Betting the Big East Takes Guts

When the ACC raided the Big East, many thought this would signal the end of this league as a power and talk circulated that potentially this conference should be decertified as a BCS league. Naturally the conference members howled their disapproval and went out and did a little pilfering of their own in grabbing Cincinnati, Louisville and South Florida from Conference-USA.

The first year turned out better than the Big East could have imagined, with conference champion, West Virginia pulling a stunning upset of Georgia 38-35 as six-point underdog in the Sugar Bowl in 2006.

Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese was absolutely thrilled about how the 2007 season played out. Barely one year removed from dismissal talk, this conference had three teams in the Top 10 in the country in November, with several key games to be played. Louisville ended up being the champion of the Big East and did the league proud with a 24-13 win over Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

Last season was not quite as exciting as the previous year, but all eyes were on West Virginia, who was in line to potentially play for the national championship with a win over rival Pittsburgh at home. The Mountaineers were monstrous 29-point favorites, yet fell to the Panthers 13-9, after quarterback Pat White went down with an injury. The whole Rich Rodriquez saga ensued, with him taking the Michigan job and few gave West Virginia a chance in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma as seven point underdogs. Instead, a proud group of Mountaineers was energized and they out-muscled and out-fought a Sooners team that didn’t know what hit them, winning 48-28 under then interim coach Bill Stewart.

Fast forward to today, after three weeks of the college football season, the Big East is 10-9 in non-conference play and get this 1-14 against the spread. (Really) What has happened in the course of a few seasons, at the pinnacle of the league’s success?

One of the most underrated and not frequently discussed aspects of conferences is the coaches in the league. Television commentators will question the judgment of a coach’s decision, yet will never go into the intricacies how good a coach one may actually be. This shouldn’t be surprising given the knowledge those working on public airwaves have to use these coaches to find out information and are seeking nuggets of information that can be used on a broadcast. Alienate the coach by criticizing him, essentially access is denied.

That is not a problem here, as we can dissect what is currently happening in the Big East. West Virginia, the reigning conference champs, had plenty of questions about the hiring of Bill Stewart to what has become a Top 10 program. Stewart is an affable man, a big smile and considered to be a smart assistant coach. With the bar having been raised under Rodriguez’s tenure, is he the right man to continue the structure? He’s put in a new offense that suits his preferences, yet as East Carolina game proved, the players are somewhat miscast and searching to understand what they need to do. With the Big East having only eight members, this leaves room for five non-conferences games. The ‘Teers have not been strong against these types of opponents and are 12-14-1 ATS since 2003.

Louisville has gone from a powerhouse to also-ran, with the departure of nomadic Bobby Petrino. The talent level has shrunk like a 100 percent cotton shirt thrown into a hot dryer and the natives are getting restless about coach Steve Kragthorpe spoiling what has been a very good thing for the Papa John Cardinal Stadium crowd. The Cards are 14-11 ATS in non-league games, but just 1-4 ATS the last two years.

Pittsburgh and Syracuse, two original members are saddled with two former NFL coaches, who are not getting the job done. Dave Wannstedt is 17-20 at Pitt with 16-18ATS record and has never shown a proclivity towards winning as a head coach anywhere. Syracuse fired Paul Pasqualoni for too many 6-6 to 8-4 seasons and hired Greg Robinson. Those numbers would be a welcome relief for the Orange fans with Robinson 7-31 and 15-23 ATS.

Connecticut’s Randy Edsall and Rutgers Greg Schiano both have proven to be solid coaches in building programs from nothing. Now they have reached a level of success, can either overcome limitations by the universities to take programs to championship levels? Coming into this 2008 campaign, both coaches had done well in the last five years in non-conference play (Rutgers 17-7-1 ATS and UConn 17-12-1 ATS), however most of those numbers were as undervalued underdogs.

Cincinnati has Brian Kelley in his second season. Kelly had unbelievable success at D-ll level with 118-35-2 record and is known for no-nonsense approach. Too early to predict what happens in the Queen City.

Presently the most stable program is South Florida, who didn’t have football 12 years ago. Jim Leavitt took the job in Tampa and quickly has ascended this program to alarmingly unique heights, starting from scratch. Most of his assistants have been there since day one, helping provide the continuity which has helped make this work. Even with this uprising, the Bulls are pedestrian 9-10 ATS in non-conference play in just over five seasons.

With the Big East on such shaky ground from coaching perspective, what should one expect once conference play starts? It would stand to reason underdogs of all sorts should do well given the state of affairs. Here is a chart explaining how these teams have performed as home favorites in the Big East as long as they have been part of the conference.

Big East ATS Records as Favorites
For Conference Play Last Five Years

Cincinnati 1-2 (3-years as member)
Connecticut 4-1 (4-years as member)
Louisville 6-4 (3-years as member)
Pittsburgh 6-3
Rutgers 2-5
South Florida 2-3 (3-years as member)
Syracuse 5-3
West Virginia 4-9-1

This conference has been a bookmaker’s dream with 30-30-1 ATS record on home favorites, with existing teams over the last five years. With the current coaching lineup, the numbers are actually more in favor of the road underdog than at first glance. Pittsburgh might be 6-3 ATS as a home Big East favorite, but all three losses have come with Wanny as coach. Basically the same is true of Syracuse, with their three spread losses coming with Robinson wearing the headset.

Watch closely who these Big East teams are matched against in non-conference play this week, trying to fully understand not only the opponent, but who is on the other sideline as coach. When league play starts, watch the spreads of home favorites, being able to take advantage of quality situations.

Top Tuesday Free Plays

Kendall of the Left Coast Connection finished off a 4-0 NFL weekend with winner on the Eagles and is 8-1 on the season. Today’s Top System involves division rivals and is a rare play that hits 80 percent of the time. The perfect Trend is back and is in the Keystone State. In an odd occurrence, the LCC has two unanimous MLB plays today. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON home teams like the Cubs who are very good offensive team scoring 5.3 runs or more a game, against a very good starting pitcher like Milwaukee's C.C. Sabathia with ERA under three in the NL, with a starting pitcher like Ryan Dempster who allows 5.5 or less hits a start. This rare system is 8-2 since 2006.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Pittsburgh Pirates are 0-10 at home when +150 to +200 underdogs this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) I hasn't happened but maybe 10 times all season, but the members of the Left Coast Connection both unanimously support Philadelphia and Toronto in MLB action. In each case, eight members picked these two teams with no dissenters.

NEW Feature – We realize not everyone has access to computer all day. We are introducing 3Daily Winners by phone. Call 480.205.9388 and listen to Free System, Top Trend and Free Pick each day, available after 5:30 Eastern weekdays.

Monday's Free Plays from 3Daily Winners

Another nice 2-1 day as our System and Free Play were both Winners. Kendall has been scintillating the start the NFL season at 7-1 and gave us the Packers yesterday. Today he has side on the Monday night game with advice. Our Top Trend checks in on the Minnesota Twins tonight. There was not any outstanding baseball systems today, leading us to look a college football money line play that is 32-2 over the last decade. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON home favorites like Georgia Tech vs. the money line in the first month of the season, after closing out last season with two or more straight losses against opponent in the first month of the season, after closing out last season strong with two or more straight wins. This college football ML system is 32-2 since 1998.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Minnesota Twins are 15-2 against the money line with an on base percentage of .393 or better over their last three games this season.

Free Football Selection -3) Kendall from the Left Coast Connection was 3-0 in the NFL yesterday (now 7-1 for the year), with winners on Green Bay (here), Oakland and New England. Kendall believes a tie is better than a loss and is playing Philadelphia and recommends to do so only if number is at +7 or higher. Anything below, he suggests passing.

NEW Feature – We realize not everyone has access to computer all day. We are introducing 3Daily Winners by phone. Call 480.205.9388 and listen to Free System, Top Trend and Free Pick each day, available after 5:30 Eastern weekdays.

NFL Free Plays for Sunday

Over the last two days, the college football plays ended being 4-2, for some nice winning action. Two of those wins came from our Super Systems plays and today we have a 79.2 percent system with a solid winning margin. The Top Trend looks at one of the two AFC West matchups and Kendall from the Left Coast Connection will go for a second straight week of NFL winners with a surprising play. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST home teams like Minnesota where the line is +3 to -3- off a road loss, in the first month of the season, after closing out last season with two or more straight losses. This system is 38-10 79.2 percent with winning margin being 6.3 points per game.

Free Football Trend -2) The Oakland Raiders are 1-9 ATS in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2+ seasons.

Free Football Selection -3) Kendall was 4-1 in the NFL last week and sees Green Bay coming away a spread winner.

NEW Feature – We realize not everyone has access to computer all day. We are introducing 3Daily Winners by phone. Call 480.205.9388 and listen to Free system, Top Trend and Free Pick each day, starting today after 11:30 Eastern.

Early Line Moves

A couple weeks ago we introduced Early Line Moves. We seek out the earliest lines and compare them on late Tuesday nights to see what the so-called Line Movers do. By and large their track record is solid and dependable. As the season wears on, our results have shown these numbers to get better. Last week in college football, they were super 7-1-1 on sides and 5-5 in college totals. This makes season record 15-5-1 on sides and 5-5 on Totals in CFB. In the NFL, they were 2-2 on sides and 2-1 in Totals. Enjoy reading and closely follow these numbers for wagering portfolio. Getting a late start on getting this info out this week.

College Sides
South Florida -6 to -3.5 Winner
Washington State -5 to +1.5 Winner
Oregon -5- to -8
Oregon State -9.5 to -12.5
Michigan -4 to -1
California -11.5 to -14.5
Buffalo -4 to -66.5
So. Miss -2.5 to +2.5

College Totals
Navy/Duke 53 to 58
ECU/ Tulane 40- to 44.5
Utah/Utah St. 47 to 5.5

NFL Sides
Cincinnati -3 to -1
New Orleans -2 to Pick
N.Y, Giants -6 to -8.5
Seattle -9.5 to -7

NFL Totals
Oak/KC 34.5 to 36.5

College Football Betting Previews

The college football landscape is being overshadowed by Ohio State and USC contest that is as big as Hurricane Ike, without the inevitable consequences. There are many other games on the radar, with a number of teams already in trouble with a loss on Saturday. South Carolina paid good money to bring in Steve Spurrier to win, not lose to Vanderbilt in consecutive seasons. A loss to Georgia makes this season uphill from here. Michigan certainly doesn’t need another September loss, trying to change directions with a new coach and if this is Notre Dame’s idea of improvement, where’s Bob Davie? Washington might have lost to BYU anyway, but shouldn’t the refs have used better discretion? For their efforts the Huskies get Oklahoma who has an even better offense than BYU. These and other wagering options are awaiting your perusal. Click here to read more.

Free College Football Plays at 3Daily Winners

Our only play that could be documented was an easy Winner on Baylor. Today we hope to have another winning Free Play from our pal Sal who is again heating up. Our Top Trend looks into an ACC matchup and today’s System play has been an 82.4 percent winner over the last five years. For anyone thinking about backing a team from the Big East, consider they are 0-11 ATS to start the new season. We are adding a New Feature today, learn more below. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST road teams like Stanford after allowing 17 points or more in the first half in two straight games against opponent after scoring 24 points or more in the first half last game. This system is 28-6, 82.4 percent since 2004.

Free Football Trend -2) Virginia Tech is 13-4 ATS in last 17 ACC contests.

Free Football Selection -3) Sal from the Left Coast Connection is on a nice roll again, with 8-2 record this week and 7-3 in college football after going 2-0 last night with Kansas and Baylor. Today he’s backing Buffalo minus the points against Temple.

NEW Feature – We realize not everyone has access to computer all day. We are introducing 3Daily Winners by phone. Call 480.205.9388 and listen to Free system, Top Trend and Free Pick each day, starting today after 11:30 Eastern. Special Bonus info today just for calling.

3Daily Winners for Friday the 12th

Minnesota’s extra inning loss cost us a 3-1 day; however the Free plays have been picking up, with three winners in a row and this pick is now available. Our focus turns towards college football and we have quality System that wins 83.9 percent of the time and involves a Pac-10 team. Our Top Trend has a team from the MAC who is primed for this position with 13-1 record. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON home favorites like Oregon State of 10.5 to 21 points, after allowing 37 points or more last game against opponent after scoring seven points or less in the first half in two straight games. Home cooking does the Beavers right in this system that 26-5 ATS, 83.9 percent.

Free Football Trend -2) Central Michigan is 13-1 ATS after playing a road game.

Free Football Selection -3) Seven of eight members of the Left Coast Connection are playing Baylor tonight .

Free MLB Plays for Thursday

Finally a snappy winning day with 3-1 mark, let’s see if we can build on that. Today’s stellar System play yields not one, but two plays today that are 37-5. The White Sox broke Toronto’s long winning streak, will they beat them again, review today’s Top Trend for possible answer. The LCC was 2-0 yesterday in Free Plays and has another ready to go. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250, where team's hitters draw three walks or less a game on the season against opponent with a hot starting pitcher with WHIP of less 1.000 over in last five starts. The pitchers are Francisco Liriano and Roy Oswalt and the teams to play against are Kansas City and Pittsburgh. This system is powerful 37-5, 88 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Gavin Floyd and the White Sox are 13-2 at US Cellular Field this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Consensus MLB play in on the Chicago Cubs to take the series.

A Look ahead in Rearview Mirror in Betting Football

After a sterling start of 25-16 ATS the opening week, favorites took it on the chin in Week 2 in college football. It wasn’t a disaster; however favorites were 19-23-1 against the spread. Part of the reason for this shift was home underdogs after a 3-6 start, came back to bite with 7-5 ATS record overall. Kudos to oddsmakers on the Totals, with 42-42 record for the first two weeks.

In the NFL, favorites were a solid 10-6 ATS in the opening weekend with the Under being the correct choice most often with 9-7 record. It was interesting to note, the value of Week 1 was in the middle numbers. Home favorites of a touchdown or more were 2-3 ATS and home dogs were 3-4 ATS. Home favorites of less than five points achieved perfection with 4-0 ATS mark.

Do’s

Penn State gave another very good performance, blasting Oregon State in 45-14, in a contest for all intents and purposes was over at halftime. The Nittany Lions ran the ball down their throats for 239 yards and played with a purpose against the Beavers, who were not sharp. Penn State is almost a four touchdown favorite at Syracuse and can name the final score. First real test of any sort is hosting Illinois in Big 10 opener on September 27.

Georgia Tech is shaping up as Play On team with upset win at Boston College 19-16 as 6.5-point underdogs. The Yellow Jackets still commit too many fumbles in learning new coach Paul Johnson’s offense, yet by the fourth quarter at B.C., the efficiency was much better and the pounding of running the offense was wearing down the Eagles. Georgia Tech’s defense was better than expected and with ACC not appearing especially strong, the Jackets will have opportunities to improve on 16-7 ATS record as ACC road dog.

What is most impressive about East Carolina is the physical nature of which they play. The Pirates were the better team against Virginia Tech and West Virginia on both days. Skip Holtz’s club beats on opponents, giving no quarter and whipping teams known for using brute force to win games. Though the schedule doesn’t look imposing by BCS standards, East Carolina still has six road games left on the docket and has been exposed like the internet in Bill Curtis commercials. No more lurking in the shadows for ECU, opposing teams have a new target to aim for. Hard not to ride coach who is 27-11 ATS, as Holtz and the Pirates head to Tulane this week in C-USA opener.

Don’ts

If this is new and improved Notre Dame, could be another long season in South Bend. The supposedly bigger, stronger and improved Irish offensive line saw backs average three yards a carry against San Diego State, who allowed over five yards a carry the previous week to powerhouse (?) Cal- Poly. The Notre Dame new blitzing schemes had one problem; they kept running into blockers, instead of finding open lanes to get to quarterback. At least Jimmy Clausen looked more like the hyped prospect Notre Dame was looking for, with several nice passes. The Irish are 5-11 as home favorites under Charley Weis and remain on fade alert especially when favored by 10 or more points.

South Carolina might have a tremendous defense, nonetheless, the offense and special (misnomer) teams are still an issue. Vanderbilt had no business being in the game with the Gamecocks, yet they hung around and Steve Spurrier’s squad let the Commodores into the game and they seized the opportunity in pulling upset as home dog. One would presume South Carolina shoots for big effort this week at home against Georgia, yet are 3-6 ATS as home pooch under Spurrier and the Bulldogs are 15-10 ATS on the SEC road. It takes intestinal fortitude to back Gamecocks this week.

What the “Freidgen” is going on in College Park, MD? Maryland had to fight for their collective lives to hold off Delaware at home 14-7 and lost at Middle Tennessee State 24-14 as better than two touchdown favorites! Coming off three losing seasons in last four years, it looks like coach Ralph Friedgen has been eating into the recruiting budget, with sparse talent available. In comes 23rd ranked California who might be better than presumed. The Terps are 3-6 ATS catching points at home against ranked opponents.

NFL Betting Thoughts

If any of us were a tackling dummy, the best place to have a job would be working for the Detroit Lions, who missed more tackles against Atlanta than the number of games Raiders owner Al Davis has watched in person. Detroit has a chance for renewal against division rival Green Bay on short week.

Philadelphia was crisp against receding Rams, setting up dandy matchup next Monday against Dallas, where the Eagles are 9-3 ATS.

A vast amount of handicappers and knowledgeable sports bettors were on Cincinnati last week at Baltimore, starting a rookie quarterback and running back. The Bengals defense could never stop the Ravens when they needed to and the offense was pathetic. This point’s to the value of preseason. While the games mean nothing, we saw with Cincy, Seattle, San Diego and Indianapolis not being close to ready offensively. You still need time with game action to put continuity together for offense.

Most impressed by Dallas, Carolina, Philadelphia and Denver. In each case, the game plans and execution was spectacular.


Media and other thoughts – Former Ravens coach Brian Billick had a quality debut in the booth as analyst. He was informative, made salient points and was definitely a coach in the booth. For those that prefer information to be delved out above the norm, Billick was a breath of fresh air. No doubt the network will tell him to dumb it down.

I’m only going to say this once this football season, but Troy Aikman drives me crazy. The former Cowboy quarterback does good work as an announcer, yet is a hack with the English language. Aikman ends the majority of words ending with ‘ing’ with his version of in’. (Example – The Cowboys are really tacklin’ well today.) I suggest you play along and have a large pad of paper and make a scratch mark for every time Aikman ends a word with in’. He does this more times than the number of Motel 6 Inns there are across the Lower 48. In the movie Scarface, if memory serves, somebody told me the F-Bomb was used 126 times. Aikman should have that before the end of the third quarter.

If you watched Florida and Miami last Saturday, you may have noticed the Gators scored 17 points in the last quarter to win. What caught my eye was the urgency of which Florida was trying to score with a VERY comfortable 23-3 lead late in the fourth quarter. By all appearances the Gators were desperately trying to score a touchdown and did, though it was called back for a penalty. You don’t suppose Urban Meyer had heard earlier in the week that Florida alums had the Gators in the -22 to -24 range do you? No, that would never happen. (Wink, wink)

Hump Day Plays at 3Daily Winners

We seem to be caught up in the buzzsaw of utilizing terrific information in what is a bad time for betting baseball. The numbers of baseball are convoluted compared to a month ago, meaning value is difficult to find. Many of the guys in the Left Coast Connection have stopped betting baseball for that reason and concentrated their efforts solely on football. As I stated last week, our focus needs to do so as well, however I have tried to give you loyal reader’s fresh information and recently the results have been unsatisfactory. When we still believe we have something of value to show in baseball we will, otherwise the tone will turn more towards football, with possibly fewer systems and more trends. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON all favorites like the Dodgers with a money line of -150 or more after having won 2 of their last 3 games, being a marginal winning team (51 to 54 percent) playing a bad team with a winning percentage 38 to 46 percent. This system is 115-35, 76.7 percent the last five seasons.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Oakland has yet to win when Sean Gallagher is the starting pitcher and an underdog in nine attempts.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Consensus MLB plays from the LCC is the Cubs and Houston.

Ohio State at USC Wagering Outlook

Did you hear about this little college football game their playing Saturday, involving two of the most recognized universities on the college football planet? Each of these fine schools has set a new standard in this millennium with superior coaching and athleticism that only a few other programs can possibly keep up with. This magnificent match-up could be the first of two games between these powerful programs this season, with the other site to be determined.

USC’s head coach Pete Carroll has to love the ways of the college football compared to the NFL in terms of supplying believable information. After Mark Sanchez went down with dislocated knee cap, many wondered if he would be available for monster Ohio State conflict, let alone for the opener at Virginia. While Sanchez was chattering, saying we would be ready for Cavaliers, this was gently pushed to the side as macho football talk, with yet another player taking heroic stance. Coach Carroll was pretty mum on the subject, doling out less information on the Sanchez subject than a Bill Belichick daily press briefing.

When USC took the field at Charlottesville, Sanchez had more giddy-up than a racehorse making a stretch run. If became readily apparent why the junior signal caller wanted to take the field so bad, these Trojans are loaded. USC gained 558 yards of offense with a stable of running backs deeper than Calumet Farms in Kentucky. Four different backs, with Joe McKnight and CJ Gable being the more familiar names, galloped for 5.3 yards per carry on 41 attempts. The speed and craftiness of each runner was awesome, as was the holes they had to run thru. ONLY nine different receivers caught passes for USC, totaling 340 yards, giving new meaning to diversity on the Trojans campus.

The USC defense was everything that was expected; except for a few passes that Virginia completed that seemed almost surprising. In the end, it was clear, USC was not tested and Sanchez has the confident appearance of a team leader, in what is now an assembly line of succession General Motors could only dream about, with the next stellar quarterback emerging at Troy.

It is no wonder Carroll has become a favorite among sports bettors, sporting 77-14 record in Los Angeles, with 55-36 (60.4 percent) against the spread record in his eighth season. Since getting everything in order in his second year in 2002, Carroll’s teams are 27-2 straight up in non-conference games (includes bowls), with 21-8 ATS record. The Men of Troy are 22-2 SU and 18-6 ATS taking in ranked teams since halfway thru 2002 campaign.

Ohio State was sharp in opener and duller then Lindsey Lohan commenting on Republican VP Sarah Palin against Ohio U. at Columbus last week. Are roving friends of 3Daily Winners have seen Buckeyes practices and both games and are convinced this is the best, most complete Ohio State team of the Jim Tressel sleeveless sweater-era. Here is what separates this squad from a few of the vintage Buckeye squads of this decade.

The 2002 national championship team probably embodied Tressel more than any other he has had in Columbus. Thou talented, not over the top by any means compared to later versions. That team did what it had to win through preparation and never flinched, no matter the circumstances. Six of their wins were by seven points or less during the regular season and what is easy to forget is they were 11-point underdogs to Miami-FL in unforgettable championship overtime game.

The 2003 and 2005 had better talent as 22 starters, yet were not even close to showing the resolve of 2002 squad. The 2006 team was literally shocked by Florida’s speed and was out-classed by hungrier team that was playing better. Last year’s team was really one year ahead of schedule, in terms of maturity and understanding what it takes to be a champion. No question Tressel did a splendid job in reloading, however were not in the same true class as LSU.

One theme among the folks we spoke to that have followed and wagered on Ohio State (for and against keep in mind), is the positive cockiness needed to be a champion. How this team carries itself is more reminiscent of the Woody Hayes days and the best of John Cooper years, when Ohio State always believed they were the best team, even if the opponent was lucky enough to beat them. This 2008 team is reportedly a modern version, having the Tressel coolness and a certain detachment of arrogance.

Tressel can hang with Carroll record-wise at 75-16, but is a pauper comparatively against the spread at 46-38-1, 54.7 percent. Ohio State has taken a more gentlemanly approach in non-conference conflicts with 29-5 record (3 losses in bowl games), being a mere 17-16 ATS in those encounters. Tressel’s Buckeyes are 6-5 ATS as single digit underdogs since his second season.

This will be biggest September clash in years, even more so than the Texas/Ohio State games of a few years back. Both are as talented as any teams one will see this season. All the players on both teams are supremely confident, with only the complete status of running back Beanie Wells an uncertainty. USC opened as a 9.5-point home favorite and that number quickly jumped to 10.5 at most wagering outlets. The Total has been altered also, from opening at 46.5 to 44.

Coaching, along with the players, will have a huge implication in determining the outcome. If Ohio State’s front seven can contain USC running game, they make the Trojans more one-dimensional. That is not to say Sanchez can can’t win through having to throw the ball, however offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian prefers to have balanced offense. It was not by mistake, the Trojans showed numerous offensive formations and shifting into the second quarter against Virginia, before settling in on what they wanted to do. This was a message to Ohio State defense coaches to tell them to be prepared for anything. Even after just one game, it’s not a surprise to know the Trojans are 17-5 ATS after a week off in the regular season.

Ohio State was sleep-walking for 2 1/2 quarters against Ohio U in last game, yet still kept in close to the sweater vest, in not giving away too much for USC to look at. Senior Todd Boeckman will have to bring his thinking cap for this matchup. USC will try and funnel pressure up the gut, meaning Buckeyes coaches must be able to have outlets on either flank, to slow pass rush and blitzing. Boeckman will have to distinguish when USC overloads a side and the blitz comes from that direction, being able to use slot receiver or tight end into vacated spot. The Buckeyes are 12-4 ATS in non-conference regular season games versus BCS schools.

No matter what the polls say, the winner of this much anticipated encounter becomes the top team in the country based on public perception. USC is 10-2 ATS as favorite at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Carroll’s watch versus ranked teams, with Ohio State 2-1 ATS as road dog in opposite role. This should be special.

Tuesday MLB Action from 3DW

A frustrating Monday as Minnesota and Green Bay went Over to give us a 1-2 day. Our select System play is due and follows the exploits of Philadelphia in the pennant race. This system is 47-14 the last five years. The Top Trend was a winner and checks on in slumping Arizona by The Bay. Our best baseball expert this season Sal, has his Top Play. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON home favorites like Philadelphia with a money line of -125 to -175, with a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better on the season, with a cold starting pitcher like Kyle Kendrick with an ERA 7.00 over his last five starts. This system is 47-15, 75.8 percent since 2004.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Barry Zito and San Francisco are 1-10 as home underdogs, as they get ready to face Arizona again.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal continues his fine run in baseball betting, being up +49.6 units (not those phony 200+ units guys boast about) for the season, easily the best of among the Left Coast Connection members. Tonight he's believes Seattle wins behind King Felix.

Free Monday MLB and NFL Action

Our first bad day in some time at 3Daily Winners with a 1-4 record. It happens and we report when we do well and when we don’t. Today we have a very solid MLB system that is 73.5 percent. Our Top Trend ventures back into the world of baseball, looking at Pittsburgh and Free Play is now available. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) Baltimore has lost eight straight, giving us reason to back Cleveland. Play On all favorites with money line of -110 or higher, with a team batting average of .265 or worse on the season (AL), after allowing three runs or less three straight games. The logic here is the pitching is overcoming the hitting. Baltimore has allowed 8.3 runs per game in last seven losses. This system is 119-43, 73.5 percent the last five seasons.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Pittsburgh Pirates are 2-17 on the road after allowing 10 or more runs in a game.

Free Football Selection -3) Kendall from the Left Coast Connection was 4-1 in the NFL yesterday and is backing the Under in Minnesota and Green Bay conflict.

NFL System, Trend and Free Pick at 3Daily Winners

3Daily Winners ended up with 2-2 day counting the Wyoming Trend from Thursday. Utah just missed, but Mick had a tasty winner on Penn State that was essentially over by halftime. Our Top system actually yields three plays on Sunday from a system that has unique twist. Slick Rick was 3-0 in college football and supplies us with his best NFL selection. Our Top Trend takes us down to the Bayou to check in on the Saints. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) Play On favorites in the first week of the season, after closing out last season with three or more straight ATS losses. This steadfast system is 29-8, 78.4 percent and suggests looking at Detroit, New England and Dallas today.

Free Football Trend -2) The New Orleans Saints are 3-11 ATS as home favorite of three points or less.

Free Football Selection -3) Slick Rick from the LCC was 3-0 in college football yesterday, taking Ole Miss, Kansas and Penn State. Today Houston strikes his fancy as best play.

College Football Betting Saturday

With one big home underdog upset already in the books for Week 2 with Vanderbilt’s come from behind win, how many more upsets will arise? Can a seemingly overmatched Washington team spoil the BCS dreams of BYU? Is Central Florida’s offense and defense strong enough to take down South Florida in the I-4 War? Penn State suffered suspensions; will they be focused at home against offensive-minded Oregon State? Can U-Miami make quantum leap and shock the world in Gainesville? Review what is being said about these and other college football contests.

Southern Miss (+17.5, 43) Auburn 12:30E GamePlan and ESPN360

Auburn plays a second straight non-conference home game, taking on Southern Miss. The Tigers are working on improving new spread offensive scheme installed by first year offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. This is last chance to rev up offense, with SEC play starting next week at Mississippi State, and the following week hosting LSU, which should be key contest to help decide SEC West. The job is made easier running behind what most insiders feel in the best offensive line in the country. The wide receivers showed inexperience in 34-0 whitewashing of Louisiana- Monroe and need to come together quickly. Auburn ended up playing Auburn football rushing for 321 yards for almost seven yards a carry. The Tigers are just 4-10 against the spread when favored by double digits.

Southern Miss has a new look with Larry Fedora the head coach, after former USM alum Jeff Bower was forced out, despite 14 consecutive winning seasons. Last week the Golden Eagles opened with Louisiana- Lafayette and dismantled them 51-21. The Southern Miss offense is bolstered by junior running back Damion Fletcher, who ran for 222 yards in wider running lanes in Fedora’s version of spread offense, which was very successful at Oklahoma State, where he was offensive coordinator. Fletcher ran for over 1,500 yards and scored 15 touchdowns a season ago and is the coach’s kind of player. “He loves practicing and every aspect of football.” Fedora said. Defense has been a hallmark in Hattiesburg; however the talent level has slipped, allowing over 20 points per game in three of last four years, after not surrendering more than 20 PPG from 1997 -2003. The Golden Eagles are 11-5 ATS in road openers.

These teams have not met since 1993 and Auburn holds the all-time series edge at 16-5. With conference tilt on deck, Auburn might look past this game like in the past and is only 5-10 ATS in last 16 meetings with non-conference foes. The Tigers are just 3-6 ATS before first conference matchup. Southern Miss has a long history of success in September with 29-12 ATS record, yet is 0-6 against the number as underdog the last few seasons.

To read more game write-ups click here.

Free College Football Plays

Our winning days were snapped with 1-2 record, meaning it’s time to start another winning streak. Our Top System continues to thrive and we have a 26-5 play against a home underdog ready to fire. Utah is off upset of Michigan, how do they do in next game in this situation? Mick from the LCC makes his debut here at 3Daily Winners, being a college sports expert. Good Luck.

Free Football System -1) PLAY AGAINST home underdogs like Washington off a loss against a conference rival, in the first month of the season, after closing out last season with two or more straight losses. This system is a percolating 26-5 ATS, 83.9 percent.

Free Football Trend -2) Utah is perfect 10-0 ATS in home games off an upset win as an underdog.

Free Football Selection -3) Mick from the Left Coast Connection plays college sports exclusively besides making a living playing poker. He’s 4-2 thus far in college football, having Ball State last night. Today he’s putting a large investment on Penn State.

Three Baseball Betting Thoughts for Friday

Its one thing to lose to the Mets, but quite another to be defeated by San Diego, as the Brewers loss gave us a .500 day. Our Top System heads north of the border, where an 85.7 percent system can be applied. Our always popular unbeaten Top Trend is back, with a familiar look. Jason gave us a Giants football winner yesterday; we’ll see how he performs in baseball. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY ON home favorites, like Toronto with a money line of -175 to -250 with a team batting average of .265 or worse on the season (AL), after a win by four runs or more. This simple system is 24-4, 85.7 percent the last three years. Blue Jays with Halladay fly away from Tampa Bay.

Free Baseball Trend -2) We’ve played this recently and why not again. Kevin Correia and the Giants are 11-0 when favored by -110 or higher money line.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Jason from the LCC has started well here at 3DW and likes the Mets to take down Philadelphia in series opener.

Free Plays

If you would like to receive my personal plays, you can do so for FREE. Just sign up on our email list and Presto, they will be emailed to you. With all the new people coming to the blog, you would rightfully ask, why should I do that? Besides the outstanding information you will receive daily, my very first blog page introduced what we have to offer.

2004 The Sports Eye 2nd Preseason NFL
2004 Wagertracker 1st Preseason NFL
2004 Gurutracker 8th NFL
2004-05 Wagertacker 1st NBA Best Bets
2004-05 The Sports Eye 1st College Hoops
2004 The Sports Eye 1st Baseball

After hooking up with handicapper Paul Buck we accomplished this:

2006 Free Sports Monitor 1st College Football
2007 Free Sports Monitor 4th Baseball

This season in baseball I'm 183-145, good for +19.57 units. Paul has his own paid picks that will show up here shortly. It's your choice, but as we all know, free is great price.

Early Line Moves in Foootball

Last week we introduced Early Line Moves. We seek out the earliest lines and compare them on late Tuesday nights to see what the so-called Line Movers do. By and large their track record is solid and dependable. As the season wears on, our results have shown these numbers to get better. Last week in college football, they were 8-4 and thou we will not officially count the college totals, 10-5 is awfully damn good. Enjoy reading and closely follow these numbers for wagering portfolio.

College Sides
Michigan State -24 to -21
Auburn -20- to -17.5
Ohio State -37 to -33
Penn State -13 to -16.5
Florida -24 to -21.5
Oklahoma State -12.5 to -16.5
Wake Forest -10 to -7.5
California -11 to -13.5
Tulsa -18 to -21.5

College Totals
GT/BC 41.5 to 38.5
WV/ ECU 53 to 50
Minn/BG 58 to 55
SJ State/Neb 61 to 57.5
Miami/FL 58 to 51
SD St/ ND 46 to 43
Missi/WF 50 to 47
NIU/WM 56 to 53
So. Flor/UCF 58 to 51.5
Stan/ASU 55.5 to 52.5

NFL Sides
Baltimore -1 to +1.5
Detroit -1 to -3
Dallas -3 to -5.5
Denver -1 to -3

NFL Totals
Cinc/Balt 42 to 38.5
KC/NE 48 to 44
Det/Atl 44 to 41

Free Plays for September 4 from 3Daily Winners

A second straight 2-1 day works as Milwaukee coughed up home series to the Mets. (So did the Cubs) If you’ve noticed, San Diego has been a frequent target of play against teams in our Top Baseball System. Will they be marked again today? We’ll jump over to a little college football and football in general as the weeks pass by and baseball doesn’t offer quite as many Top Trends. Free Play up for review. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY AGAINST any poor team like San Diego with BA .250 or less, against an average starting pitcher like Jeff Suppan (10-7, 4.49 ERA) who has ERA in 4.20 to 5.20 range in the NL, with a starting pitcher Shawn (Oh my arm hurts) Estes, whose WHIP is 1.150 or better on the season-NL. This sweet system is 19-3, 86.3 percent since 2004.

Free Football Trend -2) With today a slow baseball day and many more to come, we’ll start throwing in upcoming football trends and keep track as the games are played. For example, Wyoming is 0-6 ATS when favored at home recently.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Jason is the newest member of the Left Coast Connection and has been one of the bet NFL players according to the members that know him. Tonight he's backing the New York football Giants.(Editor's note: This was at -4)

New York Giants Betting Favorite

The New York Giants will start the 2008 campaign, essentially where they left the 2007 regular season. They are believed to be a pretty good football team, with enough weapons to be dangerous, however with shortcomings in enough areas. Along the way, in between the end of one season and before the next, they picked up a little hardware and some gaudy rings, having something to do with that Super Bowl thing. Giants’ fans and football bettors are still relishing the money they made on New York’s improbable run to NFL title, especially those on the money line against the then unbeaten New England Patriots.

Its opening night of a new season and Roger the Commish and his minions give us an old-fashioned NFC East rivalry to kick-off a new 17-week regular season. The Giants start under the leadership of Eli Manning, no longer challenged if he can be The Man in New York.

The Giants do have problems coming into the season with injuries, free agency and retirement taking away many of the aspects that contributed to spectacular late season run. This is not to say the cupboard is bare on defense for the G-Men, rather signals defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have to meet the challenge with new personnel. Last year the Giants were 6-0 ATS when they held teams between 15 and 21 points.

Washington has given unproven Jim Zorn the keys to the Redskins present and future, with plenty of doubt surrounding the environment. While quarterback Jason Campbell strives to learn yet another offensive system, how the running game works will determine early season success or failure of Washington. The offensive line brought back a couple of old faces that were injured last season, but essentially the group is the same, meaning Clinton Portis will have to use his vision and shiftiness to find holes. The Giants will try to clog running lanes; to stifle Skins attack and make Campbell hit many of his new receivers. Washington arrives in New Jersey 13-5-1 ATS against NFC East opponents.

Sportsbooks have moved New York up to 4.5-point favorite with total of 41. The Giants are 10-6 and 9-7 ATS hosting Washington since 1992, with the visitor having covered three in a row.

Serious football bettors will want to watch how Redskins T Stephen Heyer handles DE Justin Tuck. Heyer is descent player who gives good effort. Tuck has high motor and quickness off the ball. Whoever wins this battle will help team immeasurably.

Another battle is Plaxico Burress vs. Shawn Springs. When Plax plays like he did in the postseason, he is unstoppable in all the various pass routes. Springs is intelligent defender, and will try to jam Burress to throw off timing routes of which Manning is extremely comfortable throwing.
Lastly, will Manning be able to have TE Kevin Boss as reliable bailout? Boss looked uncertain in preseason. This could cause teams to double Burress if they don’t fear Boss or any other Giants tight ends.

Washington is 5-5 and 2-6-2 ATS in first game of the season and 6-10 ATS on the road the last two seasons. New York is also .500 in first tilt, with exact same spread record at 5-5.

NBC has the NFL season opener with Al and John and presumably new artist singing song to start the year. Keep in mind the Super Bowl champs are 6-0-1 ATS in first game the next season.

A look ahead in Rearview Mirror in Betting Football

Bettors across the country either benefited or were hung by what has become an annual right of college football the first few weeks of the season. Because of the limited amount of practice time coaches have with players and scholarship limitations, special teams are often neglected aspect of preseason practice. It’s not like the NFL where kinks can be worked out ahead of time. No matter what coaches’ hope, game speed is warp speed compared to what happens in practice. They worry a lot about this element of football to start the year.

Some coaches want to use best athletes or starters on special teams, but too often the players might not be focused, thinking about normal assignments. Hustling players with lesser ability might get caught up in wedge or lack lane responsibilities, allowing for kickoff or punt returns. UCLA had blocked punt to give them early momentum in upset of Tennessee. Missouri’s electric Jeremy Maclin had 99-yard kickoff return and 45-yard punt return before leaving with sprained ankle to help keep Illinois at bay. East Carolina was rewarded for out-playing Virginia Tech, with late blocked punt for the win. Colorado and Colorado State even had the rare back-to-back kickoff returns. This is one aspect that is difficult to account for from handicapping perspective early in the year, which has enormous impact on the outcome of games and wagers.

Do’s

It seems safe to say Mark Sanchez is very good quarterback and USC will continue to be a good wager as long as Pete Carroll is head coach (55-36 ATS, 60.4 percent). They gave scary good effort against Virginia, showing imagination, skill and domination. At one point in the second quarter, quarterback Pete Lalich threw a pass for completion and looked at teammate with raised eyebrow and half smile as if to say, “I did that against those guys, Wow.”

The only thing Clemson lacked in the preseason was a good enough offensive line with just one starter back. Turned out to be a WAY bigger deal than what most believed. The Tigers again showed they were the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz. If Nick Saban is a top 10 college coach (which he is), than Tommy Bowden is in the 90’s among his 120 FBS peers. Clemson might still end up being the best team in the ACC, but will anyone care? Those who had Clemson minus points are unlikely to return any time soon. Either playing against or passing on these toothless Tigers is the best bet.

Watching Virginia Tech, the thought crossed my mind, when was the last time I saw a team from Blacksburg that had less talent. East Carolina out-gained the Hokies 369-243 and held Frank Beamer’s team to 12 first downs. Skip Holtz’s team flying under the radar days are quickly coming to an end, especially if they can pull another upset this time at home against West Virginia. ECU is now special 27-11 ATS with Holtz as coach.

Missouri has Nevada and Buffalo in coming weeks, giving ample time to sort out defensive shortcomings. Chase Daniel makes every play and you’re almost surprised when he doesn’t complete pass. This offense is dynamic and will light up scoreboards all season. Covering spreads is doable for Missouri, if defense doesn’t play as soft as they did in the second half against Illinois.

Don’ts

Unless Illinois finds a running game against reasonable competition (Eastern Illinois does not quality as such this week), it could disappointment city for the Illini. Yes, Juice Williams did look better as passer, while still fair on touch routes. The Zookers are not going to be good bet if they become passing team. A 7-5 record appears to be fate, with .500 or less spread record unless running backs and defensive front seven improves.

The ACC caught plenty of deserved flak, but what about the Big East? Favored Pittsburgh, Louisville and Rutgers all lost at home on consecutive days and they were considered middle to upper tier of the conference. Dave (I’ve never coached a game I couldn’t lose) Wannstedt’s Pitt club again crumbled at the first sign of adversity at home to Bowling Green, after building 14-0 lead. Three fumbles doomed the Panthers, being outscored 27-3 the rest of the way by the Falcons. Don’t assume the Wanny’s bounce back either, being 5-10 ATS off a loss. Did Bobby Petrino stop recruiting before he left Louisville or is replacement Steve Kragthorpe over his head coaching in BCS league? Not convinced Kentucky’s defense is as good as they looked, as Louisville looked clueless against the Cats. Rutgers had chances to grab lead from Fresno State at home, but miscues and misplays cost them dearly. What could once again be foreshadowing, the Scarlet Knights were punished for 206 yards rushing by the Bulldogs (allowed 200+ yards rushing five times in 2007). Rutgers has 10 days to prepare for North Carolina, nevertheless are only 8-10 ATS as home favorites of late.

Another assumption not to make is South Carolina is really coming on after white-washing nauseating N.C. State squad 34-0. After making junior Tommy Beecher his quarterback back in April, Coach Steve Spurrier was more patience than TLC’s “Jon and Kate Plus 8”, watching Beecher toss four picks. Former starter Chris Smelley came in and led three touchdown drives, earning a start this week. Unless Smelley turns into Tim Tebow the rest of the year, this game of musical chairs under center limits what bettors can expect from what should be very good defensive team.


Media- I continue to be amazed Bob Greise still has a job broadcasting football. He seldom offers any real insight and makes more mistakes than almost any announcer you listen to. This past Saturday, ABC called Keith Jackson to see what the retired legendary announcer was doing on the opening week of college football. Greise was involved in the conversation and asked Jackson, his former long time partner, how many times he said “Oh Nellie!” I almost spilled my beverage in shock. The entire world knows Jackson bellowed for decades, “Whoa Nellie!” and this ignoramus who sat next to him for years couldn’t get it right.

Todd Christensen used to be a very good tight end for the Oakland Raiders and was a top TV analyst for NBC and ESPN. Reports of his demise were often centered on his lack of preparedness and he is doing The Mountain West conference games on The Mountain Network. It was a pleasure to here his voice again, since he is eloquent speaker and has a command of the English language. Though still not always prepared, “#44 made a nice play on the ball” at least he doesn’t butcher the language of the United States. (It still is English right?)

Did anybody see the ESPN post-game wrapup Saturday night with Rece, Lou and Mark? They had this new feature called The Verdict. Honestly, it looked like a bad Saturday Night Live skit.

Free Baseball Plays for Wednesday

A pleasant 2-1 day actually included three winners (see below), unfortunately my parlay was bust. Today we bring back blistering System that is 33-1 the last three years. The Top Trend follows the exploits of a Japanese fellow who has been big winner all year and Mark from the LCC is coming to a simmer with 6-1 record and has his Top Play available for viewing. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs like San Diego with a money line of +175 to +250, batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games against opponent with a hot starting pitcher like Hiroki Kuroda, with a WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts. We have used this system in the past and it is 33-1 since 2006 and 8-0 this season.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Boston is 20-4 when Daisuke Matsuzaka starts this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Mark from the Left Coast Connection is 6-1 since Sunday in all sports wagering and is playing Milwaukee this afternoon.

NFL Predictions and Player Talent Codes

I've have decided to present the best of both worlds, reviewing a number of NFL annuals on bookstore shelves and determining how these magazines feel about the upcoming football season. In addition, I've performed homework and went through NFL scouting material to see how each starting player was graded was based on 2007 performance. In the NFL, the more talent you have the better chances of winning, plain and simple. The trusted coding system is “Blue” for elite players per position, “Red” for quality players and “Purple” for above average, just not game changers. The projected records are an average of what the preseason magazines predicted and we’ll give the breakdown of talent on offense and defense of each team by color system, indicating talent levels of 22 starters for all 32 teams.


AFC East (Projected record)
1)New England 13-3 – (Offense – 2-Blue, 7- Red / Defense – 1-B, 4-R, 2-P)
2)Buffalo 8-8 – (Off.- 1-B, 4-R / Def.-3-R, 2-P)
3)New York Jets 8-8 (Off.-1-B, 7-R / Def.-5-R, 1-P)
4)Miami 3-13 (Off.- 2-R, 1-P / Def.- 2-R, 2-P)

Analysis- The New England Patriots have a sizable talent difference over their division competitors. The prognostications were placed well before the Brett Favre deal was even thought about, meaning the New York Jets would likely now have better record, as the “blue” player they picked up was number 4. The scouts in general were already impressed with the talent on hand for the Flyboys and this is further enhanced with Favre under center. Buffalo previously had more calls for second place finish, as they utilize the team concept without exceptional ability on both sides of the ball. It should be noted the Bills return players like LB Paul Posluszny and FS Ko Simpson, who were not rated due to early season injuries in 2007. Look for Miami to play tougher with Bill Parcells crafting team in his image, nevertheless, talent lacking on roster.

AFC North
1)Pittsburgh 11-5 -(Off.-1-B, 5-R, 1-P / Def.- 6-R, 2-P)
2)Cleveland 10-6 – (Off.- 2-B, 4-R, 2-P / Def- 4-R, 2-P)
3)Cincinnati 9-7 -(Off.-2-B, 4-R, 2-P / Def.- 2-R, 3-P)
4)Baltimore 6-10 -(Off.- 3-R, 2-P / Def.-2-B, 6-R, 2-P)

Analysis –This was one of the more intriguing divisions to study for many reasons. Pittsburgh had the most number one votes, in spite of what looks to be an absolutely killer schedule for 2008. This is often underrated aspect of professional football and definitely plays a factor into the outcome of the season. The Steelers have the best balance of talent in the division on both sides of the ball and deserve to be ranked first for this reason. Cleveland and Cincinnati appear to have the weapons to compete at least offensively with Pittsburgh, with each coming up short on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns situation is something to watch, as they were picked first in the AFC North as often as they were picked to finish third. Only Baltimore has the defensive players to get after all three of these teams, but they come woefully short in competing offensively, whether Kyle Boller or Troy Smith is the starter at quarterback.

AFC South
1)Indianapolis 12-4 -(Off.-3-B, 5-R, 1-P / Def.-2-B, 5-R, 1-P)
2)Jacksonville 11-5- (Off.- 6-R, 1-P / Def.-5-R, 2-P)
3)Tennessee 6-10- (Off.-4-R, 1-P / Def.-1-B, 3-R, 1-P)
4)Houston 6-10 - (Off.-1-B, 3-R, 2-P / Def.-2-B,1-R, 2-P)

Analysis- The only mystery in this division before the season starts is who finishes last. Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher earns high marks in working a team that seemingly overachieves every year, manufacturing wins. Despite Vince Young’s regression in second season, the Titans still made the playoffs, with most feeling the talent level is too thin to keep living on the edge. Houston is rising in esteem by most experts, unfortunately they are in the NFL’s toughest division from last year and need to make their own breaks to crawl over .500 for the first time and possibly learn from Tennessee about sneaking into postseason. Indianapolis and Jacksonville are among the best teams in the AFC and in the scouts eyes and are separated by the fact the Colts have more top level performers than Jacksonville does.

AFC West
1)San Diego13-3-(Off.-2-B, 7-R / Def.-2-B, 5-R, 1-P)
2)Denver 9-7 -(Off.-5-R, 1-P / Def.-4-R, 1-P)
3)Oakland 6-10 -(Off.-3-R, 2-P / Def.-1-B, 6-R, 1-P)
4)Kansas City 4-12 -(Off.-2-B, 1-R, 2-P / Def.-3-R, 2-P)

Analysis- San Diego is believed to have a stroll through the AFC West, with two teams in rebuilding mode and the other trying to reload on the run. The Chargers and Colts each have 17 players that grade out above average or better among starters, which helps makes them favorites in division races. Comparing the talents of Denver and Oakland, without knowing the recent history of these two teams, it would seem they should be fairly competitive. What doesn’t show up is organizational structure, with the Broncos fiscally sound and well run and the Raiders still thinking leisure suits are hip. Kansas City gave in to the inevitable; realizing treading water will only prevent you from drowning for so long. Instead, they made commitment to the future and will take their lumps in 2008, looking towards tomorrow.

NFC East
1)Dallas 13-3 -(Off.-5-B, 3-R, 2-P / Def.-2-B, 4-R, 1-P)
2)New York Giants 12-4 -(Off.-6-R, 1-P/ Def.-1-B, 4-R, 3-P)
3)Philadelphia 7-9 -(Off.-2-B, 4-R, 1-P / Def.-1-B, 4-R, 1-P)
4)Washington 4-12- (Off.-7-R, 1-P / Def.-1-B, 4-R, 1-P)

Analysis- No team in football is believed to have more top level talent than the Dallas Cowboys, with seven “blue” players among its 22 starters. Dallas has also added Adam (formerly Pacman) Jones and he should bring another top level performer to the Cowboys stable of talent. Owner Jerry Jones thinks his squad has what it needs to land in Tampa in early February. The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants did not do it with mirrors as some would have you believe. This is a solid football team, not receiving much respect (2006 St. Louis Cardinals come to mind), who can still play under the radar in certain situations. Now they need to show if they can play as well all season as they did at the end of last year. Prognosticators feel this is about the last hurrah for Philadelphia to show they can compete with the NFC elite and most experts are not convinced they will. Though excitement abounds in Washington with Jim Zorn as coach, this is a rugged division and this marginally talented squad is starting over with new coach and has enough veterans on the back side of careers.

NFC North
1)Green Bay 10-6 -(Off.-6-R, 2-P / Def.-1-B, 6-R, 3-P)
2)Minnesota 10-6-(Off.-1-B, 4-R, 1-P / Def.-3-B, 3-R, 1-P)
3)Chicago 7-9 -(Off.-3-R, 2-P / Def.-2-B, 3-R, 2-P)
4)Detroit 5-11-(Off.-2-R, 3-P / Def.-4-R, 1-P)

Analysis- What team were scouts most impressed with from an overall talent perspective in 2007? None other than the Green Bay Packers, who registered the most players to have above average talent at 18, even with number 4 no longer in the picture. With the NFL so heavily predicated on quarterback play, experts see the Packers and Minnesota duking it out to be division champs. The Vikings do have more star power and arguably have the best offensive and defensive lines in the NFL. Kyle Orton was named the Bears starting quarterback and the City of Broad Shoulders yawned. No breathtaking offensive talent means the defense has to return to 2006 form for Da Bears to compete. Detroit has rolled out new more new models during the Matt Millen era than General Motors, with each ending up looking like a Ford Pinto. To understand what a terrible job Millen has done, look at the talent level through the scout’s eyes for a team that has consistently picked players at the front end of the draft this decade.

NFC South
1)New Orleans 11-5-(Off.-1-B, 6-R, 1-P / Def.-5-R, 1-P)
2)Carolina 9-7-(Off.-1-B, 2-R, 2-P / Def.-5-R, 1-P)
3)Tampa Bay 7-9-(Off.-4-R, 2-P / Def.- 6-R, 3-P)
4)Atlanta 2-14-(Off.-1B, 3-R, 1-P / Def.-3-R, 2-P)

Analysis- New Orleans found out how challenging it is to maintain excellence when rising from the ashes to division champs. In 2007, the entire organization appeared to believe they just had to play and everything else would come together. Most believe the Saints learned their lesson and should rebound to be back atop the NFC South. Carolina has been through back-to-back injury plagued years and wants to believe they are ready to set sail for division crown again. This is a divided roster of talent, a grouping of underachievers and a large contingent of just average players. Tampa Bay can make a solid case of repeating as South champions, with most not believing they can not win with an oft-injured 38-year-old quarterback Jeff Garcia, despite a quickly rebuilt defense, loaded with ability. Atlanta can only go up, even if record and talent could say otherwise after the year they were Vick-ed.

NFL West
1)Seattle 11-5 -(Off.-2-B, 5-R, 1-P / Def.- 3-B, 3-R, 1-P)
2)Arizona 8-8-(Off.- 4-R, 1-P / Def.-2-R, 1-P)
3)St. Louis 5-11-(Off.-1-B, 3-R, 1-P / Def.- 4-R, 2-P)
4)San Francisco 5-11-(Off.-3-R, 1-P / Def.- 1B, 3-R, 1-P)

Analysis- Is Seattle really still a NFC Super Bowl contender or are they a by-product of playing in what might be the worst division in the NFL? Talent evaluators like them basically as much as the Giants, with five notable “blue” chippers. Arizona is the best of a bad lot, with offensive weapons and questionable defense. St. Louis and San Francisco have weak front offices in terms of evaluating college and pro talent and both head coaches Scott Linehan and Mike Nolan, might be joining lame duck coach Mike Holmgren after the season as former NFL generals who used to run teams.

Free Baseball Plays at 3Daily Winners

Only one play against San Diego yesterday and it was a winner. With a short week of work unfolding, we found an exceptional System that has really delivered of late with 9-1 mark. Back to perfect Top Trend, following the Red Sox tonight. Today's Free Play is courtesy of yours truly and a parlay. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) Philadelphia was asleep on Labor Day and bounces back against Washington team who is playing over their heads. In this spot; Play Against home teams like the Nationals allowing 4.8 or more runs a game on the season (NL), after scoring six runs or more five straight games. The Phillies Cole Hamels cools of Washington, having 2.25 ERA lifetime against the Nats. This system is 34-10, 77.3 percent, including being on 9-1 run.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Pitcher John Lester and Boston are 10-0 against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season the last two years.

Free Baseball Selection -3) You won't find forced action here and with nobody really piping hot from the LCC, I'll share my play tonight. I'm taking Boston on the run line (-1.5) and Minnesota in a two-team MLB parlay. A $50 wager pays out $124 and change if this correct.

Labor Day Sports Information

Streak of winning days ended with 1-2 day on Sunday, as surprisingly both Cleveland and the Angels lost. Maybe because it’s Labor Day or I don’t know what, but everything seems pretty laid back today. Thus we won’t force anything today and just provide information that doesn’t mean a call to action. Have a great Labor Day and think about all the people that worked before us to make this an enjoyable day. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) No dominate systems in play for today, thus we’ll pass.

Free Baseball Trend -2) San Diego is 2-16 against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.

Free Selections -3) Nobody is really on a hot streak at the moment, thus I’ll substitute a few consensus plays from the Left Coast Connection. Today 75 percent are on Tennessee, 61.5 percent are on Rutgers and 72.7 percent are on Milwaukee in baseball. None of these are official plays, just a little FYI for you today.

Football Betting on Labor Day, why not?

Many of us will meet with friends, do something with family or start preparing for autumn this Labor Day weekend. After four days of college football, many of us wackos will do something else, wager on more college football games and spend the day watching a doubleheader of action. It’s like come on; won’t the grass or bushes grow even if you cut them? The thing with the friends is great, as long as they have the games on. It’s wonderful to do stuff with the family, just start a little sooner, to be home by the kickoff of Fresno State and Rutgers. Labor Day is supposed to be a day of honoring those working citizens, by giving them a day off. ESPN will have coverage starting at 4:00 Eastern.

Fresno State at Rutgers

College football bettors and interested spectators have been eyeing this little game for awhile. Coach Pat Hill of Fresno State has built his reputation on taking on BCS schools in non-conference games, often with delightful results for Bulldog backers and fans. FSU is 30-18 ATS versus non-conference teams under Hill, though being outright conference champion has eluded him in 11 seasons. Fresno State is the betting favorite to finally breaking thru and be WAC champs. Even with 17 returning starters back, a rugged non-conference slate could once again wear out the Bulldogs before WAC schedule commences.

One has to wonder if Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has just a hint of regret about not taking bigger job after 2006 season. Of sure, 8-5 season was fine last year and three consecutive bowl appearances is fantastic for a university that had 27 years between postseason dates, nevertheless, Rutgers is thought to be no more than average in the Big East, which is far from a dominating league in 2008. This will be quarterback Mike Teel’s team, with Ray Rice departed and he has receivers Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt to throw to, after they were in top three in Big East in receiving yards in 2007. Rutgers is 8-2 ATS in last 10 non-conference home openers.

Most sports had Rutgers as five-point home favorite now down to 3.5 with total of 59.5. As of this morning 74 percent of the wagers were following Fresno State, who is 5-2 ATS in last seven road openers. This has the feel of last possession winner, thus taking the points could hold value.


Tennessee at UCLA

This intersectional matchup might need explaining, as Tennessee starts on the Left Coast for a second consecutive season. The Volunteers believe they can compete in the SEC East with Georgia and Florida, with the coaches having made the proper adjustments. Junior Jonathan Crompton has the size and arm strength to be a stud at quarterback and has talented receivers to throw to like Lucas Taylor. Tennessee is 9-4 against the spread in season openers. The Vols are a 7.5-point road favorite and are 18-9 ATS in this role over the last 10 seasons.

UCLA comes into the first game of the Rick Neuheisel era, with a laundry list of injuries, including having to go with junior transfer Kevin Craft as signal caller. At least Craft can throw to speedsters like Dominique Johnson on the perimeter. The offensive line has been reworked and no true stud has emerged as running back. Last year’s frustrating squad had to lean on defense and only five starters return from that group. With all that has gone wrong, credit goes to the former Bruins quarterback Neuheisel, attempting to resurrect head coaching career, by saying this about everything that has gone wrong, “This creates opportunity for other young men to step up.”

When looking at the two teams and the present situation, why is Tennessee not at least a nine-point favorite? For starters, the UCLA players will be jazzed for new coach and national cable television exposure, before the home fans. The Bruins are 12-2 SU and ATS in home openers (1-1 with Vols) and 17-4 ATS as home underdogs. Also, UCLA is 9-2 against the number versus ranked teams as a home team catching points. The Blue and Yellow clad Bruins have a shot if they can control the five returning offensive linemen from Tennessee from opening up holes as large as the nearby I-210 freeway, being 8-0 ATS in home games, when they allow 3.5 to 4 rushing yards per attempt. If not, Phillup Fullmer’s club cruises to 10 or more point triumph in SoCal.

Sunday August 31, Free Plays from 3Daily Winners

Another rock solid 2-1 Saturday, with winners on our Top System and Free play. Our Top System play today showcases Baltimore and is 84.3 percent since 2006. The hot streak one of the guys from the LCC is on is remarkable and he has another Free Play. Sunday’s Top Trend is in unbeaten situation, featuring Cleveland. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Baltimore with a money line of +175 to +250, after allowing eight runs or more against opponent after a combined score of 15 runs or more. This piping hot system is 43-8, 84.3 percent the last three years,including 10-2 in 2008.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Cleveland Indians are 8-0 against the money line with an on base percentage of .360 or better over their last 15 games this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) A professional bettor from the Left Coast Connection who prefers to stay unassuming is anything but with 15-1 run over the last week. Yesterday his unbeaten string was broken, but a 3-1 day could hardly be considered a failure. He’s betting on the Halos to continue streak at 3DW.

College Football Must Read Info

Over the last several years I have tracked what are so-called “wise guys” plays. What do I mean by that? Bettors who are movers and shakers are the most feared people by any oddsmakers. They are usually the first to attack lines with veracity and alter perceptions early in the week. I’ll be the first to tell you they are not always right and our numbers have become somewhat more muddled as more people want to pretend they are as smart as those that have and do this for a living for an extended period of time.

South Carolina -11.5 to -14 Win
Troy -4.5 to -6.5 Win
Michigan -5.5 to -3
Mississippi -11.5 to -7.5
Oklahoma State -5 to -7
Wyoming -9 to -11
Florida -28 to -34.5
USC -17 to -19
Auburn -28.5 to -26
So. Miss. -13.5 to -10.5
Clemson -7 to -4.5
Kansas -41 to -35.5

I also follow the totals yet will not show them, since these lines have been picked apart far too long. I’ll report them, next week. I will also do this for the NFL. Enjoy.

College Football Free Plays for Saturday

A 2-1 day sets the table for the opening of college football weekend. We have a unique System play from StatFox, which has been 36-11 in past. Our guy from the LCC has slam-dunked the books, hitting an incredible dozen straight winners and has another ready to fire today in college football. Our Top Trends looks at road favorite with poor history. Good Luck.

Free Football System -1) PLAY AGAINST home teams like Virginia, who were poor passing defensive from last season, allowing a completion percentage of 58% or worse, in a non-conference game between two teams from FBS conferences. This system is 36-11, 76.6 percent.

Free Football Trend -2) Tulsa is breaking in a new quarterback and is two touchdown road favorite. The Golden Hurricane is 2-10-1 ATS in road openers the last 13 years.

Free Football Selection -3) A professional bettor from the Left Coast Connection who demands his privacy is on 12-0 run in all sports. Yesterday he gave us Temple, which won handily and was also on Rice. Today he’s riding the Oklahoma State Cowboys minus the points.

Friday August 29, Free Plays from 3Daily Winners

Quiet, we have a professional bettor on a sizzling streak; see his Top Play of the Day below. Our System play was poised for 2-0 day, however the Cleveland Browns had three separate chances to put the Bears away and cover and failed each time. They deserve to be 0-4. It’s back to baseball for today’s best System, which is Totals play that is nailing winners 85 percent of the time. The first place Tampa Rays are in terrific MLB Trend. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY OVER on road teams like Chicago White Sox, when the total is 9 to 9.5, with a hot starting pitcher like Javier Vazquez, with WHIP of 0.800 or less over his last three starts and the team has an on base percentage of .375 or better over their last 10 games. This system is sick 34-6, 85 percent since 2004, with average score being 12 total runs.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Tampa Bay is 22-1 as a money line favorite of -150 to -200.

Free Football Selection -3) A professional bettor from the Left Coast Connection who prefers his privacy is on 10-0 run in all sports with conservative style. Yesterday he gave us the Cubs and played Vanderbilt, tonight he’s playing Temple -7.

Strong Points for Betting College Football Early

Most everybody wagering on college football has done a fair amount of studying college football in preparation for the beginning of the season. Yet until any of us can see teams play or study boxscores, a certain amount of uncertainty still is in the air. College coaches believe they have prepared their teams well, yet unlike the NFL, you don’t get to hit against another team in a relatively competitive situation. This is a cause for consternation for coaches and bettors alike wondering what is best method to approach beginning of college football betting season.

Two simple elements to look for are returning offensive and defensive linemen, plus quarterbacks. A team loaded with experience up front has been through spring and summer practices and knows what the expectations of the coaches are and what it will take to win in their respective conferences. Teams that return four or five offensive linemen have the continuity aspect down cold and barring coaching changes, just have to go out and execute game plan. Defensively, a veteran cast up front can cover up deficiencies in other areas for the short term.

Every year, we hear about a team being better than expected in November, having upperclassmen leadership on the offensive line with experience. Coincidently, a team may have all key skill position players back, yet struggles, as newcomers on either side of the pigskin were neither good enough nor cohesive for the team to meet expectations, causing bettors to squander money.

An experienced signal caller can be a huge plus, especially for an underdog team. If he has enough weapons around him, he places his team in position to pull upset or at least cover the backdoor late in a game, if he has ability to throw the ball well.

We contacted Ed from RightAngleSports to share his thoughts about this topic. Ed is one of the most respected handicappers in college sports and he provided these insights. “One area I look at is teams with new coaches. Some people believe these coaches might have edge since the opponent doesn’t know what’s coming. Though I haven’t completed all my research, teams with new head coach, against lined opponent, are 14-29 against the spread since 2003 in opening games. I like to play against these teams especially if they are changing offensive systems. This can be especially true if a new quarterback is taking over.”

Ed also had opinion on the Totals of these early encounters. “A lot of the totals are not adjusted enough when a coach brings in new system. If a coach brings in a new system (offense) that is pass-oriented, which is different than the year before, oddsmakers will be slow to adjust until they see what happens, wanting to be cautious before making adjustments. They will move the number to a degree, just not a great deal.”

“As a general philosophy, if you like an underdog early in the season, consider the money line as a value play, with better payouts if they pull the upset, which happens every year.”

If you like to follow trends, don’t get caught up leaning on them, since many non-conference teams don’t play one another often enough for these angles to matter, unless they are traditional rivalries like Notre Dame and Michigan. It’s always tempting to add validity to team this 11-1 ATS against an opponent, the problem here could be they have played those dozen games over 40-year period, rendering trend useless.

Steve Makinen from StatFox had this to offer,” Be sure to utilize the returning starter information but don't assume that a wealth of experience returning or lack thereof automatically means a lot. For instance, a team that won two games a year ago might not be better off with a lot of starting players back. Meanwhile, a program on the rise or one that has been solid for a number of years will probably maintain its success even if it isn't returning a lot of core players. Be careful when making these assumptions. Many pointspreads are predicated upon this information and can often be misleading.”

Follow these tips to help you start on the winning side for this big opening weekend of five days of college football betting.

Free Sports Selections for Thursday

A fine string of winners on System plays was broken, contributing to 1-2 day. Today we tackle the NFL with a hard to fathom preseason system. The Top Trend was a winner yesterday and will go for two straight, peeking in on Atlanta and Florida contest. A silent member from the LCC is on unbeaten streak and sends in his Top Play for Thursday. Good Luck.

Free Football System -1) PLAY AGAINST road teams in the NFL after three or more consecutive losses against the spread, in August games. This week that would be Chicago and New England. This system is disquieting 24-1, spanning a period from when the Buffalo Bills became the first team to lose three straight Super Bowls.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Atlanta is 4-15 against the money line in home games with a struggling bullpen whose ERA is over 6.00 the last 15 games.

Free Baseball Selection -3) A professional bettor from the Left Coast Connection who prefers his privacy is on 8-0 run in all sports with conservative style. Tonight he’s riding the Chicago Cubs on the money line.

College Football – Paying Attention Matters

I said yesterday I would have my biggest surprise and disappointing teams. I wasn’t thinking clearly that I could do this since yesterday was my wedding anniversary, so that was a bad idea to think I could do this.

Surprises

Mississippi – Most folks have Ole Miss pegged for last in the SEC West, not me. I have their top end talent better than either Mississippi State or Arkansas. Tackles Michael Oher and Jerry Jones are NFL quality. Keys games at home are South Carolina and in-state rival MSU. If they win at Arkansas, no reason they shouldn’t go to minor bowl. Texas transfer QB Jevon Snead must be above average.

Iowa-Talent-wise the Hawkeyes still aren’t great, however are improving. The reason why I see 8-4 season ahead is schedule that sets up nicely. Iowa has to take Iowa State seriously and bury them. No Ohio State or Michigan certainly makes goals more attainable. One upset against Wisconsin or Penn State at Iowa City would be significant and other than Illinois, they should have a chance to win other Big Ten road games.

TCU- I don’t know if this a big surprise necessarily, but I’m crowning TCU Mountain West Conference champs. They are in the mix with BYU and Utah, just not as highly thought of. After two 11-win seasons, injuries and inconsistent play doomed the Horned Frogs last year. With 16 starters and a rededication by all members of the squad, this alphabet school is ready to jump. I’ve got them at 10-2, with only losses at Oklahoma and at Utah.

Others in the mix- Northern Illinois –Wyoming-Louisville

Disappointments

West Virginia- Pat White is one of the most electrifying athletes playing quarterback in the country. This year with Bill Stewart as the coach, differences will appear, though West Virginia will still be a good team. Defensive replacements are needed and November features games at UConn, Louisville and Pittsburgh before hosting South Florida. We’ve seen what happens when White is hurt, just not sold the ‘Teers get in done in 2008.

Illinois- Illini backers were thrilled by going to Pasadena earlier this year, even if they were out-classed by USC. Key losses in personnel from real playmakers mean others have to step up, are they ready? Games away from home include Missouri, Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. On November 15, that team they beat last year, what’s their name, of yea, Ohio State comes to Champaign seeking serious revenge. An 8-4 record is apex, with 7-5 more likely, with improvement coming again next year.

Central Florida-Coach George O’Leary has done a splendid job in turning this sleepy campus dominated by Mickey into C-USA contender annually. O’Leary is a tough Irishman who likes to have his teams play top notch non-conference teams to prepare for conference play. The losses of quarterback Kyle Israel and RB Kevin Smith will slowdown offense. The defense is still among the best in the league, but too many rough roads tilts spells 6-6 campaign.

Others in the mix- Kansas – Connecticut –Kansas State

Baseball Betting Answers for Hump Day

Kendall from the LCC is smokin’ on personal plays and offers a familiar Free Play that looks like a winner. The System plays are hotter than an Arizona car handle sitting outside in August and goes right back to yesterday’s combatants with a different twist. The Top Trend will look like something you have seen before, but has it ever delivered. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY ON home favorites like the Angels, with a money line of -175 to -250, with a team batting average of .265 or worse on the season (AL), after a win by four runs or more. This system is fascinating 22-3, 88 percent the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Trend -2) We’ve used this before, yet it worth bringing out again. Roy Oswalt is 20-1 against Cincinnati lifetime and for good measure, he and Astros teammates are 9-1 the last two August’s.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall is nobody’s fool, he’s on the White Sox again tonight for Free selection. He’s 11-3 on the bases of late, gathering +9.15 units of profit.

Baseball Betting Answers for Tuesday

We know our MLB baseball systems have meant risking heavy chalk, but hard to argue when the odds are so stacked in your favor and they win. Does a 43-4 System grab your attention? Top Trend shows what Arizona has done on the road when a certain pitcher is on the mound. Professional bettor Kendall has been doing a nice job and has Free Play ready to win. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY ON all favorites like the Angels with a money line of -175 to -250, who are below average hitting team (BA .265 or less), against a good starting pitcher like Greg Smith (6-12, 3.75 ERA) with ERA below 4.20 in the AL, in the second half of the season. This system is jaw-dropping 43-4, 91.5 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Brandon Webb and Arizona is 12-2 when he pitches in road division games.

Free Baseball Selection -3) The Chicago White Sox have caught the attention of Kendall from the Left Coast Connection in MLB action tonight. He’s 9-3 on the bases of late, gathering +7.15 units of profit.

College Football Quick Primer

With college football ready to fire this week, thought I’d share how I see upcoming season playing out. Actually before I start, I’d like to inform everyone I was going to start a paid newsletter for college and pro football, unfortunately everything didn’t come together for a variety of reasons. This should be good news to all of you who visit this blog, since many of the elements I was going to talk about will instead be written about right here at 3Daily Winners.

For example, I have special information I’ve gathered for years and written about from time to time on other websites, this information will now be seen and talked about here.

I’ll share my game insights, from watching everything all weekend and discuss what I see or hear. I’ll provide key numbers about players and teams and tell the truth, not sugar coat what I see or find.

I’ll have various types of other information, that honestly I haven’t seen thought about yet, just will react to the marketplace. My goal is to make this a fun and entertaining place to stop everyday for people that want quality football information. Enough talking let’s get started.

Over the last six weeks, I’ve studied the returning players and losses from the various college football teams. Looked at the schedules inside-out and taken into consideration many other factors too numerous to mention.

Here is my Top 25.

1) Ohio State 2) Oklahoma 3) Florida 4) Georgia 5) USC

6) Missouri 7) Clemson 8) LSU 9) Texas Tech 10) Auburn

11) Wisconsin 12) West Virginia 13) So. Florida 14) Virg. Tech 15) Texas

16) Tennessee 17) Oregon 18) Penn State 19) Kansas 20) Wake Forest

21) Flor. State 22) Ariz. State 23) Alabama 24) Illinois 25) Iowa

Do I think this is the exact order of the best 25 teams in the country, No. Based on factors like scheduling and motivational situations, along with certain coaches in need of big years, this is what I see today.

Next is list of conference champions. By now you either have or should have picked up preseason magazine. I’m not going to compete with those, thus I’ll keep it brief.

ACC – Clemson

Finally Clemson meets expectations in what is a pretty mediocre league.

Big 12- Oklahoma

Second best conference this season, thanks to 11 returning quarterbacks. Highly competitive year, with underdogs covering more often than expected with so many good signal callers.

SEC- Florida
Georgia has better talent, however better schedule for Gators and more balance than last year.

Big Ten- Ohio State

Everyone is playing for second place.

Pac-10 – USC

Down year for this league, even USC isn’t USC to start the season.

Mountain West- TCU

Offense comes back for the Horned Frogs, with always steady defense in place.

WAC- Fresno State
My least secure pick, as Bulldogs are too often preoccupied with non-conference games, instead of focusing on winning league. Did you know Fresno State turned down 10,000 Benjamin Franklin’s to play Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, to keep home game with Badgers?

MAC- Central Michigan
They go for third straight title, but watch out for Ball State.

C-USA - Tulsa
They battle East Carolina for conference title.

Sun Belt – Florida Atlantic
In my study of outstanding players within conferences, FAU has the most players back within any league in the country.


Tomorrow, surprise and disappointing teams. Please share your thoughts in comment sections.

Free Baseball Plays from 3DW

The Toronto bullpen was surprisingly ineffective and cost us 3-0 day in extra innings in losing game and series to Boston. The baseball Systems are cleaning up with recent hot streak and we have an 80 percent system involving Cubs. Another Prefect Trend returns and Slick Rick from the LCC has a West Coast Free play. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY ON all favorites with money line of -150 or more like the Cubs, with a starting pitcher like Ted Lilly (12-7, 4.25) whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350 on the season-NL, with a team batting average of .275 or better on the season (NL). This to be reckoned with system is 48-12, 80 percent, since 2004.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Seattle is 0-11against the money line revenging a loss where opponent scored 10 or more runs this season, losing by an average of 2.8 RPG.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Slick Rick has been just that with 10-2 run in all sports and is on the Giants to roast the Rockies.

Free Plays from 3Daily Winners

An unproductive 1-2-1 day broke our string of three winning days at 3Daily Winners, thus we look to start another streak today. The System plays are back to being on fire and we have a 90 percent one on tap. The always popular perfect Trend returns and Kendall gets one more chance to earn our trust with his Free Top MLB play. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System -1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Pittsburgh with a money line of +150 or more, with a starter like Paul Maholm (8-7, 3.64, 1.232 WHIP) whose WHIP is 1.250 or better on the season-NL, going against a hot starting pitcher like C.C. Sabathia (3-0, 1.08 ERA L3 outings) with ERA less than 2.50 over his last three starts. While we could never suggest playing a -300 or higher game, hard to argue with results of this system being 18-2 the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Kevin Correia of San Francisco is perfect 10-0 when he and teammates are in the role of favorite in his career.

Free Baseball Selection -3) We are going to cut Kendall some slack as his main play was a push with the Jets yesterday and he is taking Toronto as his best play today.