MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 ***Cincinnati 24 - RUTGERS 19—With Cincy trying to replace 10
defensive starters from LY’s Orange Bowl squad, advantage to Scarlet Knight
stop unit that HC Schiano calls the deepest in his tenure at Rutgers. But
Bearcats own even bigger edge at QB with 6-6 sr. Pike back at helm after
throwing for 2407 yards & 19 TDs on 61% last year despite starting just 9
games. Meanwhile, Scarlet Knight scouts predicting that lightly-regarded sr.
Natlale unlikely to keep starting job away from blue-chip true frosh Savage very
long. Cincy is 6-1 as a dog (winning 5 of those straight up) under meticulous HC
Kelly, so small upset no surprise. CABLE TV—ESPN
(08-CINCY 13-Rutgers 10...15-15 C.31/97 R.29/62 C.21/29/0/239 R.20/36/0/192 C.0 R.0)
(08-CINCY -7' 13-10 07-Cincy +3' 28-23 06-CINCY +6' 30-11...SR: Rutgers 7-6-1)
*FLORIDA STATE 24 - Miami-Florida 23—Seminole offense developing a
more macho identity under o.c./HC-in-waiting Fisher, and almost everyone is
back from OL that plowed the way for 179 ypg rushing in 2008. But even though
FSU attack perhaps a little further ahead of Miami’s right now, compelled to
favor recent series history, which has seen dog win straight up in previous 4
meetings (and 5 of last 6). Lanky Hurricane soph QB Harris has reportedly been
a quick study in respected new o.c. Whipple’s scheme, and there’s depth &
experience at RB & WR. Plus, Miami has a speedy, hard-hitting defense and
a top-notch PK in jr. Bosher (18 of 20 FGs LY). Even if Seminoles able to
escape with victory, points should work. CABLE TV—ESPN
(08-Fla. St. 41-MIAMI 39...F.27-15 F.54/281 M.14/51 M.21/49/3/205 F.14/31/2/159 F.2 M
(08-Fsu +2 41-39 07-Miami +5' 37-29 06-Fsu +3' 13-10...SR: Florida St. 28-25)
Looking for an angle...
Miami-Florida at FLORIDA STATE (Monday)...Underdog has covered 7 of
past 8 in this rivalry (the one loss in OT!).
Cincinnati at RUTGERS (Monday)...Cincy has won 3 straight vs. Rutgers,
and dog has covered last 3 (including a pair of upsets) in series. Bearcats are
an eye-popping 13-1 as single-digit dog since 2004! Coach Kelly’s crew pulled
out 13-10 home victory LY despite failing to convert on 3rd down (0-11!) and
committing 12 penalties. And Cincy’s RS frosh QB Anderson (21 of 29)
subbed for injured starter Pike, who missed game after breaking his nonthrowing
arm vs. Akron two weeks before.
CINCINNATI at RUTGERS (Monday, September 7)...Cincy has won
last 3 in series, although Bearcats couldn’t quite cover 13-10 win at
Nippert LY. Brian Kelly 2-0 as Big East road dog since ‘07, and Cincy
6-1 vs. number last 7 as dog for Kelly. Kelly tams at CMU & Cincy now
10-1 their last 11 as dog. Schiano covered last 8 reg.-season games
in ‘08, including last 4 at home, but Scarlet Knights had dropped
previous 4 spread decisions at Rutgers Stadium. Tech edge-Cincy,
based on series and Kelly trends.
MIAMI-FLORIDA at FLORIDA STATE (Monday, September
7)...Last two meetings “over” in this series after previous 5 had gone
“under” in rivalry. Road dog has won last three meetings. Canes
covered 5 of 7 away from home LY, including 3 of 4 as road dog.
Tech edge-slight to Miami, based on recent series trends.
The gold sheet 9/7
Reply With Quote