Tag Archives: Boston College Eagles

Boston College Eagles vs USC Trojans: Emerald Bowl Picks

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Boston College Eagles vs USC Trojans: Emerald Bowl Picks: I just don’t think the all mighty super-team, best program over the last decade USC Trojans will be excited to play in a day-after-Christmas day game against a team like Boston College. Listen, I think BC is better than people give them credit for, heck, they might be better than USC this season, but the Trojans are used to Rose Bowls, Championship Games, and Top 10 opponents come Bowl time – unranked BC could very well be someone USC looks right past.

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And with the chances USC loses one of their most explosive players (McKnight) in an offense that, quite frankly, hasn’t produced like Trojan offenses of the past, seems like the start of something interesting. USC certainly has the talent to match-up with any team in college football, but McKnight is only one key player missing this game, and all signs point to the Trojans not taking this game too seriously.

This game is being played in San Francisco, which just happens to be the same state USC calls home, and this will probably be more of a home game type feel for the Trojans, but I have a feeling BC will come with some fight. This IS a big game for them, and a chance to prove they belong with the big boys. One thing USC has learned, every time they suit up, they get their opponent’s best – and I like the Eagles to give the Trojans exactly that.

Boston College Eagles (+9) VS USC Trojans

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Boston College Eagles Pick

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North Carolina Tar Heels @ Boston College Eagles (-3.5) Pick: The Eagles are an unranked favorite against the 25th ranked Tar Heels – that has been a betting point for me over the years, and I like it again this week. But this game is going to be close, let’s face it, but not close enough for me to take the Heels and that valuable extra half point. So, something has to look good to me, but what?

How about the fact that Boston College is 6-0 at home this season. Sure, they haven’t played any world-beaters at their home turf this season, but this is a good home team, a team that makes very few mistakes, a team that is 5-0 ATS at home, with wins over Central Michigan and FSU – two teams that can put up some points. Also pulling me over to the Eagles side is North Carolina’s battered offensive line. 3 offensive linemen got hurt in their last game against Miami, and if a couple of them don’t play, or aren’t 100%, the Tar Heels could struggle to run the ball and keep pressure off of T.J. Yates.

Speaking of Yates, the talented junior and Carolina QB is having a tough season at the helm. He’s thrown just as many interceptions and touchdowns (10) and has averaged just over 5.5 yards per attempt this season – that’s not a good number, in case you didn’t know.

I just think these teams are very even, and the home field is definitely a huge advantage for the Eagles. That’s enough for me.

NCAA Free Picks Review: Week 2

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Some would say “black Saturday” but it wasn’t that bad. Sure, I was 2-5 with my 7 Free PIcks, and just 3-3 with my DirecTV ESPN GamePlan Picks, but after a pretty tough Saturday on Week 2, I sit just one game under .500 for my college selections. Not winning money yet, but some tough luck will turn around, and I’m guessing next week. Here is my Week 2 college review, all games explained.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+7) @ Boston College Eagles: (19-16 WINNER)

The Jackets pulled the upset, making me look good. I just love G-Tech’s rushing attack. When an underdog they can always find a way to smash mouth opposing defenses. Matt Ryan’s absence does seem to get more and more evident when watching the Eagles. Tech barely took this won, scoring 9 unanswered 4th quarter points. The ACC still looks gross.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (+18) @ Auburn Tigers: (13-27 WINNER)

It didn’t look good early as Auburn shutout Southern Miss in the 1st half, 14-0. But my boys came through late, playing the Tigers to a 2nd half tie and covering. YAY! If it weren’t for all of Southern Miss’s 1st half mistakes, this game would have been a heck of a lot closer. Auburn is the better team, but don’t sleep on the Golden Eagles.

Cincinnati Bearcats (+21.5) @ Oklahoma Sooners: (26-52 LOSS)

I really thought I had this one in the bag. The Bearcats started slow but came back in the 2nd quarter with a couple touchdowns to make things interesting – and I thought I could easily stay within 3 scores. But Oklahoma came out in the 2nd half showing everyone why they are one of the favorites to find a place in the BCS title game. They absolutely treated the Bearcats like their little brothers and beasted them throughout the duration of the game. I lost by 5 points.

Mississippi @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-8): (28-30 LOSS)

Up 20-14 headed into the 4th I thought I had a nice opportunity to take this one. One more Wake field goal and holding Miss would have given me the win. As it went, 24 points were scored in the final frame and I ended up taking a loss. Wake needed that “field goal” to win the game, as they did, taking out Miss by 2. Both teams look solid.

Buffalo Bulls @ Pittsburgh Panthers (-13): (16-27 LOSS)

Up one going into the 4th quarter, the Panthers couldn’t quite cover for me. They scored 10 4th quarter points to get me just a field goal away, but couldn’t pull the trigger. Those chumps. Buffalo is better than I thought. Pitt is exactly what I thought.

Tulane Green Wave (+30.5) @ Alabama Crimson Tide: (6-20 WINNER)

” A 30 point favorite is too much for me to buy. The Tide come in hot on bettor’s minds, and that’s never a good thing for the favorite. Tulane plays teams pretty tough. They lost a lot in Matt Forte, but in their season opener I expect enough excitement to keep this game closer than 4 touchdowns. Alabama is a tough match-up for Tulane, as their run defense is stellar, but that won’t stop the Green Wave from handing the ball off, and their schemes are good enough to get some first downs. John Parker Wilson will come back to earth in this one.” This one was tight, just as I figured. Don’t be spending too much money hoping for Bama to win by 30.

Connecticut Huskies (-6) @ Temple Owls: (12-9 LOSS)

When this game went into overtime I was stoked about a possible win despite the tight contest throughout. But the Owls won the toss and kicked a field goal, and now I was hoping for the Huskies to get stopped on the 5 and have to tie the game with a field goal just so they could try to score first and hold the Owls out to get me the ATS win. It’s a funny thing watching a game with money on the line. Ha. I was had when UCONN scored to end it.

BYU Cougars (-9) @ Washington Huskies: (28-27 LOSS)

The Huskies really played very well, then got hosed by a ridiculous celebration penalty as Jake Locker tossed the ball in the air after scoring the game tying touchdown with 2 seconds left. That call should never be made. I wonder if that striped donkey feels good about himself today. Idiot. Anyway, I knew I was in trouble as soon as the Huskies came out and scored in the second half. They usually don’t do that until the game is out of reach. I took it on the chin here, I thought this game would be a laugher.

Akron Zips (+5) @ Syracuse Orange: (42-28 WINNER!)

Yhatzee! If you took my Zips to win you must be a happy human. Akron pulls the minor upset showing themselves to be a much better team than Syracuse. The days of Donovan McNabb to Marvin Harrison are a long ways away Orange fans!

Central Michigan Chippewas @ Georgia Bulldogs (-23.5): (17-56 WINNER!)

How about this Knowshon Moreno kid? Talk about efficient – he was handed the ball 18 times and ran 168 yards with it – oh, and three touchdowns to boot. Plus he caught 3 balls for 30 yards. Not a bad day for one of the most talented runners in college football. Matt Stafford played well, but he didn’t need to be dynamic today, the Georgia rushing attack, as I predicted, was way too much for the Chipps.

Oregon State Beavers (+17) @ Penn State Nittany Lions (14-45 LOSS)

And it wasn’t that close. Okay. I was wrong about Oregon State. For the foreseeable future I will not pick them. Ha.

West Virginia Moutaineers (-7.5) @ East Carolina Pirates: (3-24 LOSS)

WVU 3? Points? Maybe I expected too much from this offense? I don’t know. Back to the drawing board on this one I guess. I liked the Pirates, and this game only intensifies that admiration, but the Mounties just didn’t come to play. They got some unlucky bounces and rolls and whatnot, but surely not 24-3 worth of that stuff. Yikes.

Maryland Terrapins (-12.5) @ Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: (14-24 LOSS)

The Terps lost by 10. Yep. If there was ever an example of a team that just hasn’t come to play for two straight weeks, it’s the Terps. Usually it’s not two straight weeks, but in this case, that is what happened. Until they prove they’re heads are clearly out of their rears, I would stay away from them.

Week 14 College Football Picks Review: 2007

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I needed some help in Week 14 after a couple stinkers, and I think I got just that! 4-1! On to the Bowls!

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Free Picks: Week 14

Virginia Tech Hokies (-4.5) @ Boston College Eagles: win
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

The Hokies were the better team for the second straight game, and this time they came out of the game with a big win. To think, if they didn’t crumble in the last 4 minutes last time they played BC, they would be playing for the National Championship. I hate the BCS, by the way.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Central Florida Knights (-7.5): win
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

Boy, this was one of the easier picks of the week. Check out my free picks section to see how well I called this game. On the freaking button.

Army Black Knights @ Navy Midshipmen (-14): win
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

While this game was closer than I thought, it was my biggest bet of the week, and I sure am glad it won big for me. I needed the Midshipmen to come out and run all over the Knights, but Army was up to the challenge. However, a couple tough calls and some “fortunate turnovers” (fortunate for me) helped me get a huge win, and a nice 4-1 mark on my last week of the regular season.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (+7.5) @ Nevada Wolfpack: loss
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

Well, my lone loss came in a game where I underestimated the Wolfpack’s talent. This was a killing, as the Bulldogs never stood a chance. They lacked the want to win all year long, losing too many close games, but in the end, they came out and put a hurting on the Bulldogs.

Oregon State Beavers (pk) @ Oregon Ducks: win
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

Vegas picked this well, but in the 2nd OT, the stronger team took the Cival War, and could very well end up in a better Bowl situation than their Green instate enemies.

Free College Football Picks Week 14 – 2007

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After a tough go around in Week 13, I’m looking for a perfect final week of the College Football pre-bowl season. Enjoy the picks, and make that money! Some conference championships, and the chance to play for all the marbles. Huevos grande!

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Free Picks: Week 14

Virginia Tech Hokies (-4.5) @ Boston College Eagles:
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

Last time around, the Eagles escaped Virginia Tech by the hair on Matt Ryan’s chinny chin, chin. This time, they won’t be so lucky. The Hokies have to be irked that they somehow crumbled in the final few minutes to lose a game on a deep Matt Ryan touchdown pass to his running back across his body on the opposite side of the field. Virginia Tech dominated that game, and they weren’t even playing as well as they are now. Sean Glennon has been playing inspired football, and the Tech defense is right on cue. Amazingly, these two ACC teams are almost identical. Both are 10-2 SU, 6-5 ATS. 6-1 at home, 4-1 on the road, each team scores 29 a game, and both are 6-5 O/U on the season. Virginia Tech allows less points per game defensively, and that should give them the nod in this game.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Central Florida Knights (-7.5):
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

This Conference USA Championship shouldn’t have much impact on any big Bowl games, but the Central Florida Knights and Tulsa Golden Hurricane are two teams that have put together an impressive conference run and second half of the season. One thing that is difficult about this game; it’s always hard to beat a good team twice in a season. But I think Central will walk away with this win. Both teams have 5 game winning streaks (CF is on a 6 game streak) and both have put up big points along the way. The difference is, Central Florida is winning big and Tulsa has been eeking out close games. Last time these two teams played, Central dominated the game by smashing a rushing attack right down the throats of Tulsa’s defense. The Knights rushed for 170 more yards than the Hurricane. I like that trend to continue in the C-USA finale.

Army Black Knights @ Navy Midshipmen (-14):
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

Two touchdowns is a lot in a rivalry game, but historically, the Midshipmen are used to embarrassing Army’s Black Knights. Last year, the final score was just 26-14, as Army covered the 19 point spread in a Navy win. But in the few years prior to that, this game has been a joke. Navy outscored Army by at least 19 points in every single game from 2002 – 2005. And most of them haven’t been that close. This season, Army couldn’t stop the run if their lives depended on it, as they’ve been outrushed by 100+ yards in 6 of the last 10 games, and they’ve been outrushed by nearly 1,200 yards over the last 6 games. On the other hand, the Midshipmen have been a rushing dynamo, outrushing every team they’ve gone up against in the last 10 contests. They’ve had 195 more rushing yards than their opponents in 5 games this season. They may not pass much, but against Army, they won’t have to. Easy game to call.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (+7.5) @ Nevada Wolfpack:
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

The Wolfpack have made a living out of losing close games this season. They lost to San Jose State 24-27 last week. A week before that it was 26-28 against undefeated Hawaii. Earlier in the year it was a 67-69 overtime loss to a very good Boise State team. Fresno State beat them 41-49. And they lost ot Northwestern 31-36. Their only bad loss came to Nebraska, and that was before the Cornhuskers started to suck. Louisiana Tech has had a tough loss or two as well, including a one point overtime loss to Hawaii earlier in the season. But lately, they’ve been piling up wins (3 of their last 4) and they have a chance to get Bowl eligible against Nevada. If anything, that will keep this game close, and taking a fairly equal dog with just over a touchdown, I like my chances.

Oregon State Beavers (pk) @ Oregon Ducks:
(Line: Thursday, 3:00pm EST: Belmont)

The Ducks were Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart. Now they are trying to rely squarely on Stewarts shoulders with Dixon and Dixon’s backup out for this rivalry game against the Beavers. Honestly, the Ducks defense is bad, and offensively they don’t have the confidence at quarterback nor the speed and athleticism to keep defenses honest. The Beavers have won 4 of their last 5 after starting the season slowly. They were expected to compete at the top of the Pac 10 this season before too many road bumps early in the year. I really like their stud running back, Yevenson Bernard. That guy is a beast that keeps on rolling along, and I think he’ll have a huge game against a defense that really doesn’t tackle all that well. Oregon’s on the line, and the Beavers should come out on top on the road. However, something to be aware of, the home team has won each of the last 10 meetings between these programs. But that’s history, and the streak has to end some time.

Week 2 College Football Picks Review: 2007

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Well, I didn’t follow up my Week 1 with a great Week 2, but ups and downs happen in this game. Here’s how I finished 2-3 in Week 2 of the NCAAs. On the bright side, I dominated my Elite Picks in Week 2, finishing 4-1. They aren’t free, but check them out at Who2BetOn.com.

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Oregon State Beavers (-3.5) @ Cincinnati Bearcats: (LOSS)
“I know the Cincinnati Bearcats have been on a tear lately, with 4 straight wins going back to last season, including 30-11 win against Rutgers – but are they that good?” I answered, “No.” I was apparently wrong. I need to stop finding reasons to bet with teams and completely ignore them to the point of painful losses like this one. Hopefully you guys all got to my site after the Thursday game had already started… After going 4-1 in Week 1, the best I could do was match after Thursday of Week 2.

Akron @ Ohio State Buckeyes (-28.5): (LOSS)
Ohio State played poorly, making me think UW might just end up to be a struggle for the Buckeyes next week in Seattle. Still, the beat Akron 20-2, but that wasn’t enough for me.

North Carolina State @ Boston College Eagles (-13): (WIN)
“Matt Ryan looks like a professional grade quarterback, and I don’t think the Wolfpack defense has a chance in slowing him down. This game being at Boston College pushes me over to the side of the Eagles” (Me) Matt Ryan was slowed down, but NC State spend too much time looking at Matt, and so the Eagles did the smart things and handed the ball off to his running backs. Andre Callender had 158 rushing yards, and L.V. Whitworth went for 59. And BC won 37-17, and it wasn’t that close.

Troy @ Florida Gators (-26.5): (WIN)
A sloppy second half made this game close, but the Gators ended up winning 59-31, covering by a few points. The Gators are dirty. I wouldn’t be stunned if they repeated this season.

Hawaii Rainbows (-28) @ Louisiana Tech: (LOSS)
The Rainbows just barely kept their undefeated hopes alive by slipping past LouTech late. Needless to say, I didn’t cover.

Free 2007 College Football Picks – Week 2

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Not bad last week, eh? I busted out the old 4-1 to start the season, and as you all know, a winning percentage like that makes dough. I’m giving this favorite run a try this week, as every single one of my picks is expected to get the W this weekend. The Beavers play Thursday, so get your picks in early! Good luck to all!

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Oregon State Beavers (-3.5) @ Cincinnati Bearcats: 9/6/07 7:30pm EST
I know the Cincinnati Bearcats have been on a tear lately, with 4 straight wins going back to last season, including 30-11 win against Rutgers – but are they that good? I just don’t think so. The Beavers didn’t play well last week, despite easily covering against Utah. I expect them to play better in Week 2, and beat the Bearcats in Cinci.

Akron @ Ohio State Buckeyes (-28.5): 9/8/07 12:00pm EST
Akron upset Army last week, but after Michigan went down to App State, do you think the Buckeyes will take it easy against Akron this week in Ohio? Don’t count on it. Akron hasn’t lost by more than 22 points in any of their last 10 games, but Army, Buffalo, Toledo, and Ohio aren’t really the Buckeyes, now are they? Ohio State will be ready for this game, and since their talent level is that far ahead of Akron’s, this game will easily surpass 4 scores.

North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Boston College Eagles (-13): 9/8/07 2:30pm EST
While NC State has lost 8 of their last 10, they play many close ball games, in fact they haven’t lost by more than 8 points in any of their last 19 games. This game isn’t as sure a thing as I originally thought, but still, Matt Ryan looks like a professional grade quarterback, and I don’t think the Wolfpack defense has a chance in slowing him down. This game being at Boston College pushes me over to the side of the Eagles, as two more scores from the home team will cover the spread. Ryan’s good for that.

Troy @ Florida Gators (-26.5): 9/8/07 6:00pm EST
The Gators beat Western Kentucky by 43 points last week, and the game was called with 8+ minutes left in the 4th quarter. Tim Tebow put to rest any questions about his throwing ability as he completed 13 of 17 passes for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was bombing. Troy lost to Arkansas by 20, and I have to believe that the Gators are tow touchdowns better than the Razorbacks. Florida’s defense will be too fast for Troy, as the smallest of mistakes will cost the Trojans points. Look for Florida to roll for the 2nd time in as many weeks.

Hawaii Rainbows (-28) @ Louisiana Tech: 9/8/07 7:00pm EST
Last year this game was a 61-17 blowout at the hands of Colt Brennan and the Rainbow Warriors. Well, until someone shows me a reason to wager otherwise, I’ll be taking the Rainbows with anything less than a 35 point spread to cover. Tech doesn’t have the athletes or schemes to stop Hawaii, and neither does any other team in this division. Bombs away Colt, your Heisman hopes rest on it.