Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, in his second season with the Panthers will run a balanced offense quarterbacked by third-year sophomore Tino Sunseri with the loss of two year starter Bill Stull. Suseri’s job will be easier with the return of sophomore running back Dion Lewis who rushed for nearly 1,800 yards as a true freshman second only to Pitt’s Tony Dorsett who had 2,150 yards in 1976 enroute to the Heisman Trophy. “He has what I call the ‘Wow!’ effect. When he comes through those big defensive linemen and he’s still running, it’s like, ‘Wow!” — Pitt’s former Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, after watching RB Dion Lewis rush for 194 yards against Cincinnati last year. Lewis has the speed and strength, if not the size, to run inside or out and will take a lot of pressure off the inexperienced Qb by opening up the play action pass. The odds makers at SBG Global have the Pittsburgh Panthers +900 to win the Big East Conference.

Defensive co-Player of the Year end Greg Romeus returns to anchor the line and will be joined by freshman DL T.J. Clemmings who was the No. 1 prospect in New Jersey and one of the top defensive recruits in the nation. Sophomore middle linebacker Dan Mason is reminiscing of the hard hitting Steelers linebackers that have marked blitzburgh for the past few years and will return after just three starts to give the Panthers the toughness Wannstedt likes. The odds makers at SBG Global have the Pittsburgh Panthers middle number listed at over/under 8 wins for the 2010 NCAAF regular season.

The eight team Big East Conference is hardly what it once was although it has made a minor comeback. Pitt only has a few big games and should easily have another 10 win season, has the talent to win the Big East, but not to compete for a National Championship.

2010 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Schedule
Thu, Sept 2 @ Utah 8:30 PM ET Versus
Sat, Sept 11 vs New Hampshire 1:00 PM ET
Thu, Sept 23 vs #13 Miami (FL) 7:30 PM ET
Sat, Oct 2 vs FIU TBD
Sat, Oct 9 @ Notre Dame 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Oct 16 @ Syracuse TBD
Sat, Oct 23 vs Rutgers TBD
Sat, Oct 30 vs Louisville TBD
Thu, Nov 11 @ Connecticut 7:30 PM ET
Sat, Nov 20 @ South Florida TBD
Fri, Nov 26 vs #25 West Virginia TBD
Sat, Dec 4 @ Cincinnati TBD

College Football Predictions: Pittsburgh Panthers 2010 NCAAF Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on September 1, 2010.

The Dallas Cowboys talented first offensive unit can’t score, the Pittsburgh Steelers are without a legitimate starting quarterback, the San Francisco 49ers haven’t been to the playoffs in what seems to be forever, and the New England Patriots got trounced from the playoffs and haven’t resigned all world quarterback Tom Brady? If that sounds like a teaser going into the 2010 NFL regular season it’s not. Shall I go on? Young gunslinger Brett Favre is back for a 20th season to add/subtract from his legacy but certainly pad his stats and has a solid chance at getting back to the Super Bowl. And the New Orleans Saints have the organization their city is lacking to maybe go back to back as Champs. Vegas odds makers have the New Orleans Saints +600 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.

Some interesting things to ponder looking toward the 2010 NFL Regular season: Who will be the offensive rookie of the year? Vegas odds makers have Ryan Matthews 3/1, while Dez Bryant, Sam Bradford and C.J. Spiller are all at 10/1 odds to win. Defensive rookie of the year the Vegas odds makers have Ndamukong Suh at 11/2 odds, while Rolando McClain is at 8/1 odds and Gerald McCoy is at 9/1 odds to win.

This final week of preseason won’t see much in the way of star power, but more of a group of tough and talented players trying to make a team and earn a living doing what they love. I predict another fantastic NFL season marked by outstanding play by the league’s elite as well as a few surprising underdogs that usually muddle the soup. Be patient through this week’s Thursday only schedule and strap it on next Sunday for NFL 2010 Week 1.

WEEK 4 NFL PRESEASON VEGAS ODDS, TOTALS AND MONEYLINES

NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:35 PM This game is circled.
101 Bills +4 (+105) OV 38½ (-110) +185
102 Lions -4 (-125) UN 38½ (-110) -225
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:05 PM
103 Patriots +3 (-105) OV 37½ (-110) +150
104 Giants -3 (-115) UN 37½ (-110) -170
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:05 PM
105 Bengals -6½ (-110) OV 36 (-110) -280
106 Colts +6½ (-110) UN 36 (-110) +240
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:35 PM
107 Jets +1½ (-110) OV 34 (-110) +105
108 Eagles -1½ (-110) UN 34 (-110) -125
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:35 PM
109 Falcons +2½ (+105) OV 37 (-110) +135
110 Jaguars -2½ (-125) UN 37 (-110) -155
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:35 PM
111 Panthers +6½ (-110) OV 37 (-110) +230
112 Steelers -6½ (-110) UN 37 (-110) -270
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
113 Saints +7½ (-110) OV 41 (-110) +270
114 Titans -7½ (-110) UN 41 (-110) -330
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
115 Buccaneers +2 (-105) OV 36 (-110) +120
116 Texans -2 (-115) UN 36 (-110) -140
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
117 Packers +5½ (-110) OV 40 (-110) +200
118 Chiefs -5½ (-110) UN 40 (-110) -240
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
119 Bears -3 (EV) OV 36½ (-110) -150
120 Browns +3 (-120) UN 36½ (-110) +130
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
121 Dolphins -1 (-110) OV 37½ (-110) -120
122 Cowboys +1 (-110) UN 37½ (-110) EV
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
123 Ravens +3 (-110) OV 38 (-110) +140
124 Rams -3 (-110) UN 38 (-110) -160
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:05 PM
125 Broncos +4½ (-110) OV 35 (-110) +175
126 Vikings -4½ (-110) UN 35 (-110) -210
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:05 PM
127 Chargers +3½ (-110) OV 35½ (-110) +165
128 49ers -3½ (-110) UN 35½ (-110) -185
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:05 PM
129 Redskins +5 (-110) OV 37 (-110) +200
130 Cardinals -5 (-110) UN 37 (-110) -240
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 4
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:05 PM
131 Seahawks +3½ (-110) OV 37½ (-110) +165
132 Raiders -3½ (-110) UN 37½ (-110) -185

2010 NFL Preseason Week 4 Odds, Predictions, Schedule, Futures originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on September 1, 2010.

A robbery at a frat house by quarterback Jeremiah Masoli got him a suspension for this season and his eventual transfer, running back LaMichael James was arrested for domestic violence with a past girlfiend, leading to him getting suspended for one game, and linebacker Kiko Alonso is out for the year after a DUI. That’s the bad news. The good news is that they are back on the field with 17 returning starters and certainly enough talent to compete for another PAC 12 title and a BCS Bowl Berth. “To get back out on the field, run around and coach, that’s the fun part of the job,” Coach Kelly says. Vegas odds makers have the Oregon Ducks +3000 odds to win the 2011 BCS National Championship.

Offensively filling the role quarterback Jeremiah Masoli leaves behind is the team’s biggest question mark. Senior Nate Costa and soph Darron Thomas are the main players vying to start behind center with the edge going to Costa, who has a strong armed and experience but 3 knee surgeries. “We have enough playmakers at the other spots that the quarterback of this offense does not have to be the focal point,” Kelly says. “He has to be like the point guard in basketball, distributing the ball to the right guys at the right time.” Lighting fast running back James will miss the opener but looks to duplicate last year’s Pac-10 freshman record of 1,546 rushing yards. The odds makers at Diamond have the Oregon Ducks +150 to win the PAC 12 Conference.

The defense is highlighted by veteran linebacking corps led by seniors Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger. The Ducks moved full time starting outside linebacker Eddie Pleasants to Safety. “We’re trying to get our fastest, best players on the field,” defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti says in explaining the move. The odds makers at Diamond have the Oregon Ducks middle number listed at over/under 9 wins for the 2010 NCAAF regular season.

Head coach Chip Kelly proved he is one of the elite in the country last year and despite the off season troubles the Ducks will be formidable again. I predict a 10 win regular season, PAC 12 Championship and trip to the Rose Bowl back to back as the Ducks fly south to Pasadena in January.

2010 Oregon Ducks Football Schedule
Sat, Sept 4 vs New Mexico 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Sept 11 @ Tennessee 7:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 18 vs Portland State TBD
Sat, Sept 25 @ Arizona State 10:30 PM ET
Sat, Oct 2 vs Stanford 11:15 PM ET
Sat, Oct 9 @ Washington State TBD
Thu, Oct 21 vs UCLA 9:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 30 @ #14 USC 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 6 vs Washington TBD
Sat, Nov 13 @ California TBD
Fri, Nov 26 vs Arizona 7:00 PM ET
Sat, Dec 4 @ #24 Oregon State TBD

College Football Predictions: Oregon Ducks 2010 NCAAF Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 31, 2010.

The big winner of the weekend was Matt Kuchar whose consistency with four straight rounds in the sixties culminating with a final round 66 put him in a playoff for the Barclays Championship with Martin Laird. Kuchar hit an incredible 7 iron out of the rough to inside of 3 feet and made it for birdie on the first playoff hole giving him the $1 million first place price and the lead in the season ending FedEx playoffs and an inside track on that $10 million dollar payday. Odds makers at BetUS have Matt Kuchar at +2000 odds to win the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Some of the big names struggled, Jim Furyk failed to make his tee time in the pro-am on Wednesday and was disqualified, Phil Mickelson and his inability to take over the number one spot in the world missed the cut, and Ernie Els dropped from leading since March in the FedExp Cup standings to a 5th place ranking after four straight rounds at par or worse. Odds makers at BetUS have Phil Mickelson at +1500, Jim Furyk at + 2500, and Erinie Els at +3500 odds to win the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Continuing his FedEx Cup Playoff consistency was Steve Stricker who maintained his number two spot in the rankings with a tie for third in the Barclays after four straight rounds under par. Steve has knocked on the door of the FedEx Cup but has yet to crack the winners circle. Odds makers at BetUS have Stever Stricker at +1000 odds to win the Deutsche Bank Championship.

It looks like its packing up to be the best playoff ever for the PGA FedEx playoffs and I see Tiger steadily improving every week. A win and he’s likely to win it for the 3rd time in four years setting up a great 2011 season.

Deutsche Bank Championship September 3 – 6, 2010 – Odds to win
Odds to win the Deutsche Bank Championship
401 Tiger Woods +715
402 Steve Stricker +1015
403 Phil Mickelson +1615
404 Rory McIlroy +1615
405 Dustin Johnson +1850
406 Matt Kuchar +2050
407 Jim Furyk +2550
408 Paul Casey +2550
409 Padraig Harrington +3050
410 Ernie Els +4050
411 Hunter Mahan +4050
412 Adam Scott +3050
413 Retief Goosen +4050
414 Sean OHair +4550
415 Zach Johnson +4550
416 Luke Donald +5050
417 Jason Day +3550
418 Bubba Watson +5050
419 Justin Rose +5050
420 Nick Watney +5050
421 Camilo Villegas +6050
422 Stewart Cink +6050
423 Ian Poulter +6550
424 Angel Cabrera +4050
425 Jeff Overton +6550
426 Rory Sabbatini +7550
427 Rickie Fowler +7550
428 Robert Allenby +7550
429 Geoff Ogilvy +8050
430 Justin Leonard +8050
431 Ben Crane +8050
432 Vaughn Taylor +8050
433 KJ Choi +8550
434 Bo Van Pelt +8550
435 Ryan Palmer +8550
436 Tim Clark +8550
437 Vijay Singh +8550
438 Brandt Snedeker +8550
439 Heath Slocum +8550
440 Lucas Glover +8550
441 Brian Davis +12550

2010 Deutsche Bank Championship Odds – FedEx Cup Playoff Odds and Predictions originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 31, 2010.

Offensively the Broncos are stacked led by Heisman Trophy candidate junior quarterback Kellen Moore, who threw 39 touchdown passes with only three picks. At his disposal are All-WAC wide receivers Austin Pettis who snagged 14 touchdowns and Titus Young with 15 total touchdowns. Also returning are tight ends Tommy Gallarda andFiesta Bowl Offensive MVP Kyle Efaw. A stable of running backs include 1,100 yard rusher Jeremy Avery , Doug Martin who scored 15 touchdowns on the ground and D.J. Harper who was having a great year before an ACL injury. Need I say more? The odds makers at SBG Global have the Boise State Broncos -400 to win the Western Athletic Conference.

Defensively the Broncos look to improve their consistency under new defensive coordinator, line coach Pete Kwiatkowski. Nine starters return as well as some athletic and talented freshman. The group put up some impressive numbers with 26 quarterback sacks and produced 35 turnovers. The odds makers at SBG Global have the Boise State Broncos middle number listed at over/under 11 wins for the 2010 NCAAF regular season.

Boise State has the depth, talent and experience to be the best Bronco team ever, but is it enough to be a National Champion? They have schedule and national exposure late in the year as they’ll get appear on ESPN2 three times in November, which will keep them in front of the pollsters. I predict and undefeated regular season but a loss in the BCS National Championship game as they can’t compete with the defenses in the big 4 conferences.

2010 Boise State Broncos Schedule
Mon, Sept 6 vs #10 Virginia Tech* 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 18 @ Wyoming 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 25 vs #24 Oregon State TBD
Sat, Oct 2 @ New Mexico State 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 9 vs Toledo 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 16 @ San Jose State 8:00 PM ET
Tue, Oct 26 vs Louisiana Tech 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 6 vs Hawaii 2:00 PM ET
Fri, Nov 12 @ Idaho 9:00 PM ET
Fri, Nov 19 vs Fresno State 9:30 PM ET
Fri, Nov 26 @ Nevada 10:15 PM ET
Sat, Dec 4 vs Utah State 3:00 PM ET

College Football Predictions: Boise State Broncos 2010 NCAAF Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 30, 2010.

NFC EAST

Dallas 11-5

Philadelphia 8-8

New York 7-9

Washington 6-10

Dallas is being picked by many as a superbowl favorite.  They should win this division, but lets not get carried away here.  Yes they have talent, but also subpar coach and a meddling owner so playoffs yes, Lombardi trophy I think not.  Philly has some playmakers but still no running game.  NY is headed in the wrong direction and not the team of a couple of years ago.  As for the Skins, well, there is a reason Philly was willing to trade Chunky Soup McNabb within the division.  Shanny is a good coach and a major major upgrade over Zorn but the guy’s not a miracle worker, folks.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay 11-5

Minnesota 10-6

Chicago 8-8

Detroit 6-10

This Aaron Rodgers guy is good, I say this team is as good as any team in the conference let alone the division.   The defense should be better in year 2 of Dom Caper’s scheme too.  Minnesota will be good, but injuries are piling up and something tells me the Favre thing won’t end well.  Plus the Bald Guy is a laughing stock, okay?  Chicago won’t go anywhere with Cutler at QB because he’s stupid and Lovie is a deer in the headlights.   Detroit will be passing Chicago very soon, maybe not this year but they’ll be much improved.

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans 12-4

Atlanta 10-6

Carolina 7-9

Tampa Bay 5-11

The Saints are still loaded although I think they’ll find it pretty hard to repeat with everyone gunning for them and players not as hungry.  It’ll also be hard to get that many turnovers on defense like last year.  Atlanta should challenge although they don’t have enough to unseat the Who-Dats.  Carolina is the NFC’s version of the Jets, good defense, good running game, shaky QB.  They will be in most games, just not good enough to win a lot of them.  Tampa is in year 2 of the coach-on-the-job-training-regimen, enough said.

NFC WEST

San Francisco 9-7

Arizona 8-8

Seattle 6-10

St. Louis 4-12

I really like San Francisco to break through this year and win this division.  They play hard for Singletary, the QB play is improved and there is talent on both sides of the ball.  No matter who Arizona settles on for QB, neither of them is Kurt Warner and the Cardinals will suffer for it.  Seattle is in the Witness Protection Program and regardless of Pete Carroll, their QB play is lousy.  St. Louis looks like they found a winner in Sam Bradford and if he plays as well as he looked against NE, they may pass Seattle in the high speed lane. 

Division Winners- Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco

Wild Cards – Minnesota, Atlanta

2010 NFL NFC Predictions – Cowboys, Packers, Saints, 49ers the Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 30, 2010.

New head football coach Shanahan brings and impressive 154-103 overall record along with two Super Bowl victories. Shanahan brings a respect that was lacking under the last regime. Shanahoan immediately hired his son, Kyle Shanahan, who was the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans the last two NFL seasons. As offensive coordinator Kyle will do the play calling that will rely strongly on the run but also bring an aggressive passing attack. Shanahan hired experienced Jim Haslett as the coordinator on defense to run a 3-4 scheme as well as 11 of 14 new position coaches. The odds makers at BetUS have the Washington Redskins listed at +1100 odds to win the 2010 NFC Championship.

Offensively the biggest change is at quarterback where the Skins went out and traded division rival Philadelphia Eagles for six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb who has spent 11 years in a similar west coast offense. Running back Clinton Portis played is first two seasons under Mike Shanahan in Denver rushing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. He should be the most excited Redskin to start the season even though the team also brought in former Pro Bowl players Larry Johnson and Fast Willie Parker. Wide receivers Santana Moss, Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly all have potential to break out in the new offense as do tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. The Vegas odds makers have the Washington Redskins listed at +450 odds to win the 2010 NFC East.

Defensively the team will be switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under Haslett and now that over paid Albert Haynesworth has passed his conditioning test and agreed to play in the new system the defensive line should have a solid anchor. London Fletcher had his first Pro Bowl selection last season and Rocky McIntosh will add experience to the inside linebacker positions. Better production is needed from the secondary as top corner DeAngelo Hall had just four interceptions in 2009 and on the other side of the field, Carlos Rogers didn’t even have a pick. The odds makers at BetUS have the Washington Redskins middle number listed at over/under 7 1/2 wins for the 2010 NFL regular season.

Coach Shanahan brings a work ethic, a strong coaching staff, and a winning attitude to a team that badly needed it. The bad news is the NFC East is perennially one of the strongest and deepest in the NFL and the Cowboys are loaded at the top. My NFL Prediction is and 8-8 mediocre season and missing the playoffs again.

2010 Washington Redskins Preseason Schedule
1 Fri, Aug 13 vs Buffalo
2 Sat, Aug 21 vs Baltimore
3 Fri, Aug 27 @ New York
4 Thu, Sep 2 @ Arizona 10:00 PM

2010 Washington Redskins Regular Season Schedule
1 Sun, Sep 12 vs Dallas 8:20 PM NBC
2 Sun, Sep 19 vs Houston 4:15 PM CBS
3 Sun, Sep 26 @ St. Louis 4:05 PM FOX
4 Sun, Oct 3 @ Philadelphia 4:15 PM FOX
5 Sun, Oct 10 vs Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX
6 Sun, Oct 17 vs Indianapolis 8:20 PM NBC
7 Sun, Oct 24 @ Chicago 1:00 PM FOX
8 Sun, Oct 31 @ Detroit 1:00 PM FOX Ti
9 BYE WEEK
10 Mon, Nov 15 vs Philadelphia 8:30 PM ESPN
11 Sun, Nov 21 @ Tennessee 1:00 PM FOX
12 Sun, Nov 28 vs Minnesota 1:00 PM FOX
13 Sun, Dec 5 @ New York 1:00 PM FOX
14 Sun, Dec 12 vs Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX
15 Sun, Dec 19 @ Dallas 1:00 PM FOX
16 Sun, Dec 26 @ Jacksonville 1:00 PM FOX
17 Sun, Jan 2 vs New York 1:00 PM FOX

NFL Predictions: Washington Redskins 2010 Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 29, 2010.

“We have to get tougher,” says Shannon, referring to losses last season versus Clemson, UNC and Wisconsin that were decided in the final 15 minutes. The Canes are definitely more experienced with predominately juniors and seniors on the depth chart. “Now we have guys that have been through the fire and should be able to step up,” Shannon says. “We’re a different football team.” Vegas odds makers have the Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes +1700 odds to win the 2011 BCS National Championship.

The Canes need to keep quarterback Jacory Harris healthy for the offense to excel. Harris tossed 24 touchdowns in his first full season as the Canes signal caller, but also was intercepted 17 times the most in the ACC. Not a good ratio at any level. Running backs Damien Berry and Mike James return to lead a talented stable of ball carriers that also includes Storm Johnson a true freshman who was supposed to be the star of Miami’s 2010 recruits. Leonard Hankerson leads the group of big and speedy receivers that includes LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson and Tommy Streeter making wide out the deepest position on the field for the Canes. . The odds makers at SBG Global have the Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes +240 to win the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The defensive unit could bring back the glory days when the Hurricanes suffocated offenses with fear and intimidation. The Linebackers unit as a whole has some returning experience with talented playmakers in junior Sean Spence and senior Colin McCarthy. Allen Bailey returns at defensive end and could have opted for the NFL, but chose to return for his senior season and will anchor a deep D-line. The odds makers at SBG Global have the Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes middle number listed at over/under 8 1/2 wins for the 2010 NCAAF regular season.

The Miami Hurricanes are loaded with speed and talent like the days of old, but can they parley that into wins with a ferocious early schedule. I predict a 10-2 regular season and a berth in the ACC Championship game giving them a chance at a BCS Bowl.

2010 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Football Schedule
Thu, Sept 2 vs Florida A&M 7:30 PM ET
Sat, Sept 11 @ #2 Ohio State 3:40 PM ET
Thu, Sept 23 @ #15 Pittsburgh 7:30 PM ET
Sat, Oct 2 @ Clemson TBD
Sat, Oct 9 vs #20 Florida State TBD
Sat, Oct 16 @ Duke TBD T
Sat, Oct 23 vs #18 North Carolina TBD
Sat, Oct 30 @ Virginia TBD
Sat, Nov 6 vs Maryland TBD
Sat, Nov 13 @ #16 Georgia Tech TBD
Sat, Nov 20 vs #10 Virginia Tech TBD
Sat, Nov 27 vs South Florida TBD

2010 College Football Predictions: Miami Hurricanes 2010 NCAAF Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 29, 2010.

The offense will come down to who wins the quarterback competition, Riley Nelson is a junior or freshman Jake Heaps are vying for the starting job. They competed pretty much on par with each other during spring drills. True freshman running back Joshua Quezada a standout from California should join Bryan Kariya and JJ Di Luigi to help ease the pressure on the new signal caller. The odds makers at JustBet have the Brigham Young Cougars +1200 to win the Mountain West Conference.

BYU’s front seven only has 2 returning starters, linebacker Jordan Pendleton and nosetackle Romney Fuga, but some experienced players return. “Mike linebacker, as we already know, controls most of the front,” Mendenhall said. “And so Austen Jorgensen will also be competing for that spot. And (USC transfer) Uona Kaveinga got a ton of work, by necessity, although he won’t be eligible to compete next year.” The secondary on the other hand is headlined by outstanding safety Andrew Rich, who had 4 interceptions and 85 tackles to lead the team who’ll be assisted by Brian Logan and corner Brandon Bradley who is a solid cover guy. Overall the unit should still excel. The odds makers at JustBet have the Brigham Young Cougars middle number listed at 8 wins for the 2010 NCAAF regular season.

The Cougars have dropped no more than two games in the regular season in any of the past four seasons, but this year could be different with road game at Air Force, Utah and Florida State, along with home games against Washington and Nevada. I don’t think a move to be an independent is a good idea at this time. I predict a 9-3 regular season and a decent bowl berth but no chance at a BCS Bowl.

2010 Brigham Young Cougars Football Schedule
Sat, Sept 4 vs Washington 7:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 11 @ Air Force 4:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 18 @ #20 Florida State 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Sept 25 vs Nevada 6:00 PM ET
Fri, Oct 1 @ Utah State 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 9 vs San Diego State 6:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 16 @ #6 TCU 4:00 PM ET
Sat, Oct 23 vs Wyoming 2:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 6 vs UNLV 2:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 13 @ Colorado State 2:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 20 vs New Mexico 6:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 27 @ Utah 3:30 PM ET

2010 College Football Predictions: BYU Cougars 2010 NCAAF Preview, Schedule, Odds and Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 29, 2010.

Big Ben stated for the Steelers and went 6 for 8 for 76 yards but had an interception. “I don’t care about the disruptions,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s [Roethlisberger] a professional. His job is to play. He’s done that and he needs to continue to do that. We’ll deal with all the other things we need to deal with in the appropriate manner.” The good news for Pittsburgh is that the two fighting for the initial starting Qb spot played well. Byron Leftwich was 3-6 for 95 yards including a 68 yard pass to Mike Wallace that gave the Steelers the lead. Dennis Dixon went 7 for 8 for 82 yards and led the Steelers to two long touchdown drives. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at over/under 37 1/2 points combined of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos.

All the hype including the NFL’s number one in jersey sales have been on rookie quarterback Tim Tebow but with bruised ribs and missing most of the week’s practice he did not play. Projected starter Kyle Orton went 16 for 22 for 177 yards two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. Backup Brady Quinn played clean up going 11 for 17 for 115 yards. The Broncos are struggling with injuries on both sides of the ball and need to get healthy to have a chance of a better outcome for 2010. Vegas odds makers have the Denver Broncos +8000 to win the 2011 Super Bowl.

It may be a homer pick but I like the Steelers to cover on the road against a beat up Denver team so give the points to win. For experts picks from actual professional handicappers please visit the National Sports Advisors NFL picks and predictions page on NSAwins.com.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting for Sunday, August 29, 2010

Game: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Boncos

Records: Denver Broncos 0-2 (AFC West) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0 AFC North)

Pointspread: Steelers -4 at Diamond Sportsbook

Total: Over/Under 37 1/2 at Diamond Sportsbook

Weather Forecast: 65 Degrees and Clear

Television: Fox Sports

Kickoff: 8 PM EST

2010 NFL Preseason Predictions: Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos Odds, Picks Week 3 originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Blog on August 29, 2010.