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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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GRADING NFL STARTING QUARTERBACKS in the AFC

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Aug 09, 2022

AFC NORTH QUARTERBACKS BALTIMORE RAVENS Who starts in 2022? The Ravens picked up the fifth-year option on Jackson, and the offseason talk will concern whether there is an extension before the season starts. Jackson will return, but 2023 could be interesting if the Ravens struggle to make the postseason and an extension has not been reached. The Ravens’ offense runs through and with Lamar Jackson. Tyler Huntley did a nice job when Jackson was out last year and is a solid backup. Brett Hundley just continues to find spots on rosters without menacing anyone for a starting job. It would be surprising if Anthony Brown, who played at Boston College and Oregon, manages to stick. Grade: B+ CINCINNATI BENGALS Who starts in 2022? Burrow proved he is a franchise quarterback, and the Bengals have the most cap space among playoff teams. Burrow has two years left on his rookie contract and a fifth-year option, so it's about maintaining what could be a Super Bowl contender for years to come. You have Joe Burrow, so what else do you need? All one has to do is remember the former LSU star’s rookie year to remember it takes one play for everything to go awry. Best hope and pray the Heisman winner stays healthy because Jake Browning and Brandon Allen wouldn’t lead teams to the postseason in the USFL. Grade: B CLEVELAND BROWNS Who starts in 2022? Cleveland traded for Deshaun Watson and picked up a hefty, five-year, $230 million contract. Watson still could be subject to a six game minimum multi-game suspension to start 2022, but he gives the Browns a proven playmaker at the most-important position. Baker Mayfield has been traded to Carolina. It doesn’t matter what happens with Deshaun Watson. The Browns lose all sorts of credibility for the acquisition amid scandal and then the contract to try and skirt the quarterback losing too much salary during a possible suspension. Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs are the backups. Brissett is serviceable, and had better be for Kevin Stefanski with what could be looming for Watson. Grade: D- PITTSBURGH STEELERS Who starts in 2022? As it stands, Wilson and Rodgers are out as the home-run swings. The Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky on March 17, and he will compete with Mason Rudolph for the starting job. Pittsburgh also could draft a long-term option in the first round, but right now Trubisky could win that starting job in Week 1. It doesn’t matter what happens with Deshaun Watson. The Browns lose all sorts of credibility for the acquisition amid scandal and then the contract to try and skirt the quarterback losing too much salary during a possible suspension. Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs are the backups. Brissett is serviceable, and had better be for Kevin Stefanski with what could be looming for Watson. Grade: D- AFC SOUTH QUARTERBACKS  HOUSTON TEXANSWho starts in 2022? Houston hired Love Smith and traded Watson to Cleveland. Davis Mills is the starting quarterback as of now, but the Texans could be in the mix to draft a quarterback in the first round. It's a true rebuild with Watson finally gone. Given the chance to play as a rookie Davis Mills showed some talent. He delivered where many others could have crumbled. Kyle Allen, Jeff Driskel, and Kevin Hogan are also in the room. Lovie Smith must hope Mills continues to show growth or this team will go deeper in reverse, something that doesn’t seem plausible. Grade: D- INDIANAPOLIS COLTSWho starts in 2022? The Colts traded Wentz to Washington and filled the quarterback void with Matt Ryan, who has 107 TDs and 45 interceptions the last four seasons despite playing on losing teams. He solidifies the QB position on a loaded roster. The Colts’ decision to continue to hope and pray for aged quarterbacks to find one more season of magic turns to Matt Ryan. There seems to be more hope with the former Falcon than Carson Wentz or Philip Rivers. Jack Coan had his moments at Notre Dame but not sold on him as an NFL QB. Same with Sam Ehlinger. Then there is Nick Foles, who is always good to have around and can deliver wins … and big wins … if needed. He’s a solid backup to Ryan. Grade: C+ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Who starts in 2022? The Jaguars are still looking for an effective new coach. Lawrence has three years left on his rookie deal. Lawrence has franchise-QB talent. The right coach needs to cultivate that. Trevor Lawrence suffered through an unfair rookie season on a bad team and a worse coach in Urban Meyer. Doug Pederson should bring far more out of the former Clemson star. E.J. Perry, Jake Luton, and C.J. Beathard behind Lawrence are enough to give Pederson nightmares. This isn’t having Foles behind Wentz. Grade: C- TENNESSEE TITANS Who starts in 2022? Tannehill is going to be their starting quarterback in 2022. He has two years left on his contract. Perhaps Tennessee brings in a veteran backup for some competition just in case. The fuse is burning — and so probably is his temper — on Ryan Tannehill. He needs to deliver a deep, deep playoff run in 2022. Malik Willis is the future in waiting. Logan Woodside is just waiting for direct-deposit checks to continue landing in his bank account. Grade: C+  AFC EAST QUARTERBACKS  BUFFALO BILLSWho starts in 2022? Allen is locked up with a long-term contract in Buffalo that runs through 2028, and now the key for the Bills is to continue building a team around him that can win a Super Bowl. All Josh Allen has to do is stay healthy and he will be in the running for one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Matt Barkley is another backup who eats up years and dollars. And Case Keenum also has found his way to the Bills. This is definitely a room with experience and knowledge. Grade: A MIAMI DOLPHINS Who starts in 2022? The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel, and despite almost two years of Watson rumors the Dolphins are sticking with Tagovailoa, who has two years left on his rookie contract. Miami also brought in veteran Teddy Bridgewater, who adds competition in training camp. Tua Tagovailoa does nothing to generate headlines but winds up in them over and over. That’s what happens when you are chosen as a franchise QB and it feels as if no one is sold on you … yet or maybe ever. He gets Tyreek Hill, which should help this year. Behind Tagovailoa are Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson. No one will be surprised if Bridgewater is asked to keep his arm warm early and often for the Fish. Grade: C NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Who starts in 2022? Bill Belichick made the right call with Jones, who will be the starting quarterback in 2022. There’s no doubt about him starting but he is struggling with the new offensive coordinator. Bill Belichick appears to have found a solid quarterback in Mac Jones, who delivered as a rookie in one of the hottest spots in the NFL. The former Alabama star must continue to blossom. There will always be that huge shadow in Foxboro. Behind Jones are Brian Hoyer, who it seems will play forever and ever, and Baily Zappe, who put up enormous numbers in college at Western Kentucky. Would Belichick ever trade for Jimmy G and bring him back? The NFL isn’t Bowling Green, Ky. Grade: C+ NEW YORK JETS Who starts in 2022? Wilson will be the Week 1 starter, but last season proved it does not hurt to have a seasoned veteran backup in place. Mike White and Joe Flacco combined for four starts in 2021. The Jets signed Flacco to a one-year deal as on March 17. Way too early to say terrible things about Zach Wilson. Have to wait until the first quarter of 2022, at least, are over before getting nasty. Joe Flacco and Mike White were around in 2021 and still have a spot with Gang Green. Wilson is in the spotlight and this is a big-time season. Grade: C- AFC WEST QUARTERBACKS  DENVER BRONCOSWho starts in 2022? The Broncos hired Nathaniel Hackett and traded for Seattle's Russell Wilson, a major shakeup in the AFC West. Wilson enters his ninth season with a fresh start, and Denver gets a proven starting quarterback who has played in two Super Bowls. Talk about a gigantic improvement, the Broncos go from a merry-go-round of mediocrity to Russell Wilson. Behind the great Wilson are Brett Rypien and Josh Johnson, who remarkably keeps on finding homes anywhere and everywhere. Wilson is the key and Nathaniel Hackett knows he can not miss any time. Grade: B+ LAS VEGAS RAIDERSWho starts in 2022? This is a case where Raiders owner Mark Davis is going to stay loyal to the quarterback who got Las Vegas to the playoffs. Carr has one year remaining on his contract, and the Raiders pulled off a blockbuster trade that brings in his college teammate Davante Adams. This is a no-excuse year for Carr. Derek Carr gets much better with the addition of his college teammate Davante Adams. That’s is a nice pair of hands to add to a quarterback who can find players all over the field. No more Marcus Mariota as the backup so that leaves the other seats in the room to Chase Garbers, Nick Mullens and Jarrett Stidham, who once was going to replace Tom Brady in New England. Grade: B- LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Who starts in 2022? Herbert will start, and the pressure to make the playoffs is there after the Week 18 miss against the Raiders. Herbert is 15-17 as a starter. Justin Herbert is one of the stars of the present and future in the NFL. Now if he can get the rest of the Bolts to light things up in 2022 there is reason to dream. Chase Daniel deserves a 30-for-30 on how to succeed financially in the NFL without really playing. Brandon Peters and Easton Stick won’t make defensive coordinators lose sleep. Grade: B- KANSAS CITY CHIEFSWho starts in 2022? Mahomes' contract runs through 2031. How much of that will be paired with Andy Reid? The rest of the NFL can't like the answer. Patrick Mahomes is generational. It is nice to have Chad Henne behind the great Mahomes in case something goes wrong. It doesn’t guarantee wins but it gives you somewhat of a chance. Shane Buechele and Dustin Crum feel like camp arms no matter how young they are. Grade: A

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2022 San Jose St. Spartans Preview

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Aug 09, 2022

San Jose St. Spartans2021-22 Season Record 5-7 (3-5 MWC West) - 5-7-0 ATS - 6-6-0 O/UReturning StartersOffense - 6Defense - 8OverviewSan Jose St. has made strides, albeit baby steps, under head coach Brent Brennan as he accepted the job at a program that was going nowhere and had very little in the tank when he arrived. He went 3-22 in his first two seasons and then was win one away from bowl eligibility in 2019 but lost to UNLV in the second to last game of the season. The COVID shortened 2020 season provided a perfect 7-0 season including a MWC Conference championship, insert asterisk here, before losing to Ball St. in the Arizona Bowl and then they were a win away from the postseason again last season but lost their last three games. Now they know what pressure feels like instead of being a laughing stock and will look to build on this little mini run with the most victories in three straight seasons since 2012-2014. They have great experience and had their best recruiting class in many years. OffenseThe offense was bad last season as the Spartans scored more than 27 points only once against an FBS team while scoring 17 points or fewer seven times. The offense regressed by close to 10 ppg and over 90 ypg as they finished No. 107 in total offense and No. 117 in scoring offense which was a killer as it possessed a very strong defense. The quarterback play was inconsistent as Nick Starkel and Nick Nash split time and had trouble completing passes at a combined 52 percent but help is on the way in Hawaii transfer Chevan Cordeiro where he had a solid career, throwing for 6,167 yards and 45 touchdowns. He has plenty of weapons to work with as San Jose St. has its top four receivers back that had 1,307 yards and eight touchdowns. The offensive line will be very good with three veterans getting assistance from two transfers yet help is needed in the backfield but Corderio can run as well. DefenseThe Spartans have had two straight solid seasons on defense after not being able to stop anyone for a long time as last season, they finished No. 57 in total defense and No. 71 in scoring defense, not great but good enough to keep them in games. They will be better and more help from the offense could really get things going by keeping the unit off the field for longer stretches. The rushing defense was the strength as they allowed just 135.2 ypg on 3.6 ypc which was good for No. 41 in the nation and the entire defensive line is back. Ends Cade Hall and Villami Fehoko are both back after combining for 77 tackles and 11 sacks and both will be disruptive again. The linebacking corps is also a strength with three starters back led by Kyle Harmon, who had a team-high 134 tackles. The secondary was the weakness where they were No. 79 in passing defense but are more experienced. 2022 Season OutlookWhile a 20-37 record is hardly impressive, the job is secure for Brennan as long as nothing detrimental occurs. Being on the cusp of a bowl game for three straight seasons does not happen around here very often but now it is looking like it will happen in four straight seasons but San Jose St. has to make sure if takes care of the games it is supposed to. The nonconference slate looks good with games against Portland St., Western Michigan and New Mexico St. that it should win as well as a road game at Auburn. The MWC slate is tough though as the difficult games are on the road at Fresno St., San Diego St. and Utah St. but those teams can no longer look past the Spartans. They miss Boise St. and Air Force all together from the Mountain Division. The O/U win total is set at 6.5 which is unheard of in these parts but it is appropriate as on paper, there are seven wins with possible upsets as well.   

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