Category: JwPlayerVideo

Saints open up as 5.5-point road favorites over Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints are poised for a get-right road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game in which they’re favored by 5.5 points.

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The New Orleans Saints are looking ahead to their rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this time with Drew Brees in at quarterback. His understudy, Teddy Bridgewater, turned in the best game of his year when the Buccaneers visited last time; now Brees will get his turn on the road.

Per the latest odds from BetMGM, the Saints are favored by 5.5 points at Raymond James Stadium. With an over/under set at 51.5, that implies a final score in the neighborhood of Saints 29, Buccaneers 23. That’s hardly a blowout, suggesting more of a competitive atmosphere — which is what the Saints are used to in Tampa Bay, having trailed most of the game in last year’s visit. They lost the 2017 regular season finale a year earlier on a last-second Chris Godwin touchdown catch.

It’ll be fascinating to see how the Saints respond to getting punched in the mouth by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the first game in a four-week series against NFC South division rivals. While the Buccaneers have been nearly as sorry as Atlanta (their 3-6 record speaks for itself), they’ve had the opportunity to regroup during their bye week and play better football. They took the Seattle Seahawks to overtime and beat the Arizona Cardinals in a frantic fourth quarter on Sunday.

Still, this should be a get-right game for New Orleans. Their defensive line has quieted down in recent weeks after a hot start to the season. Starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and edge rusher Marcus Davenport have combined played a combined 287 snaps over their last four games, but that’s turned into just eight total tackles (two solo), no tackles for loss, no sacks, and one quarterback hit.

They’ll be playing essentially the same offensive line they bullied in their last meeting, a game where Rankins logged his first sack since last year’s Achilles injury and where Davenport put up the best day of his season (two sacks, three hits, and a forced fumble). The Saints defense will go as far as the monsters up front can take it (especially with top cornerback Marshon Lattimore on the mend), but all of those former first-round picks have lost their mojo in recent weeks.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Report: Panthers claim former Bears RB Mike Davis off waivers

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the Panthers claimed former Bears running back Mike Davis off waivers.

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According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the Panthers claimed former Bears running back Mike Davis off waivers.

After playing college ball at South Carolina, Davis (5-foot-9, 221 pounds) was a fourth-round pick by the 49ers in the 2015 draft. He spent two years there, then two with the Seahawks before going to Chicago. He’s played 42 games, totaling 887 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 245 career carries.

Adding Davis now might mean the Panthers are intending to give Christian McCaffrey a lighter work load. Given his build, it makes sense for Davis to get opportunities in short-yardage situations and at the goal line, which has been a problematic area this season. Davis could purely be about depth, though.

Update:

The team has confirmed the news. In a corresponding move, they have waived wide receiver/returner Greg Dortch.

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Seahawks-49ers odds: Undefeated San Francisco favored over Seattle

Previewing Monday Night Football’s Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers betting odds and lines, with NFL Week 10 matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The undefeated San Francisco 49ers (8-0) will host the rising Seattle Seahawks (7-2) Monday night at Levi’s Stadium for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. We analyze the Seahawks-49ers odds and lines while providing betting tips and advice around this key Week 10 NFL matchup.

Seahawks at 49ers: Week 10 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Seattle has won five of its last six games but has gone just 3-3 against the spread in that span.
  • The 49ers are 5-3 ATS this season but didn’t cover the spread in two of their last three games.
  • The Seahawks have won nine of their last 10 games against the 49ers, going 7-3 ATS in those meetings. Their average margin of victory is 11.8 points per game.
  • The 49ers are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 Monday Night Football games.
  • Seattle is 0-5 ATS after covering the spread the week before.
  • The total has gone Over in six of Seattle’s last seven games against the NFC West.
  • The 49ers rank second in the NFL in rushing yards, time of possession and plays run per game.

Seahawks at 49ers: Key injuries

WR Josh Gordon could make his Seahawks debut Monday night after being claimed by Seattle off waivers from the New England Patriots; he’s recovering from a knee injury. S Quandre Diggs‘ (hamstring) status for Monday is uncertain.

49ers K Robbie Gould (quad) is doubtful. TE George Kittle (knee) is questionable.

Seahawks at 49ers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Seahawks 23, 49ers 21

Moneyline (?)

The Seahawks are one of the best teams in the league and this is a game ripe for an upset. As good as the 49ers have been this year, they showed a few flaws against Arizona last week against dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray.

Russell Wilson is having an MVP season and will lift the Seahawks to victory. Bet SEATTLE to win straight up with the moneyline (+220).

Against the Spread (?)

If we’re picking the Seahawks to win straight up, you bet we’re taking them with the points, too. Seattle is a 6.5-point underdog in Week 10, which is a huge spread for a divisional matchup – even if San Francisco is at home.

Happily take the points and take the SEAHAWKS (-110) to cover the 6.5-point margin. They’re 13-3 ATS in their last 16 against the 49ers.

Over/Under (?)

The Over/Under is a tough pick this week, since the total is just 46.5 points. The Seahawks offense can go on a tear at any moment thanks to Wilson, but San Francisco’s defense is dominant.

This should be a fairly low-scoring affair with both teams managing the clock. Bet the UNDER (-110) Monday night.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arlene Blencowe thinks she’s earned another title shot with win over Leslie Smith at Bellator 233

Arlene Blencowe thinks her win over Leslie Smith at Bellator 233 should warrant a title shot.

THACKERVILLE, Okla. – [autotag]Arlene Blencowe[/autotag] thinks she’s positioned herself as the No. 1 contender after this past Friday.

She defeated Leslie Smith by unanimous decision at Bellator 233, outpointing her on the strength of her jab en route to a 30-27 sweep on the judges’ scorecards.

Blencowe (13-7 MMA, 6-3 BMMA) was narrowly edged out by current 145-pound champion Julia Budd nearly two years ago at Bellator 189 for the women’s featherweight title. It was her second loss to the champ.

Since then, Blencowe has won three in a row and thinks she’s done enough to get the next title shot against the winner of Budd and Cris Cyborg, who are set to fight for Budd’s title at Bellator 236 on Jan. 25.

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“Obviously, since my controversial split decision loss to Julia, I’ve just worked my way back into the next title shot,” Blencowe told MMA Junkie after her win over Smith. “I knew just getting wins is what I needed. I got two stoppage wins. I was hoping for a third win by stoppage, but we also knew that Leslie was a tough girl, so she doesn’t go down easy. But I definitely I think I’ve earned my spot to get another shot at the title.”

And while avenging her loss to Budd is definitely on her mind, a stylistic matchup against Cyborg is also something that interests her.

“To be honest, if it’s Julia, yeah, that would be awesome,” Blencowe said. “I’ve got some redemption to do there. But Cyborg’s another awesome fight. I’d love to stand in there and bang it out with her. I’ll just be sitting back in January, just excited to watch a good, quality fight, and I think both girls are going to be absolutely awesome.”

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Will Arkansas Come Calling For Boise State’s Bryan Harsin?

Arkansas is looking for a new head coach, will they call Boise State’s Bryan Harsin?

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Will Arkansas Come Calling For Boise State’s Bryan Harsin?

Could the Broncos be in the market for a new head coach?

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

It seems unlikely but you never know.

Arkansas is in the market for a new head coach after the school fired Chad Morris not even two years into his tenure in Fayetteville. With every Power 5 job that opens up, there is a concern about a good Mountain West coach could get poached to take over.

While Arkansas is not an amazing job at the moment but it is in the SEC and that is a big deal. The Razorbacks were able to land Bret Bielema from Wisconsin where he led the Badgers to three-straight Rose Bowls but went to take a low-level SEC job. So, the alure is real.

Of the Mountain West coaches that could be in the mix is Boise State’s Bryan Harsin. It is not just because Harsin is performing well for the Broncos but he actually has ties to the area.

They are loosely based as he spent one year as Arkansas State’s head coach and led them to a Sun Belt title, and he spent two seasons at Texas where he was the quarterback’s coach and co-offensive coordinator. Those two make him attractive with recruiting and connections to the area.

Will Harsin leave Boise State?

Never say never but consider that he just received an extension by virtue of the win over Wyoming which adds $2.25 million to his contract, which now expires Jan. 10, 2025.

Plus, Harsin has the chance to spend a few more years with an elite quarterback in Hank Bachmeier who looks to be the next great Broncos signal-caller.

Not having to go through a rebuild is very appealing to coaches but some also want the challenge of winning at the highest level. If Harsin were to take Arkansas to an SEC title or even get nine wins he’d be very much appreciated at that university.

Money is another reason why Harsin may want to go to the SEC. He currently makes a solid $1.75 million at Boise State; Morris was earning $4 million per year. The Razorbacks could easily double that and pay less for a new coach. Arkansas is willing to pay coaches very well. They are shelling out $10 million to let go of Morris to find the right guy.

Does Arkansas want Harsin?

The Razorbacks job is the third Power 5 school to open up this year. Rutgers and Florida State are the other two and who knows who else could be let go or move on from their current job. All signs point to USC opening up and that would push Arkansas down the pecking order of who they want or can get.

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Going with Harsin could be seen similar to the Morris hire. A coach from a Group of 5 school who was successful, however, Harsin has had more years and success as a head coach compared to Morris. Arkansas may feel getting Harsin is too similar to a move as Morris.

The ties are sort of there with Harsin but would his three total years in that part of the country amount to much with recruiting? There are other coaches in the area like Louisiana’s Billy Napier, UAB’s Bill Clarke, Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson, Willie Fritz at Tulane and more.

Recruiting and relationships is a big deal and that is one of the biggest weaknesses for Harsin being considered and that alow would have Arkansas put him below some candidates.

It is not like he is Mike Leech (don’t be surprised if his name comes up) who has a unique scheme that can give a boost overnight to it being so unique.

Arkansas spends like it is a big time player in college football and is in the SEC so they may want to make a big move this time around and avoid a Group of Five coach. Whether they get that or not is another question for debate.

Panic level for Boise State fnas possibly losing Harsin to Arkansas should seem pretty low.

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The Dynasty Isn’t Over – Top Tide Takeaways: Alabama vs LSU

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the LSU Tigers for the first time since 2011, 46-41.

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On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the LSU Tigers for the first time since 2011, 46-41. Coming into this game, a lot was on the line: the SEC West Title, the ability to play in the SEC Championship Game, and a good chance to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. After Saturday, there’s been a lot of conversation regarding whether Alabama still deserves a shot to be in the CFB Playoff after Saturday’s loss. Regardless, the Crimson Tide not only has a lot to address and work on, but Alabama has a lot to prove to themselves and the CFB Playoff committee that they’re better than they played on Saturday. 

Here are some of the Top Tide Takeaways from Saturday’s matchup.

  1. The second half, especially the third quarter, was Alabama’s game. Not only did they hold LSU to zero points in the third quarter, but they were able to 13 total points in the second half while putting 28 points on the board themselves. Going into halftime down by 20 points, Alabama did what they needed to do to adjust and get ready to fight in the second half. Although they still lost by 5 points, the second half of the game showed a team that had grit, passion, and determination. 
  1. Alabama’s running game showcased the ability and talent we knew they’ve had all season. Najee Harris had an incredible game with 19 carries for 146 yards and a TD. His footwork and field vision gave Alabama the momentum it needed to continue downfield. Not only did he have a rushing touchdown, he also had a HUGE receiving touchdown with the Tide down by 20. 
  1. Although Tua Tagovailoa struggled in the first half, he still finished the game with 418 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. Tagovailoa clearly wasn’t 100%, but still played his heart out, one foot and all, and that’s all Bama Nation could ask for. 

Area(s) of Concern

  1. Defensively, Alabama struggled a lot to hold and contain LSU, but that’s not a shock. Alabama’s defense is young, and have had to adjust after losing both Dylan Moses and Labryan Ray defensively. Alabama gave up 559 yards to the Tigers, something uncharacteristic of the Tide in previous years. But with the defense as young as they are, this isn’t surprising. And the defense is full of talent that will continue to improve and develop over time. 

All in all, this was a well fought game on both sides. Although Alabama came up short, the second half proved that this team is capable of winning big games. Not only was Tua Tagovailo not 100%, but the defense is young, both of which will take time. But know this: the dynasty is NOwhere near over.

After all, Alabama has been in this position before with no playing in the SEC Championship Game, but still getting into the CFB Playoff. Only time will tell. 

 

 

Nine games into the year, Brett Brown is figuring out Sixers rotation

Nine games into the 2019-20 season, coach Brett Brown is still figuring out the Sixers rotation.

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The Philadelphia 76ers still have a lot to figure out after nine games. They still have to figure out things like who is going to be the closer with the game on the line, how will Joel Embiid and Al Horford really work together, and they’re still developing team chemistry.

One thing that will still need to be figured out is the rotation. Big things like who’s the backup point guard and what to do with rookie Matisse Thybulle who has been out of the rotation since Ben Simmons’ injury.

A big change in coach Brett Brown’s rotation, due to the Simmons injury, has been Raul Neto starting at point guard and Trey Burke being used as a backup. This is notable due to the fact that Josh Richardson was being used as the primary backup point guard when Simmons was healthy and in the lineup.

With everything that has happened in the first nine games, Brown is still experimenting as he stated:

I wouldn’t say anything is set. We’re finding our way and we have different options. I think that the phrase that I like to use, ‘horses for courses,’ is based on who you’re playing and who’s playing well. I don’t feel married to anything this early in the season. You just figure it out. I won’t put a death spell on any of the players either. I feel open to playing the people that I think it’s going to take to win that night.

Does that mean the Sixers will go back to Thybulle in the rotation once Simmons returns? Will Burke go back to being buried at the end of the bench? Will Richardson go back to backup point guard responsibilities? These are questions that Brown will have to answer and figure out.

I feel like there are outliers in every game. It is possible to put Raul Neto and Trey Burke in the rotation with Ben Simmons. Those two guards have played well and it’s exciting. It’s one of those in-game adjustments that you could make, knowing that it is a unique lineup.

At the end of the day, the team is 6-3 and they are in a good spot in the early going of the season. The challenge now is for Brown and his staff to figure out a solid rotation and settle on it. It doesn’t help that Simmons is out right now and Embiid’s absences have put a wrench into the plan, but it must be figured out soon. [lawrence-related id=19083,19074,19064]

Eagles’ Brandon Brooks now the highest paid guard in NFL after signing 4-year, $56.2M contract extension

Eagles Brandon Brooks is now the highest-paid guard in NFL after signing 4-year, $54.2M contract extension

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Brandon Brooks has performed like one of the best players in football this season and on Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles rewarded him handsomely for it. The Eagles announced the signing of Brooks to a new four-year contract extension.

Jeff McLane is reporting that the deal is for four years, $56.2 million, with $30 million fully guaranteed.

According to Over The Cap, the $14.25 million average is the highest in the league among guards, ahead of Zach Martin of the Cowboys ($14 million per year). Andrew Norwell of the Jaguars averages $13.3 million.

Brooks reached the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2018 and is certain to be an All-Pro this season as well.

College Basketball Rankings: Utah State Remains No. 17 In AP Poll

Utah State is a top 20 team while San Diego State is getting votes.

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College Basketball Rankings: Utah State Remains No. 17 In AP Poll

Aggies go 2-0 and are No. 17

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Utah State remains in top 20

The first week of college basketball is in the books and there were not too many surprises that happened to shake up the rankings. The Champions Classic shuffled the top five since the top four teams played but that is about it.

Utah State is 2-0 after a fairly close win over Montana State and then the Aggies demolished in-state foe Weber State 89-34. Those results kept the Aggies at No. 17 in the latest rankings. The next chance for Utah State to make a move is when they take on No. 23 LSU but that game is not until Nov. 22 in a neutral site game in Jamaica.

San Diego State is getting som consideration by earning two points after wins vs. Texas Southern and a quality win on the road to defeat BYU, 76-71.

The Aztecs have just one game this week against Grand Canyon but they have struggled this year and are 0-2 with losses to Illinois and Davidson. So, a win over GCU may not have that big of an impact in the rankings.

AP Poll – Week 2

Rank Team Points Previous
1 Kentucky (64) 1,622 2
2 Duke 1,538 4
3 Michigan State 1,451 1
4 Louisvile 1,425 (1) 5
5 Kansas 1,354 3
6 North Carolina 1,187 9
7 Maryland 1,166 7
8 Gonzaga 1,136 8
9 Virginia 1,134 11
10 Villanova 1,064 10
11 Texas Tech 888 13
12 Seton Hall 869 12
13 Memphis 828 14
14 Oregon 804 15
15 Florida 616 6
16 Ohio State 544 18
17 Utah State 507 17
18 Saint Mary’s 438 20
19 Arizona 415 21
20 Washington 373 NR
21 Xavier 370 19
22 Auburn 247 24
23 LSU 237 22
24 Baylor 179 16
25 Colorado 151 NR

Others receiving votes:VCU 137, Florida St. 112, Texas 95, Marquette 67, Tennessee 49, Providence 23, Purdue 21, Houston 18, Utah 14, Missouri 13, Arkansas 11, Mississippi St. 9, Georgetown 4, Liberty 3, San Diego St. 2, Creighton 1, Dayton 1, Northeastern 1, Vermont 1.

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