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Boise State-Louisiana Tech

There are three baseball playoff games and a single college football matchup on the schedule for Wednesday. Here’s a look at those contests in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

There is just one college football game on the schedule for Wednesday night – and that’s Louisiana Tech at No. 17 Boise State. The Broncos are coming off a big 37-32 win over Oregon on September 20 that moved them to 3-0 on the season (they also beat Idaho State and Bowling Green). Louisiana Tech has managed to get past both Mississippi State and Southeastern Louisiana, but they were outclassed when they ran into Kansas back on September 6 – the Bulldogs were blanked 29-0 in that contest.

The oddsmakers fully expect Louisiana Tech to get crushed by a ranked team once again on Wednesday – they’re big 22.5-point underdogs against the unbeaten Broncos. The top football betting service of all time is GodsTips, anchor of OffshoreInsiders.com. They have the side selection on this game plus a night MLB winner. These plays are just $17. Click now to purchase

We gamblers are happy to hear XM Radio is adding the Sirius NFL package today.

Other Notable Events

With the AL Central sideshows of Monday and Tuesday now in the books we get to start watching some real playoff action on Wednesday. Both National League Division Series get going on Wednesday, while the Red Sox and Angels hook up in some AL action.

The matchups in the Senior Circuit are Milwaukee at Philadelphia, and the Dodgers at the Cubs. Game 1 of the Brewers/Phillies series (3:05pm ET) will feature a pitching battle between Yovani Gallardo (0-0, 1.88 ERA) and Cole Hamels (14-10, 3.09 ERA). Gallardo made his long-awaited return from injury on September 25, holding the Pirates to one earned run over four innings of work. Hamels is coming off a loss to the Braves, but he’s held the opposition to two or fewer earned runs in nine of his last 10 starts.

In the opener of the Dodgers/Cubs series (6:35pm ET) itll be Derek Lowe (14-11, 3.24 ERA) vs. Ryan Dempster (17-6, 2.96 ERA). Lowe has given up just two earned runs over his last 36 1-3 innings of work, and he’s 6-1 with three no-decisions in his last 10 outings. Dempster gave up just one earned run over five innings in each of last two starts, and he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine of his past 10 mound trips.

Over in the AL the Red Sox/Angels opener (10:05pm ET) will have Boston’s Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21 ERA) taking on Los Angeles’ John Lackey (12-5, 3.75 ERA). Lester held the Indians to one earned run on two hits over six innings in his last start, and he has four wins in his past five games. Lackey will be looking to bounce back from a pounding at the hands of the Rangers last time out in which he gave up 10 runs in 2 2-3 innings.

All of the home teams are pegged as the favorites for Wednesday’s games; the Phillies and Hamels are at -200, while the Cubs are at -159, and the Angels are now at -117. The power of 620 sports services behind every selection, the MasterLockLine has the day side and a night side, plus the top industry play on the Boise State-LA Tech side and total. Click now to purchase sports betting picks from the top sports services or you can get more information (see how blistering hot they are) and a free sports pick. 

The Rest of the Schedule

The best-of-five WNBA Finals tips off on Wednesday night, with Detroit at San Antonio. The Shock topped New York 75-73 in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night, while the Silver Stars bounced Los Angeles 76-72 on Sunday to advance past the Western Conference Finals. Game 2 will be played Friday night.

News from the Wire

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall is out for the season after suffering a shoulder injury on Monday night . . . Lions RB Rudi Johnson has replaced Kevin Smith as the team’s starter in the backfield . . . Bengals QB Carson Palmer plans on playing this weekend after sitting out against the Browns on Sunday . . . Browns QB Derek Anderson has a better grip on his starting gig after the team’s win over the weekend . . . Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar will miss four-to-six months due to shoulder surgery.

A Peek at the Future

The fourth MLB divisional series gets underway in Tampa Bay on Thursday . . . there are two ranked college football teams in action on Thursday night, with Pittsburgh at No. 10 South Florida, and Oregon State at No. 15 Utah. The Bulls are pegged as 13.5-point favorites in their contest, while the Utes have been listed as 12-point favorites . . . the Sprint Cup Series hits Talladega this week for Sunday afternoon’s Amp Energy 500.

Latest Nominees for Hotties

Delicious diva and bombshell bitch Jennifer Miller has been nominated for OffshoreInsiders.com Hottie of the Week. We agree with the suggestion of surfer babe Erica Hosseini, a favorite reborn baby doll.

Vice Presidential Debate

The Drudge Report and Fox News are documenting how pro-Obama the Sarah Palin and Joe Biden debate moderator Gwen Ifill is. A PBS talking head leaning left? I’ve seen everything now. Somebody on the Commission on Presidential Debates didn’t notice.

The latest Quinnipiac poll has Obama’s lead widening in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Several sportsbooks even allow gamblers to bet on each state in the Presidential election. Keep track daily of the latest political betting odds

Dancing With the Stars and Entertainment News

Jessica Simpson is going to make an appearance on Dancing With the Stars, we assume sans Tony Romo.  Kim Kardashian gets eliminated.

Phish is going to have a reunion at Hampton Coliseum. Check out the latest Hollywood and entertainment betting odds.

Red Sox-Angels Preview

The Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Angel Stadium in Game 1 of their ALDS.
The Red Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Jon Lester in this game. Lester has a 16-6 record and a 3.21 ERA this season.
Lester’s opponent in this one will be John Lackey. The Angels ace righthander has a 3.75 ERA to go along with a 12-5 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 132-moneyline favorites versus the Red Sox, while the game’s total is sitting at 8½.
The Red Sox finished off the regular season with a 4-3 win over the Yankees in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Sunday. Boston was a -120 favorite in the game and the seven runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (10.5).
Jonathan Van Every singled in the winning run in the tenth inning for Boston, while Sean Casey drove in a pair of runs in the win.
Joe Saunders pitched six shutout innings Sunday to lead the Angels past Texas 7-0 in Los Angeles‘ regular season finale.
The Angels were a -130 favorite and the seven runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (9).
Mike Napoli was 3-3 with a home run and four RBI for the Angels, while Gary Matthew Jr. was 3-4 with three runs scored.
Team records:
Boston: 95-67 SU
Los Angeles: 100-62 SU
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Angels are 5-5
After playing NY Yankees are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Texas are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston’s last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels’s last 6 games
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games
Next up:
LA Angels home to Boston, Friday, October 3

 

 

Dodgers-Cubs Pointers

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Wrigley Field in Game 1 of their NLDS.
Derek Lowe will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on this day. Righthander Lowe is 14-11 this season with a 3.24 ERA.
Meanwhile, it’ll be Ryan Dempster who starts for the Cubs. Righthander Dempster is 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 152-moneyline favorites versus the Dodgers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Tim Lincecum allowed only one run in seven innings while striking out 13 to lead the Giants past the Dodgers 3-1 in Los Angeles’ regular season finale on Sunday.
The Giants were a -160 favorite in the game and the four runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (7).
Hiroki Kuroda pitched five shutout innings for the Dodgers and Andre Ethier was 2-2 with an RBI.
Ronny Cedeno drove in the Cubs’ only run in their 3-1 loss to the Brewers on Sunday afternoon.
The Brewers picked up the victory as -270 home favorites in that season-ending contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (8.5).
Team records:
Los Angeles: 84-78 SU
Chicago: 97-64 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After playing San Francisco are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers’s last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
LA Dodgers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs’s last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs’s last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs’s last 7 games
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to LA Dodgers, Thursday, October 2

 

 

Brewers-Phillies Who Will Cover?

The Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Citizens Bank Park.
Yovani Gallardo will be the starting pitcher for the Brewers on this day. Righthander Gallardo is 0-0 this season with a 1.88 ERA.
Meanwhile, it’ll be ace Cole Hamels who starts for the Phillies. Lefthander Hamels is 13-10 with a 3.09 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 200-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game’s total is sitting at 8½.
Ryan Braun homered in the eighth inning on Sunday afternoon to give the Brewers a 3-1 win over the Cubs.
The Brewers picked up the victory as -270 home favorites in that season-ending contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (8.5).
So Taguchi picked up three hits and three RBI on Sunday afternoon as the Phillies ended the regular season by beating the Nationals 8-3.
The Phillies pulled out the victory as -108 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (9.5).
Team records:
Milwaukee: 90-72 SU
Philadelphia: 92-70 SU
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Chi Cubs are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee’s last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Milwaukee, Thursday, October 2

 

 

 

Wednesday Betting

There are three baseball playoff games and a single college football matchup on the schedule for Wednesday. Here’s a look at those contests in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

There is just one college football game on the schedule for Wednesday night – and that’s Louisiana Tech at No. 17 Boise State. The Broncos are coming off a big 37-32 win over Oregon on September 20 that moved them to 3-0 on the season (they also beat Idaho State and Bowling Green). Louisiana Tech has managed to get past both Mississippi State and Southeastern Louisiana, but they were outclassed when they ran into Kansas back on September 6 – the Bulldogs were blanked 29-0 in that contest.

The oddsmakers fully expect Louisiana Tech to get crushed by a ranked team once again on Wednesday – they’re big 22.5-point underdogs against the unbeaten Broncos. The top football betting service of all time is GodsTips, anchor of OffshoreInsiders.com. They have the side selection on this game plus a night MLB winner. These plays are just $17. Click now to purchase

We gamblers are happy to hear XM Radio is adding the Sirius NFL package today.

Other Notable Events

With the AL Central sideshows of Monday and Tuesday now in the books we get to start watching some real playoff action on Wednesday. Both National League Division Series get going on Wednesday, while the Red Sox and Angels hook up in some AL action.

The matchups in the Senior Circuit are Milwaukee at Philadelphia, and the Dodgers at the Cubs. Game 1 of the Brewers/Phillies series (3:05pm ET) will feature a pitching battle between Yovani Gallardo (0-0, 1.88 ERA) and Cole Hamels (14-10, 3.09 ERA). Gallardo made his long-awaited return from injury on September 25, holding the Pirates to one earned run over four innings of work. Hamels is coming off a loss to the Braves, but he’s held the opposition to two or fewer earned runs in nine of his last 10 starts.

In the opener of the Dodgers/Cubs series (6:35pm ET) itll be Derek Lowe (14-11, 3.24 ERA) vs. Ryan Dempster (17-6, 2.96 ERA). Lowe has given up just two earned runs over his last 36 1-3 innings of work, and he’s 6-1 with three no-decisions in his last 10 outings. Dempster gave up just one earned run over five innings in each of last two starts, and he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine of his past 10 mound trips.

Over in the AL the Red Sox/Angels opener (10:05pm ET) will have Boston’s Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21 ERA) taking on Los Angeles’ John Lackey (12-5, 3.75 ERA). Lester held the Indians to one earned run on two hits over six innings in his last start, and he has four wins in his past five games. Lackey will be looking to bounce back from a pounding at the hands of the Rangers last time out in which he gave up 10 runs in 2 2-3 innings.

All of the home teams are pegged as the favorites for Wednesday’s games; the Phillies and Hamels are at -200, while the Cubs are at -159, and the Angels are now at -117. The power of 620 sports services behind every selection, the MasterLockLine has the day side and a night side, plus the top industry play on the Boise State-LA Tech side and total. Click now to purchase sports betting picks from the top sports services or you can get more information (see how blistering hot they are) and a free sports pick. 

The Rest of the Schedule

The best-of-five WNBA Finals tips off on Wednesday night, with Detroit at San Antonio. The Shock topped New York 75-73 in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night, while the Silver Stars bounced Los Angeles 76-72 on Sunday to advance past the Western Conference Finals. Game 2 will be played Friday night.

News from the Wire

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall is out for the season after suffering a shoulder injury on Monday night . . . Lions RB Rudi Johnson has replaced Kevin Smith as the team’s starter in the backfield . . . Bengals QB Carson Palmer plans on playing this weekend after sitting out against the Browns on Sunday . . . Browns QB Derek Anderson has a better grip on his starting gig after the team’s win over the weekend . . . Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar will miss four-to-six months due to shoulder surgery.

A Peek at the Future

The fourth MLB divisional series gets underway in Tampa Bay on Thursday . . . there are two ranked college football teams in action on Thursday night, with Pittsburgh at No. 10 South Florida, and Oregon State at No. 15 Utah. The Bulls are pegged as 13.5-point favorites in their contest, while the Utes have been listed as 12-point favorites . . . the Sprint Cup Series hits Talladega this week for Sunday afternoon’s Amp Energy 500.

Latest Nominees for Hotties

Delicious diva and bombshell bitch Jennifer Miller has been nominated for OffshoreInsiders.com Hottie of the Week. We agree with the suggestion of surfer babe Erica Hosseini, a favorite reborn baby doll.

Vice Presidential Debate

The Drudge Report and Fox News are documenting how pro-Obama the Sarah Palin and Joe Biden debate moderator Gwen Ifill is. A PBS talking head leaning left? I’ve seen everything now. Somebody on the Commission on Presidential Debates didn’t notice.

The latest Quinnipiac poll has Obama’s lead widening in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Several sportsbooks even allow gamblers to bet on each state in the Presidential election. Keep track daily of the latest political betting odds

Dancing With the Stars and Entertainment News

Jessica Simpson is going to make an appearance on Dancing With the Stars, we assume sans Tony Romo.  Kim Kardashian gets eliminated.

Phish is going to have a reunion at Hampton Coliseum. Check out the latest Hollywood and entertainment betting odds.

Louisiana Tech-Boise State Preview

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Boise State Broncos will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Bronco Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Broncos listed as 25-point favorites versus the Bulldogs, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Oregon made a huge comeback but it was not enough as Boise State won 37-32 in Week 4.
The Broncos pulled off the upset as 10-point underdogs, while the final score played OVER the posted total of 52.5.
Current streak:
Boise State has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Louisiana Tech: 2-1 SU, 1-1
ATS
Boise State
: 3-0 SU, 1-1 ATS
Louisiana Tech most recently:
When playing in October are 5-5
When playing on turf are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing within the conference are 4-6

Boise State most recently:
When playing in October are 10-0
When playing on turf are 8-2
After being outgained are 8-2
When playing within the conference are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Louisiana Tech’s last 8 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boise State
Boise State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Louisiana Tech
Boise State is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Boise State is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
Next up:
Louisiana Tech at Hawaii, Saturday, October 11
Boise State at Southern Miss, Saturday, October 11

 

College Football Betting

The nation’s top betting experts from OffshoreInsiders.com bring you news and notes of interest to the bettor.

Iowa-Michigan State

Iowa will have the services of RB Shonn Greene, who suffered a head injury to Northwestern. Greene is averaging a splendid 6.7 yards per rush and 133 yards rushing per game.

Oklahoma-Baylor

Mike Godsey, the top football handicapper ever, and part of the Dream Team of GodsTips on OffshoreInsiders.com, says this is a look ahead game for Oklahoma as they play Texas next. Look for the Sooners to rest injured DL Demarcus Granger and Frank Alexander.

Connecticut-North Carolina

The Huskies are going to be without starting QB Tyler Lorenzen and TE Steve Brouse. Sophomore Zach Frazer gets the start for UConn. In relief of Lorenzen, Frazer went 8-for-15 to Louisville with a TD.

Rutgers-West Virginia

Mountaineers QB Pat White is expected to play despite a bruised thumb. Bob Warner of Lines-Maker.com says “it’s about White’s legs anyway. He could have finished last week,” but was taken out as a precaution in WVU’s 27-3 rout of state rival Marshall.

Washington-Arizona

Washington starting QB Jake Locker is out. In four games, he’s thrown for 512 yards, rushed for 180 and has a TD with his arm and three with his legs. Redshirt freshman Ronnie Fouch takes over. The Huskies will change the complexion of their offense as Fouch is a more traditional passer.

Texas Tech-Kansas State

Kansas State S Gary Chandler is suspended. He was the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year last year with 54 tackles.

Arizona State-California

California will be without RB Jahvid Best. This is a devastating injury as he ranks third in the country in all-purpose yards at 215.5 per game. For the best sports service picks in college football, check out OffshoreInsiders.com   

 

Official Betting Preview of Florida Atlantic-Middle Tennessee State

Here is the official betting preview of Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee State. The sportsbooks have MTSU as a 2-2.5 point favorite, with a total of 51.

FAU is 1-3 straight up, including 0-3 on the road. They are 2-2 against the spread and have gone over all three road contests. MTSU is also 1-3 straight up, but 1-1 at home. They are likewise 2-2 against the spread and all four of their games have gone under.

The Owls are 3-2 all-time straight up to the Red Raiders. We thought they were the Moccasins. FAU’s quarterback Rusty Smith has thrown five interceptions against just four TDs. The Owls have been smashed by a combined 54-3 in their last two games. Smith, the preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year has completed just 25 of his last 68 passes.

Brian Gould of ScoresOddsPicks.com says that Smith and his supporting cast are capable of much more. “Most of the starting lineup for an offense that averaged 31.2 points per game last year is back.”

MTSU has not faired much better, giving up 31 points in each of their Sun Belt Conference contests. Bob Warner of Lines-Maker.com says that MTSU has a very small and inexperienced offensive line. However, the Owls have shown no ability to stop mobile quarterbacks in the spread offense.

Keep in mind that Middle Tennessee does hold a win over Maryland, which was the Terrapins only setback in five games this year.

Neither team is facing a short week, each having not played in 10 days. The top football betting service in America is GodsTips. They have a huge play on tonight’s game. Details are on the home page of OffshoreInsiders.com

Tuesday Betting

promo/euro

The Minnesota Twins will be looking to punch their ticket to the postseason on Tuesday night by beating the Chicago White Sox. Here’s a look in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

You won’t want to shine the spotlight too brightly on Tuesday’s college football matchup, as it’s an underwhelming affair between 1-3 Florida Atlantic and 1-3 Middle Tennessee. The Owls managed to beat UAB a few weeks ago, but they couldn’t get much going against any of Texas, Michigan State, or Minnesota. The Blue Raiders’ lone win came against Maryland, and they’ve been beaten by Troy, Kentucky, and Arkansas State.

When these Sun Belt teams met last season Florida Atlantic came away with a 27-14 home win as 2.5-point favorites. Middle Tennessee had won the previous two meetings between these teams by identical scores of 35-14 (one at home, one on the road), covering the spread twice. The Blue Raiders opened as 1.5-point favorites for Tuesday.

Who to bet on to beat the Vegas odds on FAU and MTSU? The power of 620 sports services behind every selection is on a 43-23 run in football betting.

Kal Elner, a handicapper out of Reading, PA hits a consistent 65 percent when “waiving his normal star rating system”.  He is also the all-time top NBA totals capper. He waives the rating with his Added Rotation Game of the Year” on Florida Atlantic/Middle Tennessee State. Click now to purchase  for just $16 sports betting picks from the top sports services or you can get more information and a free sports pick

Other Notable Events

If mark to market accounting and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act has you looking for a bailout, the top betting experts at OffshoreInsiders.com are always here for you. Forget the nihilism radio touts or Paul Perrault to get your money back. Get the best sports handicappers here.

The White Sox managed to beat the Tigers in their makeup game on Monday, so now they’ll battle the Twins in a one-game playoff for first place in the AL Central and MLB’s final postseason berth on Tuesday. The winner of this game will move on to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, with that series getting underway Thursday afternoon.

The Twins will send Nick Blackburn (11-10, 4.15 ERA) to the mound on Tuesday, and the White Sox will counter with John Danks (11-9, 3.47 ERA). Righthander Blackburn beat the White Sox in his last outing, surrendering just two earned runs on eight hits over five innings. Lefthander Danks wasn’t as sharp in his last start, as he was knocked around for seven earned runs on seven hits over four innings of work by the Indians.

Survivor Gabon on CBS

One of the best sportsbooks for exotic odds Sportsbook.com has posted Ace Gordon as the Survivor Gabon favorite at +300. Crystal Cox and Matty Whitmore are next at +500. Dan Kay and Marcus Lehman are just a notch behind at +550.

The same bookmaker has the betting odds posted for the Amazing Race on CBS. Nick/Starr is the prohibitive favorite at +200. Andrew and Dan as well as Ken/Tina and Terenace/Sarah are +440. Personally we like Heidi Strobel.

In the past, the oddsmakers have foreseen the success of Mike Boschetti from “Last Comic Standing” and the winners of American Idol.

The Rest of the Schedule

It’s another slow day for sports on Tuesday, so your only other options are preseason hockey or whatever football games you have saved on your TiVo from the weekend.

News from the Wire

Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has a strained oblique, and his next start won’t come any earlier than Game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels . . . Angels pitcher Joe Saunders seemed to be recovered from his kidney stone on Sunday – he tossed six scoreless innings in a win versus the Rangers . . . the Ducks have finally brought veteran winger Teemu Selanne back into the fold, signing him to a two-year contract over the weekend…Alonzo Mourning has written a book “Resilience” that is sure to make waves….perhaps not as much as LA Times blogger the photogenic Lisa Guerrero, who calls New England Patriots fans fair weather. Philadelphia writer Phil Sheridan angers Phillies fans for a bizarre column today claiming the same thing about his hometown baseball squad.

Political Ticker

Barack Obama maintains his lead according to the political betting odds. Bruce Elliott, an opportunist apparently is big into painting nude portraits, the latest of VPILP Sarah Palin. It can be obscene and not heard at Chicago dive bar the Old Town Ale House. He apparently is also a collector of nude photos of Janet Jackson and Britney Spears. Do we really want to see Britney Spears nude?    

A Peek at the Future

The opening game of three baseball divisional playoff series are on the schedule for Wednesday, with Milwaukee at Philadelphia, the Dodgers at the Cubs, and Boston at the Angels. The league championship series are slated to get underway on October 9 and 10, while the first game of the World Series will be October 22 . . . the WNBA Finals get underway on Wednesday night in San Antonio and continue through the weekend.

Football handicappers are going over the updated NFL power rankings for Week 5 and the sharpest are checking out the college football power rankings as well.

Florida Atlantic-Middle Tennessee Preview

The Florida Atlantic Owls and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Horace Jones Field/Floyd Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Raiders listed as 3-point favorites versus the Owls, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Not much went right for Florida Atlantic in Week 4. QB Rusty Smith was 17-for-34 in air for 154 yards and no touchdowns in a 37-3 loss to Minnesota.
The Owls failed to pull off the upset and could not cover the 6.5-point spread, while the combined score of 40 played well UNDER the posted total of 61.5.
Middle Tennessee was defeated 31-14 by Arkansas State in Week 4, as 6.5-point road underdogs. The 45 points fell UNDER the posted total of 50.5.
Middle Tennessee had just 44 yards rushing in the loss.
Current streak:
Florida Atlantic has lost 2 straight games.
Middle Tennessee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida Atlantic: 1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS
Middle Tennessee: 1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS
Florida Atlantic most recently:
When playing in September are 5-5
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing within the conference are 8-2

Middle Tennessee most recently:
When playing in September are 3-7
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing within the conference are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Florida Atlantic’s last 12 games
Florida Atlantic is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Florida Atlantic is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Florida Atlantic is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Middle Tennessee’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Middle Tennessee’s last 5 games at home
Middle Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Middle Tennessee is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Florida Atlantic home to Troy, Tuesday, October 7
Middle Tennessee at Florida International, Saturday, October 11