.  

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2022 Toledo Rockets Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

Toledo Rockets2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (5-3 MAC West) - 8-5-0 ATS - 7-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 7Defense - 8OverviewThe Rockets have been a mainstay at the top of the MAC for years now as they come into 2022 without having a losing season since 2009 which was the fourth straight that eventually cost former head coach Tom Amstutz his job after a great start to his time with Toledo. Tim Beckman and Matt Campbell kept the winning going before they headed off to bigger schools and both left the program in great shape. Toledo returned all 11 starters last season on both sides of the ball and snuck out a winning record at 7-6 but five of those losses were by just one possession. The Rockets have had a winning pedigree for years now and that will continue again this season with 15 starters back and a returning production ranking of No. 38. Head coach Jason Candle is in his seventh season and this is his most important as he has done fine of late but has not taken them to where they expect to be. OffenseDespite having all 11 starters back last season, the offense slipped a little bit from 2020 as its yardage decreased by 57 ypg but it was still solid enough to finish No. 38 in total offense and No. 24 in scoring offense and Toledo should be able keep the unit rolling with some great experience coming back. Quarterback Dequan Finn led the offense and while his numbers were not eye-popping, he was very efficient as he threw for 2,067 yards with 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions and his one drawback is the accuracy as he hit below 60 percent of his passes. Two of his top three receivers transferred out leaving Devon Maddox as his go to threat after leading the team with 567 yards while hauling in four touchdowns. Leading rusher Bryant Koback is gone to the NFL and Jacquez Stuart and Micah Kelly will handle the load behind an offensive line with three starters returning. DefenseThe defense is coming off its best season in three years as the Rockets finished No. 32 in total defense and No. 27 in scoring defense and are loaded with eight starters back this season. This is one of the top linebacking corps in the MAC with Jamal Hines and Dyontae Johnson combining for 174 tackles and 11.5 sacks and they will continue to bring the pressure. The rushing defense was not great as the Rockets allowed 151.3 ypg which was No. 64 in the country and the defensive line needs to shore that up. The front is led by end Desjuan Johnson who had 70 tackles and 4.5 sacks with a pair of forced fumbles and the rest of the unit will have to pick it up including tackle Judge Culpepper who had 43 tackles and three sacks and should be a force. The secondary is led by safeties Maxen Hook and Nate Bauer who combined for 151 tackles to go along with a great corner combo. 2022 Season OutlookToledo has been the most consistent team in the MAC spanning the last 12 years as other top teams have scaled back some here and there but the Rockets have had just enough to sustain its success. The coaching hires have been great and the goal is to get back to the MAC Championship for the first time since 2017 and win a bowl game for the first time since 2015, which was the first game here for Candle, and the pieces are in place on both sides to accomplish this. The nonconference schedule is good and bad as they host Long Island and Massachusetts to open but then travel to Ohio St. and San Diego St. The MAC schedule is in their favor and their two toughest games are the first two against Central Michigan and Northern Illinois, both of which should come down a notch this season. The O/U win total is set at 8 and this one should be an easy over as the MAC road games are all gettable. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/16/2022

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022

The Tuesday sports card features MLB action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. Two games throw out the first pitch at 6:40 PM ET. San Diego visits Miami with Sean Manaea taking the ball for the Padres to pitch against Edward Cabrera for the Marlins. The Padres are a -150 money line road favorite with the total set at 7.5. Philadelphia plays at Cincinnati with the Phillies turning to Kyle Gibson in their starting rotation to pitch against the Reds’ T.J. Zeuch. The Phillies are a -180 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Three MLB games start at 7:05 PM ET. New York hosts Tampa Bay on TBS, with Nestor Cortes taking the mound for the Yankees to battle against Jeffrey Springs for the Rays. The Yankees are a -170 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Chicago travels to Washington with the Cubs tapping Justin Steele to duel against the Nationals’ Patrick Corbin. The Cubs are a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Boston plays at Pittsburgh with Nick Pivetta getting the start for the Red Sox to pitch against Mitch Keller for the Pirates. The Red Sox are a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Baltimore Orioles at 7:07 PM ET. The Blue Jays turn to Alek Manoah in their starting rotation against the Orioles’ Dean Kremer. Toronto is a -225 money line favorite with a total of 9. The Cleveland Guardians host the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 PM ET. Zach Plesac takes the hill for the Guardians to pitch against the Tigers Garrett Hill. Cleveland is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Atlanta Braves play at home against the New York Mets at 7:20 PM ET. The Braves tap Charlie Morton as their starting pitcher go against the Mets’ Taijuan Walker. Atlanta is a -150 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Minnesota Twins are at home against Kansas City at 7:40 PM ET. Sonny Gray gets the start for the Twins to duel against Zack Greinke for the Royals. Minnesota is a -190 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The St. Louis Cardinals play at home against the Colorado Rockies at 7:45 PM ET. The Cardinals turn to Jose Quintana to pitch against the Rockies’ Kyle Freeland. St. Louis is a -230 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Oakland A’s visit Texas to play the Rangers at 8:05 PM ET. J.P. Sears gets the pitching assignment for the A’s against Kohei Arihara for the Rangers. Two more MLB games begin at 8:10 PM ET. Milwaukee plays at home against Los Angeles with the Brewers tapping Brandon Woodruff to pitch against the Dodgers’ Ryan Pepiot. The Brewers are a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Houston plays at Chicago with Justin Verlander taking the mound for the Astros’ to pitch against Dylan Cease for the White Sox. The Astros are a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 7.The Seattle Mariners travel to Los Angeles to play the Angels at 9:38 PM ET. The Mariners have Robbie Ray take the mound to battle against the Angels’ Jose Suarez. Seattle is a -175 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 9:45 PM ET. Jakob Junis takes the ball for the Giants to pitch against Merrill Kelly for the Diamondbacks. San Francisco is a -115 money line favorite with a total of 8.

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2022 Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Aug 15, 2022

Texas Tech Red Raiders2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (3-6 Big 12) - 7-5-1 ATS - 5-8-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 6OverviewNot since the days of Mike Leach has Texas Tech been prominent in the Big 12 Conference, let alone nationally. The last winning record in the conference came in 2009 which was his last year on the sidelines and the Red Raiders have maxed out at four wins, which they have done three times, over the past 12 seasons. Tommy Tuberville got them to two bowl games in three years, Kliff Kingsbury got them to three bowl games in six years and most recently, Matt Wells was partially responsible for one bowl game in just over two and a half seasons before leaving after eight games last year. Joey McGuire takes over this season after spending the last two years at Baylor working with the defense and this is his first crack as a collegiate head coach and first time being higher than a position coach. He was a renowned high school coach in Texas so he will be able to recruit but will that be enough?  OffenseThe offense slipped in all three years under Wells and last season, the Red Raiders finished No. 61 in total offense and No. 53 in scoring offense and they need to get some of that offensive groove back. McGuire hired Zach Kittley as offensive coordinator, the same position he held at Western Kentucky last season and he was a GA for three seasons at Texas Tech under Kingsbury so he knows his offense and the culture here. The quarterback situation remains unclear but it is not a bad situation as Tyler Shough, Donovan Smith and Behren Morton are all fighting for the spot and all are capable of running this offense. The two top receivers are gone but there is depth from a group that will make plays. Running backs SaRodorick Thompson and Tajh Brooksrushed for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns so they will get theirs. Only two starters are back on the offensive line where pass protection will be key. DefenseUnlike the offense, the defense improved over the last two seasons but it was certainly nothing special as last year, Texas Tech finished No. 91 in total defense and No. 104 in scoring defense. McGuire brought in Tim DeRuyter to run the unit where he has had some success in his previous stops and they will be a lot more aggressive. The defensive line was good at getting to the quarterback as Tyree Wilson, Jaylon Hutchings and Tony Bradford, Jr. combined for 14 sacks and all three are back to anchor the front. The linebackers took a hit losing two of the top four tacklers on the team and they are going to rely upon veterans Krishon Merriweather and Jesiah Pierre while bringing in transfer help. Four seniors will start in the secondary led by safeties Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and Reggie Pearson, Jr. who combined for 116 tackles but corners Rayshad Williams and Adrian Frye need to make plays. 2022 Season OutlookThis will be an interesting season in Lubbock as the program hired a defensive coach, a position that is not uttered around there often, to lead the team to take pressure off of the offense that will be learning a brand new system but one that has the potential to explode. On paper, both units should be a lot better but it could take some time and the early part of the schedule does not give them a lot of leeway. The Red Raiders host Murray St. in the opener which is a good game to get the feet wet but then they host Houston, are at NC State and then welcome Texas for the Big 12 opener and if things do not gel quick, a 1-3 start is very possible. The remainder of the conference slate has four games both at home and on the road, each dotted with tough matchups in a wide open Big 12. The O/U win total is set at 5.5 and this looks to be a pass with too many new parts to decipher so early. 

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2022 Texas St. Bobcats Preview

by Matt Fargo

Monday, Aug 15, 2022

Texas St. Bobcats2021-22 Season Record 4-8 (3-5 SBC West) - 7-5-0 ATS -5-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 10Defense - 6OverviewTexas St. joined the FBS ranks in 2012 under head coach Dennis Franchione for a one year stint in the WAC before going to the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 where it posted a 13-11 record in the first two years but it has been all downhill since. The Bobcats have endured seven straight losing seasons, compiling a 19-65 record over that stretch and is still seeking the first bowl game for the program. Current head coach Jake Spavital is entering his fourth season and while a 4-8 record last year is hardly a big move, it was the best record over the past seven years and can provide some necessary confidence to a team in dire need of something positive. Texas St. returns 16 starters and has a No. 23 returning production ranking including No. 7 on offense where some big steps forward are expected. This could be the make or break year for Spavital as he leans on a veteran group. OffenseThe offense regressed slightly from 2020 which really did not make a difference as it was terrible to begin with and finished No. 104 in total offense and No. 101 in scoring offense. The running game was inconsistent, the passing game was nonexistent but they did avoid turning the ball over too much with 19 giveaways including just one over the last four games. Quarterback Brady McBride was not the answer and he left for Appalachian St. and it will be up to a trio of potential starters to take hold of the job led by Arkansas St. transfer Layne Hatcher who was not very good on a very bad team last season but this offense can fit his style. The backup from last season Ty Evans is also in the mix. The receiving corps is solidified with Javan Banks and Marcell Barbee combining for 1,068 yards and 10 touchdowns. The running game will have to step up and an experienced offensive line will help.  DefenseThe defense improved by over 60 ypg and five ppg but it was still bad as the Bobcats finished No. 106 in total defense and No. 109 in scoring defense. There are good core pieces in place but nothing stands out to provide any glimpse of significant improvement heading into the season. The Bobcats finished with only 18 sacks which was tied for No. 112 in the nation so a stronger pass rush is vital. Issiah Nixon led the team with four sacks and he returns in a hybrid role which means the defensive ends will have to step up and create pressure. The linebackers are the strength of the defense with Sione Tupou and London Harris combining for 108 tackles but need to do more behind the line. Texas St. had only 11 takeaways, which was No. 118 in the country, and that included just three interceptions, second fewest in the nation so the secondary needs to make plays happen. 2022 Season OutlookThere has been progress made in San Marcos but it has been very little and with so many teams in the Sun Belt Conference having taken a step up at some point over the last decade, the Bobcats have been unable to do so after a promising start in their first two seasons here. However, this is the first time in a while that there are expectations to improve even more and if things can go their way, the first ever bowl game is within reach. The nonconference schedule is in their favor as aside from a trip to Baylor, the three other games against Nevada, Florida International and Houston Baptist are all winnable. Conference action starts on the road at newcomer James Madison which is part of a tame road slate as they get Appalachian St. and UL-Lafayette at home. The O/U win total is set at 5 and playing seven teams that had losing records, avoiding any devastating losses is paramount.  

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