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CFL Betting Notes - Week 14
By David Schwab

Hamilton was able to outlast Montreal 20-17 to open Week 13 of the CFL regular season last Friday night, but it came nowhere close to covering the 10-point closing spread as a home favorite.

In the first of two Saturday games, Winnipeg kept its winning streak alive with a 46-29 victory against Toronto as a 5 ½-point home favorite.

Later that day, Calgary took another step towards a West Division title with a dominating 48-23 win over Ottawa as an eight-point favorite at home.

The week’s action wrapped things up on Sunday with Saskatchewan stunning Edmonton 26-23 in overtime as a 5 ½-point home underdog in just its second straight-up win of the year.

Friday, Sept. 23

Toronto Argonauts (5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (5-5-1 SU, 4-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6
Total: 52 ½

Game Overview

The Argonauts has now lost five of its last six games both SU and against the spread, but they still remain right in the thick of the East Division race. They have had most of their success this season playing on the road at 3-2 both SU and ATS with the total staying UNDER in all three road wins. Dan LeFevour continues to fill in at quarterback for an injured Ricky Ray and in last week’s loss he threw for four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Ottawa has also been on a downward slide in the second half of the season with a 1-3 SU record in its last four games. The RedBlacks have failed to cover a spread in six of their last seven games and the total has stayed UNDER in four of those contests. In last week’s loss to Calgary, Trevor Harris put the ball up 29 times for 17 receptions and two touchdowns as part of his 289 yards passing.

Betting Trends

These two East Division foes have split the first two meetings this season both SU and ATS with the road team winning each game. Toronto has a SU 5-1 edge in the last six meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the first two games this year.

British Columbia Lions (8-3 SU, 8-3 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (5-7 SU, 3-8-1)
Point-spread: Edmonton -1 ½
Total: 54 ½

Game Overview

BC knows it needs a strong effort on the road against the embattled Eskimos to keep hold of the No. 2 spot in the West Division standings ahead of surging Winnipeg. Coming off a bye week, the Lions are 5-1 both SU and ATS in six previous road games this season and the total has gone an even 3-3. Quarterback Jonathon Jennings is third in the CFL in total passing yards (3,030) and Jeremiah Johnson is the team’s leading rusher with 468 yards.

You would have to think that the defending CFL champs hit rock bottom with Sunday’s loss and they are in serious danger of not even making the playoffs this year. Mike Reilly once again threw the ball all over the field to add another 306 yards to his CFL-high 4,053 passing yards on the year, but Edmonton’s defense once again came up short when it needed a stop the most. The Eskimos only gave up 174 yards through the air, but it was gouged for 146 yards on the ground.

Betting Trends

This will be the first meeting this season and the home team comes into this West Division tilt riding a SU four-game winning streak. The Lions have a 3-1 edge ATS and the total has gone OVER in the last three games between these two.

Preview: Toronto Argonauts at Ottawa Redblacks
Randy Chambers

Friday, September 23, 2016 7:00 PM
(TD Place Stadium)

The Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks play Friday night at TD Place Stadium.

The Toronto Argonauts are in need of a big victory after losing five of their last six games. Ricky Ray is completing 75.2 percent of his passes for 1,834 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Ray has thrown seven touchdowns in his last three games. Kenny Shaw and Diontae Spencer have combined for more than 1,200 receiving yards and six touchdowns while Tori Gurley has 30 receptions. The Toronto Argonauts ground game is averaging 88.1 yards per contest, and Brandon Whitaker leads the way with 700 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Toronto is allowing 29.3 points and 389.8 yards per game. Cory Greenwood leads the Argonauts with 40 tackles, Shawn Lemon has 10 sacks and A.J. Jefferson has three interceptions.

The Ottawa Redblacks could also use a win after losing five of their last seven games. Trevor Harris is completing 75.9 percent of his passes for 2,422 yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. Harris has four touchdown passes in his last three games. Chris Williams and Greg Ellingson have combined for more than 1,800 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while Ernest Jackson has 51 receptions. The Ottawa Redblacks ground game is averaging 83 yards per contest, and Travon Van leads the way with 304 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Ottawa is allowing 27.5 points and 378.1 yards per game. Damaso Munoz leads the Redblacks with 43 tackles, Zack Evans has six sacks and Mitchell White has two interceptions.

The Argonauts are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games in September and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The RedBlacks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. East and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Neither one of these teams is playing well right now with losses piling up for both clubs, so I'm not sure how you can lay chalk with either side. Toronto has also won four of the last five meetings against Ottawa and the road team has won three of the last four meetings between these teams. Give me the points.


RANDY'S PICK
Toronto Argonauts +6

Preview:B.C. Lions at Edmonton Eskimos
Matt Baker

Friday, September 23, 2016 10:00 PM
Commonwealth Stadium

Lions Battle Eskimos In Alberta Capital

After a healthy dose of East Division opponents, the BC Lions (8-3) are set to invade Commonwealth Stadium for a battle with the Edmonton Eskimos (5-7) on Friday night. It marks the first divisional match-up for Wally Buono and company since the disappointing home setback against Calgary on August 19th. If the calendar wasn’t already an indication, the amount of divisional contests between now and November 5th is yet another example of how important the remaining stretch is for Buono’s troops. “For us coming off the bye, we should be refreshed and obviously there is a lot of good football ahead of us,” Buono said. The CFL’s all-time winningest coach also expects the opposition to come out firing on all cylinders. “Offensively, Edmonton has been very explosive all year. They’re not behind the eight ball because they can’t move the football or score points. Our defence is going to be very well tested.” This week also provides a big chance to all but bury Edmonton in the race to host a playoff game in November. “Let’s just focus on ourselves and know what our opponent does and what they’re good at,” Buono added. “Where you ultimately end up is where you end up. The focus, as we’ve had all season, is to try and improve each week, try to win the next game.”

Of the seven remaining contests, there are two match ups with the defending Grey Cup champion Eskimos, as well as a critical home and home series with Winnipeg in October.

Here are some other storylines to for Friday’s tilt in the Alberta Capital:

The Sinkfield Factor:

Terrell Sinkfield Jr. has looked good in his first week of practice and although Buono wasn’t ready to name him as a starter just yet, all signs point toward him playing a big part in Friday’s offensive game plan. He will give the Lions a very viable option, both as a downfield threat and a possible complement to ace return man Chris Rainey. Hamilton and Ottawa were among the others bidding on his services following his release from the Minnesota Vikings. In the end, he couldn’t say no to being part of what this team is capable of. “They’re on a roll right now. Great offence, the quarterback is playing great. It basically came down to that and seeing where I could fit in. I think it was the best possible spot for me, based on the offence and what they needed,” Sinkfield said. His spot on the roster will likely mean Geraldo Boldewijn sits out this week.

Big Test For Young Secondary:

Depth in the secondary has paid huge dividends in 2016 and it will get perhaps its toughest test yet against the dynamic duo of Mike Reilly and Adarius Bowman. Those game breakers lead the CFL in passing and receiving yards respectively so Mark Washington knows his troops will be in for a good test, one they cannot wait to meet head on. “It’s a challenge that we have to embrace,” the Lions defensive co-ordinator said. “Bowman, Walker and Reilly and that whole crew, they have been playing very well. They’re on the same page, they work well together, we know Mike and his tendencies and things like that. They’re a good bunch of receivers, but we’re a good bunch of DBs and we’re ready to play.” It may be a small sample size, but the likes of Chandler Fenner, Anthony Gaitor and Keynan Parker have done a nice job stepping in following the unfortunate rash of injuries in the secondary. “These gentlemen have done an admirable job. You commend them on their preparation. I give them credit for that,” Washington said. Fenner will get the start at halfback, while Parker backs up Gaitor at the corner position.

Quotable: Still Chasing the Champs

“This year, the CFL is so competitive. There’s no team that you can take lightly. In Edmonton, they still have the same nucleus out there with Mike Reilly and that defence. We’re going in there and they are desperate. They’ve lost a few and it’s going to be a battle. This is going to be the fun part of our schedule. Winter is coming, Summer is over and we’re just excited.”- Rolly Lumbala on the fact Edmonton is still the defending Grey Cup champion and should be viewed as a measuring stick for success.

3 Keys To Victory:

Repeat on the O-Line, please: The offensive line produced a textbook performance in the win over Montreal two weeks ago, allowing Jeremiah Johnson to rush for 159 yards and three majors. As you would expect, Jonathon Jennings also benefited from the solid play up front and if Dan Dorazio’s unit can turn in another solid performance it will likely prove to be a big difference maker. The Eskimos’ defence leads the CFL with four defensive touchdowns, so you know it will be a great test.

Unleash the Beasts: The ones we are talking about are the dynamic trio of Manny Arceneaux, Bryan Burnham and Shawn Gore. With Edmonton’s ball hawking D looking to make another statement, the more options Jennings has at his disposal will be beneficial. It’s the perfect week to involve everybody and perhaps a beneficial opponent for Sinkfield to debut against, given his downfield capabilities.

Contain Number 4: You saw this one coming. If Washington’s defence can slow down Reilly’s number one option, it will no doubt force the home side to adjust its offensive game plan. In their previous meeting on October 17th, 2015, Bowman hauled in 11 catches for 198 yards and a touchdown.

Extra Yardage:

The Eskimos took two out of three meetings last season, including a victory in Jennings’ first career start on September 26th. The Lions’ pivot was brilliant, passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-23 loss.

Buono holds a 7-7 record as Lions head coach in games at Commonwealth Stadium. His most recent result was a convincing 36-1 victory on August 19th, 2011 to help kick start the magical turnaround in that championship season.

Along with leading the league in passing yards, Reilly is also on top with 325 completions and has the longest TD strike of any pivot this season, a 104-yard bomb to Derrel Walker in an overtime loss to Calgary on September 10th. It came on the Eskimos’ first play from scrimmage.

Week 14 CFL

Toronto*(5-7) @ Ottawa (5-5-1)– Argonauts won five of last six series games; road team won both meetings this year, with*two games*staying under total. Toronto lost five of its last six games, with four of the five losses by 13+ points; they’re 3-2 as a road underdog this year, allowing 95 points in last two road tilts. Ottawa lost four of last six games; under is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. RedBlacks are 0-5 vs spread at home this year (1-3-1 SU), with only win by FG over Edmonton- they lost their last two home games, to Alouettes/Lions.*

British Columbia (8-3) @ Edmonton*(5-7)– Eskimos lost last three games, the last two in OT; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four games. Edmonton is 3-4 SU at home, 1-5 vs spread as home favorite; they won four of last five series games- this is teams’ first meeting this year. Lions lost last three visits here, by 34-6-3 points. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Lions won five of last six games; they’re 5-1 SU on road, 5-0 vs spread as an underdog- their only road loss this season was 23-20 (+3.5) at Ottawa. .

Winnipeg (8-4) @ Calgary (10-1-1)– Stampeders won 36-22/33-18 in two games vs Winnipeg this year; they’re 15-1 in last 16 series games, winning last 13 games played here (3-1-2 last six vs spread). Bombers won their last seven games after a 1-4 start; they’re 3-1 as a road dog this season. Winnipeg is 5-1 SU on road, with only loss 36-22 at Calgary in Week 2; Bombers are 3-1 as road dogs. Calgary won its*last nine games, covered its last seven; they’re 6-0 SU at home, 5-1 vs spread as home favorites. **

Hamilton (6-6) @ Saskatchewan (2-10)– TiCats pounded Saskatchewan 53-7 on August 20; they’ve won four in row over the Riders, with all four wins by 10+ points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Roughriders snapped an 8-game skid with an OT win over Edmonton LW; Riders are 2-4 SU at home, covering three of last four in Regina (3-1 as home dog). Hamilton is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win this year; they’ve lost last four road games SU, are 1-2 vs spread as road favorites this year. *

— Underdogs*29-20-1, home teams 19-32-2 vs spread…….Over: 25-26-2

— Toronto Argonauts @ Ottawa RedBlacks*(-6, 53)
— British Columbia Lions @ Edmonton Eskimos (-1, 55)
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers*@ Calgary Stampeders (-9.5, 53.5)
— Hamilton Tiger Cats (-5, 53) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders

Big 12 Report - Week 4
By Joe Williams

2016 BIG 12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Baylor 3-0 0-0 0-3 0-3
Iowa State 0-3 0-1 1-2 1-2
Kansas 1-2 0-0 1-2 1-2
Kansas State 1-1 0-0 1-1 1-1
Oklahoma 1-2 0-0 0-3 2-1
Oklahoma State 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
Texas 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
Texas Christian 2-1 1-0 0-3 3-0
Texas Tech 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
West Virginia 2-0 0-0 1-1 1-1


Texas Christian at Southern Methodist (Fri. ESPN, 8:00 p.m. ET)
TCU heads to Dallas on Friday night looking to build upon last weekend's 41-20 league opener win against Iowa State. For the third consecutive game, however, they failed to cover while the 'over' cashed for a third straight game. TCU's offense has been hot, scoring at least 38 points in each of their three games, while allowing 34.0 points per game (PPG). SMU picked up a cover for a third straight game last weekend against FCS Liberty, but it took an improbable pick-six in the final minute to make it happen. Still, they're 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS with the 'under' hitting in each of their three games. SMU's offense hasn't been firing on all cylinders, but they could fare well against a TCU defense which has struggled in each of their three games, including allowing 20 to an awful Iowa State team a week ago.

Pac-12 Report - Week 4
By Joe Williams

2016 PAC-12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under

Arizona 2-1 0-0 0-3 1-2
Arizona State 3-0 0-0 2-1 2-1
California 2-1 0-0 2-1 3-0
Colorado 2-1 0-0 3-0 2-1
Oregon 2-1 0-0 0-2-1 1-2
Oregon State 1-1 0-0 1-1 0-2
Southern California 1-2 0-1 1-2 1-2
Stanford 2-0 1-0 2-0 0-2
UCLA 2-1 1-0 0-3 1-1-1
Utah 3-0 0-0 1-2 1-2
Washington 3-0 0-0 2-1 2-1
Washington State 1-2 0-0 2-1 1-2

Southern California at Utah (Fri. - FS1, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Trojans head to Rice-Eccles in Salt Lake City trying to avoid a complete disaster to start their season. They were abused by Alabama, and pushed around by Stanford last weekend on 'The Farm'. They can keep their season afloat with a win over the 23rd-ranked team in the nation, but it won't be easy. Utah opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite and the line quickly climbed to three. Neither of these teams have been very good against the number lately, with USC 7-20 ATS in their past 27 away from home, and Utah 1-5 ATS in their past six at home. Both teams are also 1-5 ATS in their past six conference tilts. The 'under' might be the play in this one, going 9-3 in USC's past 12 road games and 10-4-1 ATS in their past 15 conference battles including last week. The under is 5-1 in Utah's past six home games, and 6-1 in the past seven for the Utes at home against a team with a losing road record.

USC at Utah
By Brian Edwards

When I wrote my column about the 14 coaching changes at FBS programs going into the 2016 campaign, I ranked Southern Cal’s hire of Clay Helton at a nearly last-place No. 13. To date, I haven’t seen anything to deter that notion.

USC (1-2 straight up, 1-2 against the spread) is off to a dreadful start and now has to go on the road on a short week to face Utah on Friday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. As of Tuesday, most books had Utah (3-0 SU, ATS) installed as a three-point home favorite with a total of 46.5 points. The Trojans were +135 on the money line at most spots (risk $100 to win $135).

USC is off a 27-10 loss at Stanford as a 7.5-point underdog. The 37 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 48.5-point total. Max Browne completed 18-of-28 passes for 191 yards, but he was yanked in favor of redshirt freshman Sam Darnold in the second half. Darnold connected on 5-of-7 throws for 45 yards without a touchdown pass and one interception.

Stanford raced out to a 17-3 advantage at intermission behind the play of All-American RB Christian McCaffrey, who finished with 260 all-purpose yards. USC responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive capped by a one-yard TD run from Ronald Jones to trim the deficit to seven.

However, the Trojans would get no closer. They committed seven of their eight penalties in the first half to stymie otherwise successful drives. Five of those flags were for false starts. Jones and Justin Davis both rushed for 63 yards apiece. JuJu Smith-Schuster, a second-team All-American in 2015, was limited to just three receptions for 34 yards.

For the season, Browne has connected on 55-of-87 passes (63.2%) for 474 yards with a 2/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The true junior who is a former five-star recruit had a pair of TD passes in Week 2 when USC thumped Utah State by a 45-7 count as a 16.5-point home favorite. Darnold also saw playing time against the Aggies and it wasn’t just snaps at garbage time.

Darnold found Deontay Burnett for a 13-yard scoring strike to push the Trojans’ lead to 14-0 over Utah State early in the third quarter. He also had a 15-yard TD pass to Smith-Schuster early in the fourth quarter. For the year, Darnold has completed 14-of-22 attempts (63.6%) for 136 yards with a 2/1 TD-INT ratio. Helton has decided to give Darnold his first career start at Utah.

This is the third time USC has had to travel in a four-week stretch. It took a 52-6 shellacking from top-ranked Alabama in the season opener at Jerry World in Arlington, TX. The 1-2 start has Helton now sporting a 7-6 record as a head coach. In four road underdog spots on Helton’s watch, the Trojans are 0-4 both SU and ATS with double-digit defeats in each situation.

The offense has to find more touches for Smith-Schuster, who has only 11 receptions for 99 yards and two TDs. He had 89 catches for 1,454 yards and 10 TDs last season. The offensive line was touted as one of the best in the country coming into the year, but Justin Davis’s team-high 135 rushing yards have come at a meager 3.6 yards-per-carry average.

The USC offense is averaging only 323.0 yards per game, which ranks No. 114 among FBS teams. The Troajns’ 20.3 points-per-game average ranks No. 109.

Utah has collected wins vs. Southern Utah (24-0), vs. BYU (20-19) and at San Jose State (34-17). Kyle Whittingham’s squad covered the number as 13.5-point road favorites in the win over the Spartans. The 51 combined points slipped ‘over’ the 46-point tally thanks to a 46-yard TD pass for San Jose State with 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Troy Williams completed 20-of-28 passes for 257 yards with one TD and one interception. Tim Patrick had six receptions for 121 yards and one TD, while Cory Butler-Byrd snared five balls for 66 yards. Zach Moss rushed for 95 yards and one TD on 12 attempts, while Armand Shyne ran for 92 yards and one score on 12 carries. Troy McCormick added 61 rushing yards on just seven totes, including a 16-yard TD scamper that put the Utes ahead to stay at 13-10 early in the second quarter.

Utah’s defense smothered the San Jose State ground attack, limiting the Spartans to 56 rushing yards on 32 carries for a 1.8 YPC average. Junior safety Marcus Williams, the team’s leading returning tackler who had 66 stops and five interceptions on his way to earning first-team All Pac-12 honors in 2015, had six tackles and one interception. Senior DE Hunter Dimick had five tackles and two sacks to bring his career sack total to 18.

Utah’s defense was playing without junior DE Kylie Fitts for the first time against San Jose State. Fitts sustained a season-ending injury in the victory over BYU. He already had four tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks through two games. The transfer from UCLA saw his first playing time for the Utes last season when he tallied 41 tackles, seven sacks, one TFL and 10 passes broken up. Also in the injury front, the Utes’ leading returning rusher Joe Williams chose to retire last week. Williams rushed for 477 yards and three TDs in ’15.

Utah currently ranks 13th in the nation in total defense, holding foes to 263.7 yards per game. The Utes are 12th in scoring ‘D,’ giving up only 12.0 PPG.

Williams, the prized juco signee who began his career at Washington, threw three interceptions in the 20-19 win over BYU. The defense picked him up, however, making a stop on the Cougars’ two-point conversion attempt with 18 seconds remaining. Junior LB Sunia Tauteoli was the hero with a pair of interceptions, including a 41-yard pick-six on Taysom Hill in the first half.

For the season, Williams has completed 54-of-86 passes (62.8%) for 723 yards with a 4/4 TD-INT ratio. Patrick has been his favorite target, hauling in 14 receptions for 285 yards and four TDs. McCormick has rushed for a team-best 178 yards and two TDs on 29 carries for a 6.1 YPC average. Moss (6.4 YPC) and Shyne (5.5 YPC) have rushed for 153 and 111 yards, respectively.

Utah is 2-6 in its last eight games as a home favorite, but it is 7-4 ATS in its last 11 outings as single-digit home ‘chalk.’ This is the Pac-12 opener for the Utes, who have a road game at California on deck in Week 5.

When these teams met last year The Coliseum, USC captured a 42-24 win as a 4.5-point home favorite. Jones rushed for 73 yards and one TD, while Smith-Schuster had eight catches for 143 yards and one TD. Cameron Smith, the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team All Pac-12 selection, had three interceptions for 122 return yards, including a 54-yard pick-six. The ‘under’ had gone 5-1 in the six previous head-to-head meetings, but the 66 combined points soared ‘over’ the 57-point total.

Since Utah joined the Pac-12 in 2011, USC has won four of five encounters except for the 2014 game in Salt Lake City, where the Utes won a 24-21 decision as one-point home underdogs.

The ‘under’ is 2-1 overall for USC, 1-0 in its lone true road assignment. Meanwhile, Utah has seen the ‘under’ go 2-1, cashing in both of its home contests.

USC won’t have two starters and could be without another one. OG Toa Lobendahn is out for the season with a knee injury, while LB Osa Masina has been suspended for the rest of the year. DT Noah Jefferson is listed as ‘questionable’ with a shoulder injury.

Two starters for Utah, senior CB Dominique Hatfield and WR Tyrone Smith, both missed the San Jose State game with undisclosed injuries and remain ‘questionable’ this week. Hatfield had four interceptions in ’15, while Smith had 18 catches for 193 yards.

Kickoff is scheduled for Fox Sports 1 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- There are two other games on tap for Friday night. Southern Methodist is poised to host TCU at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. As of early Wednesday, most books had the Horned Frogs listed as 21-point road favorites with a total of 63.5 points. Gary Patterson’s team is 2-1 SU but winless for our purposes with a 0-3 ATS mark. TCU failed to cover in last week’s 41-20 home win over Iowa State as a 24.5-point home favorite. ISU scored 10 points in the final 6:41 to hit the backdoor cover for its supporters. The ‘over’ improved to 3-0 for the Frogs when the 61 combined points stretched ‘over’ the 60.5-point total thanks to a 30-yard field goal by the Cyclones with 1:29 remaining.

-- TCU’s new starting QB Kenny Hill, a transfer from Texas A&M who at one point in late September of 2014 was considered the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, has rushed for 166 yards and six TD while averaging 6.1 YPC. Hill, the Dallas Southlake Carroll High School product, has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,035 with a 4/3 TD-INT ratio.

-- TCU has limped to a 4-12 spread record in its last 16 games as a road favorite.

-- SMU (2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS) has wins at North Texas (34-21) and vs. Liberty (29-14). In the Mustangs’ lone loss at Baylor (40-13) in Week 2, the game was tied at 6-6 at halftime. The Bears pulled away to win easily in the second half, but they failed to cover as 34.5-point home ‘chalk.’ Chad Morris’s squad lost its starting QB Matt Davis to a season-ending ACL tear following the season opener. Davis, who had a 16/7 TD-INT ratio last year, threw a pair of TD passes and one interception against the Mean Green. Redshirt freshman Ben Hicks has taken over as the starter, but he’s been intercepted five times compared to two TD passes in his two starts.

-- SMU is 1-3 ATS as a home underdog on Morris’s watch to date.

-- In the other Friday game, Wyoming makes a long trip on a short week to take on Eastern Michigan (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) in Ypsilanti at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports College Network. As of early Wednesday, the Eagles were three-point home underdogs, while the total was at 63. During Chris Creighton’s three-year tenure at Eastern Michigan, it has compiled a 3-6 spread record in nine games as a home ‘dog. The Eagles bounced back from a 61-21 loss at Missouri to win 37-19 at Charlotte last weekend as 1.5-point road favorites.

-- Wyoming (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) is led by junior RB Brian Hill, a second-team All Mtn. West selection last year when he rushed for 1,631 yards and six TDs while averaging 5.8 YPC. Hill has run for 381 yards and five TDs through the first three games this season. The Cowboys are in their first road ‘chalk’ spot of Craig Bohl’s three-year tenure in this contest.

-- The following teams are 3-0 ATS: Army, Central Michigan, Louisville, Miami, Ohio State, South Florida, Texas A&M, Toledo, Western Michigan, Ball State, Colorado, SMU, BYU and ULM. Stanford is 2-0 ATS, while Navy, Nebraska and Tulane are 2-0-1 versus the number.

-- Texas Tech junior QB Patrick Mahomes leads the nation with 1,493 passing yards. Who is second in the country? That would be Cal’s Davis Webb (1,359), a transfer from Texas Tech. Mahomes and Webb are also 1-2 in the nation in TD passes with 14 and 13, respectively. Webb’s favorite target Chad Hansen paces the country in receiving yards with 546.

-- New Mexico State RB Larry Rose is finally set to make his season debut Saturday at Troy. Rose, the Sun Belt’s Offensive Player of the Year last season when he rushed for 1,651 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 6.9 YPC, has recovering from sports hernia surgery. He also had 30 catches for 283 yards and two TDs in ’15.

-- Colorado LB Derek McCartney is done for the year with a torn ACL. McCartney had 49 tackles, five sacks, 6.5 TFL’s and one interception last season.

-- Oregon starting OT Tyrell Crosby is out for the season with an undisclosed injury. The junior had 24 career starts under his belt. The Ducks will also be without speedy WR Devon Allen for the rest of the season.

-- How fun would it be to drink beers with Jerome from Birmingham from the Finebaum Show? Sign me up.

NCAAF Game of the Day: USC at Utah

USC Trojans at Utah Utes (-3, 46.5)

USC is off to its worst start since 2001 and its upcoming schedule won't get any easier as the Trojans travel to face No. 23 Utah in a Pac-12 game Friday night. USC is coming off a 27-10 loss Saturday at No. 6 Stanford, which dropped its record to 1-2 for the first time since Pete Carroll's first season with the Trojans 15 years ago, and coach Clay Helton responded by replacing starting quarterback Max Browne, a junior, with freshman Sam Darnold.

The Utes won't have any pity for USC after the Trojans upset them 42-24 last season when they came to Los Angeles ranked No. 7, spoiling a 6-0 start. That game was the debut of Helton, who was made the permanent coach later in the season but has gone 1-4 since. Utah is led by quarterback Troy Williams, an L.A.-area product who is coming off a 20-for-28 performance last weekend against San Jose State, finishing with 257 yards and a touchdown. The Utes didn't throw a touchdown pass until their third game last season, but already have four in 2016 - all to senior wide receiver Tim Patrick.

TV: 9 p.m. ET., FOX Sports 1.

LINE HISTORY: Utah opened this game favored by a point and a half, but bettors have moved that number all the way to Utes -3. The total opened at 46.5 and has yet to move off of that number.

INJURY REPORT:

USC - CB J. Plattenburg (probable Friday, concussion), TE T. Petite (probable Friday, thigh), DT M. Dorton (questionable Friday, hip), TE T. McNamara (questionable Friday, foot), C K. Rodgers (questionable Friday, hamstring), DT N. Jefferson (questionable Friday, shoulder), QB M. Fink (questionable Friday, ankle), LB Q. Powell (questionable friday, illness).

Utah- DB D. Hatfield (questionable Friday, leg), T S. Tevi (questionable Friday, back), DE K. Fitts (out Friday, foot).

WEATHER REPORT: It could be a messy night in Salt Lake City. There is a 100 perent of rain at kickoff with temperatures in the high 40's. There will also be a six to seven mile per hour wind blowing towards the northeast corner of the stadium.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "USC returned 10 offensive starters this season. The only offensive starter they lost from last year's squad was QB Cody Kessler who threw for 3,536 yards with a 29/7 touchdown/interception ratio. It turns out that one lost starter was tough to replace as the Trojans passing game has struggled this season, averaging just 5.6 yards per pass (versus opponents that have allowed 6.6 ypp). USC will now be facing a strong Utah pass defense that has allowed just 4.9 yards per pass this season (versus opponent that average 5.6 ypp)." - Steve Merril.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We had Utah as a -1.5 point favorite earlier this week and it has been bet all the way to Utah -3.5 with over 70 percent of the action on Utah to cover." - Michael Stewart.

ABOUT USC (1-2, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Adoree' Jackson is one of the most versatile and entertaining players in Division I and may need to take over this game to get the Trojans back on track. He's a three-year starter at cornerback and also plays wide receiver and returns punt and kickoffs, putting him in the rare position of scoring touchdowns on a reception, interception return, punt and kickoff return during his career. Jackson, who limited Alabama sophomore wide receiver Calvin Ridley to two catches for nine yards in the season opener earlier this month, figures to draw the task of covering Patrick.

ABOUT UTAH (3-0, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): The Utes delivered 10 sacks against San Jose and look to get after Darnold against one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. Hunter Dimick leads the way with three sacks for Utah and brings plenty of experience, starting 23 games in his college career. Kylie Fitts was expected to be a key part of the defensive line, but suffered a season-ending injury two weeks ago, increasing the role of Filipo Mokofisi, who move from defensive tackle to Fitts' former spot at defensive end last week and produced two sacks.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games following a ATS win.
* Under is 9-3 in USC's last 12 road games.
* Under is 5-1 in Utah's last six home games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are strongly behind the home team in this Pac-12 showdown, with 67 percetn of wagers backing Utah. As for the total, bettors are siding with over, with 59 percent of wagers on it.

Preview: Trojans (1-2) at Utes (3-0)

Date: September 23, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

USC, trying to turn around a 1-2 start to the season, is making a change at quarterback, replacing Max Browne with redshirt freshman Sam Darnold for Friday night's game at No. 24 Utah.

Browne, a redshirt junior who waited three seasons behind Cody Kessler for his chance, has presided over a sputtering offense that managed a total of just 16 points in losses to No. 1 Alabama and then-No. 7 Stanford.

Those are two rugged defenses, and the Trojans get another Friday night in a Pac-12 South matchup at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET.

Utah is off to a 3-0 start for the third consecutive season, beating Southern Utah, BYU and San Jose State. The Utes, which cracked the rankings this week for the first time this season, have a somewhat familiar look: An inconsistent offense and an aggressive defense.

The performance at San Jose State last week brought back memories of Utah's "Sack Lake City" defense from a couple of years ago. The Utes' 10 sacks in a 34-17 victory tied for the second-best mark in school history.

Eight different players accounted for the sacks despite the unit losing starting defensive end Kylie Fitts (foot) earlier last week. Fitts is out for the rest of the season and will seek a medical hardship year.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said first-year defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley is more apt to bring pressure than former coordinator John Pease.

"First of all, our defensive line is a good group," Whittingham said of a group anchored by tackle Lowell Lotulelei, a potential first-round pick. "They're talented, physical and we felt going into the season that they were going to be a strong suit for us and that's proving to be the case. They were a little bit quiet the first week, but they're starting to make some more noise."

A defense that ranks second nationally with 15 sacks awaits Darnold, who lost a camp competition to Browne but did appear in each of the first three games, although it was only in a mop-up role last week.

"I want to see a spark in our offense, and I hope that Sam can bring that," USC coach Clay Helton said. "I'm confident in it after three games of watching him perform."

Browne has completed 55 of 87 passes for 474 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Darnold is 14 of 22 for 136 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception.

Darnold's dual-threat ability could provide the spark USC is looking for, and it might also help that cornerback Adoree' Jackson could dabble at receiver for about five or six plays. He's played on both sides of the ball in his first two seasons, but the original plan was to limit him to defense and the return game in 2016.

Browne told reporters Monday night he is likely to transfer as a graduate student after this season.

"It surprised me for sure," he said of the demotion. "I'd be lying if I said otherwise. ... But I'll be ready. I owe it to my teammates."

Utah's offense is retooling around junior quarterback Troy Williams, a transfer from Washington and Santa Monica College. He has completed 54 of 86 passes for 723 yards and four touchdowns, but he also has been picked off four times. Utah has fumbled nine times, losing five. The Utes rank 122nd out of 128 teams with the nine lost turnovers.

In a departure from their recent offenses, the Utes have thrown the long ball more, and Williams has delivered completions of 30-plus yards to five different receivers. Wide receiver Tim Patrick has 14 receptions for 285 yards and all four of Utah's receiving touchdowns.

Whittingham said the enhancement of the passing game has allowed his running game to be more potent. Running backs Troy McCormick, Zack Moss and Armand Shyne combined for 201 rushing yards against San Jose State -- but none is dynamic as the departed Devontae Booker.

And USC's defense, led by Jackson and linebacker Cameron Smith, has much more ability than any opponent Utah has faced this year.

"They're a very talented team, probably the most talented 1-2 team in the country," Whittingham said. "They're very dangerous and have a lot of weapons."

NCAAF

Friday’s games

TCU won nine of its last 10 games with SMU (4-3 vs spread in last seven); Horned Frogs won last four series games by average of 46-17. Mustangs are 2-8 in last 10 games as home underdog; they lost 40-13 at Baylor two weeks ago, its only game this year vs a good team. TCU plays Oklahoma next; they’re 3-4 vs spread when laying 20+ to SMU- this is local rivalry. Frogs are 4-12 vs spread in last 16 games as a road favorite

Eastern Michigan is 2-1 this year after going 7-41 the last four years; EMU (+13) went to Laramie, upset Wyoming 48-29 in LY’s meeting; Eagles had 352 TY at half, lading 38-14 Cowboys allowed 741 passing yards in its two games against I-A teams; they’re favoried on road for first time in three years (3-6 as road fave since 2007). EMU is 6-12 in last 18 games as a home underdog.

USC is 1-2 and switching to freshman QB Darnold, who makes his first start here. Trojans won four of last five games vs Utah, going 1-1 in last two visits here; favorites covered four of last five series games. USC is 2-8 in its last ten games as a road underdog. Utah beat rival BYU 20-19 despite being -2 in turnovers; Utes lost two good players LW, still won easily at San Jose. Utes are 2-6 in last eight games as a home favorite.

Tech Trends - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, Sept. 23

Matchup Skinny Edge

TCU at SMU...Metroplex war! Patterson only 2-5 last 7 vs. line against SMU, and TCU just 4-12 as visiting chalk since 2011. Frogs are 10-5 as DD chalk since 2014, however.

Slight to SMU, based on series trends.


WYOMING at EASTERN MICHIGAN...Rare revenge against EMU after Eagles won in Laramie LY! Not much home edge in Ypsilanti, as EMU 1-5 vs. line as host LY, and 13-30 vs. number at Rynearson since 2008! Bohl 6-4 vs. line last 10 away.

Wyoming, based on extended EMU home negatives.


SOUTHERN CAL at UTAH...Home team has covered all five meetings since Utes entered Pac in 2011. Trojans no covers last five away from Coliseum and 3-11 last 14 away from home. SC no covers last six as dog.

Slight Utah, based on series home and team trends.

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

We head into the weekend by first trying to solve the Pick 6 at Belmont Park on Friday, a two-day carryover of $106,527 up for grabs.

American Mink took the field gate to wire in yesterday’s sixth race and returned a hefty $89.50 which probably knocked just about everyone out of the Pick 6.

The winner in the opening leg paid $5.90, and after the big longshot we had payoffs of $23.80, $13.80, $7.50 and $6.20.

I had five of the six winners listed including two of my “Live Longshots” but could not come up with the Linda Fisher trained American Mink, the trainer’s first win in 2016 from 19 starters. She has only won 10 races in her training career from 339 starters.

The Pick 6 will not carryover until Saturday, that much I am certain of. I had a heck of a time coming up with longshots for today. My Live Longshot list includes just three runners.

It appears to could be a chalky day this afternoon.


Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Alw $77,000N1X (1:30 ET)
3 Tale for Ruby 8-5
6 Wembley 7-2
4 Literata 5-2
1 Anna Rae 6-1

Analysis: Tale for Ruby came off a seven-month layoff with a sharp looking maiden score in her third career start. She was fifth and third in two starts last year running in two very tough maiden heats, running into Rachel's Valentina in her debut who is now a Grade 1 winner. She only needs to move forward about a length off her maiden score to earn a figure good enough to win at this level and this is not a real tough looking group.

Wembley tracked the early pace from the outside and weakened inside the final furlong to finish third last out in her third try at this condition. She broke her maiden at Laurel Park four back and in her first trip at this level here three back she was beaten just a nose over a wet track. It took her six tries to break her maiden but is coming off a career top and fits here with her best.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 9-5 or better
EX: 3,6 / 3,4,6
TRI: No play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 Alw $62,000N1X (5:13 ET)
3 Somerset Sandy 6-1
2 Table for Six 8-5
8 Queen of Castle 4-1
9 Flattermefabulous 5-1

Analysis: Somerset Sandy stretches out to a route for the first time in her career here for the Weaver barn that is 15% winners moving runners from sprint to route. The filly made a good late rally to finish third two back going 5 1/2 on turf at the Spa and then last out faded to finish 10th. The blinkers come off and she is bred to handle the extra ground, by Scat Daddy out of a Johannesburg mare that has dropped five other winners including one other turf winner.

Table for Six stalked the early pace and was unable to get to the winner late in a runner up finish at this level last out. The third place finisher Weather Girl came back to beat $50,000 starter allowance foes in her next start here on Wednesday. The Nicks trainee has landed in the money in four straight starts at this level including a tough nose loss here back in May. Her last pair of speed figs are good enough to beat this group but her price is going to be on the light side.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 4-1 or better
EX: 2,3 / 2,3,8,9
TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,8,9 / 2,3,4,8,9


Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R6: #9 Conquest Prankster 8-1
R6: #11 T Loves a Fight 10-1
R7: #5 Irish Prayer 8-1

Good luck today!

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dayton Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Post: 6:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$4000 - FILLIES & MARES N/W $1000 IN LAST 4 STARTS
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 TWO GREEN PEPPERS 3/1
# 3 ELECTRIC DANCEMOVE 5/2
# 2 PLAYA DEL SOL 7/2

We've got a feeling TWO GREEN PEPPERS is going to get the ultimate prize. This outing could very well be controlled by this mare. Just one look at the avgerage speed fig will verify that. Good for a win wager just off the outstanding prior class figures. Have to like this nice horse. That 70 speed fig clocked in the most recent affair puts this solid standardbred in the mix in this contest. ELECTRIC DANCEMOVE - Could very well provide us a win based on formidable recent speed ratings - earning an avg of 75. This race horse looks dangerous considering the high class numbers. Don't toss out of any exotics. PLAYA DEL SOL - The handicapping group always likes a proven performer. This horse's high winning pct is evidence of that.