BYU Cougars (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) at Ole Miss Rebels (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
Saturday September 3rd, 2011. 4:45 PM EST, College Football Week 1
Vaught Hemingway Stadium Oxford, M.S.
By Jay Horne, College Football Handicapper of Predictem.com
Point Spread: BYU -2.5/Ole Miss +2.5
Over/Under Total: 54.5
Bet the Cougs/Rebs game using your credit card at the web's oldest and most trusted sportsbook: Intertops.
Just two years ago, the Ole Miss Rebels were among the most talented teams in the SEC reaching a ranking as high as 4th in the country. However, the Rebels lost a ton of talent after the 2009 season and many referred to 2010 campaign as the ever dreaded "rebuilding" year for Head Coach Houston Nutt. Instead, the season was much worse as the Rebels became a bottom dweller in the SEC finishing with a mark of 1-7 in conference play. This year the Rebels will try to get back on the path of success in what will be a pivotal year for the future of Houston Nutt in Oxford.
The Rebels will be tested right out of the gates when they host the Brigham Young Cougars at home in the season opener. This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron. BYU is a team that is in an eerie similar situation as their counterpart. The Cougars reached a minimum 10 wins each year from 2006 to 2009 before taking a huge step back last year with a mark of 7-6. This season BYU looks to rebound with a new slate of opponents on the schedule thanks to breaking away from the Mountain West and becoming an Independent school.
BYU took a step back offensively last season averaging just 26 points per game. However, the Cougars return 10 starters from the 2010 unit and should be greatly improved overall. Quarterback Jake Heaps performed solid in his freshman crusade passing for 2,316 yards with 15 touchdowns and 9 picks. Heaps had some really good outings last year despite inconsistent numbers. Therefore I would expect Heaps to have a better season moving forward. Leading wide receiver Cody Hoffman returns to the team after racking up 42 passes for 527 yards and 7 scores last year which should aid in the passing game. More importantly the offense returns senior J.J Luigi. Luigi is coming off a season in which he racked up 917 yards on the ground with 9 scores. Additionally, Luigi contributed out of the backfield catching 45 passes for 423 yards. Luigi will be a big part of the offense this season and will be a guy to watch as the season progresses.
TIRED OF DEPOSIT HASSLES? YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL WORK AT BETONLINE
Defensively, the Cougars were a solid group in 2010 holding opponents to 330 yards per game. The BYU defense ranked 24th overall in the country and should be every bit as good this year as well with the returning talent on that side of the ball. However, historically under Coach Bronco Mendenhall the defense has suffered rocky starts in each season. The Cougars were 2-5 in their first 7 games of 2010. Through that stretch, the defense gave up nearly 30 points per game. The defense needs to be better prepared this season to avoid any further lackluster starts.
The Rebels have a new offensive coordinator at the helm in David Lee who is known for rushing favored offenses. Ole Miss has plenty of question marks at the quarterback position and at wide receiver. Randall Mackey appears to be the leader for the starting quarterback role. WR Melvin Harris caught 30 passes for 408 yards last year, but hopes to play a bigger role in the offense. Otherwise, the offense will likely keep a lot of focus on moving the football on the ground. Tailback Brandon Bolden may be the best player on the team. Bolden posted 973 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while also catching 32 passes for 344 yards. Ole Miss will return experience among the offensive line, therefore look for the offense to feature Bolden as their primary weapon to move the chains.
Defensively the Rebels have a lot of question marks as well. Defensive end Kentrell Lockett will be the best of the group, but behind the defensive line lies a troubled secondary. Ole Miss ranked a miserable 103rd last season against the pass giving up 246 yards per game. Not to mention the SEC is not a very pass happy offensive conference from top to bottom like the Pac 12 or Big 12. Still, the Rebels were horrendous against the pass last season and have yet to find any answers entering this season. If there is not improvement in the defensive secondary, it would be hard for the Rebels to see much improvement in 2011 especially considering how difficult the SEC West will be.
Jay's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: BYU has the edge on both sides of the ball, but their history of starting slow scares me on the road in Oxford. However, I do believe there is value in the "under." I believe both offenses may be a bit conservative with their known troubles at the quarterback position especially early in the game. Therefore, the under 54.5 is the way to go. Good Luck!
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
