It’s been a long, crazy week. Election week is always a crazy one, especially when you throw in a bet or two on it. With the start of college basketball also included, we’re basically trying to drink from a fire hose.
And it’s only going to get crazier, because we are nine days from the first winter World Cup. Get ready, folks, it’s going to be insane. Here are my plays for November 11.
ST. THOMAS -14, -110
I’m a bit concerned that the Tommies might be in for a letdown after hanging with Creighton for 35 minutes, but I don’t think that’s a worry here. Chicago State got drilled on opening night against Northwestern, and the Cougars aren’t likely to do a heck of a lot better against a St. Thomas team that’s going to be at home and knows how to punch above its weight. The Tommies aren’t long on talent, but they are well coached and defend well. They should handle this game.
MAPLE LEAFS ML, -155
Toronto should seriously petition the NHL to move to the Metropolitan Division, because the Maple Leafs absolutely own those eight teams. The Buds have won 21 of 26 against teams from the Metro, and the Penguins are coming into this game down two blue liners. That’s a bad situation to face when going up against Toronto. The Leafs should handle Pittsburgh here.
COLORADO-USC O65.5, -110
I’m worried about two things in this game: Colorado doing its share of the scoring and USC getting backdoored because it can’t stop anyone. I debated taking SC TTO 50.5, but that’s too many points, even against the Buffs. The Trojans’ pass defense doesn’t stop anyone, though, so I’ll take the full over. Colorado’s offense should be able to get a couple scores and hit this number.
EAST CAROLINA +5.5, -110
With Tropical Storm Nicole coming into Ohio, the weather gives East Carolina an excellent shot to steal a cover here. The Pirates don’t let teams run the ball on them, and Cincinnati is more of a passing offense. But in the rain, that’s not likely to work. This is a good spot for ECU to possibly even steal a victory.
FRESNO STATE TTO 34.5, -110
The last time Jake Haener saw UNLV’s defense, he tossed five touchdown passes and the Bulldogs scored 38 points. Fresno hasn’t failed to score 35 points in any of its past four meetings with UNLV, and the Rebels aren’t a defensive team. Expect the Bulldogs to move the ball easily against the Rebels’ middling defense.
