South Florida Bulls (4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS) vs. Syracuse Orange (5-4 SU, 3-6 ATS), Week 11 NCAA Football, 8:00 p.m. EST, Friday, November 11, 2011, Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y. TV: ESPN2
by Ryno, College Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: USF -3.5/SYR +3.5
Over/Under Total: 51.5
Bet college football games at -105 odds instead of the -110 that you're probably used to getting. This will save you HUGE money over the course of time. Pencil it out for yourself! Find this great offer at one of the web's best sportsbooks: 5Dimes.
South Florida and Syracuse are sitting at the bottom of the Big East standings. Both teams are hovering around .500 overall and desperate for a conference victory. Both teams need this win to give themselves a chance to make a bowl game. Both teams need this win to not be in last place in the Big East. This Friday night battle will not be an easy game for either team.
The Syracuse Orange have been very good at home this year. With a 4-1 record at the Carrier Dome, the Orange's lone setback was a 19-16 loss to Rutgers. Meanwhile, they defeated Wake Forest, Rhode Island, Toledo and West Virginia. The West Virginia win was especially notable, the only conference win thus far for the Orange, because they blew out a team, 49-23, that was then ranked No. 11 in the country. But they have not gotten a win since then, losing two in a row on the road to Louisville and UConn. Now that they're back home, the Orange will look to build upon their win over West Virginia three weeks ago and get back into the mix in the conference standings.
The South Florida Bulls started off great at 4-0 with a road win over Notre Dame and blowout victories over Ball State, Florida A&M and UTEP. But once Big East play started, it was a different story for the Bulls. They lost four in a row to Pitt, UConn, Cincinnati and Rutgers. The last three losses, though, were all by six points or less. The Cincinnati loss, to a team that is in first place in the Big East, was only by three points. The Bulls, despite being winless in conference play and only 4-4 overall, have proved to be a decent team overall and a pretty good team at home. But they have to find a way to win games. This will be their final road game before three straight home games to finish the season.
ATTENTION BONUS HUNTERS! For a limited time, you can get a 100% REAL CASH BONUS on your deposits of $50-$500 at BetRevolution!
South Florida is led by dynamic quarterback B.J. Daniels, who has 2,027 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, 300 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns this season. His top target is Sterling Griffin, who has 40 receptions for 493 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulls have a solid running attack with Darrell Scott (604 rush yards, 5 TDs) and Demetris Murray (330 rush yards, 5 TDs).
Syracuse also has a pretty solid quarterback in Ryan Nassib, who has 1,960 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Nassib also has two rushing touchdowns. He has a few reliable receiving options in Alec Lemon (47 receptions, 531 yards, 4 TDs), Nick Provo (39 receptions, 410 yards, 6 TDs) and Van Chew (29 receptions, 379 yards, 3 TDs). Antwon Bailey is the team's starting running back. He has 761 rushing yards and six rushing TDs this season.
This game is all about the quarterbacks: Daniels and Nassib. It will come down to which defense can stop the opposing quarterback. Both teams can mix it up with their running game. Daniels is a dynamic QB who can scramble and run as well as throw the ball down the field. Nassib has the better arm and more options to throw to. Both of these teams have inconsistent offenses but are capable of putting up a lot of points. Syracuse put up 49 points and 33 points, respectively, in each of its last two home games. South Florida has only scored 17 points or less in three of its last four games. Syracuse defeated USF 13-9 last year when the two teams met.
USF is 5-1 ATS in its last six Friday games, 0-6 ATS in its last six conference games, 0-5 ATS in its last five games as a favorite, and 0-5 ATS in its last five games overall. Syracuse is 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall. South Florida and the favorite are both 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between these teams.
Ryno's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: There are many better games to bet on this weekend, as there is no clear point spread winner here. However, if forced to make a pick, I believe that South Florida has a VERY slight advantage. Good luck with whatever pick you make!
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!
