Ohio State is a 50.5-point favorite on the road against Rutgers

Those betting for Ohio State to beat the spread have been sitting pretty, but will they continue to trust when they’re 50.5-point favorites?

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Those betting for Ohio State to beat the spread have been sitting pretty, but will they continue to trust when they’re 50.5-point favorites?

It’s difficult to go against them again as they just trampled Maryland by 59 points. However, Maryland beat Rutgers 48-7. This seems like another safe bet.

We should also note that Ryan Day isn’t just looking to win these games. Yes, that’s the bare acceptable minimum against any non-ranked team, but the fact of the matter is that he wants the CFP to understand Ohio State’s dominance.

They’re feeling the pain now, and Rutgers may be feeling it come Saturday. That said, the 50.5-point line was first released by Circa Sports.

The Buckeyes are 8-1 against the spread this season so it seems like a safe bet to continue putting money on. Even without Chase Young, this team is just all-out dominant.

Scoring 73 points against Maryland, the Buckeyes are bound to put up another near-100 score on Saturday.

The open-market price has been set for RG Brandon Scherff, thanks to the Eagles

Scherff will be looking for a new contract from the Redskins this offseason after his expires, and it will likely be an expensive one.

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Earlier this season, Washington Redskins offensive lineman Brandon Scherff expressed his desire to be a member of the Redskins for the rest of his career, which is convenient, as his contract is set to expire this coming offseason.

As one of the premier right guards in the NFL, it has been expected that Bruce Allen and Co. would do what they could to retain Scherff, who the Redskins drafted with the No. 5 overall pick in 2015. However, it was unknown how much Scherff would be looking to get in a new contract.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles, the market has now been set for a premier right guard in the NFL.

On Tuesday, the Eagles signed Brandon Brooks to a four-year, $56 million extension to keep him in Philadelphia. You can be assured that Scherff made sure to take note of that number. If he is able to test the open market in a few months, he will undoubtedly be looking for an extension that rivals that $14M annually, and chances are that he could ask for a bit more, as he is a couple of years younger than Brooks and Dallas’ Zach Martin, the other top paid guard in the NFL.

Everything was sunshine and roses earlier this year when Scherff showed his HTTR pride and expressed his love for the team, and nothing has changed on that front. What’s different now is that Washington has become aware of what it will take to keep that relationship strong, and it’s going to cost a pretty penny.

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Who are Three Offensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Travels to Nebraska?

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska. Quintez Cephus WR, Cole Van Lanen LT, Jack Coan QB

Here are three offensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska.

1) Quintez Cephus WR

Cephus had a productive game for Wisconsin against Iowa as he caught five passes for the second time over the last three games. On the year Cephus has caught 32 passes for 504 yards both career highs. Cephus will look to continue to add to those numbers when Wisconsin plays Nebraska as the Cornhuskers are allowing an average of 201.5 passing yards per game. Cephus will have his opportunities to have success against the Cornhuskers secondary as it will be up to him creating that separation and possibly helping stretch the field too.

2) Cole Van Lanen LT

Wisconsin will rely on the running game to help control the time of possession but that won’t happen if Wisconsin doesn’t have success along the line of scrimmage. Wisconsin’s offensive line will have a chance of accomplishing that due to the Cornhuskers allowing 219.5 rushing yards over conference play, which ranks 13th. The Badgers will run toward Van Lanen’s side at times making it important that Van Lanen consistently gets the better leverage and creating rushing lanes to allow for Jonathan Taylor to have success.

3) Jack Coan QB

Coan was up and down against Iowa and in order for the Badgers to stop their two game road losing streak, Coan will need to deliver a more consistent performance. Coan had two turnovers in Wisconsin’s win over Iowa extending his streak of at least one turnover in three straight games. Nebraska has registered five interceptions over conference play. Coan can’t kill offensive drives by turning the football over and allow Adrian Martinez a chance of creating something for the Cornhuskers offense that’s averaging 402 yards of total offense over Big Ten play.

Report: Anthony Davis expected to sit out Wednesday vs. Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers star forward will miss the game due to a variety of injuries, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to close out their back-to-back with a win on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors, they’re likely going to do it without superstar forward Anthony Davis.

Davis, who was hit in the ribs during Tuesday night’s win at Phoenix and has been dealing with a sore right shoulder since the first week of the season, is expected to miss Wednesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times. Turner also added that x-rays came back negative on Davis’ rib cage.

While the Warriors have proven that they can play competitive ball even with a depleted unit, the Lakers also recognize that it’s not the right time to have Davis play through the pain against a 2-9 team that plays minimal defense. It’s also a little bit easier for Davis to take a night to heal now that the Lakers have Kyle Kuzma back healthy.

Kuzma had 23 points in Tuesday’s win at Phoenix, including a couple of huge 3-pointers in the closing moments top seal the game and is a logical choice to slot in for Davis in the starting line-up later tonight against Golden State.

 

Robert Woods knows a big raise is in his future: ‘It’s coming’

Robert Woods commented on his contract situation, having two-plus years left on his deal.

In terms of annual salary, Robert Woods is 37th among all wide receivers in the NFL. He’s currently making $6.8 million per year and his contract runs through 2021. His five-year, $34 million deal signed back in 2017 now looks like a bargain after he posted 1,219 yards and six touchdowns last season.

The Rams technically don’t have to re-sign him until after the 2021 season, but as we’ve seen throughout the history of the NFL, contracts are often ripped up and players are given raises before their deals expire. That could be what happens with Woods, given how much he’s outplayed his current contract.

He brought up his deal and future payday when talking to TMZ, saying he sees a raise on the horizon if he keeps up his steady play.

“What do you think about my contract?” he asked the cameraman, flashing a big smile. After being told “I think you need a raise, you’ve been killing it,” Woods agreed.

“Oh yeah, it’s coming. The work will take care of itself. I’ve been grinding, been trying to let it pay off. The money will be there when its time,” he said.

The timing of it all remains a huge mystery. The Rams already have Brandin Cooks on a big contract, which will carry a cap hit of $16.8 million in 2020. Cooper Kupp will need an extension after next season, too, with his contract expiring.

Woods could be the odd man out if the Rams don’t move on from Cooks in the coming years, which would be a huge disappointment. He’s been their most reliable receiver the last three years and can do it all at wideout – from running good routes to blocking.

If it’s not Los Angeles that pays him, someone certainly will.

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Jason Peters set to return to Eagles practice after having arthroscopic knee surgery

Jason Peters set to return to Eagles practice after having arthroscopic knee surgery

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Andre Dillard has performed like a first-round pick while replacing Jason Peters at left tackle, the Eagles future Hall of Famer is set to rejoin his teammates and reclaim his spot.

On Wednesday, head coach Doug Pederson confirmed that Peters had arthroscopic knee surgery after suffering an injury in week six.

Pederson said that Peters should have a limited role in practice on Wednesday and the Eagles will evaluate him from there.

Dillard has been starting in Peters’s place, but the Eagles made it clear that the veteran left tackle would get his starting spot back after returning from injury.

SEC Predictions, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 12

Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the SEC season.

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Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the SEC season.

How are the SEC predictions so far?
SU 58-16, ATS 32-30-3, o/u: 30-35

Results So Far: SU 54-13, ATS 28-27-3, o/u: 28-30

Click on each game for game preview & prediction 

Alabama at Mississippi State

12:00 ESPN | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Alabama -20.5, o/u: 62.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM  

Florida at Missouri

12:00 CBS | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Florida -6.5, o/u: 48.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Georgia at Auburn

3:30 CBS | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Georgia -2.5, o/u: 43.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Kentucky at Vanderbilt

3:30 SEC Network | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Kentucky -9.5, o/u: 43.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

LSU at Ole Miss

7:00 ESPN | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: LSU -20.5, o/u: 63.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM

South Carolina at Texas A&M

7:30 SEC Network | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Texas A&M -10.5, o/u: 50.5
Bet on this game with BetMGM
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

– CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews

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UT News: November 13, 2019

UT News: November 13, 2019

Welcome to a hump day edition of UT News! The men’s basketball team got a bit of a scare last night, but still managed to emerge victorious against the Murray State Racers. The sports scene around Rocky Top was otherwise quiet, though two major announcements were made for a couple of very deserving members of Vols nation.

Rennia Davis named SEC Player of the Week

Junior wingwoman Rennia Davis was named SEC Player of the Week Tuesday morning, the second time she has earned the honor in her career.

Leading the Lady Vols to a 3-0 start, Davis has averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 44 percent and 43 percent from the field and behind the arc, respectively. She has managed two double-doubles in three games, bringing her collegiate total to 20 — that ties her for 16th all-time at Tennessee.

Davis exploded against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday night, dropping 33 points and grabbing 10 boards in an impressive win for the Vols against a ranked team. That tremendous performance likely clinched the decision to hand her the award.

NEXT: Chris Weinke named to join Florida Sports Hall of Fame

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Chris Paul says NBA teams will do ‘whatever they wanna do’ with trades

Thunder guard Chris Paul spoke on how he felt about being traded from Houston.

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul is playing his 15th NBA season, so he’s keen on how teams operate and handle their business.

A nine-time All-Star, Paul recently shed some light on the business of NBA trades with Kevin Hart on the comedian’s YouTube show “Cold as Balls.” Paul also spoke on the trade that sent him from the Houston Rockets to the Thunder during the offseason. 

When Hart asked Paul about how trades go down, Paul stated:

“Every situation is different, but the team is gonna do whatever they wanna do. They’ll tell you one thing and do a smooth other thing.”

Hart then asked Paul about his feelings on being traded from the Rockets. Paul was traded in exchange for Russell Westbrook, two first-round draft picks and the rights to two first-round pick swaps in 2021 and 2025.

“The (general manager) in Houston, he don’t owe me nothin’,” Paul said. “You know what I mean? He may tell me one thing, but do another thing. But you just understand that that’s what it is.”

After the Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs in May, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that general manager Daryl Morey had an “aggressive desire” to improve the team.

According to the report, the only player who was relatively untouchable was James Harden, as the likelihood of moving him was “extremely limited.”

Shortly after the ESPN report, Morey said that Houston would keep its “key people” for the 2019-20 season, per RealGM. 

With Paul elaborating on the trade, it shows how the league is a business. Teams, particularly playoff and title contenders, will do anything to improve. That’s why player empowerment is becoming increasingly more important, as players can feel encouraged to choose their own paths.

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Tracy Cortez proud of large following she’s cultivated before UFC debut

Tracy Cortez attributes a number of factors to the growth of her wide-ranging fanbase – an uncommonly large following for a UFC debutant.

[autotag]Tracy Cortez[/autotag] attributes a number of factors to the growth of her wide-ranging fanbase, an uncommonly large following for a UFC debutant.

Cortez (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is ready to add to her popularity when she takes a step up to the big leagues at this weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 22 against Vanessa Melo.

Currently, Cortez owns an Instagram fanbase of almost 100,000 followers. Combine that with her Facebook likes and Twitter follows, and she’s sitting at approximately 116,000 fans.

But she hasn’t achieved this feat through a typical “Insta-famous” route many other influencers take. Cortez attributes her success on social media as a result of being real and interacting with fans, even as it becomes more time-consuming.

“I’ve been building my followers,” Cortez told MMA Junkie. “I kind of take pride in that because my fans go hard for me, and I love my fans. I honestly don’t just post and not interact. I try to interact with every single person who leaves me a comment or sends me beautiful messages.

“I think they see that. They see that I’m a normal person chasing their dream. I don’t put on a front and I think that’s how they started flocking to me. I don’t know why they follow me, but they follow me.”

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The relationship between Cortez and her fans is a two-way street, according to the Fight Ready MMA product. She sees great value in promoting a real version of herself on social media.

The 25-year-old Arizonan views fighters as a commodity. They need to sell themselves to the fans and give them a reason to watch. Through her outreach on social media and in-person, Cortez believes she’s done just that.

“As fighters, we’re entertainers, and we really have to let people know who we are outside of the cage and get that connection with our fans,” Cortez said. “That’s what I try to do. I want everyone to know that I’m just a regular person just like everyone else. I’m just working hard. I have big dreams, and I don’t let fear stop me.”

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On brand with her “being real” theme, Cortez opened up on the mix of emotions she’s taking with her into Saturday’s matchup against Melo (10-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC).

“Honestly, I’m excited,” Cortez said. “I was just talking to my coaches about how, man, we worked hard for this. I say ‘we’ because they’ve been a part of this journey for me. My coach Santino Defranco, he knows how hard I’ve been working. I’m actually going to fight for something I’ve been training so long for. I’m going through every emotion right now.”

This mix of emotions doesn’t weigh her down, according to Cortez. In fact, it does quite the opposite. It gives her the “push” she needs to stay motivated, stay focused, and attack the task at hand.

“I’m fighting for something that I always wanted,” Cortez said. “It makes training easier.

“Now? We’re here.”

UFC on ESPN+ 22 takes place Saturday at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo. The card streams on ESPN+.

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