Strike Point Sports

6-Unit Game of the Month. #305 Take North Carolina -4.5 over Connecticut (9/12 Saturday, 12 p.m. EST)

Here's a match-up where I feel the level of talent really sides with UNC. The Tar Heels broke out last season and have a chance to continue that under Butch Davis this year. A easy winner in their opener and they make it back-to-back impressive victories, taking out the Huskies here. Carolina's defense will be the unit that makes the most impact in this game, and along with an efficient offense, UNC comes through with a double digit win.

4-Unit Play. #323 Take Fresno State +8.5 over Wisconsin (9/12 Saturday, 12 p.m. EST)

We're all over Pat Hill and the points here. I just feel Wisky is way too overvalued here. Fresno has proven over the years that this program is capable of winning anywhere, and in this spot I certainly think they are capable of winning outright. And getting over a touchdown on the road is too good to pass up. Play the underdog here and look for very close ball game in Madison.

3-Unit Play. #319 Take Mississippi State +14 over Auburn (9/12 Saturday, 7 p.m. EST)

Two new SEC coaches clash here, and quite frankly the Bulldogs are not two touchdowns worse than Auburn, even away in this game. The Tigers have shown they are not an offensive juggernaut by any means, nor is MSU, so we'll see a defensive struggle that the conference is known for. Something maybe along the lines of a 17-13 score. Not really buying a one-sided victory, as linemakers are thinking. Mississippi State will hang in there and be in this game in fourth quarter. The points again come through and cash, so jump on this big number.

4-Unit Play. #388 Take North Texas +3 over Ohio (9/12 Saturday, 7 p.m. EST)

This play isn't an overreaction to the Mean Green's upset win over Ball State last week, but more so fading an Ohio team who we're not keen on this season. North Texas, however, did show some signs that this year could be a season where a lot more success is found. The offense looked fairly solid last Thursday, and the Bobcats were pretty much unimpressive in their opener. Look for another productive game from UNT quarterback Riley Dodge, as he leads his team to another win, this time at home.

3-Unit Play. #356 Take Washington State +2 over Hawaii (9/12 Saturday, 7 p.m. EST)

Yes, I know this could be considered playing with fire. Wazzou was so bad last year, and even this season they might not have many chances to win a game in 2009. But if there was a spot for them to turn in a nice effort and earn a 'W', it's here. Hawaii has to make the long trip up over the Pacific and up the coast to Pullman, and the Warriors aren't exactly the team from several years ago with Colt Brennan. Simply put, we have two medicore to bad football teams in this one, but I just think playing at home and looking to get on the board, the Coogs will find a way to win in front of the home crowd.

4-Unit Play. #354 Take Minnesota -3.5 over Air Force (9/12 Saturday, 7 p.m. EST)

Opening their new home stadium and finally getting out of that dredded dome, look for an inspired effort from Minnesota here. The Gophers found a way to sqeak out a win in Syracuse to begin the season, and here they build on that with another win. Air Force's silly win last week against a true powerpuff doesn't tell me one thing about them, but I knew I was high on Minnesota this year. I pegged them to win at 'Cuse and I had this game as a victory as well. So we lay the number and feel good about the cover as well.

4-Unit Play. #333 Take Purdue +12 over Oregon (9/12 Saturday, 10:15 p.m. EST)

Some may think this is a stay away game with the Ducks going back home. But Oregon is a mess after only one game. They lost their best offensive player when Blount was suspended, and when you look at this team, they do not have any big time threats on offense. Purdue has finally gotten away from that gimmick passing offense, and with some running threats in the backfield, I like their chances even more this time around. The Boilermakers had a chance but Oregon wound up scoring a win at Purdue last season, and while I feel this game could be a very competitive one, the points will be good throughout. I don't think Oregon will lead by any more than a single score throughout, and I actually give Purdue a better chance to win outright and fail to cover. We're on the road dog here.