SPORTS MEMO

DONNIE BLACK
Best Bet: Colorado +10
Nebraska Colorado +10
Colorado (+18) 31 at Nebraska 40 - 2008 O/U 38 12:30 pm PT (ABC)
With the Big XII North wrapped up and an offense that is averaging only 17
ppg in conference play, we are very eager to grab the double-digits with
Colorado as they play host to Nebraska this Friday. It is easy to see where the
oddmakers got this line as the Cornhuskers have conference roads wins by
14, 10 and 15. But keep in mind, the game at Kansas was a one-point score
until less than 30 seconds to go, they were shutout in the second half against
Baylor and needed 27 fourth quarter points to get past Missouri. Colorado has
not quit on the season as evident by the past three weeks with a win over
Texas A&M and close losses to Iowa State and Oklahoma State on the road.
Backing Colorado as a double-digit underdog has proved quite profitable
with poinstspread victories over Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia – all
of which on the road. Nebraska’s defense is no doubt as good as advertised
but the offense has been questionable at best. On the road in a meaningless
game with little ability to win by margin has us on the ugly underdog



ERIN RYNNING
Best Bet: Colorado +10
Nebraska Colorado +10
Colorado (+18) 31 at Nebraska 40 - 2008 O/U 38 12:30 pm PT (ABC)
Rivalry weekend in college football brings the simmering feud between Nebraska
and Colorado in Boulder. It’s been a challenging season for the Buffaloes at 3-8
while head coach Dan Hawkins sits firmly on the firing line. There is obviously
no bowl game on the horizon for the Buffaloes with this contest serving as their
postseason. They’ll look to rebound with extra rest after battling Oklahoma State
last week tooth and nail before falling by a field goal. But beyond Colorado, this is
unquestionably a play against Nebraska as a big road favorite. This is really nothing
more than a preseason game for them after clinching the Big XII North last
weekend with a huge emotional senior-led win over Kansas State 17-3. Now, with
a showdown against Texas on deck, this becomes a sandwich game in the altitude
of Colorado on a shortened week. Let’s keep in mind, the Huskers’ offense is far
from a juggernaut and laying double-digit points on the highway becomes a tricky
proposition when you haven’t even averaged 16 points per game over your last
six tilts. A decent effort from the home side has us walking away with a winner.




FAIRWAY JAY
Best Bet: Auburn +12
Alabama Auburn +12
Auburn 0 at Alabama (-14.5) 36 - 2008 O/U 47.5 11:30 am PT (CBS)
Fairway’s followers cashed a fifth straight Best Bet winner last week with the Redskins
and we’ll fire for more green as we feast on the rivalry games this weekend.
Not many rivalries bigger than the Iron Bowl, and the Tigers are shooting to take
out Alabama’s perfect season. Alabama’s defense has been dominating allowing
just 11 points per game and 239 ypg, a full 120 ypg better than Auburn. However,
Auburn features one of the nation’s most balanced and explosive offenses with 220
ypg both rushing and receiving. Auburn’s poor run defense is a definite concern
against the Tide’s excellent running game that ranks right behind the Tigers at 216
ypg. However the situation and set-up with Auburn off a late season bye hosting
their biggest rival as a double-digit underdog is too attractive to pass up. The
pressure continues to mount for Alabama as they have the SEC Championship
game on deck with a trip to the national title game at stake. Note that conference
home teams off a late season bye is a proven profit producer and if Auburn can
avoid key turnovers they should hang within double-digits in this big rivalry game




ANDREW LANGE
Best Bet: West Virginia +2
Pittsburgh West Virginia +2
West Virginia 15 at Pittsburgh (+3) 19 - 2008 O/U 49 4 pm PT (ESPN2)
There isn’t much I can analyze statistically that will put West Virginia in a
brighter light compared to Pittsburgh. The Mountaineers aren’t exactly
chopped liver, with very similar ACCU-Stat rushing numbers to that of the Panthers
(WVU - 5.42 ypr/4.54 ypra; Pitt - 5.74 ypr/4.77 ypra) but overall, Pitt is
top to bottom the better team. From glancing at Pitt’s schedule, there are few
disappointing performances with the exception of the road loss to NC State.
West Virginia’s resume simply doesn’t stack up with a three-point to Cincinnati
as its truly best performance. But there are some strong factors that in
my opinion favor the home team. Pitt has been a thorn in WVU’s side with
two straight wins in the series including the famed 13-9 win as 29-point underdogs
two years ago. Pitt is also in uncharted territory with a shot to win
the Big East with a victory here and next week’s showdown against Cincinnati
at home. I don’t believe the gap between these two teams is enough not
to be interested in what should be a great situational play on the home side.