Friday night ...
15 Dime EASTERN MICHIGAN
5 Dime UNDER EMU/Toledo
5 Dime GRIZZLIES

NOTE: Just when you think you can back the Carolina Panthers they lay an egg at home on national television against a mediocre Dolphins team. I lost on the Panthers Thursday night on a 15-dime play.

I did win my two other Thursday plays, cashing on the Dolphins-Panthers under as a five-dime selection and winning on my free pick of the Lakers to cover against the Bulls at home. This pushes my won-lost record during the past four days to 9-2.

For Friday I'm involved in the Eastern Michigan-Toledo game, both side and total. There's an NBA play I also like, too. I'm 6-1 on my last seven NBA selections.

As a complementary play, I like Boise State to cover against Utah State. The Broncos have too much offense AND defense for the Aggies, who won't get much crowd support for this matchup.

15 Dime EASTERN MICHIGAN - This game kind of reminds me of Sunday's upcoming NFL matchup between the Browns and Lions. It's bad versus bad and when that's the case you usually want to side with the underdog. That's my thinking in this game.

Eastern Michigan is motivated not to finish winless. I'm not sure Toledo has any motivation following last week's disheartening loss to Central Michigan. The Rockets were thoroughly battered, 56-28. It was their third consecutive defeat. The week before Toledo lost to previously unbeaten Miami of Ohio.

The Rockets quit at the end of last season and they very well could quit again. I don't trust their makeup.

My entire handicap to the 'dog is based on fading Toledo. The Rockets have a terrible defense and a revolving door at quarterback. They have no business laying this many points in a conference matchup. The Rockets have failed to cover the past six times they've been favorites of more than 10 1/2 points.

Toledo has allowed an average of 38.6 points in its five home games. The Rockets can't stop the run or pass. They rank 105th in total defense.

In the past five games, the Rockets have used five different players behind center. Senior Aaron Opelt, the regular starter, re-injured his right shoulder during last Wednesday's loss to Central Michigan. He may see some time, but he won't start. Freshman Austin Dantin is expected to start.

5 Dime UNDER EMU/Toledo - Yes we have two terrible defenses matching up. But these offenses are nothing to brag about, especially in the case of Eastern Michigan.

The Eagles rank 117th in points scored per game (15.5) and in total offense (275 yards).

Eastern Michigan has received terrible quarterback play and its best runner, Dwayne Priest, averages a pedestrian four yards per carry. Still, look for Eastern Michigan to stay on the ground in an effort to keep Toledo's offense off the field.

Toledo's defense is capable of making big plays. The Rockets have forced 16 turnovers and recorded 18 quarterback sacks. They just can't stop anybody in the red zone where they've allowed opponents to cash in on 90 percent of their opportunities. I just don't think Eastern Michigan is going to be in the red zone enough to justify this high of a total.

Toledo has a much better offense than Eastern Michigan. But this offense is in somewhat disarray because of the quarterback situation. It appears freshman Austin Dantin is going to get the start instead of senior Aaron Opelt, who is nursing a shoulder injury.

5 Dime GRIZZLIES - Memphis has won two in a row beating the Timberwolves and Clippers at home by a combined 25 points.

The Grizzlies rank second in rebounding. The 76ers rank 22nd in rebounding and are without Marreese Speights.

But the major part of this handicap is fading the 76ers believing they are overrated based on this line.

Only once in their last six games have the 76ers broken the 90-point barrier. They are averaging 86.5 points in their last four games.

In their last nine games, the 76ers' wins have come against the Knicks in overtime, the Nets by three at home, the Nets by three on the road and by two at home against the Bobcats. The combined record of the Knicks, Nets and Bobcats is 5-29.

I'm not a fan of Grizzlies' point guard Mike Conley. But I'm also not sold on the 76ers' new point guard Lou Williams. The 76ers have averaged 17 1/2 turnovers in their last two games. They are playing sloppy, missing Speights' inside scoring and have problems incorporating Elton Brand into their system.

Philadelphia is 1-7 against the spread in its last eight games. The 76ers have failed to cover in their last five home games.