The 2009 season kicks off in Raleigh where we’ll fi nd out early if the
Wolfpack and ACC Freshman of the Year QB Russell Wilson are the
real deal. The linesmakers certainly think so as they have installed the
hosts as a 4-point choice – the fi rst time State has carried the favorite
tag since December of 2007 when they were blown out by Maryland,
37-0. In fact, Tom O’Brien’s crew was the only bowl team that was not
favored in any game last season! Their current 0-6 ATS run in their
fi rst lined game of the season doesn’t bode well against a Gamecock
squad that is 5-1 ATS in their initial underdog role of the season. With
the ‘Ol’ Ball Coach’ the answer to this week’s TRIVIA TEASER (see
page 2) and the Pack 0-5 ATS as non-conference favorites of 5 or less
points, we’ll gladly grab the points in this false favorite special.
UTAH over Utah St by 20
With the SMART BOX and series history clearly pushing us to side with
the hosts, you’d think we would have no problem laying the three
TD’s in this one-sided intrastate affair. Instead, let’s get you ready for
College Gameday – “Not so fast, my friends!” For openers, our M.O.
has always been to fade teams coming off unbeaten seasons. And
when you throw in the fact that they are facing their former defensive
coordinator, you can see our reluctance to jump in with both feet. But
we’re not ready to tango just yet with the Aggies and their 1-4-1 ATS
mark as dogs of 20 or more points. With the Utes dominating the series
to the tune of 7-2-1 ATS, including the last seven by 16 or more points,
we’re just going to play Switzerland and stay neutral in this one.
BOISE ST over Oregon by 3
One of four opening week contests that fi nds a pair of Top 25 squads
looking to improve on their pre-season rankings. The Broncos upset
the Ducks, 37-32, as 10.5-point dogs last season in Eugene and now
play host on the blue rug where they are an ultra-comfortable 58-4
SU. While the sagacious square (SMART BOX) reminds us about the
toils of 1st-year head coaches in debut games, former OC Chip Kelly
has been groomed for this position and former HC-turned-AD Mike
Bellotti has his footprint all over this program. Oregon averaged 30
PPG on the road under Bellotti and that ties in nicely with the Smurfs
money-burning 1-10-1 ATS proposition as chalk when they allow 27
or more points. The visitors’ 12-0 ATS mark as regular season nonconference
dogs has us all ducky over Thursday night’s primetime
ESPN affair. It’s a take, as this one has FG written all over it.
Marc Lawernce Play Book 9/3
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