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Volume 29, Issue 19-20
December 25-31, 2014
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1. 8 0 0 . P L A Y B O O K
2-MINUTE
HANDICAP
FOR A COMPLETE 2-MINUTE HANDICAP OF EVERY GAME
ON TODAY'S CARD, VISIT www.PLAYBOOK.com
ATS = Against The Spread • A = Away • Con = Conference • D = Dog
F = Favorite • H = Home • Rev = Revenge • R = Road • SU = Straight-Up
NFL Games
College Bowl Games
TEAMS
KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS
Friday, December 26
HEART OF DALLAS BOWL
Illinois
La Tech
6-win bowlers who allow > 32 PPG on season are 1-4 SUATS
Favorite is 1-4 ATS in Skip Holtz’s bowl games
QUICK LANE BOWL
Rutgers
N Carolina
Outgained 130 YPG vs fellow bowlers this season
ACC bowlers are 1-4 ATS as favs vs Big Ten opp
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL
NC State
C Florida
6-1 ATS L7 bowls, including 4-0 ATS off SU underdog win
Bowl favs who won SU as 6.5 pt larger dog LY are 9-18 ATS
Saturday, December 27
MILITARY BOWL
Va Tech
Cincinnati
Beamer: 7-2 ATS as a dog off SU underdog win
3-8 ATS as bowlers s/ 2000 (1-5 ATS vs opp off SUATS win)
SUN BOWL
Duke
Arizona St
ACC bowlers are 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS vs Pac-12 opp
2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS last six bowl games
INDEPENDENCE BOWL
Miami Fla
S Carolina
6-win bowl favs are 8-2 ATS vs 6-win bowl dogs
8-4 SU and 9-3 ATS L12 games vs ACC opp
PINSTRIPE BOWL
Penn St
Boston Coll
Big Ten bowlers off BB SUATS losses are 12-2-1 ATS
Tied nationally with Missouri for fewest fumbles lost (3)
HOLIDAY BOWL
Nebraska
Usc
Big Ten bowlers are 7-12 ATS vs Pac-12 opp
1st year coaches off ATS win of 24 > points are 6-2 SUATS
Monday, December 29
LIBERTY BOWL
W Virginia
Texas A&M
Big 12 bowlers are 1-9 SUATS vs SEC opp
Sumlin: 9-5 SU and ATS off SU favorite loss
RUSSELL ATHETIC BOWL
Clemson
Oklahoma
Held 9 opp to season low – or 2nd low – yards this year
Allowed fewest sacks (8) in the nation
TEXAS BOWL
Texas
Arkansas
1st year coaches off ATS loss of 25 > points are 0-5 SUATS
Favorites -3 > who won 3 < games last season are 6-17 ATS
Tuesday, December 30
MUSIC CITY BOWL
Notre Dame
Lsu
1-10 SU and 0-11 ATS as bowlers vs opp off SU win
1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS as bowlers off a SU win
BELK BOWL
Louisville
Georgia
3rd best rush defense (94 RYPG) in the nation
4th in nation in turnover margin (+15)
FOSTER FARMS BOWL
Maryland
Stanford
Edsall: 10-1 ATS away with winning record off SUATS loss
Pac-12 bowlers off BB SUATS wins are 17-6 ATS
Wednesday, December 31
CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL
Ole Miss
Tcu
12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS in bowl games S/1986
2nd in nation in turnover margin (+17) this season
FIESTA BOWL
Boise St
Arizona
MWC bowlers are 3-10 ATS off a SU win
1-5 ATS as favorites vs MWC opp not off a loss of 7 > pts
ORANGE BOWL
Ga Tech
Miss St
Johnson: 14-1 ATS as a dog +3 > pts vs opp off SU loss
Mullen: 8-25 SU vs .750 > opp… No.1 red zone defense
TEAMS
KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS
(All results are preseason ATS – Against The Spread – and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content
contained in this report remains exclusive private property of PLAYBOOK™ and the PLAYBOOK™ Database
and may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.
Sunday, December 28
Detroit
GREEN BAY
Jacksonville
HOUSTON
Cincinnati
PITTSBURGH
Indianapolis
TENNESSEE
Cleveland
BALTIMORE
Buffalo
NEW ENGLAND
Ny Jets
MIAMI
Carolina
ATLANTA
Chicago
MINNESOTA
San Diego
KANSAS CITY
Philadelphia
NY GIANTS
Dallas
WASHINGTON
New Orleans
TAMPA BAY
St. Louis
SEATTLE
Arizona
S FRANCISCO
Oakland
DENVER
0-3 L3 2nd BB A… 2-14 .500 > off SU A win vs opp off A
SERIES: 4-1 L5 H… 12-2 H w/ double rev vs .500 > opp
5-0 A w/ single rev vs div opp (1-0 TY)… 1-7 LRG
SERIES: 1-3-1 L5 H… 2-8 vs opp w/ single rev (2-1 TY)
4-0 dogs off H vs opp off H… 6-1 LRG dogs vs div opp
SERIES: 7-2 L9 / 5-2 L7 H… 0-5 favs off H vs opp off H
4-1 aft Dallas… 0-8 off non-div A vs opp w/ rev
SERIES: 0-4-1 L5… 7-1 LHG dogs… 5-1 off Thursday
1-5 LRG vs div… 2-10 off non-div w/ single rev vs div opp
SERIES: 1-3 L4 H… 1-5 .500 > off AFC South vs div opp
10-2 in 2nd BB A… 1-10 LRG dogs vs .500 > opp
5-1 aft NY Jets… 18-4 LHG… 1-8 O//U off SU 1 pt win
10-3 LRG vs div opp… 1-7 off H vs opp off H
SERIES: 2-8 L10 H… 0-4 LHG vs opp w/ rev
6-0 LRG dogs vs < .500 opp… 11-2 off AFC vs < .500 div
12-1 Game Sixteen off div… 1-4 < .500 LHG vs div opp
1-6 LRG dogs vs opp w/ rev… 9-0 O/U A off H
4-0 off AFC vs opp off H… 13-2 off A vs opp off H
5-0 LRG… 4-0 OFF NFC (3-0 TY)
0-7 LHG… 1-4 aft Pittsburgh vs opp off SU win
7-1 .500 > off SU fav loss vs < .500 div opp (0-1 TY)
0-8 H aft St. Louis… 1-5 < .500 off A vs opp off A
1-7 A off AFC vs < .500 off SU win… 1-6 LRG
SERIES: 4-0 L4 H… 7-0 LHG off SU win vs .500 > opp
5-1 LRG favs… 0-4 aft Atlanta… 1-5 Game Sixteen A
6-1 <. 500 dogs w/ rev aft G Bay… 1-7 LHG off non-div
6-1 aft allow 35 > pts… 0-7 < .500 LRG vs div opp
SERIES: 6-1 L7 H… 6-0 LHG w/ rev vs opp off SU loss
1-8 LRG off DD SU loss… 1-7 A aft score < 10 pts
SERIES: 4-1 L5 H… 7-1 off AFC vs opp off SU loss
5-0 < .500 DD div dogs w/ rev… 0-7 aft score 25 > pts
1-8 .500 > off SUATS A loss vs < .500 opp off H
AWESOME ANGLE
OF THE WEEK
PLAY ON any sub .500 NFL
division road dog with revenge
in its Last Game of the season
if they won 4 or more games
last year and are facing an
opponent off a SU underdog win.
Play On:
CAROLINA PANTHERS
page 2 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK
THE FINAL
CURTAIN
ATS W-L Record
Since 1980:
12-1
(92%)
THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL – DECEMBER 26-31
Remember: You Have A PLAYBOOK Recommendation Whenever Our Predicted Margin Of Victory Is 6 Or More Points Off The Opening Line
COLLEGE BOWLS
Friday, December 26
ZAXBY’S HEART OF DALLAS BOWL
Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX
Louisiana Tech over Illinois by 10
Zaxby’s slogan may be ‘real chicken’ but we’re not afraid to square off
against the Fighting Illini today at the Cotton Bowl as Skip Holtz’s Bulldogs
are 7-0 ATS versus fellow bowlers this season. Our brave database is also
not ‘winging it’ as it notes: bowlers off two SU underdog wins-exact (like
Illinois) are 0-9 SU and 2-7 ATS. It also reminds us that six-win bowl teams
who allow more than 32 PPG on the season are just 1-4 SUATS while
conference championship game losers (La Tech) are 8-4 ATS as bowlers
versus a foe off a SU dog win. Not to be outdone, our MIDWEEK ALERT
chimes in with this little tidbit: the Illini bring the worst rush defense (250
RYPG) of all bowl teams into this game, outgained by an average of 158
YPG against fellow bowlers this season. Worse, they arrive with the 2ndworst rushing attack of all the bowlers and may have to get things done
through the air. That doesn’t bode well against a Tech stop-unit that, along
with Louisville, led the nation in interceptions (25). Thus, we’ll lay it and
play it as the Bulldogs improve to 4-1 ATS as bowlers since 1990.
QUICK LANE BOWL
Ford Field • Detroit, MI
North Carolina over Rutgers by 6
It doesn’t appear as if there will be any pizza, pizza for the Tar Heels or
Knights as Ford Motor Company’s auto shop has replaced Little Caesars as
the title sponsor. That’s fine with us as neither of these squads particularly
whets our appetite. Sure, six-win bowl teams like North Carolina are 4835 ATS on the blind but the Heels are just 2-4 SU in their last six bowl tilts
while ACC bowlers are 1-4 ATS as chalk versus Big 10 opposition. Larry
Fedora’s crew also hits the Motor City with the 2nd-worst rush defense
of all the bowlers (232 RYPG) – leading to the recent dismissal of DC Vic
Koenning – and lowest time of possession. Then why is it better to give
than to receive the day after Christmas, especially considering the Knights
are 5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS in bowl games since 2005? For starters, Rutgers is
0-5 ATS with rest versus ACC foes. More importantly, the Scarlet went 1-5
‘ITS’ down the stretch as they were outgained by an average of 89 YPG
in the 2nd half of the season. In addition, our Bowl Stat Report tells us
that the Knights were dominated all season long by fellow bowlers as they
allowed 130 more yards than they gained against the better competition.
So while we’ll probably return a few ties and sweaters while this one is
going on, we say break crust with the Heels… but only if you must. Just
hold the anchovies.
PLAYBOOK MIDWEEK ALERT
1.800.752.9266/PLAYBOOK.com
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V II A
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THIS WEEK'S AMAZING SITUATIONAL PLAY
This coach shows no mercy when taking on an opponent off a SU loss,
going 44-6 SU and 31-16-1 ATS in his career. Better yet, he is 19-4 ATS
in these games when not forced to lay more than 13 points.
Who is this week’s ‘kick ‘em while they’re down’ taskmaster?
BITCOIN ST. PETERSBURG BOWL
Tropicana Field • St. Petersburg, FL
3 BEST BET
NC State over Central Florida by 10
While we’d love to make some clever reference to the St. Petersburg
Bowl sponsor, the truth is we still didn’t know how the hell a Bitcoin
works – even after Googling it! However, we’ll throw a bit of our
own coin on the Wolfpack here as pre-New Year’s Day ACC bowl
dogs are a moneymaking 20-10 ATS versus an opponent off a SU win.
The Pack also qualify as a mission team (losing record last year with
three consecutive winning seasons prior) and these squads are 2617-1 ATS as bowlers, including 4-0 ATS off back-to-back SUATS wins.
In addition, bowl dogs off a SU underdog win are 7-3 SUATS since
1980 versus a foe also off a SU underdog win, including 4-0 SUATS
as pups of 4 or less points. And that suits the Raleigh gang to a tee
as they own a 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS bowl log since 2002. We also can’t
forget that 2nd-year head coach Dave Doeren is a well-prepared
5-1 ATS with rest. That’s not a slight on the veteran George O’Leary,
who led the Knights to a major upset of Baylor as 17-point dogs in
last year’s Fiesta Bowl, but his team did play on New Year’s Day last
season and now hits the alleys considerably earlier. UCF also faced
the 10th easiest slate (opponents W/L percentage is .455) of all bowl
teams this season, making it difficult to overcome the fact that .800
or less bowl favorites – who are 3-0 SUATS to end the year – are just
14-24 SU and 11-27 ATS in bowl action. However, since this is a BEST
BET, we’ll leave you with The Clincher: Pre-New Year’s day dogs
who rush for 200 or more yards, facing an opponent that does
not rush for 200 or more yards, are 15-2 ATS if they won 6 or
fewer games last season and are facing a foe off back-to-back
SU wins that allows 15 or more PPG.
INCREDIBLE STAT OF THE WEEK
The Detroit Lions have lost 20 consecutive
games at Lambeau Field while managing to
beat the spread only 5 times in those games.
Be sure to read the INCREDIBLE STAT OF THE WEEK
each week in the PLAYBOOK Football Newsletter!
For the Trivia Teaser answer, turn to page 6.
1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 3
Saturday, December 27
MILITARY BOWL
PRESENTED BY NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD
Virginia Tech over Cincinnati by 4
Forget the Hokey Pokey. Frank Beamer must have used some hocus-pocus
to vault Tech to a 22nd straight bowl appearance. How else can you explain
the fact that he got his Hokies quickly off the mat after a crippling loss
at Wake Forest just in time to rally the troops past Virginia in the season
finale, notching the bowl-eligible sixth win? And if you remember the last
time that Beamer needed a win on the last day of the regular season (2012)
to keep his bowl skein alive, the Hokies promptly topped Rutgers in the
Russell Athletic Bowl. That was a pick ‘em affair so we’re not about to
turn down the points today in Annapolis as the favorite in this series is 2-7
ATS since 1985, including the 2009 Orange Bowl when Cincy lost, 20-7, as
2.5-point chalk. And like NC State above, pre-New Year’s Day bowl dogs
are 20-10 ATS versus an opponent off a SU win. The Blacksburg bunch is
an equally impressive 20-10 ATS versus .750 or greater opposition while
Beamer, himself, is 7-2 ATS as a dog off a SU underdog win. And though
Tech’s 3-9 ATS mark as bowlers versus a foe off a SUATS win is a concern,
Cincy’s 3-8 ATS log in bowl games since 2000 – including 1-5 ATS versus
an opponent off a SUATS win – isn’t much better. So the feeling here is
if the Hokies can take care of the ball (the Bearcats, along with Michigan
State, led the nation in fumbles recovered with 16), they won’t need any
Black(sburg) magic to get the win. Hence, we’ll shake it all about with
Beamer and company.
HYUNDAI SUN BOWL
Sun Bowl Stadium • El Paso, TX
4 BEST BET
Duke over Arizona St by 6
In this battle of Devils, we’ll keep out of the ‘Sun’ and stay true ‘Blue’
to our database despite the fact that Duke’s last bowl win was in the
1961 Cotton Bowl. Sure, David Cutcliffe’s clan wishes they were back
in the ‘Land of Cotton’ (though Arlington isn’t exactly Dixie Land),
but we can’t ‘look away’ after our lean machine informs us that preNew Year’s Day dogs of more than 7 points with winning records are
33-10-4 ATS versus a foe off a SU loss. It’s also ‘not forgotten’ that
ASU is 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS in bowl affairs since 2005 and 1-4 ‘ITS’
since Halloween, having regressed 70 net YPG from the first half of
the season to the second. More so, pre-New Year’s Day chalk of 8 or
more points off a SU loss are 13-35-4 ATS. Let’s face it – this is truly
a case of a disinterested favorite landing in a lower tier bowl than
they had hoped for after cracking the Top 10 in early November. We
realize that the Dukies faced a cupcake schedule (opponents’ W/L
percentage is .379) but they are a comfortable 8-4 SU and 9-3 ATS
outside of Durham the past two seasons while underrated HC David
Cutcliffe is 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS as a bowl dog. The bottom line is we’ll
‘take our stand’ with The Clincher: Pre-New Year’s Day dogs of
7 or more points off a SUATS win are 16-1 ATS when facing an
opponent off a SU loss.
DUCK COMMANDER INDEPENDENCE BOWL
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NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL
Yankee Stadium • Bronx, NY
Penn St over Boston College by 3
After putting together an impressive postseason streak of eight straight
victories from 2000-07, Boston College will try to snap a 4-game bowllosing skid this afternoon. As for the Nittany Lions, their only plans for the
Christmas season were to open gifts in front of the tree and sip a little egg
nog until the NCAA played Santa and lifted Penn State’s bowl ban earlier
this year. Both teams are superb at stopping the run: Penn State is ranked
No. 1 in the nation in rush defense (allowed just 85 YPG) and will need
another big effort to stop the Eagles, who are ranked 14th in the country
with 251.8 YPG, led by QB Tyler Murphy and RB Jon Hilliman (combined for
nearly 1,800 yards on the ground this season). And when is the last time
you saw a defensive tackle with three interceptions? PSU junior Anthony
Zettel did the trick, along with knocking down five more passes and adding
eight sacks. The Eagles allowed just 95 YPG rushing this year (4th in the
nation) so they should be able to control a Nittany Lion ground attack
that is ranked last in rushing among bowl teams (just 103.6 YPG). But BC
must also take advantage of a weak Penn State OL that finished the season
tied with Tennessee for the most sacks allowed in the FBS (42). It seems
fitting that these traditional Northeastern powers are meeting in Yankee
Stadium despite the fact that they are now mid-level teams in the Big 10
and ACC conferences. Penn State holds a 10-4 ATS series advantage, with
BC favored for the first time ever in this contest. James Franklin will try to
buck a serious trend, as 1st-year head coaches coming off a SU loss are just
14-27 ATS. Meanwhile, Steve Addazio, with contract extension in hand, will
attempt to improve on a 1-4 spread mark for ACC favorites facing a Big 10
foe. We’d be lion if we didn’t say we like the Nits.
Independence Stadium • Shreveport, LA
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY BOWL
South Carolina over Miami Fla by 4
Qualcomm Stadium • San Diego, CA
The Hurricanes may have the best player on the field in Duck, err, Duke
Johnson, and they figure to control the line of scrimmage (+1.6 net YPR
against fellow bowlers as compared to South Carolina’s -1.4) but we’re a
bit surprised they have been steamed up to 3.5 point chalk considering
they ended the season on a 0-3 SUATS slide. Yes, ACC bowlers off back-toback SU losses are 15-5 ATS, including 7-1 ATS as chalk, and six-win bowl
favorites are 8-2 ATS versus six-win bowl dogs. But the ‘Canes are just 1-5
SU in their last six bowl tilts while the ‘Cocks are a ‘Game’ 3-0 SU in bowl
frays since 2011. The Columbia crew is also 8-4 SU and 9-3 ATS in their
last dozen versus ACC opposition while SEC bowl dogs off a double-digit
ATS loss are 16-6 ATS. Plus, it’s not often we find the Ol’ Ball Coach taking
points this time of year (only the second time in nine bowl games with
the Gamecocks). Now you can see why it’s a good thing that our database
is an ‘Independent’ thinker and leaves public opinion to the polls. Grab
the generous spot as Spurrier commands his troops to a fourth straight
bowl victory.
Usc over Nebraska by 1
Nebraska TE coach Barney Cotton, who was a head coach at Hastings
College in 1995-96, will serve as interim coach today following Bo Pelini’s
firing before Mike Riley takes over next season. He is one of five assistant
coaches serving in that role this bowl season, and he’ll be running smack
dab into a 2-10 ATS trend for interim coaches in post-season play if their
team is an underdog facing a team coming off a SU win. Still, the Huskers
have something to prove, especially star RB Ameer Abdullah, who saw his
Heisman bid derailed by a sprained knee suffered against Purdue. Upon
his return, the senior finished the campaign with over 1,500 yards but was
held to under 100 yards in two of the final three regular season games
NOTE: Home team is shown in ALL CAPS. PLAYBOOK
selection is Underlined and Bold. Should we pass or not have a
strong opinion on a game, neither team will be bolded.
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after surpassing the 200-yard mark four times in Nebraska’s first eight
games. Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian takes his squad down the coast for his
first post-season game as head man at Southern Cal, but his team was just
1-3 against current top 25 teams this season. As usual, plenty of future NFL
players populate the USC roster, including a probable Top 10 pick in DL
Leonard Williams, along with QB Cody Kessler, who will wait until after
this game before deciding whether to return for his senior season. Kessler
threw for nearly 3,600 yards and 36 TD’s, over a third of those to favorite
target Nelson Agholor. Keep in mind that pre-New Year’s Day ACC bowl
favorites of 6 points or more are just 11-21-1 ATS, while bowlers with 1styear coaches (USC’s Sarkisian) are 2-10 ATS when facing an opponent off
a SU underdog win. Take your holiday advice from us and take the points.
Monday, December 29
AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium • Memphis, TN
Texas A&M over West Virginia by 3
The aspect of this game that popped out at us immediately is the failure
of both teams to protect the football, with the Mountaineers owning the
worst turnover margin among bowl teams at -15, while the Aggies are
ranked 3rd (-7). In fact, West Virginia has lost 18 fumbles this season while
recovering only two by its opponents. Then, when we realized that Big 12
bowlers are 1-9 SUATS in the last 10 meetings versus SEC foes – plus the
fact that the hillbillies are just 1-4 ATS in bowl games since 2008 – we were
ready to join Aggie Nation for this one. However, the well-oiled machine
tried to persuade us to join the mountain folk when it warned us that
mission teams like WVU (losing record last year with three consecutive
winning seasons prior) are 26-17-1 ATS as bowlers. In addition, A&M’s
soft defense (No. 102 in the nation overall) was on the field a lot with the
Aggies ranked as the 3rd worst team in the land in time of possession this
season. So despite a slew of bad numbers for both teams, we turned to the
well-oiled machine for one more look. It delivered: bowl dogs of 6 or less
points off back-to-back SU losses are 18-4 ATS when facing an opponent
off a SU win of 13 or more points. So in the end, we’ll be a part of the 12th
Man contingent – just don’t expect us to be doing any pushups.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL
Florida Citrus Bowl • Orlando, FL
Clemson over Oklahoma by 4
Clemson’s freshman QB Deshaun Watson is an emerging star, but will
miss this game after undergoing his second ACL surgery of the season on
December 12th. That means the Tigers will have to go back to senior Cole
Stoudt, who played poorly in Clemmie’s early games and after Watson went
out in mid-season. Dabo Swinney will have to rely on big performances from
RB’s Wayne Gallman and Tyshon Dye, along with DC Brett Venables’ defense.
Ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense (allowed just 259.6 YPG), the
Tiger ‘D’ held NINE opponents to season low – or 2nd low – yards this year.
Venables coached at Oklahoma from 1999-2011 before being brought in
by Swinney following that 70-point nightmare in the 2012 Orange Bowl at
the hands of West Virginia. On offense, the Sooners are explosive, led by
record-setting RB Samaje Perrine, but the most interesting matchup could
be Oklahoma’s offensive line (led the nation by allowing just 8 sacks) versus
Clemson’s D-line (All-American DE Vic Beasley posted 11 sacks by himself).
Keep in mind that the underdog in Tigers’ bowl games is 9-1 ATS, including
7-1 SUATS the last eight, plus the fact that Bowl favorites who won SU as
6.5-point or larger bowl dogs last year are 0-9 ATS when off a SUATS loss
(Bob Stoops’ team beat Alabama 45-31 as 16.5-point dogs in the Sugar Bowl
last year). The bottom line is the Sooners had their sights set on making the
CFB Playoffs (No. 4 ranked team in preseason polls) so a fall from the Sugar
Bowl last season to the Russell Athletic Bowl here is a kick in the nuts for
Big Game Bob’s boys. Enjoy the Orlando theme parks while you can, fellas.
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ADVOCARE V100 TEXAS BOWL
NRG Stadium • Houston, TX
Arkansas over Texas by 11
It took the Horns a while to get on the same page with new coach Charlie
Strong following a bevy of player dismissals, suspensions and transfers but
they rallied to finish 3-1 and garner this bowl bid… and that just might be
good enough in their minds. After all, Texas has not made a habit of ringing
the register during bowl season, going just 8-16 versus the number in the
post-season. In addition, Big 12 bowlers have gone just 1-9 SUATS against
SEC opponents. Not that the Razorbacks are much better around Christmas
as they’ve posted a bowl spread mark of just 5-14 (also, bowl favorites of 3
or more points who won three or less games the previous season are 6-17
ATS). However, the Hogs do have the No. 3 red zone defense in the nation,
and they have covered the number in four of the last five meetings with
Texas. Our hard-working database tossed us a couple of other tidbits: the
Longhorns are 0-6 ATS as bowlers versus foes coming off a SUATS loss,
and 6-win bowl favorites are 8-2 ATS against 6-win bowl dogs. Finally,
realize that Bret Bielema is 35-6 SU versus non-conference opposition while
Charlie Strong is one of those 1st-year coaches who is coming off a beating
of 25 or more points, which puts him at the mercy of an 0-5 ATS trend. That
should be enough to have you sitting on the couch with John Daly yelling,
“Woo Pig Sooie!”
Tuesday, December 30
FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTAGE
MUSIC CITY BOWL
LP Field • Nashville, TN
Lsu over Notre Dame by 1
The heat is on HC Brian Kelly as the Fighting Irish finished the season 1-5
after a 6-0 start, and are riding a 0-5 ATS losing slide entering this contest…
sounds more like the ‘Skidding Irish’ to us. For LSU, playing before New
Year’s Day is almost a slap in the face for this program. The Tiger faithful
are growing restless as the last appearance in a meaningful bowl game for
the Mad Hatter was the 2012 BCS title game where his team lost 21-0 to
Alabama. However, a couple of rankings look pretty good on the Tigers’
resume heading into this contest: they own the 3rd best pass defense of
all bowlers (162 PYPG) and the 3rd best time of possession among bowl
teams. The problem, however, is the Tigers’ 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS mark as
bowlers in games off a SU win. The last meeting between these schools
was in the 2007 Sugar Bowl when LSU mopped up the Superdome with the
Irish, 41-14. Notre Dame is also 1-4 SUATS against the SEC in bowl games,
not to mention owning a 1-10 SU mark and a 0-11 ATS record as bowlers
versus foes coming off a SU win. Caution though: the Irish qualify as an
AWESOME ANGLE play in this year’s COLLEGE BOWL STAT REPORT – and
that’s good enough for us. As for this night, it will be the Nashville Cats
whining a sad country ballad while Notre Dame backers end up singing a
happy tune in Music City.
PLAYBOOK MIDWEEK ALERT
1.800.752.9266/PLAYBOOK.com
1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 5
BELK BOWL
Bank of America Stadium • Charlotte, NC
5 BEST BET
Louisville over Georgia by 6
He’s not on our holiday gift-giving list – and probably never will be –
but we’ll have to admit that Louisville’s Bobby Petrino is one helluva
college football head coach. He knows how to surround himself
with a staff that shows up on game day and he gets the most out
of players that aren’t recruited by the glamour programs. Best of all,
though, he’s a solid bet to cover the pointspread every time his teams
take the field. Petrino’s 7-5 ATS mark in 2014 may be just short of his
previous 60% career mark with the Cardinals but it looks better than
Georgia HC Mark Richt’s current 9-13-1 ATS run since the start of last
season. As for the eternally-troubled Richt, he of the furrowed brow
and confused expression, the 14-year leader is seen by exasperated
Bulldogs fans as continually underachieving despite landing talent
that could start for Alabama. One of those is our very own SEC
Scout, Jaybird The Bulldog. “He wins just enough to keep his job. We
don’t lose games because of the players… take a look at the sideline
during that Florida game. Yeh, he’s won two SEC Championships
but we’ve played for the title only twice since 2005. Georgia can do
better.” That’s enough to tell us that the Bulldogs qualify as a deeply
disappointed bowler – and they should be. UGA was ranked No. 12
in the preseason polls and as high as No. 8 in the Playoff polls before
tumbling to a minor bowl on the heels of a home loss to Georgia
Tech as double-digit chalk in overtime. Louisville managed to close
out its regular season with a pair of heart-stopping wins over Notre
Dame and Kentucky and the Cards bring the nation’s 3rd-best rush
defense (94 RYPG) to this evening’s game at Charlotte. Along with
Northern Illinois, the ‘Ville also intercepted the most passes in the
nation this season (25) and yielded 40 YPG overall less than UGA’s
defense. As for Petrino, he’s won 20 straight games when facing an
opponent off a SU loss, and when his team shows up in that role off
a SU win of their own, BP has posted an impressive 31-3 SU and 23-11
ATS record. More bad news for Georgia: pre-New Year’s Day bowl
favorites of 6 or more points off a SU favorite loss are 9-24-4 ATS,
numbers that reinforce Louie’s 3-1 SUATS postseason push the last
four years. And the coaching matchup between Petrino and Richt?
“Hey,” says Jaybird, “if I handed ‘em both a machete and put ‘em
in steel cage, I KNOW who my money would be on!” If that’s not
enough to sway you, first visit our TRIVIA TEASER on page 3, then
proceed to The Clincher: Pre-New Year’s Day bowl favorites of
6 or more points off a SU favorite loss are 1-10-2 ATS versus an
opponent off a spread loss of 4 or more points.
FOSTER FARMS BOWL
Levi’s Stadium • Santa Clara, CA
Stanford over Maryland by 7
We used to enjoy watching the Terps when big Ralph Friedgen strolled
the sidelines and the Terps wore uniforms that failed to provoke seizures
when viewed. Apparently, Ralph refused to take part in his recommended
daily requirement for sit-ups and other waist-trimming exercises and the
image-conscious Maryland brain trust sent him packing in favor of UConn’s
Randy Edsall, a Drill Instructor look-a-alike if there ever was one. Four years
later, Edsall is limping into his second straight bowl with an overall mark of
20-29, the Terrapins are in the Big 10 and they continue to wear helmets
and uniforms so incredibly god-awful that they’d get a Project Runway
contestant kicked out in the first round. But as unappealing as Maryland
may be (line opened with UM a 13.5 point underdog), they’re not that much
worse than a Stanford team that’s failed to live up to its press clippings all
season long. That’s right, another disinterested pre-New Year’s Day bowl
favorite – and how the mighty have fallen. The Cardinal had been to major
New Year’s day bowl games each of the last four years but now must settle
on driving from home to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to face a team they’re
expected to defeat handily. Where’s the fun in that? Our database wonders,
too, informing us that pre-New Year’s Day Pac-12 bowl favorites of 6 or
more points are a weak 11-21-1 ATS. The lightly-regarded Terps are actually
pretty good at playing possum, going 5-2 SUATS in their previous seven bowl
trips and Sgt. Edsall owns an outstanding 10-1 ATS mark on the road when
playing with a winning record off SUATS loss. Honestly, do you want to lay
doubles with a team that owns the WORST red zone offense of all 2014
bowlers? Hang on, our database has just supplied the Turtle Wax: Stanford
is only 1-14 SU and 3-14 ATS away from the Farm in non-conference games
off a conference tilt. We’ll take the points today and make ‘em shine.
MARC LAWRENCE'S LEGENDARY
.
10 NFL
GAME OF THE YEAR!
Goes Sunday, December 28th!
Marc is documented No.1 in
the NFL by the Sports Monitor
in Oklahoma at 27-8 this season!
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Wednesday, December 31
CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL
Georgia Dome • Atlanta, GA
Tcu over Ole Miss by 4
Time for TCU’s ‘damned if they do, damned if they don’t’ bowl. Talk about
a tough spot for Horned Frogs HC Gary Patterson: if he beats Ole Miss, the
critics will point out that he has merely defeated the third best team in the
SEC West. Should 11-1 TCU go down, those who said the Froggies didn’t
belong in the CFB Final Four will be clucking like hens and crying ‘fraud’.
All that aside, however, choosing either team in this unusual matchup is
one tough call as both squads bring good and bad numbers into the fray.
We’ll start with the pride of Forth Worth. Not only are the Horned Ones
a battle-tested 7-1 SUATS versus fellow bowlers this year, they also rank
2nd nationally in turnover margin at +17. Yes, decorated Mississippi QB
Bo Wallace had better beware: the Froggies ‘D’ managed to pilfer the
3rd most interceptions (23) in the FBS. But as soon as we start wearing
purple, we realize that TCU has not cashed a ticket in five consecutive
bowl games, and that Big 12 bowlers are in over their heads against SEC
foes, posting an anemic 1-9 SUATS mark. As for the Rebels, they get our
attention with a money-making 12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS effort in bowls since
1986, while HC Hugh Freeze is like a walking ATM against non-conference
opposition, currently standing 13-1 ATS. Gee, too bad that Freeze’s offense
is the 2nd worst of all bowlers when they get into the red zone. And it’s
entirely possible that Ole Miss may well be worn down here after facing
the toughest schedule, along with Auburn, of all bowlers this year – an
intimidating .648 opponent win percentage. Still, despite TCU’s rep for
fielding a fearsome stop-unit, Mississippi can actually claim a 50 YPG-better
defense than the Frogs when comparing regular season results versus
fellow bowl teams. See what we mean? We’ll bring this process to a halt by
focusing on one key stat: Mission teams like TCU (posted a losing record the
previous year after winning for three consecutive seasons prior) are 16-3-1
ATS as bowlers in games where they own a win percentage of more than
.700, including 6-0 SUATS since 2008. Thus, we’ll call for the Horned Frogs
to register Win No. 12 and slip past the number by the barest of margins.
VIZIO FIESTA BOWL
University of Phoenix Stadium • Glendale, AZ
Boise St over Arizona by 3
It must be disturbing for Arizona to be considered the ‘home’ team today
while playing on the turf of its most hated rival, the Sun Devils of ASU.
More disturbing for us is the fact that the Wildcats are a feeble 1-5 ATS
as chalk versus a Mountain West Conference opponent that is not off a
loss of 7 or more points. A 3-2 start had some thinking that Boise Blue
would start to fade with the loss of program-building head coach Chris
Petersen to Washington. But after a surprising setback to Air Force as
13-point road chalk in late September, the Broncos busted out of the
stall with eight straight wins, including their MWC Championship Game
defeat of Fresno State. First-year HC Bryan Harsin – who played at BSU and
coached alongside Dan Hawkins and Petersen – has molded a team that’s
strong on both sides of the ball. His offense tallied an amazing 61 red zone
scores this year, the most in the FBS, and the defense did its part by holding
page 6 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK
four opponents to season-low yards. Our MIDWEEK ALERT reports that
the Wildcats were outgained in five of their seven games to conclude the
campaign while our COLLEGE BOWL STAT REPORT finds their defense
was gashed for a ridiculous 455 YPG by fellow bowlers in 2014. In addition,
Arizona HC Rich Rodriguez is a not-so-encouraging 2-5 ATS in postseason
play and the Wildcats have grabbed the cash in just one of their previous
four bowl games. Meanwhile, Boise State has gone 5-2 SU versus Pac-12
foes of late and this trip to Tempe marks the Broncos’ 13th consecutive
bowl appearance. Last year Arizona won by 23 points in its bowl game
while the Broncos lost by 15 points in their bowl. Both teams come back to
the norm here this afternoon.
UPSET
GAME OF THE WEEK
UPSET
CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL
Sun Life Stadium • Miami Gardens, FL
Georgia Tech over Mississippi St by 1
The MSU -7 opening line on this game sure seems suspicious. In Georgia
Tech, we’ve got a team that closed out the regular season with five straight
wins before falling by only 2 points to defending national champion Florida
State in the ACC Championship game. The Jackets also brought home
the money in all six of those contests and HC Paul Johnson – this year’s
ACC Coach of the Year – stands 18-3 ATS as a dog versus an opponent
off a SU loss. With Mississippi State, we’ve got a team that faltered down
the stretch, crashing down from its No. 1 ranking after losing two of its
final three contests. While the Orange Bowl is quite an accomplishment
for Dan Mullen’s team, it’s not the College Football Playoffs – where the
Bulldogs appeared headed after a 9-0 start to the season. So was it last
year’s 44-7 Liberty Bowl rout of Rice that has linesmakers convinced that
MSU is too tough to tame with a month off to prepare? We can’t find any
other possible explanation. Mullen, this year’s Maxwell Collegiate Coach
of the Year, just so happens to own a horrid 8-25 SU record versus .750 or
greater adversaries, plus his team finished the season with the 2nd worst
pass defense of all bowlers (285 PYPG). And while we’re certainly aware
of State’s No. 1 ranked red zone ‘D’, the Yellow Jackets’ counter with the
2nd-best time of possession for all of this season’s bowlers. Our database
also backs the Rambling Wreck tonight: Bowl dogs of 7 or more points who
lost their conference championship game are a sweet 7-1 ATS while preNew Year’s Day bowl favorites of 6 or more points off a SU favorite loss are
9-24-4 ATS. Yeh, it looks too easy but sometimes the obvious works. Grab
the points as Georgia Tech rides its 333 YPG rushing attack to an outright
upset of the overpriced Bulldogs. The Clincher: Tech HC Paul Johnson
is 14-1 ATS as a dog of 3 or more points versus a foe off a SU loss.
PRO FOOTBALL
Sunday, December 28
5 BEST BET
GREEN BAY over Detroit by 17
“Welcome to My Nightmare” was the way Alice Cooper once put it,
and if he coached the Lions, he definitely would have been talking
about Lambeau Field. While things fell into place for Detroit with
Philly’s loss last Saturday to earn the Motor City Kitties a spot in the
post-season, now the Lions have to do it themselves against their
archrivals on the frozen tundra to grab a division title and a 1st-round
bye. That’s where the dream turns ugly. Not only are the Lions 0-11
SU and 2-8-1 ATS here when the Pack is off a SU win, you have travel
back in a time machine to find the Lions’ last win over Green Bay in
Wisconsin (it was in 1991 over Mike Tomczak). The Packers are playing
for the No. 1 seed and will get it with a win if Seattle and Arizona
both lose, and while the likelihood of that happening is remote at
best, the Pack will take the field ahead of both the Seahawks and
Cardinals looking to ensure their end of the equation. Meanwhile,
Aaron Rodgers is 11-1 SU and 9-3 ATS at home in December, including
10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS when the Packers own a winning record, and
9-1 SUATS as a home favorite of less than 10 points versus division
opponents. Maybe the Lions have gotten a little too comfy playing all
those home games under the dome, but in frigid Green Bay, there’s
only one way to look. The Clincher: Our INCREDIBLE STAT on page
3 cements it.
HOUSTON over Jacksonville by 6
The Texans are still alive for a playoff berth, although their chances
are slim (and many insist slim just left town), as they need a win here
combined with San Diego and Baltimore losses. The biggest concern is
a second game letdown by savior QB Case Keenum, who is 1-8 SU as a
starter in this league, including 0-4 SUATS versus division foes and 0-3
SUATS as a favorite (with a pair of SU double-digit chalk losses). The
Jags have never been great when finishing out the road portion of their
schedule, going 0-8 SU and 1-7 ATS in Last Road Games over the past
eight seasons, but overall, they are 3-1-1 ATS versus the Texans on the
road. The numbers for the Jaguars are spotty at best, but we found one
for the cats that we really like: 5-0 ATS against division opponents when
seeking single-revenge exact. With two inexperienced QB’s going up
against one another, we’ll saddle up with the one without the intense
pressure to succeed.
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh by 1
Still plenty to play for here despite the fact that both teams have clinched
a spot in the playoffs: the Steelers will host a post-season game with a
victory while they drop into the Wild Card slot with a loss. For both teams,
the difference is a No. 3 seed with a win versus a No. 5 spot with a defeat.
There is also the outside possibility that Cincy can snatch a 1st-round bye
if the Raiders can beat the Broncos in Denver. Pittsburgh has held the
upper hand in this series, going 7-2 SUATS in the last 9 meetings, and is
6-0 SU and 5-0-1 ATS in Last Home Games. On the flip side, the Bengals
have covered four straight times as underdogs coming off a home game
versus an opponent also off a home tilt, plus they are 6-1 ATS as division
dogs in Last Road Games. So, in a game with both teams bringing edges,
it’s the well-oiled machine that casts the final vote: winning division dogs
seeking revenge in season ending games are 25-9-1 ATS. Yeah, we’ll take
it, and the points.
Indianapolis over TENNESSEE by 4
The Colts are likely locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC, meaning they
will be playing in the Wild Card round next week, so don’t look for a
lot of playing time for Andrew Luck and most of the starters in this
meaningless scrimmage. Still, it’s rather difficult to make a strong case
for a team that looks to be firmly entrenched in the “suck for a duck”
race for the rights to Marcus Mariota, especially when their only home
win of this campaign came against the lowly Jaguars in a win-no-cover
here back in mid-October... but nonetheless, we’ll attempt to make one
because that’s what we do. The Titans are 7-1 ATS as a dog in their Last
Home Game over the past eight seasons and 5-1 versus the number when
they have a couple of extra days to prepare after playing on a Thursday
night. Meanwhile, Indy is just 1-11 ATS in season-enders when taking on
a sub .500 opponent, and a miserable 0-8 ATS when coming off a nondivision road game and battling a foe playing with revenge. Tennessee
has lost nine straight games so there’s no need to start winning now,
not when they are this close to either Mariota or Winston, but of course,
they have to look like they are trying. Otherwise, the NFL will be raiding
their bank accounts in the “best interests of the game.” Thanks for the
speech, Roger.
1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 7
(continued on page 9)
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE
Below are the various playoff scenarios for the final week of the NFL regular season:
2014 AFC PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
CLINCHED:
New England Patriots - East Division & home field advantage
Denver Broncos - West Division
Indianapolis Colts - South Division
Pittsburgh Steelers - Playoff Spot
Cincinnati Bengals - Playoff Spot
DENVER (vs Oakland)
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win or tie
• Cincinnati loss
• Cincinnati tie + Indianapolis win
CINCINNATI (at Pittsburgh)
Clinches AFC North:
• Win or tie
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win + Denver loss or tie
• Tie + Denver loss + Indianapolis loss or tie
PITTSBURGH (vs Cincinnati)
Clinches AFC North:
• Win
SAN DIEGO (at Kansas City)
Clinches a playoff spot with:
• Win
• Tie + Baltimore loss or tie
BALTIMORE (vs Cleveland)
Clinches a playoff spot with:
• Win + San Diego loss or tie
• Tie + San Diego loss
KANSAS CITY (vs San Diego)
Clinches a playoff spot with:
• Win + Baltimore loss + Houston loss or tie
HOUSTON (vs Jacksonville)
Clinches a playoff spot with:
• Win + Baltimore loss + San Diego loss
MARC LAWRENCE'S LEGENDARY
10 NFL
GAME OF THE YEAR!
Goes Sunday, December 28th!
Marc is documented No.1 in
the NFL by the Sports Monitor
in Oklahoma at 27-8 this season!
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2014 NFC PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
CLINCHED:
Dallas Cowboys - East Division
Seattle Seahawks - Playoff Spot • Arizona Cardinals - Playoff Spot
Detroit Lions - Playoff Spot • Green Bay Packers - Playoff Spot
DALLAS (at Washington)
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie + Arizona loss or tie
• Win + Detroit-Green Bay tie
• Tie + Seattle loss + Arizona loss
• Tie + Seattle tie + Arizona loss or tie
+ Detroit-Green Bay game does not end in tie
Home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
• Win + Arizona loss or tie + Detroit-Green Bay tie
SEATTLE (vs. St. Louis)
Clinches West Division with:
• Win
• Tie + Arizona loss or tie
• Arizona loss
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss + Dallas loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss + Detroit-Green Bay tie
Home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
• Win + Detroit-Green Bay game does not end in tie
• Win + Dallas loss or tie
• Tie + Arizona loss or tie + Dallas loss + Det-G Bay tie
ARIZONA (at San Francisco)
Clinches West Division with:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win
• Tie + Arizona loss or tie + Dallas loss
• Tie + Arizona loss or tie + Detroit-Green Bay tie
Home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie + Green Bay loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss, Dallas loss or tie + Det-G Bay tie
DETROIT (at Green Bay)
Clinches North Division with:
• Win or tie
Clinches first-round bye with:
• Win
• Tie + Dallas loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss + Arizona loss
Clinches home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie + Arizona loss or tie
• Tie + Seattle loss + Arizona loss + Dallas loss or tie
GREEN BAY (vs. Detroit)
Clinches North Division and first-round bye with:
• Win
Clinches home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs:
• Win + Seattle loss or tie
ATLANTA (vs. Carolina)
Clinches South Division with:
• Win
CAROLINA (at Atlanta)
Clinches South Division with:
• Win
page 8 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK
BALTIMORE over Cleveland by 15
The Browns are going down the drain like a new bride’s wedding ring after
washing up her first set of dirty dishes. An 0-4 slide in the last four games
means they will need to win this game to avoid a non-losing record for the
first time since 2007. Complicating matters, QB’s Johnny Manziel (out with
hamstring) and Brian Hoyer (sore shoulder) will probably both be watching
the game from the sidelines. If that’s the case, rookie QB Connor Shaw
will get the start. Shaw was 27-5 as a starter at South Carolina, including
17-0 at home, but head coach Mike Pettine is realistic when talking about
his new QB: “Does he pass the eyeball test? No, and he doesn’t have the
strongest arm and he’s not the fastest or the biggest, but he’s found a way
and he’s just got something about him... he was a guy that we targeted
and we were fortunate to be able to get him here after the draft.” We’re
not sure if that’s a glowing endorsement but it may have to do. As for the
Ravens, they have two paths to the playoffs and both require a win – beat
Cleveland and hope Kansas City beats San Diego. John Harbaugh should
be able to name the score in this one, and if you’re still not sure, listen to
the all-knowing database: home teams in the Last Game of the Season are
39-15-1 ATS when coming off a SU road favorite loss. ‘Nuff said.
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1
NEW ENGLAND over Buffalo by 1
The Bills had the wagons circled for a while but in the end, their season
disintegrated with a loss to lowly Oakland last week. However, they can
still salvage their first winning season since 2004 with a victory today. Our
database likes their chances, too. It tells us that, much like the Cincinnati
Bengals, winning division dogs seeking revenge in season-ending games are
25-9-1 ATS. We must note that Bill Belichick is 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS at home
over the last decade in the last game of the season, while his main man
Tom Brady is 25-2 SU at home in December. Those are all good numbers but
with the Broncos losing Monday Night, this game is absolutely meaningless
to the Pats and you know how much Belichick enjoys supplying future
playoff opponents with worthless game films. Talk about coal in your
stocking! Besides, a despicable 1-12 ATS mark for the Pats in games off a
spread loss when facing an avenging division opponent off a spread loss of
5 or more points seals the deal. We’re roaming with Buffalo.
Ny Jets over MIAMI by 1
Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross delivered the word on Sunday that he’s
decided to bring Joe Philbin back for a 4th season, a popular move with the
Miami players. That may be well and good for a rich guy like Ross, but with
our hard-earned cash on the line, we can’t lay points with a team that is 1-4
In The Stats in its last five games (0-4 ATS in the last four). In addition, the
Fins are 0-4 ATS in Last Home Games versus foes playing with revenge, 2-10
ATS in season-enders against a team with a losing record, and 2-8 when
coming off a home game versus an opponent also off a home contest. This
game will likely be Rex Ryan’s swan song, which will give him more free
time to worship his wife’s feet… at least until he picks up his next gig as
an assistant coach somewhere. The visiting team has covered five straight
meetings in this series, including last year’s 20-7 win by the Jets as 7-point
underdogs at Sun Life Stadium in the regular season finale in what was
QB Geno Smith’s return to the hood. We look for more of the same today.
4 BEST BET
Carolina over ATLANTA by 10
The winner of this game clinches the NFC South and No. 4 seed
despite a losing record, while the loser goes home and starts putting
together their draft boards. The Birds of Prey bring some good
numbers into this one, including a 4-0 ATS mark at home against a
division foe when coming off a division tilt, along with a sparkling
12-1 ATS record in season-enders when playing off a division game.
But they also have a big number associated with them that is not
so sparkling: a defense that ranks dead last in the league, allowing
405 YPG… that’s a full 62 YPG worse than the Panthers. That’s
enough for us to look for the Dirty Birds to fall to 1-5 ATS In Last
Home Games with a losing record when facing a division foe here
today. But this just in from the MIDWEEK ALERT: the Panthers
are outgaining foes 66 YPG over the course of the 2nd half of the
season. And our always-reliable machine steps up front and center
to supply The Clincher: see our AWESOME ANGLE, ‘The Final
Curtain’, on page 2 for details.
MINNESOTA over Chicago by 11
He’s back. No, we’re not talking Arnold Schwarzenegger, or even Jay Leno.
It’s Jay Cutler, the much-lambasted Bears quarterback, who will be behind
center this Sunday with Chicago’s latest stopgap measure, Jimmy Clausen,
out with a concussion. This much we know for sure: Cutler is 14-27-1 ATS in
his NFL career in division games, including 5-15 ATS away (0-7 ATS the last
seven) and 1-6 SUATS in the same games when away versus an opponent
with a superior record. Couple that with the Bears’ ugly 1-6 ATS mark as
dogs in Last Road Games against avenging opponents and you can see
where we’re headed. With the Vikes the hottest commodity at NFL pay
windows of late (8-1 ATS last nine games), look for Minny to improve on
its mighty 13-2 ATS record when playing off an away games versus a foe
off a home game here today. So long, Marc Trestman. And be sure to take
Jay Cutler with you.
San Diego over KANSAS CITY by 3
Intriguing AFC West battle finds both teams in the playoff chase with the
mission simple for San Diego: win and they’re in. On the other side of the
coin, Kansas City needs a win and losses by Baltimore and Houston. To
that we say: so long, Andy… enjoy the holidays. The Chiefs’ despicable
0-7 SUATS log in Last Home Games plays right into the hands of Diego’s
determined 6-0 SUATS mark in road finales. And then there’s the afterTomlin factor working squarely against the Featherheads, as favorites in
games after tackling Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are just 20-401 ATS in the league, including 10-25 ATS at home. With Bolts’ QB Philip
Rivers given the clearance to play, look for him to improve on his 14-2 SU
away record during the month of December, including 6-0 SUATS as an
underdog. You know what to do.
Philadelphia over NY GIANTS by 4
There are those in the City of Brotherly Love who are asking for a Chip Kelly
divorce following the Eagles unconscionable collapse since Thanksgiving
Day. It was then when Philly creamed the Cowboys on Turkey Day in Dallas
in a 33-10 rout as 3-point dogs to improve to 9-3 on the season. Since then,
the world has stopped with the Green Birds falling off of the playoff map
thanks to a 0-3 SUATS run. Today, they take on the revenge-minded Giants,
anxious to avenge a 27-0 loss suffered in Philadelphia in mid-October. Sure,
the G-Men are 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS in Last Home Games when facing division
foes. And they are playing their best football of the season, riding a 3-0
SUATS skein into this contest. And therein lies the rub as our all-knowing
database reports that 3-0 SUATS teams seeking revenge against 0-3 SUATS
foes are 2-6 SU and 1-7 ATS in this role versus winning opponents dating
all the way back to 1986. Toss in Philly’s fabulous 7-0 SUATS record in road
games off a road game and just like that, Big Blue falls to 1-7 SUATS as a
host in this series here today. Tear up the divorce papers. Chip will be home
enjoying the holidays… with his family.
NEVER PAY FOR A LOSING PICK AGAIN.
Expert Advice. Expert Handicappers.
You Win Or You Don’t Pay.
PBXperts
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3 BEST BET
WASHINGTON over Dallas by 4
After clinching the NFC East title with a convincing rout over the
Colts last week, the Boys are likely dead in the water for today’s
game. Sure, they can gain a 1st round bye if both Seattle and Arizona
lose, regardless of what the Cowboys do here. And we realize a
myriad of tie possibilities exist as well. But the fact of the matter is
Washington gets up for games with Dallas like Darren Sharper on
a Cialis overload, going 8-1 ATS the last nine matchups, including
4-0 ATS the last four games here. Furthermore, our always-insistent
database informs us that teams off a spread win of 30 or more
points are just 5-11 SUATS away since 1988 in season-ending finales.
In addition Jerry’s Kid’s, who are playing their 3rd road game in the
past four weeks, are just 1-6 ATS in season-ending road finales. We
also know that NFL home dogs off a SU home dog win as +3 or more
points in their last game are 10-3-1 ATS. What we didn’t know is The
Clincher: NFL December dome teams with winning records
are 3-17 SUATS at cold weather sites since 1995.
TAMPA BAY over New Orleans by 3
Santa didn’t figure to make a stop at any the Saints’ players houses this
Christmas. Not after the naughty season they just produced. Picked by
many (Playbook included) to be the surprise team in the NFC this season,
they wilted like Chris Christie camped out during the Christmas season on
South Beach, choking their way to a 6-win campaign thanks to a rancid
rush defense that is allowing 4.8 Yards Per Rush this season (only the NYG
4.9 DYPR is worse). And there is no way we’re about to step in and call
their name this week, not with a nasty 1-4 SUATS mark away in season
finales. Enter the Bucs, starved for a home win, currently 0-7 at Raymond
James Stadium under Lovie Smith this season. That mirrors a 0-7 mark in
division play this year as well. The well-oiled machine comes to Tampa’s
rescue, though, noting the Bucs are 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS as home dogs in
games after scoring 3 or fewer points the previous game. All good – and
bad – things come to an end here for the hosts today.
SEATTLE over St. Louis by 16
Looking better than they did at any point of the season last year (sans the
Super Bowl), the Seahawks are truly hitting on all cylinders at precisely
the right time. It’s funny, though, how there was talk when they went
to San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day that if they didn’t win that game,
they might not make the playoffs. Here it is five straight wins later and
they are now the team to beat. They can also clinch the No. 1 seed with
a win today. If history has a say, it should be no problem, what with the
Seahawks sporting a 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS record at home in this series (by
an average win margin of more than 17 PPG) and a 6-0 SUATS mark
Marc Lawrence’s CHRISTMAS GIFT
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in Last Home Games when seeking revenge (they lost, 28-26, as 7-point
chalk at St. Louis in mid-October earlier this season). As you know, we are
cardholders in the Jeff Fisher coaches club but this is a day we’ll not be
in attendance. Not with Louie 0-4 SUATS in road finales when owning
a losing record, while scoring a mere 25 total points in those games. We
never thought we’d say it in a Fisher match, but motivation and revenge
make this a ‘lay it if you play it’ affair.
SAN FRANCISCO over Arizona by 10
Plenty of incentive here for the wobbly Cardinals who enter today’s fray
with just two wins in their last five contests while having been outstatted
in every one of those games. The question is do they have enough
manpower to do anything about it? Word is the beleaguered bunch will
start its 4th different quarterback, Logan Thomas, this week. Thomas
has one completion in nine attempts this season, though it went 81
yards for a touchdown against the Broncos on Oct 5th. The Ryan Lindley
experiment ended with one start after a 47.2 passer rating last week
– which was worse than any other Week Sixteen starting quarterback
except Joe Flacco and Andrew Luck. On the flip side, the Niners are likely
to bid adieu to Jim Harbaugh today and with it, we expect a strong
sendoff. Aside from dominating this series, going 9-3 SUATS in the last
twelve meetings, Frisco takes the field knowing Harbaugh is 14-4 SU and
14-3-1 ATS in his career with the Niners and Stanford in games off a SU
favorite defeat. A win today sends him away with a 49-22-1 SU mark with
San Francisco. Not bad for a coach whose owners don’t want him around
any longer. Go figure…
DENVER over Oakland by 8
After stubbing their toe Monday Night at Cincinnati, there is suddenly a
bit of urgency for the Broncos this Sunday should they not wish to appear
on next week’s playoff schedule. Denver needs to win or tie against the
Raiders, or for Cincinnati to lose, to gain a 1st-round bye. A Bengals tie
and an Indianapolis Colts win will also get the Broncos the extra rest
they desire. With the Cincinnati game moved to the Sunday Night flex
slot, one would expect a focused effort from Peyton Manning’s men
today. However, focusing and having to win by two touchdowns are two
different matters. Considering that Denver owns only three wins by more
than 14 points this season (none in the last six games), this appears to be
a tall order against a division rival that would like nothing more than to
head to the off-season knowing they forced the Broncos to take the field
one week early. Oakland’s 5-0-1 ATS record as a double-digit division
road dog with revenge certainly plays in to the mix. As does its 4-4 SU
and 6-1-1 ATS mark as a dog in the last eight games on this field. Denver’s
disappointing 1-5-1 ATS log in Last Home Games when taking the field
off a SU favorite loss closes the book. Grab the clothespin – a large one at
that – and apply as needed.
Marc Lawrence’s USA Today
SPORTS WEEKLY COLUMN!
Go to: usatoday.com/SportsWeekly
or call 1.800.872.0001. Don’t miss it!
page 10 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK
WISE GUYS CONTEST
A $10,000 Contest Sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com
Now in its 29th year, the WISE GUYS CONTEST is a $10,000 winnerstake-all handicapping event sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com. All plays are
graded against the lines posted after 4:00 PM Mondays on the WISE GUYS
CONTEST page at PLAYBOOK.com. Each week below we'll post Single Plays
from the Top 20 point-earners. Following the play is their overall Win-Loss
record / Double Play record / Total Points earned to date.
Below are the current Top 20 Contestants from the 2014 Wise Guys Contest – One Point Single Plays Listed
Billy The Kid
playbook.com
Brew City Sports
brewcitysports.net
Chuck Edel
sportsxradio.com
Coast2Coast Sports
coast2coastsport.net
Doc’s Sports
docsports.com
Fairway Jay
vegassportszone.com
JB Sports
jerseykidpicks.com
Jersey Kid
jerseykidpicks.com
JH-Sportsline
jhsportsline.com
Marc Lawrence
playbook.com
NY GIANTS (-2.5)
20-11-1 / 9-6-1 / 29 pts
DOLPHINS (-5.5)
17-14-1 / 10-5-1 / 27 pts
Mississippi (+3)
19-13 / 8-8 / 27 pts
S Carolina (+3.5)
18-13-1 / 8-7-1 / 26 pts
Cincinnati (-3)
18-14 / *10-6 / 29 pts
CHIEFS (-3)
20-12 / 9-7 / 29 pts
RAVENS (-8.5)
18-13-1 / 8-7-1 / 26 pts
S Carolina (+3.5)
19-12-1 / 8-8* / 27 pts
Penn State (+2.5)
22-10 / 12-4* / 34 pts
BILLS (+10.5)
23-9 / 13-3 / 36 pts
Mr. East
playbook.com
Okie Sports
playbook.com
Peter Brown
yahoo sports radio
Robert Ferringo
docsports.com
Ross Benjamin
rossbenjaminsports.com
Sammy Jankus
playbook.com
Special K Sports
specialksports.com
Statfox Dave
statfox.com
Steve Merril
prosportsinfo.com
Stormin Norman
freesportsinfo.com
Boise State (+3)
20-12 / 10-6 / 30 pts
Notre Dame (+7.5)
19-13 / 12-4 / 31 pts
North Carolina (-3) 18-14 / 11-5* / 29 pts
Illinois (+6)
19-13 / 8-8 / 27 pts
BEARS (+7)
18-14 / 10-6 / 28 pts
Boston Coll (-2.5)
19-12-1 / 8-7-1 / 27 pts
Mississippi St (-7)
17-15 / *10-6 / 28 pts
NY GIANTS (-2.5)
19-12-1 / 10-6* / 29 pts
PACKERS (-7.5)
22-10 / 13-3 / 35 pts
No Illinois (+10)
23-9 / 13-3 / 36 pts
To view the entire Wise Guys standings, including Triple, Double and Single plays,
visit www.PLAYBOOK.com and cash in this weekend for only $12!
PLAYBOOK GOES FANTASY
$250,000 PRIZE POOL!
• $250,000 prize pool
• First place wins $25,000
• $2 entry fee (FREE with first deposit)
• Top 28,750 are win money guaranteed
• Starts on Sunday, December 28th at 1:00 EST
• Salary Cap Style Drafting. $50,000 to select 9 spots.
8 players and 1 defense
• Roster Format: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE,
1 Flex and 1 Defense
• First time depositors at DraftKings receive a
100% bonus up to $600
V I S I T : W W W . D R A F T K I N G S . C O M – U S E P R O M O C O D E M L AT S
1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 11
NCAA & NBA HOOPS – DECEMBER 25-29
W
ith the NCAA football season winding down, it’s time to whet
your appetite with a few hoops writeups… especially with our
PLAYBOOK Basketball Newsletter tipping off in early January.
Our publication, which includes the NBA as well as 202 lined NCAA teams,
takes you all the way through March Madness. It includes plenty of the
goodies that you’ve grown accustomed to in our football newsletter
(Best Bets, Awesome Angle, Incredible Stat, 2-Minute Handicap), along
with power ratings and Victor King’s exclusive NBA page. It may only be
December but let the Madness begin!
(check result of UMass game on 12/23), the Cougars’ impressive 300-62 SU
mark at home since 1991 is just too strong to ignore. Gonzaga also hasn’t
exactly tickled the twine when playing off back-to-back SU wins as road
chalk, posting a miserable 5-11-1 ATS log in its last 17 tries in this role. And
while Few’s crew has tasted defeat only once this year in a 3-point loss to
Arizona, the Zags’ average winning margin away from Spokane is just 5.0
PPG compared to the Cougars’ 16.5 PPG edge in home tilts so far in 2014.
Stay at home with the Mormons here as unranked BYU topples the Top-10
ranked visitors.
Saturday, December 27
WISC-GREEN BAY over Georgia St by 13
Thursday, December 25
Oklahoma City over SAN ANTONIO by 6
Unlike an annual grudge match where the losing team has to wait a full
year before getting a shot at revenge, the Phoenix have had to wait only
23 days to give GSU a taste of its own medicine. These two met back on
December 4th at the Georgia State Sports Arena and the Panthers crushed
UWGB by 24 points, 72-48. With the exception of an identical 24-point
setback versus highly-ranked Wisconsin in mid-November, it was Green Bay’s
worst beating since losing by 30 points to Youngstown State back in January,
2012. Payback won’t be automatic, though: both squads won 24 games last
season and are the choice to win the Sun Belt and Horizon League titles this
year. Georgia State also features one of the strongest backcourts in the land
with 6-6 SG R.J. Turner (Coach Ron’s son) and PG Ryan Harrow, a former
Kentucky transfer, leading the charge with former Louisville starting guard
Kevin Ware now healthy and in the rotation as well. As for the Phoenix, SR
PG Keifer Sykes is the lone holdout from last year’s all-Horizon League first
team and one of four returning starters for 5th-year HC Brian Wardle. GSU
may be on a 6-1 SU run of late but life on the highway has not been kind to
the Panthers this season as they’ve gone 2-3 SU and 0-5 ATS. They also arrive
here off a double-revenger against Southern Miss with their conference
opener versus La-Monroe on deck. The home boys boast a super-solid 21-6
ATS mark at the Resch Center when playing with revenge, including 5-0
SUATS versus non-conference foes, plus they’re pounding opponents on
this floor by an average of 22.3 PPG. A 4-0 SUATS record at home with
same-season revenge from a loss of 24 or more points cements it. Revenge
may be a dish best served cold but we’re just fine with ‘lukewarm’ here as
the Phoenix get vengeance with a big win and cover.
LOUISVILLE over Kentucky by 6
We’re not sure where legendary UCLA HC John Wooden was laid to rest
but we wouldn’t be surprised if there were signs of a graveside disturbance
after the Bruins absorbed one of the worst beatings in the program’s
history against Kentucky last week, 83-44. Yes, the Wildcats stormed out
to a mind-boggling 41-7 first-half lead while holding the Bruins to 3-of37 shooting from the floor in the opening 20 minutes of play. And while
John Calipari’s lineup of one-and-done wonders may look totally invincible
right now, we guarantee a repeat performance will not happen today
against Rick Pitino’s sharpshooting Cardinals. For openers, UK has left the
comfy confines of Rupp Arena only twice this season, blasting Kansas at
Indianapolis and the Bruins at Chicago, so today’s drive west on I-64 marks
Kentucky’s first trip to a truly hostile venue. More important, there’s the
fact that the Cards were booted from last year’s Big Dance in the Sweet 16
round by these same Wildcats, so they’ll be primed to get their pound of
flesh today. It helps Louie’s cause that the underdog in this series is on a 6-0
ATS winning run and that the Cardinals have gone 3-1 ATS in their last four
at home taking points in this series. Granted, Louisville must tangle with
CS-Northridge on Tuesday while the ‘Cats rest but we fully expect the hosts
to prevail and set up this heavyweight battle of unbeatens. When college
basketball rivalries are discussed, the Duke-North Carolina series seems to
lead the list. But believe us, this bluegrass battle is as fierce as they come. To
paraphrase the immortal Howard Cosell: Down goes Kentucky!
BYU over Gonzaga by 8
Another opportunity for revenge rears its head in this West Coast
Conference lid-lifter between the league’s top two horses. That’s because
the Zags KO’d the Cougars in the title game of last year’s WCC tournament
at Las Vegas. Now the venue switches to the Marriott Center at Provo
where series history favors the Cougars, cashing in the last three meetings
with Gonzaga on this court. Today’s battle of wits between two of the
country’s most accomplished head coaches – Mark Few is in his 16th season
with the Zags while Dave Rose has tipped off his 10 season at the ‘Y’ – has
been a bit one-sided of late as Gonzaga has won six of the last seven gettogethers on the scoreboard. But with BYU 6-1 SU at home at press time
After reaching the NBA Western Conference finals last year, things looked
downright bleak for Oklahoma City after its 3-12 start this season. But
with team leaders Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook finally back in the
lineup, the Thunder are starting to hit on all cylinders once again. Scott
Brooks’ team celebrates the holiday season with a double-edged revenge
special this week, first looking to close the gap on Northwest Divisionleading Portland – who whipped OKC 106-89 in the 2014 season opener
– on Tuesday before turning their attention to San Antonio, the team that
knocked the Thunder out of last year’s playoffs. Should KD and company
manage to bring down the Blazers, they’ll have an even better chance
to grab the cash here since the Spurs own a dreadful 1-6-1 ATS mark at
home versus an opponent off a SU win this season. More good news for
OKC comes in the form of recent series results as the jingle-janglers have
managed only a 6-12 SU and 5-12-1 ATS record in the last 18 meetings
between these two. Sure, it’s tough to leave family and friends at home to
play on Christmas Day but the truth is Oklahoma City loves taking the court
on this particular day of the week, going 18-6-1 ATS as a dog in its previous
25 Thursday appearances. Meanwhile, the struggling Spurs have gone 1-4
SU and 2-3 ATS of late to sink into 4th place in the Southwest Division. No
doubt San Antonio HC Greg Popovich will find a way to revitalize his team
in the coming weeks but OKC owns all the momentum here. In the eternal
battle between all things Oklahoma and Texas, back the visitors in today’s
Santa showdown at Alamo town.
Friday, December 26
MEMPHIS over Houston by 13
Staying inside the Southwest Division, the loop’s two top teams square off in
the city where Elvis sleeps. But while the host Grizzlies faced the lowly Jazz
and their 8-20 SU record on 12/22, Houston arrives off its playoff revenger
against the bad-ass Blazers on Monday – with a game against San Antonio
waiting after tonight’s post-Christmas matchup. That’s a situation Rockets’
fans don’t relish as their team has fizzled to a dreadful 3-20 ATS failure as
same-division-dogs before drawing down on the Spurs. Our finely-tuned
database also agrees that the hosts are the right side. Memphis has won
and covered eight straight games at home versus Houston, plus the Grizz
own a ferocious 8-1 ATS mark versus .725 or less opposition this year. Add
the fact that Memphis is looking to get even for a 9-point loss as 5-point
chalk at Space City three weeks ago and the well-known phrase “Houston,
we have a problem” has seldom found a more appropriate use. Lay the
points as the Grizzlies maul Houie for the 9th consecutive time.
Sunday, December 28
DENVER over Toronto by 6
Year Two of the ‘Life Without George Karl’ experiment continues in
Denver with HC Brian Shaw and the Nuggets’ current 12-16 SU mark at
press time, not much better than last season’s 36-46 finish that kept them
out of postseason play. They certainly face a tall order tonight hosting
Toronto, the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but
closer inspection reveals a lot to like about the Nuggets here. The Raptors
land in Colorado off a double-revenge affair at the Clippers yesterday
with Portland up next (Toronto just 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS before battling
the Blazers), plus the visitors seem to regard Sunday as a legitimate day
of rest, struggling to a 1-5-1 ATS effort in this situation. Meanwhile, series
history is all over the Nuggets tonight as they’ve gone a golden 15-3 ATS
as dogs versus the Canadian invaders. Denver has also experienced a Rocky
Mountain high against Eastern Conference foes at the Pepsi Center of late,
posting a solid 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS record. It’ll take some courage on
your part but don’t let Toronto’s intimidating SU record scare you off a
moneymaker here. Since Colorado is one of the few states where cannabis
is legal, our suggestion is to wake, bake and take.
page 12 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK
THIS WEEK'S BEST BETS
A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT
STAR-RATED BEST BET SELECTIONS
3 BEST BET
4 BEST BET
5 BEST BET
COLLEGE
NC STATE
DUKE
LOUISVILLE
NFL
REDSKINS
PANTHERS
PACKERS
FOR WEEK ENDING WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 31, 2014
UPSET GAME
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2-MINUTE HOOPS HANDICAP
(All Stats are ATS - Against The Spread - unless noted otherwise)
TEAMS, KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS
Thursday, December 25
Washington at NEW YORK – Knicks: 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS w/3 + days
of rest vs Wizards… Cleveland at MIAMI – Heat: 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS on
Christmas Day
Friday, December 26
Cleveland at ORLANDO – Cavaliers: 9-0 SUATS vs Orlando… LA Lakers
at DALLAS – Mavericks: 4-0 SUATS vs Lakers
Saturday, December 27
Memphis at MIAMI – Grizzlies: 4-1-1 ATS vs Heat… Minnesota at
GOLDEN STATE – Warriors: 15-3 ATS vs Minnesota
San Francisco at PACIFIC – Tigers: 11-2 ATS vs Dons
Sunday, December 28
Houston at SAN ANTONIO – Rockets: 6-0 SUATS vs Spurs
Wake Forest at RICHMOND – Series: Visitor 11-1-3 ATS
Monday, December 29
Orlando at MIAMI – Heat: 7-0 SU and 5-1-1 ATS vs Magic
Rice at TEXAS – Series: Visitor 6-2 ATS
IT'S TIME TO
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Next week: PLAYBOOK Football Newsletter featuring
final 11 College Bowl game previews, plus NFL Wild
Card Games, NCAA & NBA Hoops previews and more!
Marc Lawrence’s
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1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 13
2014-15 COLLEGE BOWLS: DECEMBER 20-JANUARY 4
Listed next to the games below are two entries: OL is the SportsOptions.com opening line on the contest and PB is the PLAYBOOK margin.
You have a PLAYBOOK Recommendation whenever our predicted margin of victory is 6 or more points off the opening line. Remember, opening
lines are subject to change during the week so always check YOUR CURRENT LINE against the PLAYBOOK line to determine a final play.
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time • Games in Official International Rotation sequence • Dates & times subject to change
OL PB
11:00 (New Orleans, LA)
HEART OF DALLAS BOWL
3
4
202 LA-LAFAYETTE ESPN
3
221 ILLINOIS
16
222 LA TECH
6
223 RUTGERS
2:20 (Albuquerque, NM)
ESPN
21
224 N CAROLINA ESPN
ABC
3:30 (Las Vegas, NV)
10’
3
4’
7
10
IDAHO POTATO BOWL
5:45 (Boise, ID)
208 AIR FORCE
3
ESPN
38
CAMELLIA BOWL
209 SOUTH ALABAMA
9:15 (Montgomery, AL)
1
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
227 VIRGINIA TECH
PK
48
231 MIAMI FLORIDA
232 S CAROLINA
3:30 (Shreveport, LA)
10’
ESPN
9:30 (San Diego, CA)
216 SAN DIEGO ST
3
8:00 (San Diego, CA)
236 USC
220 RICE
5’
ESPN
7
13’
3
4
ESPN
8:00 (Miami Gardens, FL)
254 MISS ST
4
267 IOWA
3:20 (Jacksonville, FL)
268 TENNESSEE
6:45 (San Antonio, TX)
270 KANSAS ST
271 OKLA ST
ESPN
2’
1’
ESPN
5
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
BIRMINGHAM BOWL
273 EAST CAROLINA
7
12:00 (Birmingham, AL)
274 FLORIDA
ESPN
7’
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4
255 WISCONSIN
GODADDY.COM BOWL
12:00 (Tampa, FL)
ESPN2
275 TOLEDO
4’
12:30 (Arlington, TX)
ESPN
CITRUS BOWL
1:00 (Orlando, FL)
ABC
2
Coming next week: PLAYBOOK
Football Newsletter featuring
the remaining 11 College
Bowl game previews, NFL Wild
Card games, plus NCAA & NBA
HOOPS previews and more!
2
259 MINNESOTA
260 MISSOURI
ESPN
9:00 (Mobile, AL)
276 ARKANSAS ST
257 MICHIGAN ST
258 BAYLOR
ESPN
10:15 (Tempe, AZ)
1
COTTON BOWL
PK
ESPN
ALAMO BOWL
272 WASHINGTON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
3
ESPN
CACTUS BOWL
3
4:00 (Glendale, AZ)
256 AUBURN
2’
TAXSLAYER BOWL
ORANGE BOWL
4
ESPN
12:00 (Fort Worth, TX)
266 HOUSTON
FIESTA BOWL
253 GEORGIA TECH 1
9’
269 UCLA
12:30 (Atlanta, GA)
3
3’
ESPN
5:30 (Orlando, FL)
240 OKLAHOMA
8
ESPN
238 TEXAS A&M
ESPN
ESPN
ARMED FORCES BOWL
OUTBACK BOWL
239 CLEMSON
1’
8:00 (Honolulu, HI)
2:00 (Memphis, TN)
8:30 (New Orleans, LA)
264 ALABAMA
265 PITTSBURGH
249 OLE MISS
RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL
2’
HAWAII BOWL
219 FRESNO ST
10:00 (Santa Clara, CA)
LIBERTY BOWL
237 WEST VIRGINIA
1
6
7
FOSTER FARMS BOWL
252 ARIZONA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
BAHAMAS BOWL
12:00 (Nassau, Bahamas)
ESPN
ESPN
4
2’
8
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
251 BOISE ST
PK
235 NEBRASKA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
218 W KENTUCKY ESPN
6:30 (Charlotte, NC)
250 TCU
HOLIDAY BOWL
3
6
217 C MICHIGAN
8
ESPN
234 BOSTON COLLEGE
POINSETTIA BOWL
215 NAVY
ABC
4:30 (Bronx, NY)
213 NO ILLINOIS
ESPN
BELK BOWL
245 LOUISVILLE PINSTRIPE BOWL
233 PENN ST
BOCA RATON BOWL
6:00 (Boca Raton, FL)
6
55
1
8
CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL
229 DUKE CBS
ESPN
248 STANFORD
ESPN
SUGAR BOWL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
SUN BOWL
2:00 (El Paso, TX)
5:00 (Pasadena, CA)
262 OREGON
247 MARYLAND
3’
ESPN
261 FLORIDA ST
263 OHIO ST
3:00 (Nashville, TN)
244 LSU
246 GEORGIA
4
1:00 (Annapolis, MD)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
214 MARSHALL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
INDEPENDENCE BOWL
6
ESPN
1
ESPN
230 ARIZONA ST
MIAMI BEACH BOWL
2:00 (Miami, FL)
6
MILITARY BOWL
28
33
210 BOWL GREEN ESPN
212 MEMPHIS
3’
8:00 (St. Petersburg, FL)
226 C FLORIDA
228 CINCINNATI
1’
211 BYU
4:30 (Detroit, MI)
24
11
MUSIC CITY BOWL
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
2
ESPN
5
243 NOTRE DAME
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL
10
45 225 NC STATE
206 COLORADO ST
207 W MICHIGAN
10
ROSE BOWL
9:00 (Houston, TX)
QUICK LANE BOWL
LAS VEGAS BOWL
205 UTAH
5
ESPN
OL PB
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
241 TEXAS
242 ARKANSAS
1:00 (Dallas, TX)
NEW MEXICO BOWL
203 UTEP
204 UTAH ST
TEXAS BOWL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
NEW ORLEANS BOWL
201 NEVADA
OL PB
OL PB
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
5’
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MARC LAWRENCE AND THE ENTIRE PLAYBOOK STAFF!
Marc’s 10★ NFL Game of the Year Goes This Sunday!
2014 PRO FOOTBALL - DECEMBER 28
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
301 DETROIT
4:25 PM TIME CHANGE
7’
17
303 JACKSONVILLE
1:00 PM
9’
305 CINCINNATI
8:25 PM TIME CHANGE
1:00 PM
308 TENNESSEE
319 SAN DIEGO
9
15
1:00 PM
312 NEW ENGLAND
NBC
314 MIAMI
1
315 CAROLINA 3
7
1:00 PM
6
1:00 PM
316 ATLANTA
4
11
1:00 PM
3
3
1:00 PM
322 NY GIANTS
1’
1
323 DALLAS
5
1:00 PM
324 WASHINGTON 6
10
3’
325 NEW ORLEANS
1:00 PM
11
4:25 PM
328 SEATTLE
3’
3
13’
4
10
14
8
331 OAKLAND
4:25 PM
DO IT NOW!
327 ST. LOUIS
7
4:25 PM
332 DENVER
4
326 TAMPA BAY
329 ARIZONA
330 SAN FRANCISCO
4
1
317 CHICAGO
318 MINNESOTA
1:00 PM
320 KANSAS CITY
321 PHILADELPHIA
313 NY JETS
304 HOUSTON
307 INDIANAPOLIS
1:00 PM
310 BALTIMORE
311 BUFFALO
302 GREEN BAY
306 PITTSBURGH
309 CLEVELAND
16
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