American League Series Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, than this has the making of a special American League pennant series. Start with the fact these are division partners, hard to call them rivals until this year with the history of the two clubs. In the first 13 games between these teams, the home team won every time. Tampa Bay finally broke the string on Sept. 9 in Boston and won the next day also, winning a series in Beantown for the first time in their existence (1-23-2). Later in the month, the Red Sox won for the first time in Tampa and many believed this is where they would roll past the Rays and win the division, instead Joe Maddon’s young team stood up and won the next two games, effectively holding serve and later captured the AL East crown.

Having seen how well Tampa Bay played all year, it’s easy to forget how incredibly bad this franchise has been since its inception, thus a little history lesson. Until this year, Tampa Bay had never been above .500; in fact they had never won 71 games in a season. Just two seasons ago, the Rays tied the major league record (Philadelphia Athletics 1943) for fewest road wins after July 1, winning three times in last 39 games played. On top of that, they led the major leagues in the number of leads blown with 94 and set a new American League record by losing 60 games that they had led. The Rays led in 121 games, but won only 61. Based on its putrid past and playing in baseball’s toughest division, Tampa had about as much chance of winning the AL East as the world’s fattest man getting married (he is).

The Boston Red Sox are the best example of what a well run organization looks like in baseball today. The Boston Red Sox were New England’s version of the Chicago Cubs for decades. The “Sox” had several close calls over the years to be World Series champions, but in the end, always came up short. That was until 2004, with a new ownership group in place, Red Sox management took what appeared to be huge risk in hiring 28-year old Theo Epstein to be their general manager the prior year. Epstein and the rest of the franchise put a plan together to play a certain style of baseball and trade away players that didn’t fit or trade for those that did. The farm system was immediately revamped to reflect this culture and in short, this has worked to near perfection with two World Series titles in four years.

These two teams had a pretty good baseball fight in June, by the sports standards and bad blood was spilled at least verbally by both teams. Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3, 2.97) will pitch Game 1 in Tampa, mostly because how well he has pitched on the road with 9-0 record and Boston winning 11 of his 13 starts. Josh Beckett (14-12, 4-12) will follow, with Red Sox manager Terry Francona saying Beckett is healthy and was just rusty against Los Angeles. Back home, baseball’s best postseason starting pitcher of late Jon Lester (17-6, 3.01) will go and Tim Wakefield (10-11, 4.13) will start Game 4.

Manager Maddon will go with the rotation he had for the ALDS, with James Shields (15-8, 3.58) leading off at Tropicana Field, where he and Rays are 15-3 this year. Left-hander Scott Kazmir (13-8, 3.48) is next being their most experienced member on the staff. When they travel to Boston, Matt Garza (11-10 3.82) will start Game 3 despite being 4-7 on the road. Andy Sonnanstine (14-9, 4.34) will complete the initial go-round.

My Take: Because Boston is so patient at the plate, their approach can be demoralizing to competitors, ask the Angels about the number of two strike hits and two out runs the Red Sox scored in the ALDS. Because Tampa Bay pitchers don’t have overpowering stuff other than Kazmir, Boston will have their chances if they continue same approach. Tampa Bay actually is similar to the Red Sox in how they work at the plate, with a high walk total. The Rays hit more home runs and can make things happen on the base paths with 142 steals this year.

The Red Sox are tough, intelligent team that understands how to win. Their starting pitching beyond Matsuzaka and Lester is a question mark coming into this series. Will Tampa Bay’s youth catch up to them? This team is no fluke and with a couple of guys hitting home runs like B.J. Upton or Evan Longoria, anything becomes possible. Tampa Bay won the season series 10-8, however the “been there, done that” approach of Boston wins out in a long series.

Series odds from Bookmaker.com: Boston -133, Tampa Bay +113

Friday October 10
Boston (Matsuzaka) at Tampa Bay (Shields) 8:37 EDT

Saturday October 11
Boston (Beckett) at Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 8:07 EDT

Monday October 13
Tampa Bay (Garza) at Boston (Lester) 4:37 EDT

Tuesday October 14
Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) at Boston (Wakefield) 8:37 EDT

Thursday October 16
Tampa Bay at Boston if necessary

Saturday October 18
Boston at Tampa Bay if necessary

Sunday October 19
Boston at Tampa Bay if necessary


Offensive – American League
Runs scored -Boston 2nd Tampa Bay 9th
Home Runs -Boston 6th Tampa Bay 5th
Total Bases -Boston 4th Tampa Bay 8th
Slugging Ptc. -Boston 3rd Tampa Bay8th
Walks -Boston 7th Tampa Bay 2nd
On base Ptc. -Boston 1st Tampa Bay 5th

Pitching & Defense
ERA -Boston 4th Tampa Bay 2nd
Strikeouts -Boston 1st Tampa Bay 3rd
Walks -Boston 6th Tampa Bay 8th
On base Ptc. -Boston 4th Tampa Bay 2nd
Putouts -Boston 5th Tampa Bay 1st
Errors -Boston 3rd Tampa Bay 4th

October 9 Sports Betting Information

That was an odd couple of days of almost no sports; thank goodness that’s over. At least was able to catch up on few things I had got behind on in terms of information. We have a very good System play and Top Trend to think about this upcoming weekend in the NFL for today. Our top guy Sal from the Left Coast Connection has made two wagers on the MLB series, see whom he choose to win. Special Note - Clemson has gone from +2.5 point underdog to one point favorite today alone. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY UNDER on any team like Arizona against the total after beating the spread by more than 21 points in their previous game, being a team with 60% to 75% winning percentage, playing a team with a winning record. This system is 27-6, 81.8 percent over the last decade. Consider the total for Cowboys and Cards.

Free Football Trend -2) The New Orleans Saints are 1-16 ATS as home favorite of more than two points off a loss and non-cover and the total is 42 or more points.

Free Baseball Selections -3) Sal our baseball guru has bet the Dodgers and the Red Sox to win their respective series.

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National League Series Preview

Postseason baseball has changed dramatically over the last several years. In the past, normally the best team in each league would advance to the World Series and the favored team would win more often than not or the occasional upset would occur. Presently, those days are more gone than the thought of one’s house increasing in value. In today’s modern playoff baseball it’s similar to most people’s outlook on life, “What have you done for me lately?”

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a calculated risk in trading for Manny Ramirez, hoping the talented, yet eccentric player could ignite a clubhouse that was as exciting as trip through a McDonald’s drive-thru. Ramirez proved to the lightning rod, showing his teammates how to be a professional baseball player in terms of preparation, yet having fun and being just wacky enough he could fit right in at Venice Beach. The Dodgers so outplayed the Cubs, you would have thought they won 97 games during the regular season and are since September 6, are 22-8.

While the Chicago Cubs have spent a century not being a very good baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies have not exactly been stuffing their trophy case with championship hardware. Since first becoming a big league franchise in 1883 (Chester Arthur was President) the Phillies went 97 years before being World Series champions in 1980 and the newest streak is up to a mere 27 years. Philadelphia was barely given credit for winning the NL East a year ago, winning it on the last day of the regular season thanks to the New York Mets collapse and being swept quickly in three games by Colorado. This season the Phillies had many peaks and valleys, yet at crunch time, they were tough. With the series win over Milwaukee, the Phils are on 16-4 run-out.

To win this series, Los Angeles needs to play to its tactical edges. With Rafael Furcal and Russell Martin on-base at the top of the lineup, Manny Ramirez creates fear as a RBI-machine. When Manny either gets a hit or is semi-intentionally walked, this gives James Loney and Andre Ethier a chance to finish off a big inning. The Dodgers bullpen has been as steady as Amy Winehouse, but reliever Jonathan Broxton as been anchor of late. After Cole Hamels, the Dodgers have the next three starters in the NLCS with starters Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda.

Having won 16 of 20, the Philadelphia offense receives a great deal of credit. The real secret to this winning stretch has been the pitching. In their last 20 games, the Phillies have allowed more than four runs just three times, keeping them in games the offense can win. Having home field advantage in the series, the Phils must show patience at the dish. The Dodgers and Philly bullpens have similar ERA’s at 3.34 and 3.21 respectively; however the Dodgers are nearly a full run higher on the road. Chase Utley and his teammates need to go deep into counts, piling up Dodgers pitch counts and takes hacks the L.A. bullpen.

3DW Take – If good pitching stops good hitting, than the edge has to go to the Dodgers. Joe Torre can run out three starters all capable of winning each game and a case can be made in Lowe’s favor in the opener, being 40-20 vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs a game on the season. (Team’s Record) It’s difficult to gauge Dodgers mediocre road record on the season, as this is a different team. In order to win the series, Philadelphia is going to need two wins on the days Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer pitch and not sure that will happen. Home field has meant everything between these two teams, each sweeping a four game series this season. Slight edge to the Dodgers to advance.


Series odds from Sportbook.com: Dodgers -110, Phillies -110

Thursday October 9
L.A. Dodgers (Lowe) at Philadelphia (Hamels) 8:22 EDT

Friday October 10
L.A. Dodgers (Billingsley) at Philadelphia (Myers) 4:35 EDT

Saturday October 12
Philadelphia (Moyer) at L.A. Dodgers (Kuroda) 8:22 EDT

Sunday October 13
Philadelphia () at L.A. Dodgers () 8:22 EDT

Tuesday October 15
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers if necessary

Thursday October 17
L.A. Dodgers at Philadelphia if necessary

Friday October 18
L.A. Dodgers at Philadelphia if necessary



Offensive – National League
Runs scored -Dodgers 13th Philadelphia 3rd
Home Runs -Dodgers 13th Philadelphia 1st
Total Bases -Dodgers 13th Philadelphia 3rd
Slugging Ptc. -Dodgers 13th Philadelphia 2nd
Walks -Dodgers 11th Philadelphia 5th
On base Ptc. -Dodgers 6th Philadelphia 7th

Pitching & Defense
ERA -Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 4th
Strikeouts -Dodgers 5th Philadelphia 11th
Walks -Dodgers 2nd Philadelphia 6th
On base Ptc. -Dodgers 1st Philadelphia 6th
Putouts -Dodgers 9th Philadelphia 7th
Errors -Dodgers 10th Philadelphia 5th

Defensive Dogs are Great Bets in College Football

It was probably around 1995 when I first came across this betting system for college football. For some reason it stuck in my mind, probably because it always made sense, though for some reason never committed it the vast amount of material I keep track of in all the various sports. In fact, one part of the original system I found is not an aspect of this equation, strictly because it’s been forgotten. As you will read, this will have no affect on how profitable this college football betting system can be.

Like most of the systems that I uncover, I prefer to keep in simple, not having too much to clutter my simpe mind or think about with my University of Phoenix degree (just kidding). What we want is a clean system, easy to understand and an easy way to track down the information. Here it is:

Look to Play On a college football team that allows 275 or less yards per game, particularly in the role of underdog.

The first part of this system makes all the sense in the world, since the number of teams we’re talking about is very few from year to year. The old cliché, “defenses win championships” holds up, even in weekly situations, because if any team is holding opponents to 275 or fewer yards, they should be in almost any game they are playing in.

To prove the point, we went back five years to discover how good these defensive gems actually were. It must be noted, this perspective is based on the whole body of work for the season, not the individual games and team ranking at that moment. This strengthens the point at the end of any particular year. However, during the course a season, starting this week, you should have confidence to consider any team for a potential wager. Never base a selection on one aspect, yet if you have other reasons to like specific team, this could be the clincher as a reason to officially make such a wager.

Starting in 2003, the two best teams in the country that season were LSU and Oklahoma. Both teams had exceptional regular seasons and were chosen to play in the BCS championship in New Orleans. The Tigers ended up holding teams to 252 yards per game on the way to BCS title and were monster money-makers at 11-2 that season. The only time they were an underdog was against Oklahoma in season finale. The Sooners had been among the best defensive teams all season and were unbeaten until they lost to Kansas State in the Big 12 title game. Oklahoma was never an underdog in 2003. Miami-FL. ended up being second in the country in total defense that season and was an underdog twice that year, both times to Florida State, whom they beat during the regular season and in the Orange Bowl.

Four teams made the cut in 2004; they were N.C. State, Alabama, LSU and Virginia Tech. The Wolfpack (5-6) and the Crimson Tide (6-5) were run of the mill teams because of terrible offenses. N.C. State finished 82nd nationally and Alabama 97th, proving even outstanding defenses need some help. Because of these deficiencies, Bama was 2-2 ATS as underdogs and Wolfpack was slightly better at 2-1-1 ATS. A year after being the kings of college football, LSU was 9-3 overall and was 2-1 ATS as underdogs. Virginia Tech was one of the surprises of 2004 in posting a 9-2 regular season. The Hokies were led a thumping defense and gave an unbeaten Auburn team all they could handle in the Sugar Bowl, before falling 16-13, catching six points. They were perfect 3-0 on the receiving end of points.

In 2005, three of the same teams that were on the defensive list from the previous year were on it again. Virginia Tech, LSU and Alabama made the roster and Miami-FL reappeared again. These four universities were barking dogs in the truest sense that season, posting an 8-1-1 against the spread record, led by the Hokies who were once against 3-0.

Two seasons ago, the NCAA instituted rule changes to speed up the college football game, which led 14 fewer plays per game that season. At the same time, defenses just happened to have a more dominant season and 10 teams held the opposition to 275 yards or less, led by the omnipresent Hokies of Frank Beamer, who surrendered just 219.5 yards per game. No question the fewer plays mattered, based on averages. Of the 14 plays, presume seven each were on offense and the better defensive teams of that season allowed 4.4 yards per play, lowering any teams total by at least 30 yards per game.

It turned out to be a banner campaign for Rutgers, who emerged from nowhere to hit the national spotlight and their fourth-ranked defense was 5-0 ATS as underdogs. Michigan won both their matchups on the receiving end of points and Georgia was 3-1 against the number in the same role. The top 10 defense teams were 17-9-1 ATS when positioned as underdogs by oddsmakers.

In 2007, those rules were reconfigured and only two teams were stout enough to repress the opposition from making more than 275 yards of offense. By this time of the last football season, Ohio State and LSU had distinguished themselves as the two most talented teams in the country. The Buckeyes arrived earlier than believed, however the talent was obvious. The Bayou Tigers didn’t always play their best football for 60 minutes, but they made plays when they had to. Because these teams were so good, neither was an underdog until Ohio State was given the role in the BCS championship game. LSU had their way with coach Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes, making this the only game that qualified for this system.

Here is a review of the years of this system against the spread.

2007 0-1
2006 17-9-1
2005 8-1-1
2004 9-4-1
2003 3-0

Total 37-15-3, 71.1 percent

As previously stated, this is with the benefit of looking back, not being in the present. There are currently 20 teams that are under the 275-yard threshold. One has to have football acumen to realize Boston College probably doesn’t figure to be here for long, having played Kent State, Central Florida and FCS squad Rhode Island.

Louisville is unlikely to be hanging out in this neighborhood for long, since teams that give 23 points per game, will eventually find their watermark.

Coach Bob Toledo is making exceptional alterations at Tulane and the defense is much improved, since the days when a younger Tommy Bowden had an unbeaten Green Wave squad in 1998. Nonetheless, the idea of Tulane hanging in the area is ludicrous. They fell from eight to 17th in total defense after Army ran roughshod over the Green Wave for 290 yards rushing. With five of last seven remaining games on the road, playing in offensive-minded Conference USA, it seems Tulane will stay with this contingent as likely as the return of “Elf” to NBC.

Just this past weekend, underdog members of this club, Florida State, South Carolina and Kentucky all covered the linemakers number, with the first two winning outright.

Among the teams that fit this week are LSU as an underdog at Florida, holding teams to 262.2 yards per game and Tennessee at Georgia.

Being able to Play On a defensive dandy on the receiving end of points can be a very enjoyable and profitable venture.

Betting Football in Rearview Mirror

With how the year has started, beginning to wonder if we will see a return to 2006 with college football teams having lost exactly three games against the spread. This is subject which has been followed the previous four seasons. In 2005 and 2007, the results were mediocre with these spread losers 29-28 and 27-23 ATS respectively. Two seasons ago was a watershed year to play against these teams with 16-33 ATS record and this season they have started 4-7 against the spread. This is worth keeping a close eye on. Of similar interest for sports bettors is teams off three consecutive covers are 5-8-1 ATS in next outing.

Delving into another area, we look at all college football teams off a home underdog win in next game. Thus far in 2008, these teams are 4-10 ATS. After being around .500 in previous seasons, FBS squads were 23-29 ATS last year and the trend continues in an election year (not that has anything to do with it) to play against these teams. To be honest, this is what I thought it would be every year, with college age football players having a “football hangover” from winning as home dogs and coming up flat, being slightly overrated the next week.

Do’s

The up and down lethargy associated with the Georgia Tech football program has been replaced by crisp, hard-nosed, solid football at the Atlanta based university. Head coach Paul Johnson has brought a disciplined style of organization, with different expectations in his first season. Johnson’s run option attack is chewing up 290.2 yards per game, which is fifth in the country. Yes, the Yellow Jackets still turn the ball over too much learning the intricacies of how to run the offense. However, they can overcome this problem by having the 14th ranked defense that has more than one player in the defensive line with NFL ability. This is a Play On team, already at 4-0 ATS.

I know I’ve been over this more than once and you might be getting sick of reading about it, but it bears repeating, since it’s such a winner. With not many games remaining, the Big East is 6-21 ATS in non-conference play. This is so bad it breaks up the day for Wall Street workers, looking for something to cheer them up. In an article I wrote on this subject, I also mentioned once conference play started, underdogs would hold real value, as the league as whole is right with “Lipstick Jungle” when it comes to rankings. To date, all four favorites in Big East action are 0-4 ATS.

How can you not like a team that scores 56.4 points a game and averages 596 yards a game? The Tulsa Golden Hurricane was uncertain quantity coming into this campaign, after losing three-year starting quarterback Paul Smith. Nine other offensive players returned and new starter David Johnson has fit in better than John Stamos on ER. At 5-0 and 5-0 ATS, the remainder of the schedule is doable, though hardly certain. Even if Arkansas is down, they are still an SEC team and will present Tulsa problems with their speed in early November. Two weeks later if they are 9-0, a trip to Houston might be the last major obstacle for an unbeaten season. Scoring 50 points a game will help any team cover spreads.

Don’ts

You’ve heard the expression “sometimes things get worse before they get better”; this would apply in Pullman, WA, home of Washington State. After four non-productive seasons with Bill Doba as head coach, Cougars brass picked up the services of Paul Wulff, who had built a strong program at FCS Eastern Washington. Dismiss the 48-9 romp over Portland State and the Wazzou offense has scored 50 total points in the five contests. On the way, the defense has allowed 48.2 points a game, which means they have lost by 38 PPG against schools in BCS conferences. Finding another win or two and cover might require the services of “The Mentalist”.

The fortunes of North Texas have plummeted since winning the Sun Belt Conference four years in a row and going to New Orleans Bowl from 2001-04. Starting in 2005, the Eagles are 7-35, 14-26 ATS since that time. How bad are things in Denton, TX, the former Mean Green is next to last in the country in points scored at 13 a game and dead last in points allowed at a ghastly 52.2 per game. It would not seem prudent to wager on this sad Sun Belt squad.

NFL Betting Thoughts

In the NFL, time zone travel continues to be an issue, as teams flying two or more time zones away from home are 4-8 ATS. Home dog lovers continue to take their lumps at 7-14 against the oddsmaker. Thus far real money can be made finding short favorites right near game time. Any NFL team that is favored by three or less points is 20-10-1 ATS thus far.

What’s the problem with San Diego? Start with all those years LaDainian Tomlinson never played in the preseason. When he was younger, his body could respond to hits more quickly and he could get in a groove swiftly. Last year L.T. started slowly and couldn’t go later in the AFC title game. Again trying to protect the 29-year old running back, who saw no action in the preseason and he’s been dinged in each game. The Chargers can’t run him to set the tone of the game, forced to rely on quarterback Philip Rivers. In a league where quarterback play is so important, San Diego has the worst pass defense in the league surrendering 265.6 yards per game. Add these factors together and Norv Turner has to come up with answers quick.

In watching the Green Bay Packers, one obvious visible note, they are not playing hard and tackling worse. I would like to throw kudos to John Madden for bringing up the lack of effective tackling Green Bay defenders perform. In the Atlanta loss, at least a 15 times, Packer defensive players were in position to make tackles for little or no gain for Falcons runners and instead of wrapping up, they tried to use a shoulder and were bumped off. With injuries piling up and Aaron Rodgers trying to play with a bad wing, the Pack is quickly developing as a play against team.

Enough all ready, sit Jon Kitna! He’s done as a starting quarterback. Let Drew Stanton or somebody else play on a team that will need a fresh start in 2009.

What does a Super Bowl win do for your confidence? Ask Eli Manning. The Giants and Manning were strictly middle of the road in passing yards per attempt in the mid six’s during his career, now Eli is leading a team that is at 7.5 YPA and sixth in this category. Hard to bet against the “other” Manning and his team right now.

Slow Sports Betting Tuesday

With nothing going on the next two days in sports, here is a preview I wrote for Tuesday night's Sun Belt contest.

Coming off a conference championship season and a New Orleans Bowl romp of Memphis, this was supposed to be a banner campaign for Florida Atlantic with 18 returning starters. Instead the weight of another imposing non-conference schedule has proven too much to bare and carried over into Sun Belt action for the Owls. Playing their fourth road contest last week, the Owls controlled Middle Tennessee State 13-0 in the latter stage of the fourth quarter. However, because of four turnovers by Florida Atlantic, the Blue Raiders had one last chance and connected on a 32-yard Hail Mary pass and kicked the extra point with no time on the clock to come away with a kick in the gut 14-13 victory.

Heading into a big showdown Tuesday against Sun Belt Conference title-contender Troy, coach Howard Schnellenberger was still miffed days later about the improbable loss. So Schnellenberger laid into his team during a pre-practice gathering Thursday at the school's practice facility. "I've chewed a lot of football teams out but this is the first time I felt that it was my responsibility to take the hard line (at FAU)," Schnellenberger said. "This is what they needed. They're grown men now. They have enough ability to win and we didn't."

The Owls are at least pleased to be back home and this is critical contest if they are looking to repeat as Sun Belt champs. Florida Atlantic is not in the best position, being 3-7 ATS off a conference loss. Quarterback Rusty Smith is really sputtering. The junior has been projected as NFL draft choice, yet has not thrown a touchdown pass in three games and been intercepted six times after throwing nine all of last season.

The FAU run defense will have to come up big. Last week they held M.T.S. to 55 yards, which is not as imposing as it sounds with the Blue Raiders 118th in the country at 66.4 yards per game. Troy averages 180 yards a game on the ground and is balanced offensively throwing for 262 yards a contest.

Troy’s sophomore quarterback Jamie Hampton has made some mistakes, but has rewarded coach Larry Blakeney by making big plays with his arm and legs. He had passed for more than 900 yards and nine touchdowns and also has shown the ability to hurt opponents running the ball. The Trojans are averaging 442 yards a game against opponents that have allowed 405 YPG.

The Troy defense is solid at linebacker with Boris Lee and Bear Woods, who are having all-conference type seasons, nevertheless, the strength of the Trojans defense is the secondary, ranking 17th in the country at 160.2 yards allowed and only 5.9 yards per attempt. This is a big plus against what could be crisp FAU pass attack.

Troy will also have revenge on their minds, having lost in the final game of last season to Florida Atlantic 38-32, as 16-point home favorites to cost them conference title and bowl game. Knocking the Owls out of contention would be sweet redemption.
Bookmaker.com has Troy as 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 51. The Trojans are 5-1 ATS in this role in conference the last three seasons, including starting the year with a winner at Mid. Tenn. State 31-17 as a six-point choice. Florida Atlantic is 9-5 ATS as a single digit underdog and 2-2 against the spread as home underdog since linemakers started listing their games in 2004.

Look for the team that can capitalize on mistakes to come out the winner. FAU has committed 10 turnovers in last three games and Troy has 13 miscues on the year. ESPN2 will have the broadcast commencing at 8 Eastern with Troy 4-1 and 3-1 ATS versus the Owls.

One other bit of information to consider, Troy is 1-5 ATS in revenge games if opponent is off two or more straight losses.

Sports Betting Info for October 6

In the interest of fairness, we’re going to take a 1-1-1 record for yesterday. Anyone who viewed the blog an hour before game time on Houston and Indianapolis would have been correct at -3.5 points. Accordingly to our contacts, about 60 minutes before the game, the line moved to Indy -4 and just 10-15 minutes before kickoff, several books went to -4.5 (though not all), with extremely heavy action on the Colts. Seeing this happened so close it kickoff, it seems highly unlikely many had this contest at -4.5, but we’ll side even-handed play and call it a push. If you used the Thursday system with New England, our overall record was a profitable 2-1-1 week in the NFL for Sunday. In our Top Trends, we’ll give you and option with two superior angles. Our Top System is a 75 percent winner relating only to MNF. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) We come back with last week’s Monday night system, which is to fade any Monday night football team that lost against the spread on the road last week when their opponent covered the number at home. This easy to understand system is 18-6, 75 percent the last dozen seasons. This means play New Orleans.

Free Baseball Trend -2) John Lackey and the Angels are 9-1 against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last two seasons or you might like Jon Lester and Boston who is 13-1as a home favorite of -110 or higher this season.

Free Football Selection -3) In all honesty, surprised this many bettors from the Left Coast Connection are playing the Monday Night contest, easily the most this season by the tally I receive. Fifteen members are on Minnesota and six on New Orleans.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

Free NFL Picks for Week 5

Officially 3Daily Winners was 2-1 yesterday, but I tip my hat to Slick Rick for changing his play as a courtesy to our readers. He understood the line value on Iowa was gone and took another team. In this case Baylor was wrong (SR was 5-1 by the way yesterday) yet he was willing to do the right thing. Overall, with the other college systems from earlier this week, we closed yesterday at profitable 3-2. Kendall is back with another Free Play, he has been just sick (in a good way) this year. Our Free Trend takes a peek at what might happen into tonight’s Sunday night contest. Our Top System is 17-4, 80.9 percent and looks at a divisional game this afternoon. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON a road team that lost by three or less points at home before they had a bye. Why this works is these teams have had two weeks to get over a close loss and are ready to move on. This staunch system is 17-4 ATS, 80.9 percent. Play the Colts for this one.

Free Football Trend -2) Pittsburgh is 0-7 ATS when on the road after a home win.

Free Football Selection -3) Our King of the NFL, Kendall is 17-2 this season and is taking a team from my area, Arizona to cover the short number.

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Early Line Moves in Football

For the Early Line Moves, we seek out the earliest lines and compare them on late Tuesday nights numbers to see what the so-called Line Movers do. By and large their track record is solid and dependable. I’ve noticed what looks to be public money showing up as well early, like Penn State today. It might well be correct but my contacts tell my most of the big plays are favoring Purdue. I will say however that money is coming late. I added another site to visit on sidebar called Sports Insights, I think you will like it. Last week in college football, they were below average 2-4 on sides and outstanding 7-1 in college totals. This makes season record 23-16-1, 58.9 percent on sides and 18-10, 64.2 percent on Totals in CFB. In the NFL, they were 1-0 on sides bringing record to 7-3, 70.0 percent. On the Totals a 1-3 week makes the updated figure 5-7, 41.6 percent. Enjoy reading and closely follow these numbers for wagering portfolio.

College Sides
Boise State -21 to -24.5 Winner
Utah –8 to -11 Lost
Penn State -10.5 to -13.5
Western Michigan -4 to -7
Florida -22 to -24.5
Arizona -18 to -22

College Totals
Pitt/USF 48 to 51 Lost
Cinc/Marsh 53.5 to 48 Winner
Tex/ Color 62 to 57
Flor. St./Miami 45 to 42
Nev/ Idaho 71 to 67
Wyom/NM. 45.5 to 42.5

NFL Sides
Tennessee -1 to -3
N.Y. Giants -9 to -7
Denver -4.5 to -3

NFL Totals
Wash/Phil 44 to 42.5
SD/Miami 46.5 to 45

Free College Football Selections from 3Daily Winners

We had our only play correct on Tampa Bay on Friday and will go for perfect 3-0 today. As promised, our Top System is a beauty, 22-3, 88 percent. The Top Trend is a Big 10 (11) number and peeks in on how Michigan might do today. Our Free Play was going to be on a certain Big 10 dog, however because of line movement, another team has better value. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs of 21.5 to 31 points like San Diego State, with a defense forcing 2.5 or more turnovers a game, after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better. This system is 22-3 ATS, 88 percent and suggests backing TCU.

Free Football Trend -2) Michigan is 2-11 ATS off straight up win as underdog.

Free Football Selection -3) Slick Rick from the Left Coast Connection was on Iowa at +7.5 but that number has fallen to 6, thus he suggests today to play on Baylor plus the points.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

Free Betting Stuff for Friday October 3

Our one official play was Winner on the Trend side yesterday and we have another in major league baseball today this is perfect 12-0. Looking ahead to college football tomorrow, we have a Total to consider for your wagering card that is 32-6 since 2004. You are going to want to return tomorrow as we have an 88 percent system in college football going Saturday. Good Luck.

Though not a fan of the word, you can’t spell Choke or the Cubs without a C.

Free Football System-1) PLAY UNDER on all teams where the total is between 42.5 and 49, in a game involving two average passing teams, with a 6.4 to 7.5 passing yards per attempt average, in non-conference game. This high caliber system is 32-6, 84.2 percent and involves Western Kentucky at Virginia Tech.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Scott Kazmir and Tampa Bay are 12-0 against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -200 over the last three seasons.

Free Selection -3) No plays for Friday.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

October 2 Betting Info and other Thoughts

A solid 2-1 Hump Day at 3Daily Winners. We’ll start with a stupendous Top Trend to consider in MLB action today that is 15-1. Our System play looks at the NFL, specially a road favorite in a very favorable position. Good Luck.

On a personal note, I’m a life long Cubs fan and have liked the Angels for a number of years, sort of my adopted AL team. Last night could not have been anymore disappointing. You play 162 games to get to the playoffs and in nine innings a team, is in serious trouble.

Ryan Dempster was too jacked emotionally and if all of you could have heard me, I thought to myself, he’ll probably groove one for grand salami. Now the Cubs pitch the volatile Carlos Zambrano, which means anything is possible including losing.

In the other game, John Lester was awesome and Boston made great defensive plays behind him. Vlad Guerrero did make a stupid base-running error, but reliever Scott Shields compounded the problem by not shutting Boston down. He drives me nuts almost every time I see him pitch. It’s probably been two season since I’ve seen him go 1-2-3. The Halos too are up against it, having to win Friday, staring at Josh Beckett in Game 3 in Boston.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON road teams like New England off an upset loss by 14 points or more as a favorite, in weeks 5 through 9. This sweet little system is 25-6 ATS, 80.6 percent the last nine years.

Free Baseball Trend -2) James Shields and his Tampa Bay teammates are 15-1 against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more this season.

Free Football Selection -3) Sal played Tampa Bay today, however since the game had already started by the time we got the information, no play here. Just over 70 percent of the Left Coast Connection guys are on Utah -11 tonight.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

White Sox vs Tampa Bay Preview

Think back to March of this year, the chances of Tampa Bay and the Chicago White Sox winning their divisions were about as good as an Alaskan governor being on a presidential ticket. Yet as October begins, all three of these unlikely events have occurred. Think about it, Tampa Bay had the worst record in baseball last season, losing 96 games, and was expected to finish below .500 again this year. The Rays had never won more than 70 games or finished higher than fourth in their division, yet went from worst to first in a division that included the Yankees and Red Sox.

Though not as stirring, the White Sox story is still compelling. After finishing 72-90 in 2007, Chicago was presumed to have a sore neck, looking up at Detroit and Cleveland all season. Instead, the White Sox young starting pitchers matured, the bullpen solidified for the most part and the big thumpers started hitting home runs again. The addition of several new everyday players like Carlos Quentin, Alexei Ramirez and Orlando Cabrera helped put them over the top.
Managers Ozzie Guillen and the Rays Joe Maddon are about as different as Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. The Sox skipper has not met a microphone he wouldn’t speak into and Maddon is just a long time baseball guy, who was the perfect fit for a young team that needed an anchor in the dugout.

TBS announcers John Smoltz and Ron Darling see similarities to past teams about Tampa Bay. "I think [the Rays] mirror the [last-to-first] 1991 Braves in the sense that they have young pitching that looks, from afar, really talented, and barring any health issues they should be able to stay together for quite some time," said Smoltz. "People in baseball who have played them could see this coming. You never know when a team is going to turn it around; you never know when a team is going to click.”

Darling went further back in the way-back machine, drawing comparison to '69 Mets. “Because you're talking about, traditionally, a team that's almost been the laughing stock of the division," Darling said. "From top to bottom they've done an amazing job drafting and trading for veterans such as Cliff Floyd.”

Peter Gammons said back in spring training, Tampa Bay was the most athletic team in baseball and could finish over .500. They easily surpassed that number thanks to solid young starting pitching, a complete bullpen and an offense that is more National League in style. The Rays don’t throw a lot of flashy numbers around offensively, however were second in walks in the American League and six players had on-base percentage of .345 or higher.

The White Sox will come battle tested, having to win last three games just to be here, after losing five in a row. Chicago still has several players from the 2005 World Series championship team and has the long ball which can alter any contest in a moments notice.

My Take: Whoever gives up home field advantage is probably sunk. Tampa Bay was the best in baseball at 57-24 and the Pale Hose were fourth at 54-28. Teams that have the ability to manufacture runs are normally in better shape in the postseason, then power teams, who can be shut down by better pitching. The White Sox are only 4-15 in last 19 games on the fake grass, batting .227. Tampa Bay has a decided edge with its first two pitchers at home and Guillen has to burn Buehrle on the road as opposed to pitching him at home where he’s fantastic. Hard to fathom Chicago winning three in a row if they drop the first two at the Trop.

Series odds from Bookmaker.com: White Sox +148, Rays -168


Offensive – American League
Runs scored -White Sox 5th Rays 9th
Home Runs -White Sox 1st Rays 5th
Total Bases -White Sox 4th Rays 8th
Slugging Ptc. -White Sox 2nd Rays 8th
Walks -White Sox 7th Rays 2nd
On base Ptc. -White Sox 9th Rays 5th

Pitching & Defense
ERA -White Sox 6th Rays 2nd
Strikeouts -White Sox 3rd Rays 3rd
Walks -White Sox 4th Rays 8th
On base Ptc. -White Sox 3rd Rays 2nd
Putouts -White Sox 3rd Rays 1st
Errors -White Sox11th Rays 4th

Free October 1 Sports Plays

My free play ended up being about as close as Sarah Palin being able to see Russia from her kitchen window. Today we have a system that works by using reverse thinking in order to achieve a 54-13 record. We have a Top Trend in CFB tonight and Sal from the Left Coast Connection has a series winner as Free Play. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Boston with a money line of +100 or higher, starting a pitcher like John Lester who gave up one or less earned runs last outing, against opponent with a cold starting pitcher like John Lackey, with a WHIP of over 2.000 over his last three starts. The belief here is why would Angels be favored in this situation, based on the pitching matchup? This system is 54-13, 80.6 percent the last five years including 12-3 in 2008.

Free Football Trend -2) Boise State is 7-0 ATS in home games off an upset win as an underdog, winning by an average of over 28 points per game.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal ended up being +55.9 units in baseball for the regular season and is playing Philadelphia to win the series against Milwaukee.

Betting Outlook for MLB Playoffs

Milwaukee vs Philadelphia Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers rolled the dice, almost in the literal sense. After losing four straight games to Philadelphia, the Brewers management made a stunning move in firing Ned Yost and naming third base coach Dale Sveum their manager for the rest of season with only 12 games left in the regular season. This was a team desperate to taste post-season action after 25 long years. A 3-11 September start and the real prospect of losing two best pitchers to free agency, the time to win was now.

The shock of it all might have cost Milwaukee a bit at first, as they lost four of next five; however an 8-1 win at Cincinnati in the last road game of the year turned the tables. The Brewers ended up winning six of last seven and when the New York Mets couldn’t muster ninth inning rally on Sunday, Miller Park fans acted like they were giving out free beer being so joyous.

What Sveum did was alter a few elements of the line-up and even with a starting pitching staff in tatters; he instituted “all hands on deck” for pitchers, meaning everyone had to be ready each day. "If anyone can handle it, he can," said Hall of Famer Robin Yount, Sveum's best friend. "He is the right guy, I'm telling you. I've known him too long and he has the personality for this. He's unflappable, and he's like that all the time."

Waiting is another cool customer in Phillies skipper Charley Manuel. He’s more the old-school type, quiet, patient, with a full understanding of a 162-game schedule. This Philadelphia team lost saw two of its starting pitchers go sideways in Adam Eaton and Brett Myers, both sent to the minors. Myers has returned to be one of the Phils best pitchers. Having one of the best hitting teams in baseball, playing in an extremely friendly hitter’s park, mysteriously the offense disappeared for over two months, even Robert Stack (Unsolved Mysteries) couldn’t have helped.

Manuel never wavered, believed he had the talent on the field and his team proved him right in winning second NL East title in a row.

The Brewers can win if they hit. C.C. Sabathia will pitch again on three days rest, but he appears locked in and accepting the challenge. That means the rest of the starters will be asked to get by and if Milwaukee bats can stay hot, they can be in every ballgame. The bullpen will play a key element, being uncertain commodity most of the year. The Brew Crew will face two lefties in first three games and are 33-20 against them this season.

The Phillies win by holding down home field advantage and beating up on Milwaukee pitching that is hanging on by a thread. Philadelphia is playing tremendous baseball right now, winning 13 of last 16. The starting pitching has been strong down the stretch and the bats lively. One huge edge is the bullpen, which was the best in the National League until August, went thru a rough period and rebounded in September.

Key Trends- Milwaukee is 2-10 vs. good power teams averaging 1.25 or more home run a game this season. Philadelphia is 20-9 against NL starting pitchers who have WHIP of 1.250 or better this season.

My Take – If Milwaukee steals Game 1, they will have a real shot, with Sabathia pitching second contest. The confidence level of both teams is high at present, yet in the past, neither has shown much an inclination to be steady when it matters most, which could be especially true in a five game series. Philadelphia has won eight of last 11 meetings at Citizens Bank Park against Milwaukee and had the best road record in the senior circuit at 44-37, thus the edge goes to the Phillies.

Series odds from Bookmaker.com: Brewers +150, Phillies -170


Offensive – National League
Runs scored -Brewers 7th Phillies 3rd
Home Runs -Brewers 3rd Phillies 1st
Total Bases -Brewers 4th Phillies 3rd
Slugging Ptc. -Brewers 5th Phillies 2nd
Walks -Brewers 9th Phillies 5th
On base Ptc. -Brewers 10th Phillies 7th

Pitching & Defense
ERA -Brewers 2nd Phillies 4th
Strikeouts -Brewers 8th Phillies 11th
Walks -Brewers 5th Phillies 6th
On base Ptc. -Brewers 4th Phillies 6th
Putouts -Brewers 3rd Phillies 7th
Errors -Brewers 10th Phillies 5th


L.A. Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs Preview

The storylines for this NLDS series are juicer than Morton’s steak. The Chicago Cubs well-documented failures over the last century have been a central theme for those following the club. After years of ownership not carrying about winning, the Cubs got in the game and have built a team WORTHY of making the World Series. The team manager Lou Pinella has does not have any dramatic weakness and has many positives. This was the most dominant team in baseball, based on run differential at +184.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were an emotionless bunch, with on-field demeanor of not being too high (excited about winning) or too low (upset about losing). That all changed when they acquired Manny Ramirez. Manny brought a professional approach to hitting and batted .398 in his 50 games with the Dodgers. His desire to win and enthusiasm for enjoying winning was the right elixir for young talented players like Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Russell Martin and James Loney.

The Cubs win the series if they keep playing as they have all season. Ryan Dempster is opening game starter and has been virtually unbeatable at Wrigley Field with 14-3 record (Cubs16-4 all home starts). Carlos Zambrano has to pitch more like the hurler who threw no-hitter, not the one who has been ineffective his last two starts. All Chicago pitchers must not let Ramirez beat them, better to take chances with younger hitters.

The Dodgers can pull the upset, due to starting pitching and Ramirez. Pitchers Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda each has been pitching effectively. Lowe, in particular has been outstanding, with one loss in last nine starts, allowing a total of seven runs. If Dodgers can win Game 1, they have Chicago on their heels immediately. Ramirez can be the lightning rod and manager Joe Torre the calm leader, now in his 13th consecutive postseason assignment.

Two angles to consider in this series -The Dodgers are 4-12 against the money line vs. teams outscoring opposition by one or more runs a game on the season. Chicago is 38-15 against vs. poor power teams averaging less than a home run per game

My Take – The Cubs won five of seven during the regular season and had the best record in the National League at home with 55-26 mark. Chicago took all three games at home, however that was in late May. Chicago is the better team and though these players are not responsible for the last 100 years of failure, they are well aware of it. The Dodgers can’t match the North Siders talent, but can play loose and unencumbered of expectations. If Cubs open with victories at home, series over, however one loss means this could go distance.


Series odds from Bookmaker.com: Dodgers +190, Cubs -230


Offensive – National League
Runs scored -Dodgers 13th Cubs 1st
Home Runs -Dodgers 13th Cubs 5th
Total Bases -Dodgers 13th Cubs 1st
Slugging Ptc. -Dodgers 13th Cubs 1st
Walks -Dodgers 11th Cubs 1st
On base Ptc. -Dodgers 6th Cubs 1st

Pitching & Defense
ERA -Dodgers 1st Cubs 3rd
Strikeouts -Dodgers 5th Cubs 1st
Walks -Dodgers 2nd Cubs 7th
On base Ptc. -Dodgers 1st Cubs 2nd
Putouts -Dodgers 9th Cubs 11th
Errors -Dodgers 10th Cubs 8th


Boston vs L.A. Angels Preview

The Los Angeles Angels ended with the best record in baseball, winning 100 games for the first time in team history and for their efforts they drew the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Los Angeles was swept away by Boston last year and redid elements of their roster to hopefully ensure that doesn’t happen again.

Lacking power in the lineup, they acquired Torii Hunter from Minnesota. Hunter has brought another powerful bat to the lineup and has been perennial Gold Glove centerfielder. Hunter, who is loose and care-free off the field, added mental toughness to a team in search of such a player. The final piece was first basemen Mark Teixeira, who brought depth to the middle of the batting order, hitting in front of Vladimir Guerrero. This gave manager Mike Scioscia the power and versatility he needed to play ball in whatever manner that was necessary.

The Halos have five quality starting pitchers, with Jered Weaver, likely the odd man out having a so-so season. John Lackey will be the opening game starter, with the goal being to get to the ninth inning and have the single season all-time saves leader Francisco Rodriguez take care of the rest. This is a team that had the best record on the road at 50-31 and won 30 of 43 games as an underdog.

Standing in the Angels path are the Boston Red Sox. After 86 years of futility, Boston has won two World Series in the last four years and has gone from prima donnas to being noted for guts, talent and the heart to survive and advance in October. Manager Terry Francona has done another masterful job, dealing with long term injuries from the start of the season, yet was able to squeeze out 95 victories.

Experience and adaptability are the notable features of this team and trade of Manny Ramirez helped both teams, as a more even-keeled Jason Bay brought productively and a solid citizen to the Red Sox clubhouse. "It was real special this year because of all the injuries, the trials and tribulations to get to where we're at," said closer Jonathan Papelbon. "All that matters is that you get in. I like our chances now that we're in."

The Angels gained a great deal of confidence this season, wining eight of nine against Boston. The Red Sox arrive in L.A. with question marks, Mike Lowell will be playing through a partial tear in the labrum of his right hip and J.D. Drew's back has become more unpredictable than the New England autumn weather. Josh Beckett was to be the first game starter, but pulled and oblique muscle and instead has been moved back to Game 3 at Fenway Park. Instead Jon Lester will take the ball for Boston.

My Take – This would make a great World Series, let alone an opening round series. These might be the two best teams in baseball when you breakdown the components of what each has to offer in the postseason. Despite the Red Sox continued success, like the fact the Angels didn’t mail it in September, winning 14 of last 20, while getting ready for postseason. Injuries can play a role in the outcome and the Red Sox do have hobbling players. Would not be surprised if the series went the distance, with the team from Anaheim emerging victorious.

Series odds from Bookmaker.com: Red Sox +105, Angels -125


Offensive – American League
Runs scored -Red Sox 2nd Angels 10th
Home Runs -Red Sox 6th Angels 9th
Total Bases -Red Sox 2nd Angels 9th
Slugging Ptc. -Red Sox 3rd Angels 7th
Walks -Red Sox 1st Angels 12th
On base Ptc. -Red Sox 1st Angels 11th

Pitching & Defense
ERA -Red Sox 4th Angels 3rd
Strikeouts -Red Sox 1st Angels 6th
Walks -Red Sox 6th Angels 10th
On base Ptc. -Red Sox 4th Angels 5th
Putouts -Red Sox 5th Angels 2nd
Errors -Red Sox 3rd Angels 5th

Don’t Follow Bad College Football Fundamentals

When university presidents decided to add a 12th football game to the regular season it was done so for one reason, put more money in everyone's pockets. Football fans were excited about the idea of an additional football game for the teams they watched and followed and those who love the sport were thrilled with the potential of more quality matchups in non-conference action. At the same time, these visionaries(?)that run college football decided to change the names of Division 1-A and Division 1-AA to FBS and FCS, causing uproar for what appeared to be senseless change.

Now with a chance to understand history, we see these men and women were much smarter than I gave them credit for (or maybe I’m giving them too much credit) by making a name change. These men of hirer learning had inside information that most all of the teams they govern over were not about to make their lives more difficult by playing harder opponents, but rather would dip into the pool of teams below them. On the rare occasion a school from the big boy table losses to one from a lesser grouping it sounds so much better to lose to a FCS team than Division 1-AA, which has a more negative connotation.

What does this have to do with college football handicapping you ask, everything. One aspect of betting on sports is fundamental handicapping. This is the nuts and bolts of sports handicapping, where statistical analysis is done. This is where many smart bettors and handicappers find statistical edges in matchups that help them find winners, especially in the beloved underdog role.

With nearly every team not in the Sun Belt Conference having found their way to the FCS, the world of fundamental handicapping has been severely altered. (Note- Playing SBC teams are like playing state-run lotteries as compared to illegal off-shore wagering. It’s still gambling no matter how you look at it, but because the Sun Belt is FBS, it’s more tolerable)

Before the season began, the Indiana Hoosiers were supposed to finish either 10th or last in the Big Ten conference. After a successful season that included emotional bowl appearance for departed coach Terry Hoeppner, the talent level was believed to be pretty thin. The Hoosiers first three games were against Western Kentucky, FCS Murray State and Ball State. Indiana was plowed under at home by a very good Ball State squad that ran for 224 yards and passed for 239 yards against the Hoosiers. With Indiana having played two other inferior opponents and holding them to 101 total yards rushing, they were listed as 36th in the country in run defense. It’s pretty safe to say, the Hoosiers won’t be staying in this neighborhood and they have fallen again after Michigan State ran for 236 yards against them, dropping Indiana to 64th. Look out below!

Florida State is another team where it is nearly impossible to get a correct read on. The Seminoles are desperate to return to among the hierarchy of college football and scheduled not one, but two FCS teams to start 2008. At least Florida State whipped Western Carolina and UT-Chattanooga 69-0 and 46-7 respectively. Though everyone knew Bobby Bowden’s team was still living though academic suspensions and playing many sophomores and freshmen on the two deep, it was easy to wax nostalgic about the ‘Noles spearing foes like the old days. The Seminoles nation came to a crashing halt when they lost at home to Wake Forest as four-point favorites. The typical mistakes we have grown accustomed to seeing by Florida State were on display against a better more disciplined foe. After averaging 527.5 yards in the first two FCS contests, the Seminoles came back to earth, with 220 yards against the Demon Deacons. After that contest, Bowden’s bunch was still 17th in scoring offense and fraudulent 34th in total offense. This past week game against Colorado didn’t hurt Florida State, but it still has a ways to go to earn respect as Play On team.

One last example is the Kansas Jayhawks. Coach Mark Mangino’s club came into this season off a splendid campaign. Kansas has played one FCS team every year but one of Mangino’s seven seasons and this year Sam Houston State volunteered to be vanquished. The Bearkats are a passing team, rushing for only 45 yards. Florida International is one of the worst teams in the FBS world and they could muster only 66 yards rushing and 73 passing against the Jayhawks. As Kansas prepares for Iowa State this week, they are ranked 21st in run defense at 94.7 yards per game and in fact are nowhere near that talent-wise.

This is not a new revelation, as football programs throughout the decades have dodged quality opponents for years. Bill Snyder of Kansas State scheduled three wins every year in Manhattan, even after he didn’t need to. What’s different now is there is a better method of gauging tangible results. Playing schools in the same division at least comes with a point spread to use as basis. Too often many gamblers will peruse the team stats without going inside the numbers and are perplexed when they lose wagers in conference games on teams that had “good stats”. Fundamental handicapping is a tremendous way to ensure you are on the right side of any game. This provides a valued look at a team’s performance for the current season, both offensively and defensively in a variety of categories. What is most important is to have the right material in which to learn from, to make astute and wise, objective judgments. StatFox such product packaged to easily view what has happened to any particular team.

Winning at college football is never easy; it is even more difficult when you have deceptive information, from what appears to be a reliable sources. If winning is truly more important than just betting, make sure you make the time to have the right numbers, to give yourself the absolute best opportunity to win.

Free Sports Info from 3Daily Winners

The action starts to become light during weekdays at this time, thus different parts of what you will read here will be geared towards football weekend. Tonight we have very intriguing trends to consider in AL Central winner take all contest. I have an opinion on tonight’s contest, looking at the Total. You might want to make a note about today’s system for Saturday’s action. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON Underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points like Toledo, in conference games, off a upset loss as a double digit home favorite as they get ready to face unbeaten Ball State. This system is 29-7 ATS, 80.6 percent.

Free Baseball Trends -2) Something to ponder today. Minnesota is 15-3 against the money line when playing with a day off this season. Chicago is 17-4 in home games after scoring eight runs or more this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) I will offer this opinion, the weather is expected to be cooler in Chicago; however trends suggest runs should be scored. The Chicago White Sox are 14-4 OVER in home games vs. a starting pitcher like Nick Blackburn who strikes out three or less batters (Avr. score total of 12.3 runs). The Minnesota right-hander and his teammates are 7-0 OVER in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season (Avr. score total of 11 runs).

Not just another Betting Monday

All right, that’s what everyone wants, back-to-back 3-0 days. Our earlier system this week did lose, however 6-2 works for us and I’m sure you too. Hard to believe, yet we actually have a great system for Tigers/White Sox game today. The Top Trend looks into tonight’s Monday night contest and Kendall from the Left Coast Connection is torching the NFL windows and has intriguing strategy for tonight’s tilt. Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON home favorites with a money line of -175 to -250 like the White Sox, with a team batting average of .265 or worse on the season (AL), after a win by four runs or more. This system is 22-4, 84.6 percent the last three years.

Free Football Trend -2) Baltimore has failed to cover last eight road games.

Free Football Selection -3) Kendall delivered another winner with Tennessee and is incredible 17-2 in the NFL this season. I spoke to him today to get his opinion on tonight’s contest. He used an interesting strategy. Early in the week, he took Baltimore with the +7. After the line went down to +5, he thought six was the second best key number in what figures to be a low scoring game. He actually preferred Pittsburgh at that price for various reasons and bet slightly more on the Steelers at that price. In the end, he hopes Pittsburgh wins by six points to get the middle and wins a little bit if they cover by more and losses a little if Baltimore covers. Solid wagering method in my book.

Free NFL Betting Info

We told you we had a feeling it was going to be a good day on Saturday, producing a 3-0 day and 3-1 for the week with another system listed earlier. Let’s make two in a row and start with Kendall who is the hottest NFL bettor we know and gives us divisional game as his best play for Free. Our Best System takes a gander at a big underdog, which has won 80.6 percent of the time. The Top Trend is very unusual, but incredibly powerful with 15-0 mark. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST favorites of 10.5 or more points like Dallas, who are exceptional offensive team averaging 5.8 yards per play against a team with an average defense like the Redskins, who allows 4.9 to 5.4 yards per play. This system brings home spread winners 80.6 percent of the time with 25-6 record.

Free Football Trend -2) Carolina is 15-0 UNDER as a division home favorite.

Free Football Selection -3) We bring back Kendall from the Left Coast Connection who is burning the books with 14-2 NFL record and his top play is Houston at +7 or more.

Early Line Moves in Football

For the Early Line Moves, we seek out the earliest lines and compare them on late Tuesday nights numbers to see what the so-called Line Movers do. By and large their track record is solid and dependable. Last week in college football, they were below average 2-3 on sides and 3-4 in college totals. This makes season record 21-12-1, 63.6 percent on sides and 11-9, 55 percent on Totals in CFB. In the NFL, they were 1-1 on sides bringing record to 7-3 on sides and 2-2 on Totals. Enjoy reading and closely follow these numbers for wagering portfolio.

College Sides
USC -21.5 to -24 Loss
Ohio State –17 to -19.5
Wisconsin -3 to -6
Fresno State -3.5 to -7
San Diego State -9 to -12
Toledo -17 to -20

College Totals
SMU/Tulane 48 to 51 Winner
NIU/EMU 57 to 54
Hou/ ECU 56 to 60.5
Tenn/Auburn 36.5 to 40
BG/ Wyoming 41 to 43.5
Illini/Penn St. 59.5 to 56
No. Tex/Rice 65 to 69.5
W. Mich/Temple 51 to 47

NFL Sides
Pittsburgh -7 to -5

NFL Totals
Cle/Cin 42 to 44.5
Hou/Jack 39 to 42
SF/NO 51 to 48.5
Phil/Chic 43 to 40.5

Five Big College Football Wagering Looks

Conference action starts to pick up in earnest this weekend and hold onto your wallet after what Oregon State did to soon to be former number one USC. Normally we have a couple of crazy, upset-filled weekends, will this be the start? Georgia and Alabama will have prime-time telecast in what is the featured game of the day. Also in the SEC, Tennessee and Auburn will try to avoid a second straight conference loss. The Big 10 has two important tilts, with Wisconsin a favorite at the Big House, despite one win in 42 years there and Penn State playing upset-minded Illinois. Oklahoma has the most to gain on Saturday, rising to top spot in the polls with quality win over pesky TCU. Click to read more.

College Football Saturday Wagering Info

Have a feeling today is going to be a great day for you and for us here at 3Daily Winners. Our Top System is an old Southwest Conference tilt that is a make-up game from two weeks ago, with a 23-4 ATS record. Sal from the LCC is back and his best play on the CFB board is Free. The Top Trend features a team in revenge mode and is in perfect 10-0 spot. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON home favorites of 21.5 or more points like Texas, who are excellent rushing team averaging 4.8 YPR or more, against a team with a terrible rushing defense like Arkansas, who allow 4.8 YPR or more in non-conference games. This sweet system is 23-4, 85.2 percent against the spread.

Free Football Trend -2) Oklahoma State is 10-0 ATS after scoring 50 points or more in their last game.

Free Football Selection -3) Sal from the Left Coast Connection is 7-2-1 in college football the last two weeks and says take Michigan with the points today.

3Daily Winners Free Plays for September 26

Great job by the LLC yesterday, as all three games they gave us were Winners, though none were official by our standards. Our Top Trend looked like a sure winner until the White Sox coughed up another fur ball and lost. We have found a baseball system of note for Friday and it has been a long term winner at 81.2 percent. Though yesterday perfect trend was a loser, we have another in college football tonight. If you would prefer to have this information sent right to you instead of seeking it out, sign up on Free Mailing List to your right. Every article is sent to your email address and no your name goes no further than here. Plus you will receiver my personal plays for Free. (That’s not a big deal at the moment however) Good Luck.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON all favorites with a money line of -150 or more like the White Sox, who have team batting average .265 or less against a good starting pitcher like the Indians Scott Lewis (ERA of 4.20 or less in AL), in the second half of the season. In the last 11 years, this system is 82-19, 81.2 percent.

Free Football Trend -2) Louisville is 8-0 ATS after allowing 75 or less rushing yards last game over the last three seasons.

Free Selection -3) No Plays for Friday.

Record Update- Since we started this blog, this is official records.
Top System Plays – 64-33 65.9 percent
Top Trend Plays – 54-48 52.9 percent
Top Free Plays – 60-43 58.2 percent

I receive the list everyday of the Left Coast Connection’s Consensus plays and their best plays are 123-70 60.5 percent.

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 today after 5 Eastern.

Top Shelf Sports Betting Info from 3Daily Winners

A 1-1 day as the St. Louis Cardinals did their best to put Arizona out of their misery with yesterday Top Trend. We have awesome angle that has not lost going this evening in the Twin Cities. We offer a unique System for those not used to wagering on NFL halftimes, trust us, its worth a gander with 25-5 record. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) No great baseball systems again today. Instead we have a different system for us, but is the type of information professional bettors use, like those from the Left Coast Connection. PLAY ON Home favorites vs. the first half line, off a road win against a division rival against opponent off a loss by 10 points or more to a division rival. This superb system is 25-5, 83.3 percent and suggests looking at Jacksonville this Sunday.

Free Baseball Trend -2) When Gavin Floyd is the starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox after two or more losses in a row, the Pale Hose are 9-0 in 2008.

Free Selection -3) The vast majority of the LCC members prefer Minnesota and San Diego tonight on the bases and Oregon State on the gridiron. None of these will count as official plays.

Betting Weekday College Football

College football on Thursday night’s has become part of the fabric of television viewing for fans and bettors alike. It’s an outstanding way to start off a hectic sports wagering weekend, with mostly just a one game to focus on. Over the years the lineup has changed, starting with Western Athletic Conference, Mountain West and Conference USA teams, to now SEC, ACC and even Pac-10 squads are now viewed moreregularly.

For fans attending these games, it’s a nice way to break up the week and for college students at the game, it’s just one more excuse to get into the adult beverage department to be primed for an evening football game. ESPN has always supported these events by sending an excellent announcing team, lending further street cred to the importance of the contest.

A database we use goes back to 1992 college football, thus we thought we would dig up numbers to see what has happened on Thursday nights in betting college football. When the process started, the thought occurred to include other week nights, more specifically Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Since ESPN has widened the window of days that college football can be seen, it made sense to at least investigate what might be out there.

At is the case in any of our studies; we set up parameters to simplify matters. For example, Thursday games only include those that were on major networks. This eliminated several games from the first week of the season, when eight to 12 encounters were to be played, yet only a couple was actually televised. Games that appeared on ESPNU and other similar networks were not included, though we did include the Mountain West games that have started to dot the Thursday lineup, as these teams used to be on the docket and the conference is certainly legitimate.

On the other days of the week the same rules applied, nationally televised games was a prerequisite, thus that took off MAC and Sun Belt games that were shown either in local markets or regional based cable outlets. We did include all televised contests from the day after Thanksgiving in our work. Once again for the sake of simplicity, we eliminated all games in which a “Push” was involved, thus if the numbers don’t exactly jive, that would be the reason.

We decided to break up Thursday into two segments, 1992-1999 and 2000 to present. Don’t worry about why, we just did it that way because it seemed like the thing to do.

Thursday Night College Football Records 1992-1999

Home Favorites 30-11 SU
Home Favorites 23-17 ATS
Home Underdogs 13-32 SU
Home Underdogs 23-22 ATS
Totals –Over -32
Total- Under -54

Home favorites were a very steady winner as expected, winning outright 73.1 percent of the time. With a big enthusiastic home crowd and the players pumped up to be the focus of a national cable audience, this was and continues to be a big deal, being the only football game on television. It is interesting to note, a 57.5 percent spread cover percentage is quite good for these teams. The home underdog straight up record though accurate, is somewhat misleading. Why you ask, ESPN will often times try to set up games with more well-known schools on the road, setting up the potential upset or quality game. If a team is significantly better, they should win on the road, yet as the spread record shows, home underdogs have held their own. We did notice that majority of covers by home dogs came when they were catching eight more points. Smaller spreads saw the visitor covering just over 57 percent of the time.

It’s impossible not to notice the wide differential in the total, with the Under being the play 62.7 percent of the time. The best theory is many of these games involved the smaller conferences known for high scoring games. The oddsmaker placed too much value in the public supporting this idea and raised the numbers above typical parameters. The players having additional motivation were more keyed up for defensive effort, thus leading to lower scores, again one possible explanation.


Thursday Night College Football Records 2000- to present

Home Favorites 62-13 SU
Home Favorites- 42-32 ATS
Home Underdogs 23-27 SU
Home Underdogs 29-20 ATS
Totals –Over -61
Total- Under -64

What jumps off the page is the winning percentage of home favorites, 82.6 percent. What was even more remarkable, six of the losses have been since 2006, meaning the winning percentage was much higher. Despite the difference, the spread record of the home favorite remained about the same at just under 57 percent. Home underdogs had far greater success covering the lines at 59.1 percent and won outright 46 percent of the time, up over 17 percent from previous years. The oddsmakers got a better handle on the Totals and they were virtually even.

Friday College Football Records 1992- to present

Home Favorites 67-21 SU
Home Favorites 41-47 ATS
Home Underdogs 16-37 SU
Home Underdogs 26-27 ATS


This is a difficult day to gauge results because of how the games setup. Most regular ESPN Friday night games have involved non-conference games, where teams no little about each other. Later in the season, we do have conference matchups from the WAC, MAC and C-USA delivering a variety of results. Then the aforementioned Thanksgiving Friday is completely about rivalries and we all know anything goes with those heated affairs. The easiest aspect to understand this is not an easy day to find value looking any particular way.

Tuesday and Wednesday are relative newcomers to the wagering landscape and don’t think for a minute the World Wide Leader in Sports doesn’t know that bettors will watch almost anything when it comes to football. Tuesday did not yield anything in terms of being useful with home favorites 8-7 and 6-9 ATS and home underdogs 5-3-1 against the spread, winning only twice in nine tries.

Wednesday has one area that will be worth considering this college football campaign. Over the last several seasons, home favorites have won 12 of 17 games played and covered a strong percentage of the time at 11-5-1 ATS, a 62.5 percent clip. A very nice play for a little Hump Day action.

In summation, Thursday home favorites are tremendous on the money line if you can take a few losses and are running a hair over 57 percent winners since 1992. Home underdogs have shown an inclination to be a good wager this decade and Wednesday night home favorites do deliver almost as good as Dominoes.

Hump Day Sports Betting Info

Speaking for myself, I don’t know how people bet baseball late in the season. I give up once football starts, with all normal reasoning going out the window late in the year. What saddens me is after a great run all year at 3Daily Winners; our three focal points have taken a hit this month, mostly due to baseball. I appreciate you readers sticking with us as we try to also deliver articles that hold value to you. After 0-2 Tuesday, we have found a perfect Trend for consumption in the city with the big Arch. Once again no baseball systems that are worthy of our standards, however a simple “makes sense” college football Total Systems for Saturday that is 27-5. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) No great baseball systems again today, thus high quality system on the Total side for college football on Saturday. PLAY UNDER on any team against the total after a game where they forced three or more turnovers against opponent after two consecutive games where they committed four or more turnovers. One contest fits this system that is 27-5, 84.4 percent. It’s a Pac-10 matchup between Washington State and Oregon.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Adam Wainwright and St. Louis are 12-0 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Those still betting baseball from the Left Coast Connection are solidly behind Toronto Blue Jays.

Free Sports Action from 3Daily Winners

An official .500 day, as Oakland’s Greg Smith’s astonishing run of pitching Under continued last night. The Jets were grounded by offensive mistakes and surprisingly bad defense. Today, no baseball system worthy to be shown here, thus we substituted very good NFL System this has won last 11 times straight. Will the Phillies win tonight to further close the door on the Mets, review today’s Top Trend for winning information. Slick Rick from the LCC is more than holding his own in MLB action and offers his Best Bet for Free. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) No great baseball systems today, thus file this one away for later this week, watching the line. PLAY AGAINST favorites of 10.5 or more points like Dallas, who is excellent offensive team averaging 5.8 yards per play or more, against a team with an average defense like Washington, who allows 4.9 to 5.4 YPP. The average line on games like this has been over 13 points a game, with the final score differential being 6.9. This system is 25-6 ATS, 80.6 percent and has won 11 times in a row.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to wrap up another NL East title and are 14-2 against Atlanta this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Slick Rick is a baseball betting diehard and has hit 12 of his last 17 plays and believes the Giants with Tim Lincecum is the best MLB play on the board.

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 today after 5 Eastern.

Looking ahead in Rearview Mirror in Betting Football

In the NFL, we have seen more Over’s to date with 28-18-1 record. The explanation is rather simple why these numbers have gone this way to date. Atlanta and San Francisco are in the top 10 in the NFL in scoring and the Broncos, Texans and Chargers defense have all been below expectations, leading to more numbers going Over this September. Home underdogs continue to suffer after three weeks with 3-8 ATS record.

You can’t help but be impressed by the numbers those setting the lines come up with. In college football, for the season, when looking at the Totals of all games played, the numbers read 88-82-3 Under on the year. Their ability to devise numbers that split action is incredible. Now it is true, how the money is dispersed varies widely and those taking bets could be up or down, it’s just the matter of how they arrive at the numbers to be so accurate. After the favorites started 25-16 ATS in week one, since then they are 62-66-4 against the numbers.

Do’s

When Nick Saban left the NFL to return to college coaching, he preached patience in trying to restore Alabama to greatness. In just his second season in Tuscaloosa, Saban has this program already in the Top 10 and will have a legitimate shot at winning the SEC West. Already they’ve dismantled Clemson, did away with Arkansas faster than Bobby Petrino leaving the NFL, in a place where they have often struggled. Starting this week, the Tide is at Georgia and still has to make trips to Tennessee and LSU, thus anointing Alabama as the chosen team might be getting ahead of schedule. Nonetheless, if I’m Auburn or LSU, I would make sure I win the SEC West this season, as the near future doesn’t appear nearly as encouraging to do so.

There are football factories and than there is Vanderbilt. For years, this university has billed itself, and rightfully so, the Harvard of the South for their academic standards. Football, thou important from just being associated with the SEC, is not an end all to be all on the Nashville campus. Having a representative program, a winning record now and again, are all worthy goals. The Commodores have not been to a bowl game since 1982 and were poised to do so last year sitting at 5-3, only to lose last four games of the season. With the fewest number of returning players (9) in the SEC, most believed a return to 3-9 or 4-8 was inevitable. Yet, like the U.S.A. Ryder Cup team, coach Bobby Johnson got the troops to believe and they stand at 4-0 SU and ATS, with three outright underdog upsets. With a bye week before hosting Auburn, who will be off LSU and Tennessee, the bowl light at the end of the tunnel is burning brightly for Vandy.

The Mountain West Conference has as many teams in the Top 25 as the ACC and the Big East combined. BYU was presumed to be a real contender in the conference, with explosive offense led by quarterback Max Hall. This has proven to be true, being in the Top 15 in the country in scoring and total offense. Nonetheless, the defense is what grabs your attention as autumn begins, with consecutive shutouts. Utah brought back a truckload of talent and remains unbeaten and will have national audience to show what they have on Thursday Oct. 9 versus an average Oregon State club. We talked about TCU and we will learn more about them this week playing #2 Oklahoma in Norman.

Don’ts

So much for program revitalizations at Notre Dame and Florida State. The Irish went thru the ringer, in this case, Javon Ringer of Michigan State, who ran the ball an amazing 39 times for 201 yards. Remember the new and improved offensive live Notre Dame was supposed to have, having added experience and strength. Does 112th in rushing and 108th in total offense, really sound that much different than last year’s disaster? Florida State chewed up a couple of cream puffs and was supposedly ready to make amends against Wake Forest who embarrassed them 30-0 two years ago in Tallahassee. After seven turnovers, the Seminoles look as disorganized as ever. The wagering money will come much easier betting against these two former legendary football programs, than with them.

How does third place in the Big Ten sound? If you’re Northwestern or Minnesota, they would take that position right now and send “thank you” notes later. But Ohio State! The Ohio U game was written off as look-ahead for USC. The Buckeyes were bedazzled by the Trojans and never threatened covering against Troy at Columbus, winning 28-10 as three-touchdown favorites. Ohio State might get their act together in the coming weeks in Big 10 play, however it is impossible to discount three crummy performances in a row. By the eyeball test, Penn State and Wisconsin look better. Ohio State will play both in October, with questions answered about how good this Jim Tressel team really is.

NFL Betting Thoughts

Three home favorites were favored by 10 or more points by game time and two were lucky to survive, with the other losing for the first time in awhile. All the rage in the NFL is this is a quarterback’s league. For the most part, this is fairly accurate, because if a team has a bad signal caller, it is very difficult to win. What we learned in Miami’s upset of New England; maybe the Patriots defense won’t be able to carry the offense. The Dolphins Ronnie Brown ran unscathed, through, around and past New England defenders like statues. The older yet presumably wiser Patriots defenders were helpless and with no Tom Brady to bail them out, the outcome was decided early. Peyton Manning did this for a good part of his early career and might have to do it again this season. A quarterback with enough weapons can manufacture enough points and possess the ball to help the defense. When he is removed, a weaker defense can be exposed.

Though not given the same importance as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike has left its mark on the Houston Texans. Many quotes throughout the past week gave a strong impression, many of the players were still thinking about what happened to their homes and would not be ready to play football. It was evident; focus was an issue against Tennessee, in 31-12 loss. With hope brimming after first .500 season a year ago, Houston will be playing third consecutive road game this week at Jacksonville, before heading home for what will now be four straight home games. The Texans will have to go old school in playing last 15 games without a bye week.

Does coaching matter, you bet. Though it didn’t matter in the outcome of spread wager, underdog money line players were affected. Lane Kiffin of Oakland is a dead man walking; ready to be fired at any moment, if he would agree to quick financial settlement for crazed old man Al Davis, who has ruined this franchise believing he is the same as was 20 years ago. Still you have to question Kiffin’s judgment in not calling a timeout in the final minute, with his team leading 23-21. The chances of Rian Lindell missing a 38-yard field goal were small, yet why not freeze him? Or what about a kickoff return or Hail Mary pass after the made kick? We see it happen all the time. The chances of either are small, but as Jim Carrey said in the movie Dumb and Dumber, “…so I still gotta a chance.”

Media and other thoughts –This is like shooting fish in a barrel, but Bob Griese said this in describing replay. “I’m not sure there is enough visual “everdence” to over rule the call.” Instead of correcting himself, a few awkward seconds went by before partner Paul Maguire chimed in, “Easy for you to say!” It was classic.

ESPN’s Jesse Palmer does a very solid job both on Thursday night games and Saturday’s wherever he shows up. For football types that want real information, he does a great job with the X’s and O’s.

It was rather obvious the Dallas Cowboys are a few rungs up the ladder ahead of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. I spoke to several people that were at the game and all saw the same thing, the Packers defense is a well-deserved 27th in total defense, after giving up lots of yards to both Minnesota and Detroit in previous games. It was also shown despite the pleasant surprise Aaron Rodgers has been, he looked much better when matched up against Vikings and Lions quarterbacks than Tony Romo. Right today the Packers are the fourth or fifth best team in the NFC.

It often takes time to learn how to win, especially if a team is not used to doing so. Over the weekend North Carolina, went from a Pick to favorite against Virginia Tech, playing at Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels are improving under Butch Davis, but not there yet. After outplaying the ordinary Hokies the first two/thirds of the game, they made mistakes on offense and defense and eventually lost the game 20-17. It takes time to erode those old feelings of losing. Florida State and Tennessee were teams in similar situations, with a different angle. These outstanding programs in recent years still win, just not with the regularity of previous years. In big game situations, versus more confident opponents, they find ways to screw-up.

First Day of Fall Sports Plays

3Daily Winners delivered a 2-1 day in the NFL as Kendall gave us Tennessee and has additional winners on Philadelphia and Washington, raising his record to 11-2. Our Top Trend was a winner as well, and we have dandy of an angle lined for today in the big leagues. Though the System was a loser, we’ll come back with a stronger system on tonight’s Monday Night Football game that is 24-4 against the spread. It was a rough weekend at 3Daily Winners. Most of the bettors from the Left Coast Connection had bad days, with exception of Kendall and a few others. Paul Buck struggled and out Systems and Consensus plays were not good. I personally got hammered with 2-7 weekend, yet understand these things happen, no matter how bad I feel for handing these picks out for the mailing list customers. Believe everybody will work extra hard to bounce back next week. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST home favorites like San Diego after one or more consecutive losses, in the first month of the season, after closing out last season strong with six or more wins in last eight games. This system is a beauty at 24-4, 85.7 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Greg Smith and the Oakland A’s are 17-0 UNDER playing under the lights in 2008.

Free Selection -3) This will not be an official play, since action is very divided today. 60 percent of those betting the Monday night game from the Left Coast Connection are on the Jets tonight.

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 today after 5:30 Eastern.

NFL Triple Play Ready for Action

Not a good day for 3Daily Winners at 1-2 but compared to how many of our friends did, feel lucky it wasn’t worse. We have a potential upset brewing with today’s Top System, which is 25-6 ATS. Yesterday’s Top Trend was a winner and we have an sharp angle in the Keystone State matchup. Kendall has been the best in the NFL thus far and shares his best bet with us. Good Luck.

Free Football System-1) PLAY AGAINST home teams like Baltimore had a completion percentage of 60% or better, after gaining 5.5 or less passing yards an attempt in last game. This system delivers winners at an 80.6 percent clip with 25-6 record.

Free Football Trend -2) The Pittsburgh Steelers have not covered the spread in last six tries after winning an away game straight up.

Free Football Selection -3) Kendall is the hottest bettor in the NFL from the Left Coast Connection with 8-2 mark and is on Tennessee to triumph today.