07/23/2008 - Philadelphia, PA (Cfootball Betting) - The last two weeks we have looked over the top QBs and RBs coming into the 2008 campaign. This week will complete the "skill position" landscape with the top wide receivers across the country.
GO-TO-GUYS:
Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) - He plays in Lubbock and that in and of itself makes it a little unfair in terms of statistics, but the 6-3 youngster lit it up nonetheless last season, setting NCAA freshman records for receptions (134), receiving yards (1,962) and TD receptions (22). The 2007 Biletnikoff Award winner was a Unanimous First-Team All-American and will once again put up huge numbers. The only real question if he remains healthy, is how long head coach Mike Leach will have him at his disposal.
Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) - The Big 12 is stocked with young and talented pass- catchers, and if not for Crabtree's amazing season, this guy would have stolen all the headlines. The 6-1 Maclin set an NCAA FBS single-season record for freshmen with a staggering 2,776 all-purpose yards. Another First-Team All- American, this electrifying Tiger caught 80 passes for 1,055 yards and nine TDs, adding another four scores as a rusher and three more on returns (two on punts and one on a kickoff).
Percy Harvin (Florida) - One of the best dual threats in the college ranks, this Gator has proven tough to tackle both as a tailback and as a receiver. On the ground, he finished second on the team in rushing as a sophomore in 2007, averaging an eye-popping 9.2 yards per carry and finishing with 764 yards and six TDs on a mere 83 carries. He also led the team in receptions, with 59 catches, for 858 yards (14.5 ypc) with four more scores. Being Tim Tebow's favorite target will do wonders for the 5-11, 180-pounder this season.
Aaron Kelly (Clemson) - The Tigers are the popular pick to win the ACC this year and if that happens, Kelly could be a big reason why. With great height (6-5) and good hands, he could put up even bigger numbers in Clemson's productive offensive scheme. He has gotten better and better each season and finished 2007 with team-highs in receptions (88), receiving yards (1,081) and TD receptions (11). Kelly will certainly rewrite the record books for Clemson receivers this season, barring any injuries.
Brian Robiskie (Ohio State) - Robiskie has blossomed into one of the most reliable targets in the nation and could complete his collegiate career with a huge season in 2008. On one of the nation's most balanced attacks in Columbus, this 6-3 Buckeye has taken over as the top threat downfield. He garnered All- Big Ten accolades last season after leading Ohio State in receptions (55), receiving yards (935) and TD catches (11). Look for another step up in production as a senior.
SECOND TIER:
Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland) - Heyward-Bey certainly has pro-level talent and could showcase that in 2008. As a sophomore in 2007, the 6-2, 206-pounder was named an All-American Honorable Mention, after leading Maryland in receptions (51) and receiving yards (786). With great size and blazing speed (sub-4.3 forty time), Maryland's top target could be in for a monster season if Ralph Friedgen decides to open things up more.
Derek Kinder (Pittsburgh) - A First-Team All-Big East selection and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2006, this Panther needs to prove he has returned to full strength after missing the entire 2007 season with a torn ACL. There is no denying the immense talent, as the 6-1, 210-pounder burst on the scene as a junior two years ago, finishing with 57 receptions, for 847 yards and six TDs. With a productive ground game in place in Pittsburgh, the sky is the limit for Kinder, provided his health does not cost him anymore playing time.
Demetrius Byrd (LSU) - Byrd made an immediate impact after transferring to LSU from Pearl River Community College, finishing 2007 with a team-high seven TD receptions. He was also third on the team in receptions (35) and second in receiving yards (621). Of his 35 receptions, nine went for 20 or more yards, so his ability to get downfield and make plays is undeniable. The 6-2, 200- pounder should have a breakout season in 2008, even if the QB position in Baton Rouge is not exactly stable.
Jarrett Dillard (Rice) - The active NCAA career leader in receptions (205), receiving yards (2,828) and TD catches (40), there is no denying Dillard's legitimacy on this list. Despite playing for Rice and not getting the national attention that others on this list receive, the 5-11 Owl simply gets the job done. In 2007, Dillard caught 79 balls, for 1,057 yards and 14 TDs. The scary thing about those numbers is the fact that they were a step down from 2006, when he earned First-Team All-American honors after totaling 91 receptions, for 1,247 yards and 21 TDs.
Mike Thomas (Arizona) - Thomas lacks the ideal size that most of the top targets have, but this Wildcat has played much bigger than his 5-8, 195-pound frame would suggest. A First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 2007, Thomas led the conference in receptions (83, 6.9 per game), going for 1,038 yards and 11 TDs. The diminutive pass-catcher is perfect in the slot, with the ability to get lost in traffic and emerge with big plays downfield.
BEST OF THE REST:
Greg Carr (Florida State), Brandon Gibson (Washington State), Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers), Chris Williams (New Mexico State), Patrick Turner (USC)
<< Diamondbacks shoot for sweep of crumbling Cubs
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs could certainly use a
boost right now as they try to avoid being swept in three games by the
Arizona Diamondbacks tonight at Chase Field.
Chicago has lost the first two tests
<< Shell-shocked Mets continue big set with first-place Phils
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It will be hard to top the drama the New York Mets and
Philadelphia Phillies put forth in the opener of this series, but the two NL
East rivals will go at it again tonight in the second test of a three-game set
at Shea
<< Suns sign F Barnes
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Phoenix Suns have come to terms on a one-
year deal with free agent forward Matt Barnes.
Barnes averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 73 contests last
season for the Warriors. The 28-ye
<< D'Backs crush Cubs in the desert
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Conor Jackson went 3-for-5 with a solo home
run, three runs driven in and two runs scored as the Arizona Diamondbacks
clobbered the Chicago Cubs, 9-2, in the second of a three-game set at Chase
Field.
Orla
Yanks go for perfect homestand in finale with Twins >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mike Mussina takes aim at win No. 13 this afternoon when
the New York Yankees try and cap an unbeaten six-game homestand with a three-
game sweep of the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium.
Mussina, who is one win beh
Rays wrap up set vs. Oakland at the Trop >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Rays try to hang onto their lead in the
American League East this afternoon when they play the rubber match of a
three-game series with the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field.
Tampa had its divi
Richard makes debut for White Sox against Texas >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Clayton Richard makes his major league debut this afternoon
when the Chicago White Sox play the rubber match of their three-game series
with the Texas Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field.
Richard, who started the All-Star
Report: Hawks lose Childress to Greek team >>
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly lost the
services of swingman Josh Childress to the Greek franchise Olympiakos.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday that Childress, 25, turned
down a five
The San Francisco 49ers (5-11 SU, 5-10-1 ATS in 2007; 1-1 SU & ATS in pre-season) found some offensive life last week, and they will try to build some momentum on Thursday night as they travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears (7-9 SU & ATS in 2007; 0-2 SU, 0-1-1 ATS in pre-season) in an NFL matchup that is set to get underway at 8 PM ET at Soldier Field (natural turf) in Chicago.
Thursday, August 21
NFL betting odds: CHICAGO -3 (-120), Total 37
NOTABLE STAT: San Francisco was last in points, last in total offense in 2007
KEY NFL BETTING TREND: SF has lost its last seven SU on pre-season road
In the BetUS NFL pre-season football betting odds, the Bears are listed as a three-point favorite (laying -120), with the total posted at 37 points.
Here are some NFL football betting trends as they relate to this matchup (reflecting numbers going into the 2008 season):
* SF has lost 11 of its last 14 games SU
* SF has covered three of its last 11 games
* SF has lost six of its last seven road games SU
* SF has covered one of its last seven road games
* CHI has covered five of its last eight games
* CHI has played five of its last seven games OVER the total
* CHI has covered four of its last 13 home games
* SF has lost its last seven pre-season road games SU
* CHI has covered two of its last seven home pre-season games
Well, I guess we should congratulate the Bears on making their quarterback choice for the season's opening game, as they have designated Kyle Orton the starter against Indianapolis. The Bears obviously have lost patience with Rex Grossman, and what they do with him at this point is anybody's guess. But suffice it to say that there isn't a quarterback competition anymore, at least in training camp.
Meanwhile, the quarterback competition may also be settled in San Francisco, where the Niners bounced back from a lackluster 18-6 loss to the Raiders, in which they turned the ball over four times, to execute a 34-6 rout of the Packers last Saturday. However, coach Mike Nolan has stopped short of saying that, insisting that the job is still open. But J.T. O'Sullivan, the longshot of the trio of Niner signal-callers who opened camp, will start his third straight pre-season game here. Against Green Bay, O'Sullivan was only 8-for-17, and was intercepted, but he also threw for 9.1 yards an attempt, which included a 59-yard TD pass to Josh Morgan. The others struggled.
Some offensive cohesion is badly needed, in light of the Niners' dismal 2007 campaign, in which they were dead last in the NFL in scoring, with just 13.7 points a game. And O'Sullivan is the guy who is most familiar with offensive coordinator Mike Martz's exacting system, because he learned it last year in Detroit. O'Sullivan will go at least the entire first half and may even last longer. He'll be relieved by Alex Smith, with Shawn Hill doing the mop-up work. Three receivers who were out last week - Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle - will miss this game too.
That may hurt a little here, especially since the Bears will be using a lot of their defensive starters. And it's the defense that has been keeping the Bears in games thus far. In fact, the defense and special teams were responsible for the first 19 points Chicago scored against Seattle last time out, as the offense really struggled with Grossman at the controls. But maybe the first-team offense has a chance to settle a little bit as it works more with Orton at the helm.
Certainly we have concerns about the Bears' offensive line, but we like the scenario for them here, especially if O'Sullivan doesn't make some bis plays. The Niners may have nowhere else to turn right now, and they have lost seven straight road games in the pre-season. Let's take Chicago, the three-point favorite in the NFL football betting odds.
CHICAGO -3 (-120) **
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)
The 2008 NFL betting lines season is almost upon us! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join sportbook today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLIII and beyond!
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While the NFL is the sport wagered on the heaviest, college football betting lines has become more and more popular as people realize it’s a game that can be beat. The NCAA football season gets longer each year with the addition of numerous bowl games and with that comes more opportunities for more money in your pocket, if handled correctly.
Betting on college football is not the same as with the NFL, so make sure you separate the two. Because of the vast number of teams, the parity between college football programs is slight and thus, you are going to see some high numbers in the NCAA. Teams favored by more than 40 points are not uncommon especially early in the season when teams playing their non-conference schedules.
The best advice when trying to tackle these enormous spreads and is to just stay away. A team that is favored by 40 points is favored by that many for a reason while teams getting 40 points are bad enough that they shouldn’t be touched. Set yourself a spread limit. Getting rid of these games will cut down on the number of contests that you need to handicap while staying away from backdoor or front-door covers.
What is a backdoor and front-door cover you ask? A backdoor cover is a team that is getting beat by more than the spread, but scores late to get within that number thus covering the spread. A front-door cover is just the opposite where the favorite scores late and covers the number they are favored by.
These front-door and backdoor covers are common when second and third string players enter games in college football and it can be the worst nightmare for some bettors. These players can also be your best friend, but ask any bettor and he will give you more instances on losing in this situation than winning. It just seems to work out that way even though everything evens out in the end.
College football betting has some of the softest lines of any sport and it’s being able to find these lines that will make you a successful college football handicapper. The NFL and NBA have the tightest lines around and while those sports can be beat by looking at situations and systems, college football doesn’t quite work that way. It’s much more manual, but when done correctly, it’s much more gratifying as well.
Getting into the nuts and bolts of college football means looking at the many stats in order to beat the number. As opposed to pro football, college football is less dependent on situations and angles and more on certain statistics. Rushing offense and defense, pass efficiency offense and defense and turnover margins are huge. These are vital in the NFL, but even more so when it comes to college football.
Being able to run the ball in college football has always been a key factor in the overall success of a team. The same adage also goes for teams who have the ability to stop the run. Putting these two factors together can produce some positive results in a team’s record both straight up and against the spread. These numbers show huge differences in teams and the spread may not take those into effect, which is where the value comes into play.
Passing yardage numbers both for and against can be a misinterpreted statistic. However, pass efficiency has always been one of the best ways to look at a teams’ passing game ability both offensively and defensively. But is it really a true indication of how they perform? I wouldn’t say so since they are raw passing numbers with nothing else taken into consideration.
I use pass efficiency ratings when doing my handicapping but I adjust my numbers based on a number of factors including power ratings, strength of schedules, personnel and injuries. This gives a much better picture of a team’s ability to pass effectively and also being able to defend the pass. Tweaking pass efficiency stats instead of raw passing yards is the key.
Turnovers are the single most frustrating, and at times the most gratifying, aspect of a college football lines, mostly because they are so unpredictable. They are part of the game and most of the time nothing can be done to control them. However, turnovers are contagious and they can carry over from game to game and season to season.
It’s important to know how to forecast these unforeseen events and how to use them to your advantage. You can find ways to give yourself an edge by looking at past histories of teams and coaches and how they have fared in turnover wars in the past. Instead of turnovers hurting you at the wrong times, find ways to use them to your advantage.
As you can see, college football handicapping is very labor intensive and isn’t just based on where teams are ranked in the AP and coaches polls. Experience, coaching and match-ups are all important since unlike the NFL, college teams turn over much more often with new personnel at most positions every single year. Keeping current on this information is vital.
Betting NCAA football can be lucrative if done correctly, but more importantly, it’s just plain enjoyable because it can be beat. College football is one of the best sports to watch with some of the best rivalries taking place in all of sports. The only downfall is that a championship isn’t decided on the field but on a computer-based system that is the Bowl Championship Series. That will change someday and we will all be better off for it.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your NCAA college football betting needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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