Tag: SEC

Utah Valley-Kentucky odds: UK heavily favored over UVU

Previewing Monday’s Utah Valley Wolverines at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball analysis and picks.

The Utah Valley Wolverines (3-1) head east to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) at Rupp Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah Valley-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Not many expected Utah Valley would have a win more recently than Kentucky, but the Wildcats were tripped up by Evansville last time out by a 67-64 score as 24.5-point favorites.

2. Kentucky’s offense has been sluggish, averaging just 74.7 points per game (PPG), and they’re 334th on 3-pointers at just 24.5 percent from behind the arc.

3. G Ashton Hagans (leg) is a question mark for Monday’s game against the Wolverines.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 79, Utah Valley 54

Moneyline (ML)

There is no moneyline for this game at the time of publishing due to the large spread, but even if one were to be released by tip-off, the risk is not worth the meager reward.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (-24.5, -115) had cashed in nine straight games against the spread before its loss to the Purple Aces last time out. The Wildcats are also 5-2 ATS in the past seven at Rupp Arena.

Utah Valley (+24.5, -105) is just 1-5 ATS in the past six games overall, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. The Wolverines have three wins, but they haven’t faced a team remotely close to the caliber of Big Blue.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 136.5 (-121) is the play. Kentucky is still working out the kinks on offense, and should do just that against the Wolverines. However, UVU won’t contribute much to the total in this game where it’ll be quite overwhelmed. Look for freshman G Tyrese Maxey to show out in this one.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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Ohio State stays at No. 2 in latest Amway Coaches Poll

The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Buckeyes did pick up an extra first-place vote, receiving six after only earning five last week. The change was likely due more to LSU’s defensive struggles against Ole Miss than for anything the Buckeyes did in their blowout win over Rutgers. Or it could just be that one voter missed last week, and he would have picked Ohio State at No. 1 then too.

There was a change in the Top 5 this week, as Georgia jumped Alabama. Whether this was due to Georgia’s win over Auburn, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, or some combination of the two, the Bulldogs have passed the Tide and will likely hold that position as long as Georgia doesn’t lose another game.

Minnesota and Baylor, who each suffered their first losses of the season this week, fell out from the Top 10–from No. 7 to No. 11 and No. 10 to No. 13, respectively.

The Big Ten and SEC led the poll with six ranked teams each. Three teams each were ranked from the AAC and Big 12, while the Pac 12 and Mountain West each put two teams in the poll. The ACC and Sun Belt each had one ranked team, along with Independent Notre Dame.

Navy, Texas, and Indiana all fell out of the rankings, while Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and San Diego State moved in to replace them.

Week 12 CFP Eliminator: Still a lot of scenarios

We break down the 12 teams remaining in the College Football Playoff race, as our Eliminator took out three more teams in Week 12.

Welcome back to the Eliminator. I explain the process behind eliminating teams in my Week 1 post. In short, I ask myself a simple question: “If this team wins out, will they have a chance at the Playoff?” I don’t assume that teams will lose–there’s no need to. The losses will come when they come; and when they do, I’ll eliminate those teams. Until then, they’re not eliminated. It’s that simple. I also track every eliminated team on this Twitter thread.

This week didn’t involve any real eliminations. The three teams we knocked out were all long shots. Florida and Michigan needed miraculous conference titles to boost the resumes, and they were eliminated from their division races this week. Auburn, meanwhile, picked up its third loss.

Instead, we have 12 teams. All 12 can win Power 5 conferences, and 11 of them have one or zero losses. If we get chaos, most of these teams can still get in with even two losses. It’s too early this year to present specific scenarios, because there are so many possibilities.

One thing is very clear, though. We probably won’t see very many eliminations next week, either. These are our 12 teams, and unless we see a surprising upset next week, all 12 will still be alive heading into Thanksgiving weekend. What happens after that, though, is anyone’s guess.

Next … What teams are still alive?

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SEC Quick Thoughts, Takes On Every Game: Week 12

Quick thoughts and takes on every Week 12 SEC game.

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Quick thoughts and takes on every Week 12 SEC game.

Florida 23, Missouri 6

It wasn’t anything pretty, and the Gators didn’t get the Georgia loss they needed to take the SEC East, but it was still a strong road win by double-digits. Kyle Trask threw for 282 yards and two scores, the offense was able to open it up a bit in the third quarter, and it was the win needed to keep hope alive for a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Missouri can’t score touchdowns. It managed two field goals, making it the second straight game without a touchdown and with just 27 points over the last four games. The passing game didn’t go anywhere, the running game finished with 52 yards, and the O wasted a strong effort from the D.

The Tigers aren’t going bowling no matter what – thanks to NCAA violations – but it would nice to come up with a winning season. They get Tennessee up next before closing out at Arkansas.

Florida gets a week off before facing Florida State. The Sugar Bowl might be out with LSU, Alabama and Georgia all in the mix for the CFP and the top SEC bowl spots, but Orange is a possibility with a convincing win against the Noles and a 10-2 record.

Alabama 38, Mississippi State 7

Of course the season-ending injury to Tua Tagovailoa overshadowed everything else – a whole lot more on that coming over the next few days – but Mac Jones stepped in and was fine. The Tide only scored three points in the second half, but Jones hit 7-of-11 passes for 94 yards, the defense was great, and the shell-shocked team got through the rest of the game and got out. It was still a 31-point win on the road, even after all of that.

Najee Harris has picked a fantastic time to become amazing. He ran for 88 yards and three scores – and caught 51 yards worth of passes with a. score –  the offensive line blasted away, and the receiving corps was its typical fantastic self. Everything was great except for that, and …

Tagovailoa’s injury also pushed out of the spotlight a leg injury to DT Raekwon Davis. The D was just fine against the Bulldogs, but Davis the guy the line couldn’t afford to lose.

Mississippi State was able to run for just enough big dashes to average over five yards per carry. After a good early scoring drive, though, that was it. Tommy Stevens threw for 82 yards and a score, and he tore off a 46-yard run, but the O didn’t do much of anything with its 270 yards.

Alabama got a week against Arkansas to get Mac Jones up to speed in case he was needed against LSU. Now he gets a practice week against Western Carolina to get ready for the trip to Auburn. All is hardly lost in the CFP race – blow out the Tigers, and everything will be still on the table.

At 4-6, Mississippi State has to beat Abilene Christian and Ole Miss to get to six wins and bowl eligibility.

NEXT: Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 14; Texas A&M 30, South Carolina 6

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Jags land 2 pass catchers and 2 DBs in Draft Wire 3-round mock draft

The Jags could use a starting cornerback after trading Jalen Ramsey and Draft Wire slotted the Jags a successor in their latest mock.

Despite the emergence of receiver DJ Chark, many draft pundits have continued to mock Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s not to say we disagree here at the Jags Wire as Lamb is having an unreal season, racking up 44 receptions for 983 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Our comrades at Draft Wire are amongst those on the web who like the fit and slotted him to the Jags in their latest mock draft. They also slotted the Jags a new cornerback to start at Jalen Ramsey’s old spot in Louisiana State’s Kristian Fulton with their second first-round selection form Los Angeles Rams.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Fulton is big, physical, and immediate starter material.

Adding one of college’s most elite playmakers in Lamb sounds like a win in my book. Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II, and coordinator John DeFilippo certainly wouldn’t complain either, as they could throw some nightmare formations at the opposition with Chark, Lamb, Westbrook, and Conley.

Fulton would be another welcomed addition. We’ve mentioned him in the past as our own Daniel Griffis did a breakdown on him, singling out his hip flexibility and versatility.

The Jags didn’t stop with just one pass catcher in Draft Wire’s mock, though, and were slotted Washington tight end Hunter Bryant, who would provide some much-needed help at the tight end position. They also double-dipped in the secondary by drafting Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, Jr.

46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington

77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Sure, fans will be quick to point out the fact that the Jags just drafted Josh Oliver, however, we’ve yet to see much out of him. Additionally, the position has been very injury prone with James O’Shaughnessy and Geoff Swaim going on injured reserve and Oliver himself missing the Jags’ first six games. Adding the 6-foot-2, 239-pound Bryant onto the roster could work wonders for the Jags passing offense because he’s tremendous after the catch and is a problem for defensive backs to bring down.

As for Winfield, his name may sound very familiar. That’s because he’s the son of retired NFL great Antoine Winfield Sr., who was a three-time Pro Bowler. Needless to say, Winfield’s elite athleticism rubbed off on his son, who is a rising name in the 2020 NFL Draft after his two-pick performance against Penn State. He has the ball skills in which the Jags could use in their backfield, though Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison certainly aren’t bad players.

Prospects for Jags fans to watch: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills

The Jaguars are in need of some offensive line help this coming offseason and I think Alabama RT, Jedrick Wills, could just be their guy.

The Southeastern Conference has become the meat and potatoes of the college football world. The conference churns out the country’s best trench play, becoming a factory for the NFL teams in need of some big men. That’s especially the case for Alabama, a university that has routinely sent offensive and defensive lineman to the league.

Like most years, Alabama is again flooded with NFL talent all over their starting lineup. Both of Alabama’s offensive tackles have garnered the close watch of NFL scouts, those being left tackle, Alex Leatherwood, and right tackle, Jedrick Wills. While Leatherwood is a talented lineman in his own right, I wanted to focus on Wills in this particular post.

The Jaguars’ offensive line play has been plagued with penalties and has been too inconsistent to be considered a finished product. Knowing Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone’s tendency to focus heavily in the trenches, the offensive tackle position certainly isn’t out of question. Whether the team would move a player like Wills inside or not, he should, without a doubt, be on their scouting radar.

Wills is an absolute powerhouse. Alabama plays some nasty, physical football and Wills is no different. Wills’ favorite breakfast meal has to be a big stack of pancakes, because this guy sure knows how to make them.

Wills is just plain mean in the run game. He’s physical and gets to the second level nicely as a run defender. He can clear out massive lanes and is always looking to make defenders become acquainted with the ground. Most scouts who’ve watch him tend to believe that both traits are his greatest strengths.

If that wasn’t enough, here is another clip of just how effective Wills is in the run game:

While his strength is definitely in the run game, Alabama’s No. 74 is no slouch in pass protection. Wills strength again helps immensely in pass protection. He has some heavy hands and has quite the strong anchor. I would like to see him become a little cleaner with his technique, but the 6-foot-5, 316 pound tackle is still very much developing.

Here in this clip against Ole Miss, Wills physically abuses the Rebel defensive end, hitting him with a strong initial punch which eventually causes the defender to get off balance. This goes on to further demonstrate the type of strength that Wills has.

While his strength allows him to bully edge rushers, he does a nice job of reading and reacting to rushers as well. He does not possess the quickest feet, but can mirror defenders fairly well for a man of his size.

In pass protection he does not offer the same type of dominance as he does in the run game, however, he’s solid enough in the category for scouts to believe in him as a starter. Besides, with a team like the Jags, it’s his abilities as a run blocker that will count the most.

If the Jaguars were to select Wills, he could see a move to guard. With the uncertainty of Norwell and Cann, this could be a very realistic situation. Using their best available player philosophy could land them a player like Wills in 2020, and with their willingness to keep Cam Robinson at left tackle while Jawaan Taylor develops at right guard, Wills without a doubt would give the Jags a mauler at guard and an upgrade they could really use.

For those who to watch Wills this week, the Alabama Crimson Tide will be taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs Saturday, Nov. 16 at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.

South Carolina-Texas A&M odds: Aggies healthy faves at home

Previewing Saturday’s South Carolina Gamecocks at Texas A&M Aggies college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The South Carolina Gamecocks (4-6, 3-4 SEC East) and Texas A&M Aggies (6-3, 3-2 West) tangle under the lights at Kyle Field in front of the 12th man at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

We analyze the South Carolina-Texas A&M odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

South Carolina at Texas A&M: Three things you need to know

1. The Gamecocks are coming off a tough 20-15 non-conference loss to Appalachian State last week, and they’re 1-3 SU/ATS across the past four overall.

2. Technically, Carolina is still alive for a bowl berth, but it needs wins at A&M and against Clemson to go bowling. The Aggies are already eligible for the postseason with six wins under their belt.

3. South Carolina has five wideouts on the injury report this week. WRs Bryan Edwards (lower boy) and Shi Smith (hamstring) are two of the better ones, and they’re expected to play. WRs Chavis Dawkins (hamstring) and OrTre Smith (knee) are bigger question marks, and Josh Vann (hand) is now done for the season. RB Tavien Feaster (groin) is also doubtful, so the Gamecocks really face an uphill climb.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

South Carolina at Texas A&M: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 13

Moneyline (ML)

A&M (-455) is a heavy favorite against Carolina (+335) in this one, but you cannot back the Aggies at this price. There is just too much risk and not enough reward. Look to the line instead.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Texas A&M to win would return a profit of $2.20.

Against the Spread (ATS)

TEXAS A&M (-10.5, -115) is a sensational play based on health alone. South Carolina (+10.5, -106) just has too many injuries to the skill positions. Toss in the fact that USC is 1-4 ATS in the past five on the road, while A&M is 12-5 ATS in the past 17 at Kyle Field and it looks super hard to pass on playing the Aggies.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER (50.5) is worth a small-unit wager as well, and could make for a nice parlay or teaser combined with A&M laying the points. The Under is 4-1 in South Carolina’s past five on the road, and 9-3 in the past 12 on the road against teams with a winning home mark. The Over is 5-0 in A&M’s past five at Kyle, but the Under is 6-2 in its past eight following a bye week.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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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

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UT News: November 12, 2019

UT News: November 12, 2019

November is one of the greatest months for college sports, especially with football on the weekends and basketball during the week to keep the fans occupied. Last night, the Lady Vols basketball team brought joy to the folks on Rocky Top with an authoritative win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Tonight, the men’s team has a chance to match the women with a victory of their own.

Men’s basketball play tonight

Tennessee men’s basketball faces the Murray State Racers tonight in the second game of their season-opening homestand at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Volunteers will look to extend the nation’s longest active home win streak against their foes from Kentucky.

This is the fourth time the two teams have met, with their last tangle coming in 2006. The Vols are currently a perfect 3-0 against the Racers in a series that was first played back in 1945 in Knoxville but did not resume until 2005 in Nashville.

Tipoff is at 9 p.m. ET and can be watched on SEC Network and online through WatchESPN, and can be heard on local Vol Network affiliates.

NEXT: Rick Barnes meets with the media

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