Category: Article

Article, Feature

SOCCER TRAINING

https://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/soccertraining.html

 

soccer training

Soccer is perhaps the most demanding of all sports.

In the modern game (at any level) soccer training and conditioning is essential.

Few sports are played on as large a playing field, lasting as long and without regular rest periods.

Players cover 8-12km during a match, consisting of 24% walking, 36% jogging, 20% coursing, 11% sprinting, 7% moving backwards and 2% moving whilst in possession of the ball (1).

Soccer players posses excellent endurance with VO2max reported to range between 55 and 70 ml/kg/min in elite performers (2,3). The game is played at an average intensity close to the lactate threshold – approximately 80-90% of maximum heart rate (4,5).

How important is the correct type of endurance training in soccer?

The greater a player’s aerobic capacity, the more ground they cover during a typical game (5,6). Additionally, improved endurance also increases the number of sprints completed in a game (7). By improving the VO2max of youth soccer players by 11% over an 8 week period, a 20% increase in total distance covered during competitive match play was manifested, along with a 23% increase in involvements with the ball and a 100% increase in the number of sprints performed by each player (5).

What about other forms of conditioning?

Strength training now plays a major role in soccer. However, simply lifting weights with the traditional “3 sets of 10 repetitions” approach is not an efficient way to spend training time. Soccer requires a balance of explosive power and muscular endurance. Some players may benefit from increasing their lean mass but even they should focus on converting much of their strength into soccer-specific power.

Strength training for soccer also helps to correct muscle imbalances. Soccer players, in particular, are prone to developing overly strong quadriceps in relation to their hamstrings and a well-formed strength plan can address this and prevent future injury (8).

The articles below cover all the important forms of soccer training and conditioning. Strength and endurance training is covered in-depth as well as sample speed and agility sessions, flexibility training and warming up and cooling down.

Soccer Training Programs & Articles

The 12-Month Soccer Training Program
Soccer players have to be the “total athlete”. But it’s never a good idea to cram every type of training into just a few sessions. Here’s the big picture and how all the different types of training fit together…

How to Develop Peak Strength for Soccer
Strength training for soccer must consist of more than just lifting weights. In fact, strength training, done incorrectly, can actually hinder your performance…

Sample Soccer Weight Training Program
Here’s a sample late pre-season/in-season weights program to get you started…

How to Develop Blazing Speed for Soccer
Speed is more important in today’s game than ever. Every player can become quicker with the right approach…

Five Soccer Speed Drills
Use these speed drills to increase your speed over short distances and off the mark…

Six Soccer Agility Drills
Use these agility drills to improve your foot speed and coordination…

Using Soccer Plyometrics to Increase Your Speed and Explosive Power
Plyometrics is a powerful form of training but you MUST get it right…

Endurance Soccer Training – Build Your Aerobic Power
Good aerobic power forms the foundation on which the rest of your fitness is built…

Four More Soccer Conditioning Drills
Here are some drills that improve your skill and touch as well as your fitness…

Off Season Soccer Training
Doing nothing during the closed season is the worst thing you can do – here’s what you should focus on instead…

Basic Soccer Conditioning Program
Strapped for training time? Just want a basic routine to get you through the season. Try this one…

Soccer Warm Up Drills
“Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail” as they say. Here are some good warm-up drills you can use before sessions…

Soccer Stretching Exercises
Flexibility is so important in ANY sport – yet it often gets forgotten. Did you know that increased flexibility can increase your agility and ability to perform fine skills?

How to Measure Your Level of Soccer Fitness
How important is soccer fitness? Here are some very interesting facts about how fit you have to be…

soccer b

 

For Soccer Players & Coaches of All Ages: Significantly improve your own (or your team’s) performance and consistency on the pitch. My complete guide to professional-level soccer conditioning will show you how to beat the competition at any level.

See my complete guide to soccer conditioning >>

References

1) Reilly T (ed) (1996) Science and Soccer. Chapman & Hall, London, 2564

2) Bangsbo J. The physiology of soccer with special reference to intense intermittent exercise. Acta Physiol Scand 1994;150:615

3) Bangsbo J, Norgaard L, Thorse F. Activity profile of competition soccer. Can J sports Sci 1991;16:1106

4) Reilly T. Physiological profile of the player. In: Ekblom B, ed. Football (soccer). London: Blackwell, 1994:7895.

5) Helgerud J, Engen LC, Wisloff U, et al. Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001;11:192531.

6) Reilly T, Thomas V. A motion analysis of work-rate in different positional roles in professional football match-play. J Hum Mov Stud 1976;2:8797. 7) Smaros G. Energy usage during a football match. In: Vecciet L, ed. Proceedings of the 1st International Congress on Sports Medicine Applied to Football. Rome: D Guanillo, 1980:795801.

8) Gioftsidou A, Beneka A, Malliou P, Pafis G, Godolias G. Soccer players’ muscular imbalances: restoration with an isokinetic strength training program. Percept Mot Skills. 2006 Aug;103(1):151-9.

https://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/best-soccer-cleats.html

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Article, Feature

Breeders Cup Friday Selections

Longines Turf Tile_0

 

The first race on the card for this weekend’s Breeders Cup 28 million dollar horse racing event is the Longines Distaff which featured a classic battle between the 6-year-old, 3-time champion mare Beholder and then-unbeaten 3-year-old megastar Songbird in a mesmerizing duel to the end. Beholder won by a nose becoming a three-time Breeders Cup winner in the final start of a magnificent career. Beholder placed in 24 of her races winning 18 with two second-place finishes. This year’s event not as impressive it poses a wide open talented field. The fields include 1) Champagne Room, Jockey Mario Gutierrez, morning line odds of 15-1, 2) Stella Wind is the narrow favourite, Jockey Victor Espinoza, morning line odds at 5-2, 3.) Mopotism presents intrigue in that jockey Frankie Dettori gets the ride odds of 30-1, 4.) Abel Tasman a Bob Baffert trained filly, 4-1 Mike Smith the rider, Elate goes off at 3-1, the ride Jose Ortiz. Forever Unbridled is a 4-1 jockey, John L Velazquez. Next are Paradise Woods and rider Flavien Prat going off at 9-2? Finally, Romantic Vision with rider Brian Hernandez Junior goes off at 15-1

b9 Turf Sprint TIle

How to bet? This is the field is better than last year’s field. It would have been the strongest field ever but Songbird injured and most likely retired, and the grey super filly unique Bella is out. The field is still strong and I give the edge to the older mares over the fillies. My wager is Forever Unbridled and Stella Wind wins, place box coupled with Elate for show money. Paradise Woods will have an early lead and they need to watch her and the fractions she has stolen races before. That said I would bundle the top three win win-show bets win and place bets. It would not surprise me if Elate wins but she’ll need Stella Wind to run a hot pace with paradise Woo and have to worry about closer Forever Unbridled. I really like Elate I understand she may not be mature enough to bet the older mares.

Sentient Jet Juvenile Tile

The Juvenile Turf is an open race I expect the Europeans to lock up top two spots with a horse who has raced in Canada to possibly crack the top 4 spots.  Masar is deserved of being the favourite I think he’ll finish first and you can couple Masar with Rajasinghe. I watched untamed money work out and race earlier in the year at the Summers stakes he a nice horse to rate and sit close to the pace and make a late run.  My Masar to win.

The Dirt Mile is a tough race analyze. Accelerate and Mor Spirit has raced on the track and have the west coast edge.  Sharp Azteca is the class of the field but unraced at Del Mar. This is going to be a speed duel between the big three and I expect a closer such as Iron fist to get a win, place show money.  The big three I mentioned could easily win, Sharp Azteca, Accelerate or Mor Spirit. If we have a speed duel and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr rates Iron Fist just off the pace to come with the big run he could win. Best bet Iron win, place or show. Mor Spirit Sharp Azteca win-place box with iron fist show, another decent bet Accelerate win, place show.

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The final race on Friday is the juvenile fillies turf.  Happily trained by Aiden O’Brien is the favourite and class of the field. She is a multiple group one winner with exquisite breeding. Happily, wins the race on one leg coupled with any European horses from Ireland.

Later Friday night I will post Saturdays Breeders cup picks and college football picks.

Courtney D

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Article, College and NFL preview analysis, Feature

WEEK 10 TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW NCAAF.

 

 

The college football’s Week 10 menu features an intriguing menu of sudden death football in the major conferences and independent. It’s safe to say no small conference or mid-major team as a chance to qualify for the final four though Central Florida still unbeaten will see itself in a New Year’s Day bowl. We’ll look at the MAC conference where Ohio and Akron remain in the hunt for the MID American East regular-season championship. In the Western division of the MAC, the Toledo, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan remain in the hunt for the division title.  Ohio host Kent State and a win assure them of the regular season title. Last time out Ohio defeated Kent State 48-3. Miami of Ohio covered a-3 spread by defeating a valiant Buffalo team 24-14. Miami of Ohio signature win is a week four trouncing of Central Michigan.  Except for the Notre Dame fiasco where the Irish destroyed those 52-17 the red hawks as played everyone tough.   Last year Ohio defeated the red hawks 17-7. I expect a tight game I’ll take the +10 and Miami of Ohio to cover. Ohio is maybe looking ahead to MAC championships since they have locked up the division. Final score Ohio 48-40 in OT or 45-42 OT Take Miami of Ohio to cover +10

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The Central Michigan Chippewa’s and the Western Michigan Broncos will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Waldo Stadium. Western Michigan was a 20-17 winner in its last match on the road against Eagles. They covered the -2.5-point spread as a favourite. Last time out Central Michigan dismantled Ball State 56-9. Nonetheless, they do have a loss 30-10 loss to Toledo-one of the teams currently ahead of them for the division title. Western Michigan is still in the hunt for the division title in that they still have to play Northern Illinois and Toledo. I give Western Michigan the victory and the cover. Central Michigan is improving, and they play hard every week. I like Western Michigan because they are at home and focused on the task ahead.

WM

In the other game of concern, Toledo and Northern Illinois see the winner in control of the Western Division title and a spot in the MAC championship game. Toledo defeated NIU 31-24 last season. I expect a bit of the same type of a game. NIU as injuries so I’m favouring Toledo to win the game 27-23,  30-20 or 19-10 ……I won’t wager on a cover Toledo -9

TOLEDO

Akron holds a 4-1 record in the division and first place. Overall they are 5-4 with decent victories over Western Michigan and Toledo. I don’t expect Akron to look ahead to the big game with Ohio a game that will decide the Eastern Division regular season champion.  Last time out Akron defeated Buffalo 21-20.  Akron is idle this week, but the November 14th game with Ohio will decide the representative in the MAC championship game.

Other games of betting concerns before Big Saturday see Eastern Michigan at home to Ball State.  Eastern Michigan is 2-6, but they have been more than respectable in losses to Ohio 20-27, Kentucky 20-24, Toledo 15-20, Army 27-28, Western Michigan 20-27 and Northern Illinois 27-30. I expect Eastern Michigan to blow out Ball State 49-13 and get the -24.5 cover. Navy visits Temple on Thursday. I like Navy to win this game early and often. The final score Navy gets a surprise win in Philadelphia 45-24. Take the money line be wild and gamble the points like me -9. Idaho has +18 to work with against a Troy team that is slipping. Give me Idaho on the road and points.  Marshall always beats FAU; this year may be different with the new coach coming from Alabama. I like Marshall to cover the +9.5 points; I won’t wager any real money on the win except in a long shot bet parlayed with a group of DAWGS throughput the week.  It’s funny because Tulsa played tough all year with nothing to show. Tulsa is one of the big disappointments along with UCLA, Texas AM, Florida, LSU to an extent and FSU and USC.  That said you might see a big upset this Friday when they face Memphis. If the Tulsa players still have a fight I call for a cover at +12.5 the final score 51-41 or 47-38. UCLA faces Utah it won’t surprise me if UCLA gets the win that said I’m staying away. Utah is more than 4.5 favourites take the Bruins the final score 38-30 if UCLA can pull upset or 30-27 UTAH.

Those are my nibbles before the big games on Saturday come back to website Friday night early Saturday morning for Saturday picks.

Courtney Duncan.

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College and NFL preview analysis, Feature

WEEK 4 FREE NCAAF PICKS FROM THE CRYSTAL BALL IN THE CRYSTAL CAVE.

89  Courtney’s picks

My pick Skinny Edge
 TEMPLE TEMPLE TEMPLE at SOUTH FLORIDA…Owls were 12-4 as a road dog. Temple has improved the past 2 games though weak competition. USF strong double-digit home covers.No call on this game USF wins if forced Temple just covers 20.5 spread.  USF, based on series trends.

 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22
My pick  Skinny Edge
  Boise state VIRGINIA at BOISE STATE…Boise 0-7-1 vs. line as blue carpet chalk since LY and 11-28-1 last 40 vs. line in the role. Cavs were 7-0 as DD dog in 2014-15 before 2-4 in role LY, and have covered five straight as DD dog vs. non-ACC. Boise covers 11.5 Virginia 14.5 or more
 utah UTAH at ARIZONA…Rich-Rod 3-6 vs. line last 9 at Tucson, 3-5 last 8 as a home dog. Utah playing top 20 football  Utah covers based on team trends.

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23
PENN STATE at IOWA…James Franklin on 12-1 spread run, five straight covers away from Happy Valley. .

My pick  Skinny Edge
 wf WAKE FOREST at APP STATE…Wake has won and covered first three TY and is 9-2 last eleven vs. spread since early 2016. Also 8-1 vs. line last nine away from Winston-Salem. App 1-9 vs. spread last ten at Boone. Wake Forest a nice surprise see big things this year
NorthCarolina UNC DUKE at NORTH CAROLINA…Duke 3-0 vs. line TY, if road chalk note 3-0 mark in role since 2015. North Carolina played a tough schedule to date and should benefit from being at home. Duke had a nice win against NW. North Carolina, based on team trends.
  purdue 2 MICHIGAN at PURDUE Brohm 3-0 vs. line with Purdue, now 24-11-1 vs. spread last 36 on board at WKU & Purdue since late 2014. Purdue O clicking and Michigan seems a little lacklustre. Purdue gets cover
 gt football PITT at GEORGIA TECH. The road team has covered last three meetings. Pitt usually matches well against Tech. Slight to GT, based on recent trends.
  penn state Penn State 38-24 late TD to get cover.
 CLEMSON BOSTON COLLEGE at CLEMSON… BC 7-2.s road dog since 2014, 2-1-1 last four vs. spread against Clemson. Tigers 3-0 vs. line TY but only 12-12-1 laying DD since 2014. Clemson looked good last week. 48-14 still not a cover.
 nc state NC STATE at FLORIDA STATE… FSU IS A HOT MESS RIGHT NOW. NC STATE WITH GOOD QB PLAY GETS THE UPSET. NC State, based on team trends.
 Close game. NO  picks no cover pass on game  Mississipi St at GEORGIA…Kirby Smart just 1-5 as Athens chalk. Dan Mullen 9-1. Bulldogs playing well  

 Miss State, based on team trends.
  USCSouth carolina G LA TECH at SOUTH CAROLINA…Cocks just 5-10 as home chalk since. LT can score points LT, based on team trends.
 t football UMASS at TENNESSEE…Mass 3-1 as DD road dog LY. Butch Jones only 5-7 last 12 as DD chalk and 5-10-1 last 16 vs. line. Slight to UMass, based on team trends.
 West Virginiawest virginia WEST VIRGINIA at KANSAS…KU was 3-0-1 as home dog LY but that has been the only spread positive of the Beaty regime. Jayhawks have covered 3 of last 4 in series. Mounties just 2-6 vs. spread last 8 away. West Virginia gets a double-digit win.
 gators football FLORIDA at KENTUCKY…Last UK SU win over Florida was 1986. Gators have also covered 9 of last 10 meetings. Florida,
 Maryland Maryland.jpg UCF at MARYLAND…Durkin has won and covered first two TY after dropping 7 of last 9 vs. line LY. Terps 1-0 as dog TY but 1-4 in role LY. UCF covered in losing effort vs. Terps LY, UCF not played football in 3 weeks because of the hurricane. Maryland based on the weather
 No PICK Kent St should cover big spread KENT STATE at LOUISVILLE… Flashes no covers last 5 or 7 of last 9 since mid 2016, 4-8 as DD dog since 2015. ‘Ville only 8-14 as Papa John’s chalk since 2013 and 12-19-1 laying D same span. Slight to Louisville, based on Kent State negatives.
 ohio OHIO at EASTERN MICHIGAN…EMU now 11-2 vs. spread last 13 on board since early 2016. Also 5-2 last 7 vs. line Slight to Ohio, based on team trends.
 CMU MIAMI-OHIO at CENTRAL MICHIGAN…Red Hawks 0-3 vs. line in 2017 after closing 2017 on 6-1 spread surge. Miami no covers last five years in the game after Cincy. CMU on 3-10 spread skid since early 2016. Let’s try Central Michigan
 Virginia Techvt football OLD DOMINION at VIRGINIA TECH…ODU 0-3 LY and now 1-6 as road dog since 2015. . Virginia Tech D too strong and running game will control the flow of game and keep ball away from OD  Virginia Tech,.
  char GEORGIA STATE at CHARLOTTE… 49ers no covers last six since late 2016, 6-14-1 last 21 on board. Charlotte wins.
Indiana   GEORGIA SOUTHERN at INDIANA…GSU on 4-10 spread skid since Summers took over in 2016. Hoosiers only 3-8 vs. line last 11 at Bloomington, 1-4 last five as DD chalk. Slight to Indiana, .
  No wager if you must Buffalo hometeam FAU at BUFFALO…Bulls have covered first three in 2017, but if favored here note Leipold just 2-5 as chalk since arriving in 2015. Owls on 10-19-1 spread skid since late 2014 (2-1 for Kiffin). Buffalo
 rUTGERS RUTGERS at NEBRASKA…Rutgers was 1-4 vs. line away LY and was 4-9 as DD dog previous two years before cover in opener. Riley only 4-4 as DD chalk since 2015 with Huskers, 3-4 vs. line off SU loss. NEBRASKA 
  TOLEDO.jpg TOLEDO at MIAMI-FLA…Toledo 3-8-1 last 12 on board, but Rockets 14-8 as dog since 2012 and 8-2 last ten vs. spread as non-MAC visitor. Richt covered five straight to close 2016 before non-cover in opener. Canes 16-9-1 vs. line since beginning of 2015. Slight to Toledo, based on team trends.
 WASH.png WASHINGTON at COLORADO… MacIntyre 6-3 as home dog since 2014 and 11-5 vs. spread last 16 as Pac-12 host. Huskies just 6-9 vs. spread last 14 on board, but have won and covered last five meetings. Huskies based on recent trends.
No pick but New Mx St. wins game UTEP at NEW MEXICO STATE…UTEP has won 8 in a row SU vs. nearby NMSU. But Miners only 4-7-1 vs. line last 12 as away dog. Ags 10-4 spread uptick. New Mexico state, based on recent trends.
 navy 9 CINCINNATI at NAVY…Bearcats on 6-13 spread skid but have covered last 2. Navy 7-4 as home chalk since 2015. Navy, based on team trends.
 No pick if you must lean to Buckeyes to cover no more than 34.5 UNLV at OHIO STATE… Note Rebs have covered at Michigan and UCLA the past two years. Sanchez 7-3 as road dog. Getting 21 or more, Sanchez 4-1 since 2015. Urban just 5-10-1 as home chalk since 2015. UNLV, based on team trends.
  MSU COVERS msu NOTRE DAME at MICHIGAN STATE… MSU has covered last two meetings and 6-3-1 vs. spread last ten vs. Irish. If Dantonio home dog note 4-0 in role since 2010. Spartans 17-5 as dog since 2011. If favoured note Irish 5-10 as visiting chalk since 2011. Michigan State, especially if underdog, based on team and series trends.
 Hawaii HAWAAII HAWAII at WYOMING…Rolovich 5-3 as dog away from home since LY, though only 2-4-1 as DD dog. Bohl just 3-4 last seven as home chalk, and Wyo 0-3 vs. line TY. Hawaii, based on team trends.
  tulsa NEW MEXICO at TULSA…Davie 13-7 as road dog since 2013. Lobos 6-1 last seven as DD dog. Tulsa 5-2 vs. line at home since LY but Montgomery just 6-7 vs. spread as host since 2015. Tulsa 38-20 win
lsu.jpg  

 SYRACUSE  Babers only 5-8 vs. line against FBS foes since arriving at Cuse LY, and 2-5 as DD dog.

  LSU 

based on team trends.
 troy AKRON at TROY…Troy 7-2-1 vs. line last 10 vs. non-Belt foes. Akron 3-6 as dog since LY. Troy-based on team trends.
 no pick slight to MTSU to cover BOWLING GREEN at MIDDLE TENNESSEE…Jinks jinx as BGSU 0-3 vs. line TY and now 0-6 vs. spread outside of MAC since LY. MTSU, based on team trends.
 mizzou AUBURN at MISSOURI…Mizzou 2-5 as dog for Odom, and 2-11 vs. line last 13 SEC. Malzahn 3-1 as visiting chalk since 2015. Mizzou it’s a big spread.
 red raider TEXAS TECH at HOUSTON…Cougs just 5-14-1 as home chalk since 2014. Kingsbury 6-2 as visiting dog past two years. Texas Tech, based on team trends.
  smu ARKANSAS STATE at SMU…ASU just 1-5 vs. line last six as non-Belt visitor. SMU on 8-2 spread uptick since mid 2016. SMU, based on team trends.
 Vandy football ALABAMA at VANDERBILT… Teams don’t play every year but no Vandy SU wins over Bama since 1984. Derek Mason 6-1 as home dog since 2015. Vandy playing its best football in years. A tough game fpr Bama Vandy based on trends.
 tulane ARMY at TULANE…Army 6-2-3 vs. spread last 11 as visitor. Fritz teams are 23-16 their last 39 spread decisions. Slight to Tulane, based on recent trends.
  tcu.png TCU at OKLAHOMA STATE… OSU won and covered handily last two years and 4 of last 5 in series. But Frogs 11-3 vs. line as visiting dog since 2011, and 9-4 overall as dog since 2013. Gundy 8-8 last 16 as Stillwater chalk. TCU, based on recent trends.
  WKU BALL STATE at WESTERN KENTUCKY…WKU 0-3 vs. line for young Sanford. Ball 6-0 as road dog for Mike Neu since LY! Western Kentucky based on team trends.
 NT mean greenmean green UAB at NORTH TEXAS… Mean Green 2-0 as home chalk for Littrell, 9-4 in role since 2013. UAB 9-6 vs. line for Bill Clark. Slight to North Texas, based on team trends.
 

TEXAS ST COVERS

bobcats

  UTSA AT  TEXAS STATE…Bobcats 2-4 as home dog since LY. UTSA has covered four straight and 6 of last 7 since late LY.  

 

 

 

 

Texas St surprise cover

  too close to call Airforce possible upset. SD if I have to play in OT SAN DIEGO STATE at AIR FORCE…Rocky Long 7-3 last 10 as MW road chalk and 15-6 last 21 vs. spread in MW. Rocky also 5-0 SU vs. Force since taking over Aztecs in 2011. Falcs, however, 5-0 as home dog since 2014. SDSU, based on series trends.
 Texas am ARKANSAS vs. TEXAS A&M (at Jerry Jones AT&T Stadium, Arlington)…Sumlin is 4-0 SU vs. Bielema and 5-0 SU vs. Hogs since 2012. Though Sumlin on 2-9-1 spread skid. Texas Am MAKE OR BREAK GAME FOR Sumlin..
  RICE FIU at RICE… Owls 16-9-1 vs. spread as host since 2012. Golden Panthers 4-1-1 last six as C-USA road dog. Rice, based on team trends.
 IDAHO Vandy football IDAHO at SOUTH ALABAMA… Idaho has covered last two years vs. USA and is 11-1 vs. spread last 12 on Sun Belt road! Jags 1-8-1 vs. spread last ten as Mobile chalk. Idaho, based on team trends.
 No pick ULM at ULL…ULM 5-3 as road dog since LY for Matt Viator, also 3-1 on Belt road vs. spread. Cajuns have won last three SU in series though Warhawks 2-1-1 vs. line last four meetings. Slight to ULM, based on team trends.
Sooners 08 OKLAHOMA at BAYLOR…Baylor now on 4-11 spread skid, 0-3 for Rhule. Sooners have won and covered last two meetings and Lincoln Riley off quickly, 3-0 vs. spread. Stoops was 8-4 the past three seasons as visiting chalk. OU, based on team trends.
 cALIFORNIA USC at CALIFORNIA…Bears haven’t beaten SC SU since 2003 in triple OT, only SC loss that season. Trojans 10-2 last 12 vs. USC  COVERS
 WSU NEVADA at WASHINGTON STATE… Leach 1-5 last 6 vs. line as non-Pac 12 host. Pack 9-4 as visiting dog since 2014 (1-0 for Norvell) and 11-3 last 14 as DD dog. Washington St double-digit win
  ASU OREGON at ARIZONA STATE…Ducks tailed off last two years vs. all except Arizona St COVERS
 bRUINS FOOTBALL UCLA at STANFORD…Bruins no SU wins vs. Tree since 2008, nine straight Stanford SU wins, 8-1 vs. line those games. Tree was just 1-5 as Farm chalk LY but was 9-4 in previous two years. Mora 2-6 last 8 as dog. UCLA
 San Jose St sj football.jpg   UTAH STATE at SAN JOSE STATE…Utags 1-11 vs. line last 12 away from Logan. Spartans 10-4 vs. line last 14 at home.  

 SJSU, based on team trends.
College and NFL preview analysis, Feature

WEEK 3 NCAA FOOTBALL PICKS FROM THE CRYSTAL CAVE BALL

trojan stadium

 
Matchup Skinny Edge
  UMASS at TEMPLE PickNew Mexico …New Mexico Lobos have covered last three on blue carpet (with big prices) and Davie 12-7 as road dog since 2013. New Mexico to cover spread

 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15
Arizona wildcats

Matchup Skinny Edge
 UMASS at TEMPLE   pick

Umass

 UMASS at TEMPLE…Owls were 21-7 vs. line last two years and 7-2.  UMass no covers first 3 TY but Minutemen were 4-2 as road dog LY. Slight to Umass to cover. Temple offence is non-existent.
  ILLINOIS at USF.  Pick 

USF

 Bulls no cover first two this season as heavy chalk after 7-3-1 mark laying DD past two years. Slight to USF home field advanatge
  Arizona wildcats ARIZONA at UTEP…Kugler just 6-14 as DD dog at UTEP. 2013). Miners 1-3 as home dog LY. Arizona covers and win easily base don Pac 12 dominance

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16
Matchup Skinny Edge
  South carolina G KENTUCKY at SOUTH CAROLINA…Stoops has won last 3 and covered last 4 vs. SC, which is also 0-4-1 vs.  South Carolina hot give them the win stay away form spread.
 Notre Dame NOTRE DAME at BOSTON COLLEGE… Teams don’t meet every year but BC 6-1 vs. line against Irish since 2004. Eagles 0-5 as Chestnut Hill dog past two years but overall were 7-7-1 as dog Usually close game this time Notre Dame double digit cover.
 UCONN UCONN at VIRGINIA…UConn on 3-11-1 spread skid since late 2015 (0-1 for Edsall). Huskies 6-11-1 as visiting dog since 2013. Slight to U Conn Huskies to cover based on Vrrginia woes on offense
  AF FALCONS AIR FORCE at MICHIGAN…Harbaugh only 4-5 as Ann Arbor chalk since LY and is 9-10 laying DD since 2015. Teams such as Michigan have respect for armed forces teams. They will play them hard if game in bag score wont be run up. Air Force covers, based on team trends.
  Coastal Carolina COASTAL CAROLINA at UAB…  Coastal Carolina, gets win mild upset.

 
 Cincy CINCINNATI at MIAMI-OHIO…Cincy on 4-11 spread since late 2015. RedHawks have covered last four meetings, Cincy won last 9 in series and more . Miami-Ohio at home but Take Cincy to win game surprised bearcats are underdawgs
  penn state GEORGIA STATE at PENN STATE…James Franklin 11-1 in last 12 vs. line, 4-1 last five as DD chalk. Though note GSU 18-5 its last 23 as visiting dog since 2013. Big Spread but Penn State wins  by 38 or more 55-13
 Iowa State IOWA STATE at AKRON…ISU 3-0-1 vs. line last 4 and 4-1-1 vs. spread last 6 after facing Iowa. Bowden Iowa State based on team trends. Iowa St upset.

 
  UNC NORTH CAROLINA at OLD DOMINION…Monarchs just 2-9 as dog since 2015. North Carolna destroyed this team last time out 80-20  UNC, based on team a 80-20 score the last timke they played. NC gets the -10.5  cover
 Oklahoma Cowboys OKLAHOMA STATE at PITT…Narduzzi just 3-11 vs. line at home with Pitt since 015. Gundy 8-8-1 as chalk since 2015. State playing for final 4 spot expect a blow out  Oklahoma State, based on Pitt home woes.  44-24 score
 MT Raiders MTSU at MINNESOTA…Middle Tennessee: Team record: 1-1 SU,1-1 ATS The total has gone OVER in 7 of Middle Tennessee’s last 10 games. Middle Tennessee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road Middle Tennessee, based on team trends.
     
 bRUINS FOOTBALL UCLA at MEMPHIS…Mora now 3-11-1 vs. line last 14 vs. non-Pac 12. Also 5-10-1 last 15 on board. But Memphis just 3-8 last 11 vs. number since early 2016. Slight to UCLA, based on team trends.
  niu NORTHERN ILLINOIS at NEBRASKA…Riley spread marks very middling with Huskers. Huskies 8-2 as visiting dog for Rod Carey. Northern Illinois SHOULD COVER + 14
 bAYLOR BAYLOR at DUKE…Everything come unglued at Baylor. Bears have good atthletes QB and some other starters been replaced.  Duke wins but if nay pride at Baylor they get cover. +15  
 ohio KANSAS at OHIO…Solich battered Jayhawks LY but only 1-5 as home chalk in 2016. OHIO WINS AND COVERS THE SPREAD
 Utah st football.jpg UTAH STATE at WAKE FOREST…Utags 1-10 vs. spread last 11 away from Logan, 5-15 overall last 20 vs. spread. Clawson on 10-4 spread uptick since early LY. Utah ST not playing well but I think tehy cover and outside chance for upset..
 Louisville football CLEMSON at LOUISVILLE…’Ville now 3-8 last 11 on board. Though the games vs. Clemson have been tough the past three years. Petrino 6-5 as dog with Cards. Dabo on 13-7 spread uptick. I like Louisville QB edge. Game of the season to date. Louisville at home for win and +3.5 cover …….
 CMU CENTRAL MICHIGAN at SYRACUSE…CMU 3-9 last 12 vs. line. Also 1-5 vs. line last six away from  CMU is improved team capable of scoring CMU gets upest win and cover. 
 vt football VIRGINIA TECH at EAST CAROLINA…Skidding ECU now on 1-10-1 spread slide. VPI has covered four straight away from Blacksburg. Virginia Tech based on team trends.
 byu WISCONSIN at BYU…Paul Chryst in 13-4-1 spread run since late 2015, 9-1 last ten away from Madison. Cougs were 4-0-1 as dog LY but dropped first two in role for 2017. BYU plays tiughest schedule in college football and they get psaid well for doing this. BYU covers 
  Purdue Football PURDUE at MISSOURI…Jeff Brohm now on 14-5-1 spread run with his teams since late 2015. Purdue also now 14-3 vs. line its last 17 away from Ross-Ade. Tigers just 9-17 vs. line since 2015. Purdue
 mean green NORTH TEXAS at IOWA…Ferentz was just 10-21 last 31 as Iowa City chalk prior to Slight to North Texas, based on team trends.
  UL-LAFAYETTE  at TEXAS A&M…Sumlin 6-15 last 21 laying DD, 5-15-1 vs. spread at College Station since 2014. AM qb woes and still trying to recover from UCLA shocker Slight to ULL, .
 falcons BOWLING GREEN at NORTHWESTERN…Fitz just 4-9 laying DD since 2013, 7-13 as Evanston chalk same span. BGSU, however, just 1-6 as DD dog for Jinks. Falcons should cover NW still reeling after last weeks shocker
    T
  gators football TENNESSEE at FLORIDA…Butch Jones got Gators LY but had lost 1-point decisions previous two years and Vols just 2-5 vs. line last seven in series. Butch just 5-9-1 last 14 vs. line and was 0-3-1 vs. line as visitor LY. McElwain 5-1 vs. spread as SEC host in Swamp. Florida wins games no cover though
 
  LT LA TECH at WESTERN KENTUCKY…Brohm was 8-4 vs. line as host past two years but Sanford 0-2 vs. line to begin 2017. Skip Holtz 8-3 vs. spread as road dog since 2014. La Tech, covers
 army ARMY at OHIO STATE…Urban is only 5-10 as Big Horseshoe chalk since 2015 (1-6 in 2015). Army 8-2-2 last 12 as dog away from Michie, 4-2-1 last 7 as DD dog. Great teams respect fir armed forces. Army will play tough and cover 
 wash st OREGON STATE at WASHINGTON STATE…Beavs covered 7 of last 8 LY  Leach on 2-8 spread skid since mid 2016. Washington State blows out the beavers 55-21
 bobcats APP STATE at TEXAS STATE… Mountaineers 8-1 as visiting chalk since 2015. TSU 1-4 vs. spread last five at San Marcos. Bobcats will hang tough get a cover
 Bama football COLORADO STATE at ALABAMA…Nick only 4-14 vs. line hosting non-SEC foes in Tuscaloosa (many of those laying huge points). Bobo was 5-0 as visiting dog LY and 7-1 vs. spread last 8 as visitor. Bama blows them gets easy cover 49-13.
 tulsa TULSA at TOLEDO…Tulsa 6-2 as visiting dog for Philip Montgomery since 2015. Also 12-4 vs. line away from home that span. Rockets on 3-7 spread skid since  2016. Tulsa will score alot points love the over and cover
 
 
   
 Miss st football LSU at MISSISSIPPI STATE…Dan Mullen has covered last three in series, though all of those vs. Les Miles. Mullen 10-5 as dog since 2014. Orgeron, however, now 4-0 vs. line away from home with LSU. Slight to Miss State, based on team and series trends.
  ucf football GEORGIA TECH at UCF…Scott Frost now 4-1 as home chalk for UCF, but Paul Johnson 4-1 last five as dog away from Grant Field. Johnson 11-5 as dog since 2014. UCF covers a chance for upset at home
 Vandy football KANSAS STATE at VANDERBILT…Bill Snyder 20-9-1 vs. line as visitor since 2011 and has covered last 4 vs. non-Big 12. Vandy, however, 6-1 as home dog past two seasons, and 10-5 last 15 vs. line at Nashville. Vanderbilt gets the upset win at home SEC football K state not a Big 3 in Big 12
 cougars RICE at HOUSTON…Even after UTEP win, Owls just 5-9-1 vs. line last 15 away from Rice Stadium. UH just 5-13-1 as home chalk (Tom Herman and all for two years) since 2014. Houston blows out Rice 41-10
  cropped-12341308_10153184390540825_6576509195751453998_n.jpg TROY at NEW MEXICO STATE… Ags crushed last three by Troy but NMSU was 3-1 as Las Cruces dog LY and is 5-2 vs. points last seven at home. Slight to Troy, based on series trends. Don’t be surprised if Aggies win revenge for years of abuse …no pick
 red raider ARIZONA STATE at TEXAS TECH… If Kingsbury chalk note he is 7-1 in role since 2015. Sun Devils 2-9 last vs. points as visitor. Texas Tech, based on team trends.
 TROJANS TEXAS at SOUTHERN CAL… Horns now 2-8 vs. line last 10 as visitor. Herman was 5-0 as dog with UH, however. SC 8-3 vs. line at Coliseum for Clay Helton. Texas improved since opener. The game close but USC pulls away for slight cover 51-31
 EE My upets picks for get the cover Louisville to beat Clemson, Califonia upsets Mississipi Vanderbilt beats KsTATE, Cincy why are they a dawg they win easy, Purdue got a chance against Mizzou best bet against spread Airforce+24, UCLA+3 Vandy +4 California +3.5 Texas Tech -7.512540894_10153250528340825_4244165829006448530_n

 

 

College and NFL preview analysis, Feature

Week 2 NFL PICKS

HOUSTON at CINCINNATI (NFL, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Cincinati 4

Cincinnati as a better O
 Edge: BENGALS COVER 5.5.

SUNDAY, SEP. 17 TENNESSEE at JACKSONVILLE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)

jACKSONVILLEJags “over” 15-8 since late 2015. Both vs. Titans “over” LY. Jags “over” 10-4 last 14 at home. Jags have won and covered last three at home vs. Titans.  Edge: Jacksonville based on total trends to win and cover

 

CLEVELAND at BALTIMORE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)

bALTIMORE TAVENS Cleveland improved at QB and D, Ravens win game   Edge: Ravens win and cover.

 

BUFFALO at CAROLINA (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)

carolina Bills were “over” 12-4 last season. Panthers 3-7-1 as chalk LY.  Edge: to Carolina who wants the world to forget last season.   

 

NEW ENGLAND at NEW ORLEANS (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)

New Orleans Saints  Saints 9-2 last 11 as a dog and are 5-0 as home dog since 2015. New England bounces back with a big win but Saints cover the spread.  Edge: Saints and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

 

ARIZONA at INDIANAPOLIS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

ARIZONA  Arians 17-7 vs. line away his first three seasons with Cards but 3-6 since LY. Both teams in trouble I take Arizona to cover and win.  Tech Edge: Cards and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

 

PHILADELPHIA at KANSAS CITY (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

KC VS phILADELPHIA   Birds only 2-6 vs. line away LY, and dropped both vs. line in second of back-to-backs away. Reid only 6-10 as Arrowhead chalk past two seasons, also “under” 8-16 last three seasons at home. If KC had Berry I give them a double digit win. Tech Edge: KC wins the game. I won’t wager on the spread but if forced Philly can cover.

 

MINNESOTA at PITTSBURGH (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

vIKINGS  Vikes were 1-5 vs. line last six away LY, also dipped to 3-3 as a dog after 7-1 mark in role previous year. Tomlin 23-16 0 at home. Edge to Minnesota wins on the road. Mild upset but to the rookies, it will be an epic upset.  

 

CHICAGO at TAMPA BAY (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Tampa bay   Bears 2-6 vs. line away LY after 5-2-1 for Fox in 2015, though Fox only 6-9-1 vs. line each of past two seasons. Bucs only 6-10 vs. line at home since 2015 and 2-8 as Raymond James chalk since 2014.
 Edge: Tampa double digit win.

 

MIAMI at L.A. CHARGERS (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Miami.png    At Qualcomm, Bolts were just 8-16 vs. spread past three seasons and lost at home vs. Dolphins LY, 31-24. If Bolts chalk note 7-12 mark in role since 2014. Miami closed reg. season on 7-3-1 spread run  Edge: Dolphins, and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

 

N.Y. JETS at OAKLAND (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)

raiders 7   Jets 4-8-2 vs. spread last 13 away. Also “under” 10-2 last 11 away. Tech Edge: Raiders blow out the Jets 38-14

 

WASHINGTON at L.A. RAMS (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)

la rams    Skins 9-2 vs. line last 11 on road, also “over” 17-4 last 21 since late 2015.  Edge: Rams surprise playoff team. Double digit Rams win.  

 

DALLAS at DENVER (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)

DALLAS COWBOYS    Dallas “under” 6-2 away LY and “under” 16-8-1 last 25 reg.-season games. Edge: Dallas gets the win a field goal game. Get it now odds might jump.

 

SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)

SEATTLE   Seattle has won last seven SU in series (6-1 vs. line) and has won and covered six straight at home vs. Niners. SF “over” 7-2 last nine away.  Edge: Seahawks

 

GREEN BAY at ATLANTA (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)

PACKERS  Pack 4-2 as dog LY but just 1-8 in role previous three years. Falcons did not look good. Revenge game for GB Edge: “Over” and slight to Pack, based on “totals” and team trends.

MONDAY, SEP. 18 DETROIT at N.Y. GIANTS (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)

detriot lions

Eli 8-3 vs. line last 11 in 2016, though lost opener, and Giants now “under” 13-4 in reg season since LY (5-3 at home LY). G-Men, however, just 2-9-1 vs. line in the game immediately follow Dallas. If Beckham plays NYG
 Edge: “high scoring game and Detroit cover.

 

I’m Courtney Duncan handicapping the games such a handsome guyBig Boy Picks Week 6