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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/12/2022

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Aug 12, 2022

The Friday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The first full week of the NFL preseason continues with five games. The Detroit Lions play in Atlanta against the Falcons on the NFL Network at 6 PM ET. This game is a pick ‘em matchup with the total set at 35 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Cleveland Browns play at Jacksonville against the Jaguars at 7 PM ET. The Browns are a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 37.5. Two NFL preseason games kick off at 7:30 PM ET. The Philadelphia Eagles host the New York Jets, with the Eagles a 1-point favorite with a total of 38.5. The Cincinnati Bengals are at home against the Arizona Cardinals with the Bengals a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 31. The San Francisco 49ers play at home against the Green Bay Packers on the NFL Network at 8:30 PM ET. The 49ers are a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 33. Major League Baseball has 14 games on its schedule. The Atlanta Braves travel to Miami to play the Marlins at 6:40 PM ET. Jake Odorizzi takes the mound for the Braves to pitch against Pablo Lopez for the Marlins. Atlanta is a -155 money line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 7.5. The San Diego Padres play at Washington against the Nationals on Apple TV+ at 7:05 PM ET. The Padres send out Mike Clevinger to battle against the Nationals’ Cory Abbott. San Diego is a -240 money line road favorite with a total of 9. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Cleveland Guardians a 7:07 PM ET. Jose Berrios takes the mound for the Blue Jays to pitch against Cal Quantrill for the Guardians. Toronto is a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Four MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:10 PM ET. New York plays at home against Philadelphia on Apple TV+ with the Mets’ turning to Max Scherzer to pitch against the Phillies’ Ranger Suarez. The Mets are a -195 money line favorite with a total of 7. Chicago hosts Detroit with Michael Kopech taking the ball for the White Sox against Daniel Norris for the Tigers. The White Sox are a -225 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. New York travels to Boston with the Yankees tapping Domingo German to pitch against the Red Sox's Nathan Eovaldi. The Yankees are a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Tampa Bay is at home against Baltimore with Corey Kluber pitching for the Rays against Austin Voth for the Orioles. The Rays are a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Seattle Mariners are at Texas against the Rangers at 8:05 PM ET. The Mariners turn to George Kirby in their starting rotation to duel against the Rangers’ relievers, with Josh Sborz set to be their opener. Two more MLB games start at 8:10 PM ET. Houston hosts Oakland with Luis Garcia taking the mound for the Astros to pitch against Adam Oller for the A’s. The Astros are a -320 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Los Angeles visits Kansas City with the Dodgers tapping Tony Gonsolin to pitch against the Royals’ Daniel Lynch. The Dodgers are a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The St. Louis Cardinals play at home against the Milwaukee Brewers at 8:15 PM ET. Jordan Montgomery gets the start for the Cardinals to pitch against Eric Lauer for the Brewers. St. Louis is a -155 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8:40 PM ET. The Rockies turn to Antonio Senzatela to battle against the Diamondbacks’ Zach Davies. Colorado is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 12.5.The Minnesota Twins visit the Los Angeles Angels at 9:38 PM ET. Tyler Mahle makes the start for the Twins facing Pablo Sandoval for the Angels. Minnesota is a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 8. The San Francisco Giants play at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 10:15 PM ET. The Giants tap Carlos Rodon to pitch against the Pirates’ Bryse Wilson. San Francisco is a -265 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Week 10 in the Canadian Football League continues with the Toronto Argonauts playing at Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats at 7:30 PM ET. The Argonauts won their third game in their last four with a 34-20 victory at home against the Tiger-Cats as a 1-point favorite on Saturday. Hamilton lost for the second time in their previous three games. Toronto is a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 46.

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2022 Syracuse Orange Preview

by Matt Fargo

Thursday, Aug 11, 2022

Syracuse Orange2021-22 Season Record 5-7 (2-6 ACC Atlantic) - 8-4-0 ATS - 5-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 8OverviewAs part of the early years of the Big East Conference, Syracuse was a mainstay throughout the season being ranked in the AP Poll, numerous times in the top ten with its highest finish being No. 6 in 1992. After the 2001 season, things started falling apart under head coaches Paul Pasqualoni and Greg Robinson and they had to vacate 11 wins from 2004-2006. Since then, it has been a lot of averageness with 16 of the last 20 seasons resulting in .500 or worse records. Current head coach Dino Babers was a hot commodity coming out of Bowling Green and after a pair of 4-8 seasons, he got the Orange back to winning with a 10-3 record in 2018 but it has now been three straight losing seasons and Babers is clearly on the hot seat. Last season, they opened 5-4 with three losses by three points and then lost their last three games to miss a bowl. Now is the time with a loaded roster. OffenseBabers knows his offense and he got it rolling in that 2018 season but Syracuse has been unable to sustain it and it finished No. 94 in total offense and No. 91 in scoring offense but those rankings should go up this season if things go as planned. Quarterback Garrett Shrader is a duel threat that will be the opening game starter after starting the last nine games last season but there is competition behind him. He threw for just 1,444 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions but he was not expected to make many plays with his arm as he rushed for 781 yards and 14 touchdowns, second most in the ACC. Coupled with running back Sean Tucker who rushed for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns, the Orange had the No. 18 ranked rushing offense in the nation. An improved offensive line will bolster that again and while young, the receiving corps has plenty of options. DefenseSyracuse quietly had a great defense last season as it finished No. 24 overall and second in the ACC but gave up too many points when it did not need to as it was No. 68 in scoring. The Orange are loaded once again but there are some holes to fill yet there is a lot of experience with a returning production ranking of No. 17. The linebacking corps will be one of the best in the conference once again as Mikel Johnson, who was the leading tackler, Stefon Thompson and Marlowe Wax accounted for 248 tackles and 14.5 sacks and this unit can take them as far as they want to go. They sit behind a defensive line that is very young all the way through with just one upperclassman in the nine-player, three-deep chart but they should come together. The secondary is built around a pair of solid corners in Garrett Williams and Darian Chestnut with safety getting help from transfers. 2022 Season OutlookIt has been a poor run of late but Babers was given one more chance as his team was one of the youngest in the country last season and if all goes right, or at least some of it does, this could be a future player in the ACC. More balance is needed on offense and if Shrader can execute, it could be a surprisingly big season for Syracuse. It will all come down to a good start with the first half of the schedule in their favor although it will not be easy. Five of the first six games are at home with the lone road game at a bad Connecticut team. Included are three ACC games against Louisville, Virginia and NC State as well as Purdue, none of which are easy. The second half is brutal with games at Clemson, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest and home games against Notre Dame and Florida St. The O/U Win total is set at 5 and this one is tricky as if the Orange can hold serve at home, the over is there.  

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2022 NFC North Division Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Thursday, Aug 11, 2022

NFC North Division Win Total / Preview for 2022 NFLNorth:Chicago Bears – Current odds are 6 flat. Hard to peg this team. This article is not necessarily about projecting win totals but more so just a quick preview of each team. That said, Bears have had some key turnover that makes them difficult to project. Losing a star LB like Mack and solid WR like Robinson will impact a team that already seemed to be sliding some. In terms of their win total this is one that seems a little low when you consider their favorable schedule but QB such an important position and Fields likely to go through more growing pains this season. Detroit Lions – Current odds are 6.5 flat. They will have a better record than last season I am sure as they at least did manage to play .500 ball over their final 6 games. However, I would be hard pressed to say they get to 7 wins so would have to lean under here. I do like some of their off-season moves and they were heavy on defense in the draft but it will take time for those guys to develop and Detroit was one of the worst teams in the league on defense last season. If offense clicks with some of the receiving talent added in off-season activity plus the draft, this could be an “over” team in terms of O/U’s on a weekly basis but how fast they “mesh” will be the key. The defense will likely be a struggle once again. Green Bay Packers – Current odds are 11 flat. When your QB is Aaron Rodgers that is huge. He has lost some key WR talent but if newly acquired Sammy Watkins stays healthy and the WR talent added in the draft pays off, this GB passing attack will still be ultra-dangerous. Statistically this team was one of the best in the league on both sides of the ball and I do like their defense. They are still the top team in the NFC North but I would say 11 wins seems pegged just right. Minnesota Vikings – Current odds are 9 flat. As for their win total, 9 seems about right. But this looks like another team I will be keeping an eye on to possibly be an “over” team in terms of O/U’s on a weekly basis. Their new coach is an offensive-minded guy and the Vikings offense was already the strong suit of this team in comparison with the defense. Now Minnesota lost some veteran pieces from last year’s defense and they already rated quite low on that side of the ball. When you consider all those factors plus the fact the new additions to the D side are mostly through the draft and will take time to develop, this Vikings team could be involved in a lot of shootouts this season it seems.

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2022 Stanford Cardinal Preview

by Matt Fargo

Thursday, Aug 11, 2022

Stanford Cardinal2021-22 Season Record 3-9 (2-7 Pac 12 North) - 3-9-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 10Defense - 7OverviewJim Harbaugh turned around a program stuck in neutral as he came onto the scene in 2007 and after enduring a pair of losing seasons, Stanford became elite as he closed with a 20-6 record in his final two seasons that included an Orange Bowl win in 2010 and a final ranking of No. 4 in the country. Current head coach David Shaw took over a great situation and to his credit, he did not just ride the coattails of Harbaugh as he sustained the success for eight straight seasons that included five double-digit winning campaigns, three additional top ten finishes and a pair of Rose Bowl victories. The production fell of in 2019 as the Cardinal had just nine starters back and they have not recovered with an 11-19 record over the last three seasons and the seat might be getting a little warm for Shaw. He brings back the third most experienced team in the country and he will need it. OffenseOffensively, Stanford started strong but completely imploded late, averaging a mere 11.8 ppg over its last five games and on the season, finished No. 121 in total offense and No. 114 in scoring offense. The once potent running game has been nonexistent during this recent skid culminated last season as the Cardinal averaged just 87.3 ypg on 3.2 ypc, No. 126 in the nation. It does not look encouraging to improve this year as Nathaniel Peat and Austin Jones, who combined for 782 yards on 4.2 ypc last season, both transferred out so somebody will have to step up behind an offensive line that was terrible last season but now has a ton of experience. One bright spot of the offense early on was quarterback Tanner McKie who threw for 2,327 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions and he should be better behind that improved line and all of his top targets returning. DefenseThe defense has taken a big step backwards over the last few years as they have regressed every season since 2018. Last season, Stanford finished No. 114 in total defense and No. 106 in scoring defense as this side of the ball also imploded down the stretch. While the offense was unable to run the ball, the defense was unable to stop opposing offenses from gashing them on the ground as Stanford allowed 237.6 ypg on 5.9 ypc. Seven starters are back and there is experience all over the field so there is no reason there should not be a significant improvement. The linebackers are the strength, led by Levani Damuni and Ricky Miezan who combined for 154 tackles and of course a lot of those were on running backs getting through the defensive line that needs to shore up and provide a push. The secondary was not tested much because it did not have to be and is an experienced group. 2022 Season OutlookStatistically, Stanford was one of the worst power five teams in the country last season as it completely folded down the stretch with seven straight losses following an encouraging 3-2 start that included wins over USC and Oregon. What happened after that is anyone's guess and that type of finish is the last thing a team wants heading into a make or break season. Also unwanted is a schedule that is brutal. Stanford opens the season with a home game against Colgate and then faces revenge-minded USC the following week to open conference play. That is one of only four Pac 12 home games with the other three coming against Oregon St., Arizona St. and Washington St., all winnable but that means the road portion is tough at Oregon, UCLA and Utah. Add in Notre Dame and BYU and it is not ideal. The O/U win total is set at 4.5 and this one looks to be a clear pass. 

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2022 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Preview

by Matt Fargo

Thursday, Aug 11, 2022

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles2021-22 Season Record 3-9 (2-6 C-USA West) - 4-8-0 ATS - 4-8-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 7OverviewBack in the day, Southern Mississippi used to be a prominent team in C-USA as from 1996-2011, it had a winning record in all 16 seasons and went to 14 bowl games under head coaches Jeff Bower and Larry Fedora. When Fedora left for North Carolina, Ellis Johnson was hired in 2012 and was let go nearly as quick following a 0-12 season. It took three years for Todd Monken to turn things back around and it started a string of five straight winning seasons under he and Jay Hopson so things were back on track until Hopson left after one game in 2020 which left the program in shambles and last season, they stumbled to a 3-9 record under first year head coach Will Hall. Now it is a brand new start in the Sun Belt Conference and Southern Mississippi brings back 16 starters and has the No. 7 ranked returning production in the country to try and make noise in its first year in the conference. OffenseThe Golden Eagles brought back eight starters on offense last season but could do nothing right as it finished No. 127 in total offense and No. 122 in scoring offense, down 105 ypg and 7 ppg from the previous season. The quarterback situation was a mess as not one of five players could grasp the offense and part of that problem was also with the offensive line as they allowed 8.8 tackles per loss per game which was most in the country that led to turnovers and too many long yardage situations. The starting job is again up for grabs but the line will be stronger with good experience at the very least providing some comfort. The running game will once again feature Frank Gore, Jr. who ran for 801 yards with five touchdowns and he should go well beyond that number. Whoever wins the quarterback job will have a lot of options to throw to as nearly everyone is back. DefenseThe defense did their part last season, to an extent, as it finished No. 42 in total defense and No. 80 in scoring defense although those rankings are a bit skewed. Because the offense had 31 turnovers, the most in the nation, that led to the defense being pinned leading to scores on short fields which upped the points allowed and falsely reduced the length of scoring drives. Nonetheless, the defense is very experienced and loaded with talent at all three levels. Safety and leading tackler Malik Shorts heads the secondary that is a bit of an unknown considering teams did not have to throw very much at them so this could be the make or break unit. One thing is for sure, the 23 sacks from last season, tied for No. 87, needs to increase and that would only help the secondary. The linebacking corps led by Hayes Maples is loaded with everyone back and depth at all three positions. 2022 Season OutlookThis is a very important season for Southern Mississippi football as it leaves C-USA after 26 seasons to join a revamped Sun Belt Conference in what is basically a lateral move that could go either way. There is experience all over the place but talent is still a question as getting a read from last season is difficult. Add to that, the recruiting class ranked No. 123 last season so the future is now as a drop off down the line looks inevitable. The nonconference schedule is tough from the start, hosting a very good Liberty team before going to Miami Fla. but then comes a pair of likely wins. It is a mixed bag of conference games as the home portion is more difficult which is ideal and the only real road test is at Coastal Carolina. The O/U win total is set at 4 and the Golden Eagles should surpass this but by how much is an uneducated guess based on how they adapt to the new surroundings. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB, and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/11/2022

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 11, 2022

The Thursday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The first full week of the NFL preseason kicks off with two games. The New York Giants visit New England to play the Patriots on the NFL Network at 7 PM ET. The Giants are a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 33.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Baltimore Ravens host the Tennessee Titans at 7:30 PM ET. The Ravens are a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 31.5. Major League Baseball has eight games on its schedule. The Miami Marlins travel to Philadelphia to play the Phillies at 1:05 PM ET. Kyle Gibson takes the ball for the Phillies to pitch against Edward Cabrera for the Marlins. Philadelphia is a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 8. The Cleveland Guardians play at Detroit against the Tigers at 1:10 PM ET. The Guardians tap Zach Plesac to battle against the Tigers’ Garrett Hill. Cleveland is a -165 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 2:10 PM ET. Houston hosts Texas at 2:10 PM ET, with Framber Valdez taking the hill for the Astros to pitch against Cole Ragans for the Astros. The Astros are a -305 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Chicago is at Kansas City with the White Sox tapping Dylan Cease to duel against the Royals’ Zack Greinke. The White Sox are a -190 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The St. Louis Cardinals travel to Colorado to play the Rockies at 3:10 PM ET. Dakota Hudson takes the mound for the Cardinals to duel against German Marquez for the Rockies. St. Louis is a -120 money line road favorite with a total of 12. The Arizona Diamondbacks are at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 3:40 PM ET. The Diamondbacks tap Merrill Kelly to pitch against the Pirates’ J.T. Brubaker. Arizona is a -190 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles at 7:10 PM ET. Josh Winckowski takes the ball for the Red Sox to pitch against Dean Kremer for the Orioles, whose scheduled start against Toronto on Wednesday got postponed because of rain. Boston is a -135 money line favorite with a total of 10. The Cincinnati Reds play the Chicago Cubs on Fox in the Field of Dreams Game in Dyersville, Iowa. The Reds tap Nick Lodolo to pitch against the Cubs’ Drew Smyly. Cincinnati is a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.Week 10 in the Canadian Football League begins with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers playing at home against the Montreal Alouettes at 8:30 PM ET. The Blue Bombers won their ninth straight game to start the season after their 35-20 victory on the road against the Alouettes as a 5.5-point favorite last Thursday. Montreal has lost four of its last five games. Winnipeg is an 11-point favorite, with a total of 48.5 in this rematch this week.

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2022 South Florida Bulls Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2022

South Florida Bulls2021-22 Season Record 2-10 (1-7 American) - 7-5-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 10Defense - 9OverviewSouth Florida entered the scene in 2000 under the direction of head coach Jim Leavitt and it was immediate success with four straight winning seasons before a hiccup in 2004 and then it was five more years of .500 or better and five bowl games. Skip Holtz took over in 2010 and lasted only three years as the Bulls regressed each season and then Willie Taggart inherited a mess only to turn it around in three years and in 2016, the Bulls finished the season ranked in the top 20 for the first timer ever. Charlie Strong could not keep it going and was there for just three years and now it is Jeff Scott that has to make a move. He has gone 3-18 in his first two seasons and entering 2022, there are no excuses as 19 starters are back from a 2-10 team with the only FBS win coming against Temple. Will experience pay off and turn the Bulls around or is the roster just that bad? We are about to find out. OffenseThere was no consistency on offense as the Bulls got on little runs only to bottom out. They scored 31 and 34 points and then put up 14 points. They scored 42 and 28 points and then back-to-back games of 14 and 13 points. Almost everyone is back from the offense that finished No. 102 in total offense and No. 99 in scoring offense and help is on the way at the most important position. Former Baylor quarterback Gerry Bohanon will step into the starting role for Timmy McClain who could not get the offense rolling. Bohanon threw for 2,200 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also rushing for 323 yards and nine touchdowns so he could be the sparkplug they need. The top three receivers are back as are the top two running backs so Bohanon has options and a lot of the success will come down to the offensive line that has all five starters back and is deep. DefenseThere were positive signs for the offense at times but there were very few encouraging moments for the defense that allowed fewer than 29 points only twice against FBS opposition. Overall, the Bulls were No. 124 in total defense and No. 117 in scoring defense and there is plenty of experience back to improve in all areas. They were lit up on the ground and through the air and getting into the offensive backfield will help cure that. The secondary was put on an island most of the time and they finished No. 118 in passing efficiency defense and while a lot of that was bad coverage, they had no pass rush help as South Florida was dead last in the country with nine sacks. Be disruptive is the goal and there are pieces in place to do so. The linebackers are the strength as Antonio Grier and Dwayne Boyles both return after combining for 159 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. 2022 Season OutlookGive the program credit as they do not shy away from scheduling tough nonconference games as opposed to some teams wanting to pad their records and stats. They lost to NC State, Florida and BYU by a combined 122-47 and they have a similar setup this year which can toughen them up early or send them spiraling before conference play begins and this is where the coaching needs to emerge as they cannot lose the team a third into the season like last year as there was no recovery. This season, it is Louisville, Florida and BYU and while all are likely losses, being more competitive is just as important. The conference schedule is not much easier as the home portion features three teams projected for 6 or more wins and they have to travel to Cincinnati and Houston. The O/U win total is 4.5 and it looks like a no play with all of the experience negated with a brutal schedule. 

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2022 South Carolina Gamecocks Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2022

South Carolina Gamecocks2021-22 Season Record 7-6 (3-5 SEC East) - 6-6-1 ATS - 6-7-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 9Defense - 5OverviewIt has been a rough few years for South Carolina football since former head coach Steve Spurrier had them rolling with three consecutive 11-2 finishes in 2011-2013 and three final top ten rankings. He slipped the final year and a half he was there and Will Muschamp came into a good situation but could not sustain a winning culture. Since that three-year run, the Gamecocks have gone 45-54 with just three winning seasons at 7-6 but one of those was last season under first year head coach Shane Beamer as they secured a bowl bid with an impressive win over Auburn in the second to last game of the season and then took North Carolina to the woodshed in their bowl game. South Carolina has some solid momentum going into this season along with a returning production ranking of No. 36 as well as bringing in a slew of top transfers that will make some noise right away. OffenseThe offense has slipped over the last four seasons with no semblance of a passing game over the last three but that should change this season. The Gamecocks finished No. 116 in total offense and No. 109 in scoring offense as they had a handful of really good games but a bunch of duds as well and they will need to become more consistent which starts at quarterback. They finished No. 74 in passing efficiency offense behind three quarterbacks, none of which could take charge. Enter Oklahoma transfer Spencer Rattler who was great for the Sooners before losing his job where he went 15-2 as a starter and was First-Team All-Big 12 in 2020. There is plenty of depth at receiver and a wild card could be Antwane Wells who is coming in from James Madison. The running game should be better with an improved passing game along with an offensive line that returns four starters. DefenseThe success last season can be attributed to a defense that got a ton better from the previous season as they improved by nearly 100 ypg and 12 ppg. The Gamecocks finished No. 44 in total defense and No. 47 in scoring defense and they had only three bad games all season and all on the road at Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M. They did lose some starters and have a returning production defensive ranking of No. 76 but they should be just fine. The secondary led the way last season and should do so again behind safeties R.J. Roderick and newcomer Devonni Reed to go along with corner Cam Smith to form a very experienced unit. There was very little pass rush last season as South Carolina had just 26 sacks which was No. 78 in the country and there is enough coming back, especially at linebacker, and incoming transfer help for the front six to get a bigger push. 2022 Season OutlookIt is never easy for a middle of the road SEC team to make a big jump and compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia and that is what South Carolina has endured over the last few seasons. They have been blown out by Georgia in six of the last seven years and have faced Alabama only once over the last decade and miss them again this season and that is something it has to take advantage of. The problem is there are numerous SEC teams on the upswing and the Gamecocks face a lot of them this season. Besides Clemson to end the season, the nonconference slate is not bad but the SEC position is brutal and facing Arkansas and Georgia in the first two games is not ideal. They also have Florida and Kentucky on the road and Tennessee and Texas A&M at home. The O/U win total is set at 6 and the only way to get there is with one or two upsets but this roster is capable of that. 

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2022 South Alabama Jaguars Preview

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2022

South Alabama Jaguars2021-22 Season Record 5-7 (2-6 SBC West) - 5-7-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 8Defense - 8OverviewSouth Alabama football has been around for a decade and has yet to produce a winning record but it has been close with five seasons of five or six wins. This includes last season when the Jaguars opened 3-0 and were 5-3 heading into the final third of the season but the schedule was totally against them with three straight road games and a finale against Coastal Carolina and they lost them all. The defense that was so good all season had no chance in the final two games, allowing 1,052 yards and with an offense that was light years behind, there was no chance. Head coach Kane Wommack got the most out of his team last season in his first year at the helm and he now has to regroup the troops from that finish and should have no problem doing so with 16 starters returning and with his defensive background, that side should once again be the driving force for success. OffenseThe offense had some great efforts last season during those first eight games as the Jaguars scored 31 or more points five times but managed a total of just 66 points over the final four games with two of those losses coming by one possession so better efforts could have had them bowling. They finished No. 92 in total offense and No. 90 in scoring offense and they are in need of a better running game that has fallen flat the last two seasons. The top three running backs all averaged fewer than 4.0 ypc and it will be up to Terrion Avery who led the group with 508 yards to make a big leap. He can do so behind an offensive line that should finally be a strength with four starters back. Quarterback Desmond Trotter played the backup role last season after a decent 2020 season and his experience can get the offense moving. The top receiver is gone to the NFL but there is a lot of depth. DefenseAs mentioned, the South Alabama defense was as good as it gets for a young unit through the first two-thirds of the season but wore out late yet should be better, and longer lasting, this time around. The Jaguars defense improved by 80 ypg from 2020 but scoring remained level and that will need to be better as they finished No. 43 in total defense but just No. 69 in points allowed. Eight starters are back on this side of the ball as well and returning are three of the top four tacklers including both safeties to lead a strong secondary. Keith Gallmon and Yam Banks combined for 108 tackles while corner Darrell Luter, Jr. is also back after leading the team with four interceptions. The defensive line is also loaded with experience and finished last season ranked No. 41 in sacks. A.J. DeShazor heads a linebacking corps that will also be solid after he led the team with 64 tackles. 2022 Season OutlookSouth Alabama is in great position to turn this into a special season as they are one of only a few teams in the SBC that are not going through some sort of rebuild and the majority of the ones that are not, they do not even play this year. Wommack is a solid young coach with great upside and he can turn the implosion from the end of last year into a positive. The schedule sets up pretty well for the Jaguars with not many roadblocks along the way. The nonconference slate is not horrible with home games against Nicholls St. and Louisiana Tech and road games at Central Michigan and UCLA so a 2-2 record is a win. They open SBC play at favorite Louisiana-Lafayette but it is tame after that as they miss Appalachian St., Coastal Carolina and Georgia St. from the East Division. The O/U win total is 4.5 and they can hit the over early without being forced to win late like last season. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/10/2022

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2022

The Wednesday sports card features MLB action.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds at 1:10 PM ET. Taijuan Walker gets the ball for the Mets to start against T.J. Zeuch, who makes his debut for the Reds after being picked up off waivers from St. Louis. New York is a -300 money line favorite at BetMGM with the total set at 9. The Milwaukee Brewers are at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 2:10 PM ET. The Brewers turn to Brandon Woodruff in their starting rotation to battle against the Rays’ Jeffrey Springs. Milwaukee is a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5 (all remaining odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Chicago Cubs play at home against the Washington Nationals at 2:20 PM ET. Justin Steele takes the mound for the Cubs to pitch against Josiah Gray for the Nationals. Chicago is a -170 money line favorite. The Los Angeles Angels visit Oakland to play the A’s at 3:37 PM ET. The A’s tap Paul Blackburn to pitch against an Angels’ starting pitcher yet to be named. Two more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 4:10 PM ET. New York travels to Seattle with Nestor Cortes taking the hill for the Yankees to duel against Robbie Ray for the Mariners. The Yankees are a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. San Diego is at home against San Francisco with the Padres tapping Sean Manaea to pitch against the Giants’ Jakob Junis. The Padres are a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 7:05 PM ET. Toronto plays at Baltimore with Jose Berrios pitching for the Blue Jays against Dean Kremer for the Orioles. The Blue Jays are a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Philadelphia is at home against Miami, with the Phillies sending Noah Syndergaard to the mound to pitch against the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara. The Phillies are a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 7. Two more MLB games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Atlanta visits Boston with Kyle Wright taking the hill for the Braves to pitch against Nick Pivetta for the Red Sox. The Braves are a -140 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Cleveland is at Detroit with the Guardians turning to Aaron Civil to pitch against the Tigers’ Drew Hutchison. The Guardians are a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. Two MLB games start at 8:10 PM ET. Houston hosts Texas with Justin Verlander on the mound for the Astros to pitch against Glenn Otto for the Rangers. The Astros are a -320 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Chicago travels to Kansas City on FS1 with the White Sox pitching Johnny Cueto against the Royals’ Kris Bubic. The White Sox are a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The St. Louis Cardinals play at Colorado at 8:40 PM ET. Jose Quintana gets the start for the Cardinals to pitch against Kyle Freeland for the Rockies. St. Louis is a -165 money line favorite with a total of 11. The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 9:40 PM ET. The Diamondbacks tap Madison Bumgarner to pitch against the Pirates Mitch Keller. Arizona is a -175 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Minnesota visits Los Angeles with Sonny Gray pitching for the Twins against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Dodgers. 

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2022 SMU Mustangs Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 09, 2022

SMU Mustangs2021-22 Season Record 8-4 (4-4 American) - 6-6-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 7OverviewIt was another winning season for SMU, its third straight under head coach Sonny Dykes, which is the first time that has occurred since the early 1980s. The reward for the Mustangs was getting a second consecutive bowl game cancelled because of COVID which happened to come after the announcement that Dykes was leaving to take over the coaching job at TCU. The program is in a good place right now and with Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida leaving the AAC after this season, SMU has a chance to take over the reins and can prove a point this season. Rhett Lashlee has been hired as the new head coach after a two-year stint as the Miami Fla. offensive coordinator which came after two years at the same position with the Mustangs so he knows the program which is a great starting point. A No. 19 ranking in returning production also helps with balance on both sides. OffenseThe Mustangs had potent offenses in all four years under Dykes and that will not change with Lashlee in charge. They finished No. 13 in total offense and No. 10 in scoring offense with pretty similar numbers from the previous two seasons and there is a lot to like with another go around. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai was great last season as he completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,628 yards with 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The picks are a concern but when you are slinging it as much as he does, it is bound to happen. Only one of his top receivers is back as Rashee Rice had 670 yards and nine touchdowns and will be surrounded by great incoming transfers. The running game has not been a focal point but they have a good one in Tre Siggers who had 727 yards and nine scores and he will be running behind a great offensive line that also pass protects well. DefenseThe defense has played second fiddle to the offense the last few years but the unit has improved its yardage and scoring averages each of the last three years and that should continue this season as well. The Mustangs were No. 95 in total defense and No. 86 in scoring defense which is not great but they did not have to be although it would help. The offense scored 37 and 31 points in two losses so any semblance of a defense could have turned those into wins and that is the hope now. Two starters are back on the defensive line that accounted for nine sacks and was very solid against the run. Jimmy Phillips. Jr. and Turner Coxe headline a strong linebacking corps as the two combined for 96 tackles, six sacks and three forced fumbles and transfers will fill in the rest. The secondary allowed way too many yards and did not have enough takeaways and both will have to and should change. 2022 Season OutlookOne thing was constant last season which was SMU took care of the teams they were supposed to but failed to beat some of the stiffer competition, namely Cincinnati and Houston but will have another crack at them this season. Lashlee has bumped around at six different programs as offensive coordinator since 2011 so while there was no stability, he learned a lot from a bunch of different coaches which will help him in his first head coaching gig. SMU opens at North Texas then hosts Lamar before a trip to Maryland followed by the return of Dykes and his TCU team. AAC action opens with a tough test at Central Florida with the other three road games not too bad. The highlight of the slate is Cincinnati and Houston both coming to Dallas. The O/U win total is set at 7 and right now we can foresee an 8-4 record once again and could be better with a win in one of those two big home AAC games. 

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GRADING NFL STARTING QUARTERBACKS in the NFC

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Aug 09, 2022

Last year's NFL quarterback carousel turned out some wild moves, including the unexpected trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.  The 2022 offseason has produced a fair share of drama, too. Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady retired. Brady then un-retired. Aaron Rodgers stayed in Green Bay, which was a mild surprise given last year's drama-filled offseason. Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan were all traded.  Free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft will dictate a few more switches. NFL EAST QUARTERBACKS DALLAS COWBOYS Who starts in 2022? Prescott signed an extension that runs through 2026. More pressure will be on third-year coach Mike McCarthy in 2022. Prescott is now 1-3 in postseason starts. The Cowboys’ offense starts and ends with Dak Prescott. We’ve seen what can happen when the talented quarterback is injured. Behind him are Ben DiNucci, Will Grier, and Cooper Rush. Like so many other teams, Dallas has to keep Prescott upright and healthy. Grade: B NEW YORK GIANTSWho starts in 2022? New general manager Joe Schoen and co-owner John Mara have backed Jones, who enters the final year of his rookie contract with a new head coach. Jones will start barring an unforeseen blockbuster trade. Daniel Jones’ leash is short and tight heading into 2022. Will Brian Daboll work Josh Allen magic with the former Duke star? A long shot. Tyrod Taylor is a veteran backup. Davis Webb has done nothing but linger and linger. Wonder if a USFL QB could find his way onto Big Blue’s roster as a backup… That’s how weak Webb is. Grade: D+ PHILADELPHIA EAGLESWho starts in 2022? Hurts will be the starter, and it would be wise to keep Gardner Minshew on as a reliable backup. Minshew played well in two starts while Hurts was dealing with an ankle injury. Jalen Hurts is one of the quarterbacks people are looking to thrive in Fantasy Football. The reality is Philly has done a lot to help the former Alabama/Oklahoma star and he needs to put up the numbers. Gardner Minshew probably deserves a spot to start somewhere else. Reid Sinnett and Carson Strong are also on the roster in Philadelphia. Grade: B WASHINGTON COMMANDERSWho starts in 2022? The Commanders will open the 2022 season with Carson Wentz under center after a bold offseason trade with the Colts. Washington sent a second- and third-round pick in 2022 and a third-round pick in 2023 in exchange for Wentz, who enters his seventh season. Carson Wentz has arrived and this is his third team without leading a team anywhere memorable. That Super Bowl in Philly was Nick Foles. Taylor Heinicke provided some thrills but is a nice backup, to be honest. Sam Howell comes off a lackluster last season at North Carolina and Cole Kelley is a 6-foot-7, 250-pound QB from Southeastern Louisiana who feels like he is heading toward tight end in D.C. Grade: D+ NFC WEST QUARTERBACKS ARIZONA CARDINALS Who starts in 2022? Murray will start and it is the final year of his rookie contract. Given the NFC wild card  flop against the Rams, it's a prove-it year for Murray and coach Kliff Kingsbury to see if they can take the next step together. Murray wants a long-term contract with the Cardinals. Kyler Murray is the quarterback—if he is happy and Arizona finds a way to make him satisfied with his contract. Easier said than done. Other names on the roster are Jarrett Guarantino, Colt McCoy, and Trace McSorley. Would seem Kliff Kingsbury would need to have Murray to have playoff hopes. Grade: C+ LOS ANGELES RAMSWho starts in 2022? Stafford, entering his 14th season, has one year left on his contract but he is a candidate for an extension. He will be the Rams' starter in 2022. The trade of the decade or this century as the Rams landed Matthew Stafford and earned Super Bowl rings. Behind Stafford are Bryce Perkins and John Wolford, which means hold your breath if the star gets injured. Grade: A- SAN FRANCISCO 49ersWho starts in 2022? The 49ers continue to gauge which teams are interested in Garoppolo, but that trade market has stalled a bit. If the 49ers roll with Lance, then Garoppolo could be stuck as a backup. Raise your passing hand if you are tired of the Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance debate? Someone please step up and earn the job. Brock Purdy and Nate Sudfeld feel like players who will be around camps for many years. Grade: C- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Who starts in 2022? The Seahawks traded Wilson after eight seasons, and they got Drew Lock from Denver in return. Lock might be the Week 1 starter, but this feels like a good opportunity to get Ole Miss' Matt Corral in the first round. You go from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith, Drew Lock, and Jason Eason and wonder what the grade will be? Grade: F NFC SOUTH QUARTERBACKS ATLANTA FALCONSWho starts in 2022? The Falcons traded Ryan to the Colts for a 2022 third-round pick on Monday, and that created the largest dead cap hit in NFL history. Atlanta signed veteran Marcus Mariota, who spent the last two seasons as a backup in Las Vegas. The Falcons also have the No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Arthur Smith will be expected to move the Falcons forward in his second year as coach. Not sure that is possible with Marcus Mariota. Desmond Ridder could be a future answer but not in 2022 unless Mariota is shelved due to injury, which has happened frequently in his career. Then there is Feleipe Franks, who played QB in college and has seen some time learning to play tight end. Grade: D CAROLINA PANTHERSWho starts in 2022? It's going to be Darnold unless the Panthers can find a willing trade partner. That won't be easy either. Darnold is due $18.8 million in 2022, and that is a huge cap hit. The Panthers missed out on Deshaun Watson, and they do have the No. 6 pick. Will Rhule use that to draft either Liberty's Malik Willis or Pitt's Kenny Pickett? Arthur Smith will be expected to move the Falcons forward in his second year as coach. Not sure that is possible with Marcus Mariota. Desmond Ridder could be a future answer but not in 2022 unless Mariota is shelved due to injury, which has happened frequently in his career. Then there is Feleipe Franks, who played QB in college and has seen some time learning to play tight end. Grade:  NEW ORLEANS SAINTSWho starts in 2022? Sean Payton dropped the first bombshell when he announced he will be taking a break from coaching. New Orleans is bringing back Winston on a two-year deal, and Hill is under contract for the next four seasons. Which quarterback will win the starting job? Jameis Winston will be the quarterback, apparently. Andy Dalton looks to be the backup along with Ian Book, who heads into his second year after a college career at Notre Dame. Taysom Hill is still listed as a QB but it feels as if the ship has sailed — sunk? — on him being the heir apparent to Drew Brees. Grade: C- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Who starts in 2022? Brady retired on Feb. 1, but then he reversed course and announced he is returning on March 13. That 40-day retirement didn't last long. Brady, who turns 45 in August, is back for at least one more season. Tom Brady returns after retiring for 40 days. The Bucs and Todd Bowles have to be thrilled. Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin, and Kyle Trask are the players hoping age and injury don’t catch up to the GOAT in 2022. Grade: B+ NFC NORTH QUARTERBACKS CHICAGO BEARSWho starts in 2022? Fields is going to be the starter, and new coach Matt Eberflus needs to be creative in maximizing that talent. Foles is under contract for one more year. Dalton remains a free agent. Everyone was gushing over Justin Fields and then reality hit. The rookie year was less than mediocre but not all of it fell on the former Ohio State QB. Nathan Peterman falls smack in the journeyman category. Speaking of that, Trevor Siemian is another who is wandering around the NFL. Grade: D- DETROIT LIONSWho starts in 2022? SN's latest mock draft has the Lions taking Sam Howell with the No. 31 pick, which was acquired in that trade with the Rams. Goff's contract runs through 2024, however, and it's a massive cap hit. He will be the starter for second-year coach Dan Campbell. Jared Goff took the Rams to a Super Bowl, which they lost. He’s just OK and isn’t going to be the guy to lead the Lions for years and years to playoff success. David Blough and Tim Boyle just linger in Detroit, it seems. Dan Campbell got the team moving forward in his rookie season as coach. Trying to do it again and take huge steps with Goff will be a challenge. Grade: C- GREEN BAY PACKERSWho starts in 2022? Rodgers is back after signing an extension, but he lost his favorite target in Davante Adams. Jordan Love, the first-round pick in 2020, likely will be a trade chip ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers continues to be a one-team QB no matter the drama, controversy, or issues. He also is one of the best in the game. The key will be for Green Bay to find a way to succeed deep into the playoffs and get No. 12 another ring. Jordan Love remains behind him and that’s not comforting. Danny Etling is in Green Bay after multiple stops around the league. If Rodgers is out for any length of time, Matt LaFleur will not have another 13-win season. Grade: B+ MINNESOTA VIKINGSWho starts in 2022? Mike Zimmer is out, so the Vikings will have a new coach in 2022. There won't be a large market on Cousins via trade unless a franchise is desperate, so expect to see him in Week 1 for Minnesota. Kirk Cousins just gets large contract after large contract no matter the results. He has a new coach this year in Kevin O’Connell. Does anyone think it will make a huge difference? Didn’t think so. Sean Mannion, Kellen Mond, and Nate Stanley are behind the veteran. Grade: C-

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