The Cougars come into the year with the clearcut top offense in Conference USA. I forsee them earning seven victories alone in league play. Granted UH doesn't have a cupcake non-conference schedule, but they can get several victories before the conference slate opens up October 3 against UTEP. Overall 2009 will be a nine or ten win season for Houston. With an offensive juggernaut capable of putting up over 40 points per game, they will be a dominant team in C-USA and a main contender for the league crown. Defense still isn't there strong suit, but the majority of there conference games will be won in high scoring fashion. Book a place for the Cougars in the C-USA title game down the road, but during the regular season schedule, they go over their alloted seven victories and turn in a very quality campaign.
5-Unit Play. Take Miami 'Under 7.5 Wins (Courtesy of SBG Global Sportsbook)
You can make a strong argument that no team has a tougher four game stretch to begin 2009 than the Miami Hurricanes. Opening up against Florida State, then a bye before three straight weeks against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma, I can't see a situation better than a 2-2 start. In fact I just don't see the 'Canes upsetting powerhouse Oklahoma, and its totally possible for a 1-2 start elsewhere in conference. And the biggest issue for Miami will be quarterback play. Robert Marve transferred out, and Jacory Harris doesn't get my nod to carry the load as the full-time starter. And with the ACC being a very strong league as a whole this season, I find it very tough to see Miami findin a groove against quality opponents each week without consistent play under center. After that pressumed 2-2 opening stretch, a pair of mid majors are in the road, but then still on the list is Wake Forest, Clemson and at North Carolina and down in Tampa against USF. Add up the strength of the ACC this fall and the lack of production from Miami behind quarterback Jacory Harris, and I can't see much better than a 6-6 year in Coral Gables. Even bump them up one game better at 7-5 and we still cash this wins total. Play the under with Miami.
4-Unit Play. Take South Carolina 'Under' 6.5 Wins (Courtesy of SBG Global Sportsbook)
Again for Steve Spurrier his Gamecocks will be a second rate team in the SEC. Just too much depth and overall talent elsewhere compared to what he has in Columbia. And the biggest issue again like last year was no production from quarterback Steven Garcia. He was on and off benched in '08 and he'll be again the reason why the offense stays behind yet again. Further more SC has to deal with inexperience at the tailback position and the loss of top wide out Kenny McKinley. So basically there are no proven weapons on offense, and when facing the nation's top defensie league, they will find it too tough to consistently put up points against some of the country's top units. They open against North Carolina State and between the hedges at Georgia. Ole Miss is on the schedule, as is a much improved Arkansas team, at Alabama, at Lane Kiffen and UT, as well as dates with Florida and Clemson to wrap up the season. This will be a losing year for Spurrier and company. At best .500, but for South Carolina expect another disappointment this fall.
2009 NFL Team Win Totals
3-Unit Play. Take Green Bay Packers 'Over' 8.5 Wins
My pick to win the NFC North, and I am not sold on the Vikings just yet. I really have taken a strong liking to this Packers offense behind Aaron Rogers. I love his weapons on the outside, and overall this unit is stronger in my mind that what Minnesota has, yes, even with Adrian Peterson. The defense switched to a 3-4, so of course we will see how that goes, but overall I think Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and company will have a big bounce back year and hold up their end of the bargin. In the end this bet sits on whether I think Green Bay can have a winning season. I think 10 wins is realistic and they are a playoff team this season.
3-Unit Play. Take Seattle Seahawks 'Over' 7 Wins
After a 4-12 season in 2008, things will be looking better in the pacific northwest, thanks in large part to a heathly Matt Hasselback. Playing in arguably the weakest division in the conference, a division title is within reach. Arizona is due for a letdown coming off their Super Bowl appearance, and right now I don't see enough from either St. Louis or San Francisco to garner a legit push from they other two NFC West representatives. As a whole I think last year's mess was a fluke from not having a healthy team on the field for most of the schedule. That won't be the case this year, barring injury, and right now I am high on this team as a sleeper in the NFC.
Strike Point Sports Picks 9/3
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