Month: March 2021

Arizona at Oregon odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Arizona Wildcats at Oregon Ducks odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Arizona Wildcats (17-8 overall, 11-8 Pac-12) visit the Oregon Ducks (16-5, 11-4) in a Monday evening contest at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. Tip-off will be at 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Arizona-Oregon odds and lines, with NCAA college basketball picks and predictions.

Oregon was No. 23 in last week’s Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The new poll will be released Monday afternoon.

Arizona at Oregon: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Arizona +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Oregon -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Arizona +4.5 (-105) | Oregon -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Arizona at Oregon: Three things to know

  1. Arizona ranks second in the Pac-12 in scoring at 75.7 points per game. Oregon ranks third on defense with 66.4 PPG allowed. The Wildcats and Ducks met in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 13, and Oregon defeated UA 63-61.
  2. Monday’s contest will serve as Arizona’s season finale unless the Wildcats are able to add a nonconference game late this week. The Wildcats will be serving a self-imposed one-year postseason ban.
  3. The Ducks are 7-1 since losing back-to-back games Jan. 23 and Feb.4. Over that stretch, Oregon has shot 37.4% from 3-point range and has been a plus-2.3 in the turnover margin.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

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Arizona at Oregon: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Oregon 72, Arizona 69

Money line (ML)

Arizona was solid in a couple of recent road tests at Colorado and USC. For the season, the Wildcats have been a solid road team, especially on offense.

UA is solid on the offensive glass, knocks down 3s at a solid rate, and is among the top teams in the nation in getting to the free-throw line where it shoots an above-average 72.8%.

Figure the Wildcats as at least a 40% proposition in this one. That makes ARIZONA +180 a generous price to leverage.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Ducks are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games as the favorites. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five games of this series.

Oregon plays a key game against UCLA Wednesday and could get caught looking forward to that test. Arizona has come together nicely to play out the end of its season in a good program-building fashion. BACK THE WILDCATS +4.5 (-105).

Over/Under (O/U)

Respect the total here with no lean either way.

PASS.

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Chiefs free agent outlook: LB Damien Wilson

Wilson has been a mainstay on the Chiefs’ defense for the past two seasons.

In the aftermath of Super LV, the Kansas City Chiefs will be tasked with building a roster to get them back to the Super Bowl for a third consecutive year. Brett Veach will have a decision to make on a number of unrestricted free agents this season, many of whom contributed to the success of this franchise over the past two seasons. One of those players is linebacker Damien Wilson.

Wilson was one of the earliest free agent signings by the Chiefs during the 2019 free agency period, joining on a two-year contract after spending the first four years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. The 2019 free agency period was when the team began to overhaul their defensive personnel from the 3-4 defensive scheme under Bob Sutton to the 4-3 defensive scheme under Steve Spagnuolo.

Wilson was brought in to play the SAM linebacker spot in the base defense and he’s held the position down in Kansas City for the past two seasons. He started in 29-of-32 possible regular-season games for the Chiefs, recording 154 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles. In addition to his role in the base defense, Wilson plays the BUCK spot in the Chiefs’ big nickel sub-package. In 2020, he also began playing special teams on the punt coverage unit, playing on 19% of the special team’s snaps for the team.

In each of the six postseason games for Kansas City in the past two years, Wilson was a starter. His most impressive performance for the Chiefs might have come in Super Bowl LV. He led the team in tackles with 10 and his goal-line stand on fourth-down might be the most memorable defensive play from that game.

Despite Wilson’s success in Kansas City over the past two years, it’s unlikely that fans will see him back with the Chiefs in 2021. The team drafted LB Willie Gay Jr. in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. While drafting a player isn’t always prohibitive or re-signing another, Gay has been an understudy to Wilson this season, backing him up as both the SAM and BUCK linebacker. It’s pretty clear that Gay’s trajectory has him set to replace Wilson. It also doesn’t hurt that the Chiefs have a stable of linebackers currently under contract for the 2021 NFL season.

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BAMA BEAT: Recapping Last Week’s Episodes (2.22.21 – 2.26.21)

The ‘Bama Beat podcast is powered by The Tuscaloosa News and TideSports.com. Every episode recorded from Feb. 22-26 included here.

The ‘Bama Beat podcast is brought to you by Wickles Picks and Homefield Apparel. It is powered by The Tuscaloosa News and TideSports.com. Every episode recorded from Feb. 22-26 is included below.

Enjoy!

Alabama Bball wins over UGA, VAN + big game against ARK (Ep. 397)

Cecil Hurt and Hunter Johnson discuss Alabama’s wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt. They then look ahead to one of the biggest Alabama Basketball games in years.

 

Alabama Baseball updates 2.22.21 (Ep. 398)

Brett Hudson and Hunter Johnson sit down to provide updates on the Alabama baseball season, including the sweep of McNeese State to start the year.

 

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Roll Tide Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.

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Oklahoma at Oklahoma State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Oklahoma at Oklahoma State odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Oklahoma Sooners (14-7 overall, 9-6 Big 12) visit the Oklahoma State Cowboys (16-6, 9-6 ) in a Monday night (9 p.m. ET) basketball bedlam battle at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Okla. Below, we analyze the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State odds and lines, with NCAA college basketball picks and predictions.

Oklahoma is No. 8 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Oklahoma State is 21st.

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45  a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oklahoma -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Oklahoma State -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oklahoma +1.5 (-120) | Oklahoma State -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Three things to know

  1. Monday night’s game marks round 2 in the two-games-in-three-days intrastate tussle between the Sooners and Cowboys. Oklahoma State dealt OU a 94-90 overtime defeat in Norman, Okla., Saturday. Free throws loomed large in an otherwise taut statistical matchup. OSU outscored the Sooners, 23-14, from the line despite getting just six more attempts than OU. The Cowboys went 23-for-26 (88.5%).
  2. Oklahoma’s loss Saturday marked the second in a row for the Sooners who also lost to Kansas State last week. Before the twin setbacks, OU had been 8-1 over its previous nine games. Over those nine games (Jan. 12-Feb. 20), the Sooners averaged just 9.4 turnovers per game. They committed a combined 27 against the Wildcats and Cowboys last week.
  3. The Cowboys enter this contest on a four-game win streak. Over that stretch, OSU has held foes to a 41.4% mark from the field. Three of the team’s four straight wins have come at home, and in games at Gallagher-Iba Arena the Cowboys have won five in a row.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Oklahoma 74, Oklahoma State 72

Money line (ML)

PASS: no lean either way on a fairly assessed contest.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OU and OSU figure to be evenly matched in the back half of their Sooner State double. The Sooners are the slightest lean at a theoretical +2, but it’d be wise to LAY OFF the extra juice on the +1-1/2-point cushion.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Sooners and Cowboys did a 43-1/2-point fly-by on the Saturday O/U. That one was listed as a 140-1/2-point total. Oklahoma is a slow-paced team; Oklahoma State is a fast-paced one. In games against other fast Big-12 foes, OU has been dragged into four Overs in six games.

When Oklahoma State plays games on one-day rest, the Over is 3-0.

TAKE THE OVER 142.5 (-110). But consider waiting out a downward fluctuation to get a better number.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Have the Bears emerged as favorites to potentially land Russell Wilson?

Bears TE Jimmy Graham, who is a good friend of Russell Wilson’s, has been talking up the team and the city.

[jwplayer cp2WM4g8-ThvAeFxT]

It’s been quite an offseason for quarterbacks so far, which has names like Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz dealt to new teams in 2021. Then there are the cases of Deshaun Watson, who has requested a trade, and Russell Wilson, who hasn’t requested a trade…yet.

The Chicago Bears have been mentioned in regards to all of the quarterbacks that have been traded or rumored to be on the trade block, which isn’t exactly a surprise given the Bears are still in search of a franchise quarterback for the better part of several decades.

While Chicago has been mentioned as a potential trade destination for Watson, it’s been Wilson that has been a hot topic of late. And this latest nugget of information from NBC Sports’ Peter King only adds fuel to the fire.

Wilson hasn’t requested a trade, but he did make it known that his four potential trade destinations would be the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Bears.

Add tight end Jimmy Graham to the list of Bears players that has been recruiting Wilson to Chicago. According to King, Graham, who is a good friend of Wilson’s, has been talking up the team and the city.

As for the Bears, I think there are three things at play: Chicago tight end Jimmy Graham is a good friend of Wilson’s, and he’s told him good things about the team and the city. Wilson loves the sporting zeal of the city, the love for the Cubs, the love for the Bears, and might look at it like, Chicago hasn’t had a lot of great quarterbacks, and I could be one. Maybe I could be the missing piece, and how crazy would Chicago go if the Bears ever got great again?And I think he loves the city.

Sure Chicago might not seem like the most attractive destination among those other three teams. But, much like Jeremy Fowler reported, Wilson could look at the Bears as a favorable destination because he would like to turn the franchise around.

While Graham has been a candidate to become a cap casualty this offseason — Chicago could save $7 million in cap space by releasing him — if he has a pull on Wilson, they should definitely keep him around.

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Every conceivable quarterback who could start for the Jets in 2021

The Jets have a lot of options at quarterback this offseason – from keeping Sam Darnold to drafting a rookie to a trade for Deshaun Watson.

It’s anyone’s guess who will start under center for the Jets in 2021.

They’ve been linked to seemingly every quarterback this offseason. The Jets could keep Sam Darnold for another year, but they also have the assets to pull of a trade for Deshaun Watson and were mentioned in a report about Russell Wilson’s desire to leave Seattle. Even though the Jets are nearly sure to miss out on Trevor Lawrence, New York still owns the second overall pick and could use it on a quarterback if they don’t go with a veteran passer.

The Jets won’t make a decision about their starter until they’ve finished evaluating the draft-eligible quarterbacks – likely sometime after Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 30 – so until then, it’s almost impossible to know who Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will pick.

A lot of names are floating around, though. Let’s check out eight possible options for the Jets to choose as their 2021 quarterback.

Miami at Virginia odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Cavaliers odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Miami Hurricanes (7-15 overall, 3-14 ACC) visit the Virginia Cavaliers (15-6, 11-4) in a “Big Monday” televised game. The Atlantic Coast Conference foes are scheduled for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va. Below, we analyze the Miami-Virginia odds and lines, with NCAA college basketball picks and predictions.

The Cavaliers were 14th in last week’s Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The new poll will be released Monday afternoon.

Virginia is in second place in the ACC standings, just percentage points behind Florida State (14-4, 10-3). Miami is in last.

Miami at Virginia: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Miami +950 (bet $100 to win $950) | Virginia -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Miami +14.5 (-110) | Virginia -14.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 123.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Miami at Virginia: Three things to know

  1. Miami is on a 5-game skid, most recently losing 66-58 at Clemson Saturday. Despite the defeat, the Hurricanes covered the spread as 13-point underdogs and snapped an 0-3 ATS slide. Sophomore G Isaiah Wong is Miami’s leading scorer with 17.8 points per game.
  2. Virginia, which had the weekend off, enters on a 3-game slide. The Cavaliers last played Wednesday, falling 68-61 to NC State as 11-point home favorites. Senior F Sam Hauser leads the Cavs with 15.3 PPG, while senior F Jay Huff adds 13.6 PPG and a team-high 7.0 rebounds per game.
  3. This is the only regular-season meeting between the rivals.  Virginia has won the last three in the series, including a 46-44 victory in the lone matchup last season. The Cavs came up a “hook” short as 2.5-point road favorites. With the game tied in the final seconds, a miscommunication on Miami’s part led to a foul and Virginia junior G Kihei Clark sinking two free throws with 8 seconds left.

Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Miami at Virginia: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Virginia 75, Miami 56

Money line (ML)

PASS. Facing Miami is just what the doctor ordered for Virginia. The Cavaliers will end their 3-game skid, but there’s no way I will suggest betting a -2000 money line.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Back VIRGINIA -14.5 (-110). The Cavaliers, who had won 15 in a row at home before the NC State loss, will take out their frustrations on the short-handed Hurricanes.

The ‘Canes – 1-9 straight-up and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games – have only six scholarship players available due to several season-ending injuries.

ATS: Miami 10-12 | Virginia 10-10-1

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 123.5 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. If the Cavaliers are going to cover the 14.5-point spread, this has to go Over as long as the Hurricanes score at least 55 points.

On paper, it seems risky. Virginia’s defense allows just 60.6 PPG to rank seventh in the country. Miami has averaged 59.3 PPG in its last seven road games, never scoring more than 64 points.

With the projection for an early blowout, there should be enough second-half garbage points to hit the Over.

O/U records: Miami 10-12 | Virginia 12-9

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 64-48-1 29-26 +13.05
2020-21 College hoops 79-65-1 34-36 +6.325
2021 record (all sports) 79-57-1 39-28 +24.35
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Tim Tebow discusses the relationship Urban Meyer could have with Trevor Lawrence

Tim Tebow is confident that Urban Meyer will thrive with Trevor Lawrence due to his ability to make his quarterbacks comfortable.

If there is anyone who can relate to being a polarizing college quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, it’s ESPN college analyst Tim Tebow. After a highly successful career with the Florida Gators, Tebow had a brief run in the NFL where he experienced both highs and lows before walking away.

Now, a player who Tebow has watched closely through his job, Trevor Lawrence, is set to be the No. 1 overall selection to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After three years of watching the superstar at Clemson, Tebow told his ESPN comrade, Adam Schefter, that the Jags shouldn’t pass on Lawrence as he brings a lot of great traits to the table.

“I think they have to pull the trigger and make that happen,” Tebow told Schefter in his podcast “I think that Trevor brings so much to the table. Not only is he a great athlete that has an incredible skill set, but he’s also a very mature young man that has been in a lot of big moments. That really helps with the pressure.”

Having the chance to possibly come to a place in Jacksonville that will be super excited to have him and really, I guess, as a city, bring him in with open arms. I think that will be really encouraging for a young quarterback.”

With ESPN and ABC (a sister company of ESPN) covering a lot of Clemson’s games, Tebow undoubtedly has seen Lawrence in person many times. He would also understand the degree of mental maturity it takes to succeed in the NFL after spending six seasons in the league. With that being the case, fans can only hope Tebow and many others are right about Lawrence’s mental skills as they could propel him to success rather quickly.

Tebow also spoke on the head coach Lawrence is likely to be paired with in the NFL, Urban Meyer, who he had the luxury of playing under while with the Florida Gators. While together, the two had great success in Gainesville due to Meyer’s ability to cater to Tebow’s strengths, and though he’s now an NFL coach, Tebow said he expects Meyer to do the same for Lawrence.

“He’ll have a chance if he gets teamed up with Urban,” Tebow added. “One of the things I love about Urban is he’s going to put someone in a position where their strengths can flourish. He’s always done that. I believe he’ll always do that.”

Meyer’s choice to hire Darrell Bevell as his offensive coordinator is proof that the team plans to cater to what Lawrence does best. After working with Russell Wilson as a rookie and beyond, Meyer clearly felt the veteran coordinator has the ability to make Lawrence comfortable, too, but time will tell how successful the trio can be.

To hear the full episode of Schefter’s podcast, simply click here.

Vols’ projected 2021 offensive depth chart 9.0

A look at Tennessee’s projected 2021 offensive depth chart 9.0.

Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach on Jan. 27.

Heupel came to Tennessee after becoming a first-time head coach at UCF, compiling a 28-8 record from 2018-20.

He previously served as a sole offensive coordinator at Missouri (2016-17) and Utah State (2015).

As a player, Heupel was Oklahoma’s starting quarterback during the Sooners’ BCS national championship season in 2000. 

Sept. 26, 2020; Greenville, North Carolina; UCF Knights head coach Josh Heupel looks on during the first half against the East Carolina Pirates at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Colubiale details playing tight end in Josh Heupel’s offense at UCF

Dixie State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kelly Bills discusses coaching alongside Josh Heupel at Utah State

Former Tennessee Tech quarterback Tre Lamb debuts as Gardner–Webb’s head coach this spring and discusses studying Josh Heupel’s offense

Josh Heupel’s quarterbacks by the numbers

Josh Heupel’s running backs by the numbers

Josh Heupel’s wide receivers by the numbers

Josh Heupel’s linemen, defensive players on offense by the numbers

Below is a look at Tennessee’s projected 2021 offensive depth chart.

The 9.0 version comes after offensive lineman J’Marion Gooch was released from his national letter of intent by Tennessee. Gooch signed with the Vols during the early signing period on Dec. 16. He will now play for Missouri.

This version also comes after running back Cody Brown was released from his national letter of intent by Tennessee. Brown signed with the Vols during the early signing period.

NEXT: Vols’ projected offensive depth chart (Quarterbacks)

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6

Seven predictions for the rest of the Vikings offseason

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of decisions to make in the 2021 offseason.

The Vikings are entering into another whirlwind offseason most likely filled with older contributors leaving and newer, more inexperienced talent coming in.

With the way the salary cap could be structured, Minnesota is most likely going to have little cap space in 2021. The team will be left with decisions to make: Should it restructure, trade, cut or extend players to lessen the cap hits on 2021?

We’ll find out what the Vikings do in the near future. For now, here are some predictions Vikings Wire has for the team: