Blog

NFL
8:15 PM EST
Rotation # 265-266
Panthers/49ers Over 49.5 (loss)
Amazingly, the Panthers have a shot at making the playoffs, and it is equally impressive that the 49ers are in the same position with all of their injuries on both sides of the football. Carolina has not been at full strength on their offensive line all season, and usually that would not be ideal for an over selection. Still, the bottom line is that the 49ers’ defense’s front seven is not up to NFL standards, given all the injuries they have suffered. Losing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner is hard to deal with. I don’t see the 49ers putting too much pressure on QB Bryce Young. Running back Rico Dowdle has been outstanding, giving the Panthers the balance needed to use the entire playbook. The headlines will be about Christian McCaffrey playing against his old team, but I don’t think he really cares, since he got the better end of the trade. Carolina will be without two starting linebackers in addition to Patrick Jones being on the IR list. Look for the 49ers’ running game and tight end George Kittle to exploit their weaknesses. The 49ers’ defense isn’t up to NFL standards until they show us otherwise. Look for a high-scoring game. Take the Over.

College Basketball
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 864
Oregon +3.5 over Auburn (loss)
Auburn is a talented team, as they just showed a few games ago in their tight loss against #3 Houston. Oregon’s early-season schedule has been a breeze, but the Ducks are a great defensive team and could give potential short-handed Tigers problems. Keyshawn Hall has an ankle injury and was the only player on the team who was a true starter last year. His status remains in question. The rest of the roster consists of first-year D1 players and bench players from smaller conferences. Bruce Pearl left the program late in the offseason, which will make living up to last season’s success a challenge for his 38-year-old son and new coach, Steven Pearl. The Ducks are a much more experienced team led by Nathan Bittle and Jackson Shelstad. Elon transfer TK Simpkins has been a pleasant surprise. The Ducks getting points holds decent value. Take Oregon.

College Basketball
11:30 PM EST
Rotation # 878
Texas -6.5 over Arizona State (loss)
Both teams are off to a 4-1 start, with the goal of getting out of the basements of their respective conferences from a year ago. Sun Devils coach Bobby Hurley has a brand-new team, as every single player this season is a transfer from a smaller conference, a freshman, or an overseas player. The Rodney Terry era is over in Texas, making way for ex-Xavier coach Sean Miller. The Longhorns are a veteran team that can hit you with size or good guard play. Matas Vokietaitis was a homerun transfer pickup from FAU. Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope return as guards from last year’s team, along with newcomer Simeon Wilcher from St. John’s. The Longhorns should win the battle on the glass tonight and cruise to a big win. Take Texas.