Hurricanes and Wolf Pack meet for first time
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12/27/2006 - Boise, ID (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Winners of their last two bowl appearances, the Nevada Wolf Pack try to bring an end to a torturous 2006 campaign for the Miami Hurricanes in the 10th Annual MPC Computers Bowl from Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
The Pack, who won last season's Hawaii Bowl with an exciting 49-48 overtime decision versus UCF, has had to play second-fiddle to undefeated Boise State in the Western Athletic Conference this season, even though Nevada was the preseason pick to take the league title. The Wolf Pack started the campaign on a down note however, immediately coming out with a 28-19 conference loss to Fresno State on the first of September. Eight days later there was a 52-21 blowout defeat at the hands of Arizona State, so from then on the squad was having to battle back to respectability. Eight victories over the next nine outings, with the only setback being a 41-34 decision versus Hawaii on the road, meant the Pack was back in business. The squad was crushed in the regular season finale by the aforementioned Broncos, 38-7, but they still made it to their seventh bowl all-time, after going 3-3 since the 1948 Salad Bowl.
As for the Hurricanes, the winds blew extremely fierce in the Sunshine State this year as Miami struggled to become bowl eligible at 6-6. A season- opening loss to Florida State by a field goal (13-10) was only the tip of the iceberg as the program at one point dropped four straight decisions versus ACC opponents (Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Virginia). A repulsive display of aggression in the meeting with Florida International, a game that Miami won 35-0, only made it more clear that a change was needed for the squad. Unfortunately, the fall guy became head coach Larry Coker who, after winning a national championship in his first season and becoming the first head coach to win his first 24 games since Walter Camp in 1888-89, gracefully stepped aside but will still be on the sidelines for this event. Miami, which is 18-14 since first playing in the postseason in the 1933 Palm Festival against Manhattan College, lost a bout with LSU in last year's Peach Bowl by a final of 40-3.
As far as the all-time series between these two programs is concerned, this is the first-ever meeting as the Hurricanes, who will have a new head coach in former defensive coordinator Randy Shannon next year, take part in the postseason for the ninth straight year.
As if having a shaky offense were not trouble enough heading into the postseason, Coker and Co. are now having to run the unit without former offensive coordinator Rich Olson who took a position with Arizona State, which means Todd Berry will now be sorting out the confusion for the unit. Kirby Freeman got the call at signal-caller in the team's regular season finale, but he's far from the sort of polished quarterback that this program is used to seeing. He has completed just 53.9 percent of his pass attempts and has more completions to the competition (seven) than he does touchdowns (five). Lance Leggett was second on the team in receptions with 37 for 581 yards and four TDs for a team that ranked eighth in the conference and 88th among the 199 Division I-A programs in scoring with just 19.5 ppg this year. Take out the combined 86 points tallied against Florida A&M and FIU and this squad struggled tremendously. Averaging 4.9 yards per carry, Javarris James is the top running back Miami has to turn to with his 767 yards and four scores pacing the group.
Despite the offense being rather fragile this season, the Miami defense continued to dominate opponents, allowing more than 17 points just twice to Louisville and Georgia Tech. The run defense was especially stifling, allowing more than 100 yards just once this year as it gave up 132 yards to Virginia, although Miami still matched a season high with five sacks and made a total of 12 stops behind the line of scrimmage in that meeting with the Cavaliers. Permitting just 66 ypg on the ground, not only were the Hurricanes first in the ACC, they were also third in the nation behind only Michigan and Texas. In terms of total defense, Miami was second in the league and fifth in the country with only 252.1 ypg allowed. However, those minimal yards still kept the team from being the best in the ACC at holding scores down, ranking fourth in the conference with 15.1 ppg allowed. That number had the team ranked 14th nationally, which goes to show just how tough the rest of the conference was in that area. Placing third in the team in total tackles was Calais Campbell with 49 stops, but he was first with 20 TFLs, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Heading into the Boise State matchup, the Wolf Pack had scored no less than 19 points in any one game and had produced at least 42 points in each of the previous four outings, but the trend failed to stand up against the Broncos. As a result, Nevada finished fourth in the conference in rushing with 176.8 ypg and sixth in passing with 185.8 ypg. The scoring offense checked in with 30.1 ppg, which was 19th in the nation this season, but compared to the rest of the WAC it was simply average because the league also includes Hawaii and New Mexico State, which scored more than Nevada, along with BSU obviously. Jeff Rowe carried a lot of the weight for the Pack this season as he completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 16 touchdowns and seven picks. His favorite target continued to be Caleb Spencer as the All-WAC Second Team choice collected 52 passes for 536 yards and a pair of scores. However, when it came to scoring, none was better than Mike McCoy who turned nine of his 21 grabs into TDs. Coming out of the backfield Robert Hubbard took most of the hits to finish with 936 yards and six scores, but in less than half the carries Luke Lippincott picked up a team-high nine touchdowns.
Except for the expected setbacks to Hawaii and Boise State, as well as the poor effort in the Arizona State meeting, the defense kept the Wolf Pack competitive every time they hit the field. Five opponents were held to a touchdown or less, with Utah State and Louisiana Tech being held scoreless in back-to-back meetings in November. Despite the lapses against Hawaii, ASU and Boise State, Nevada still had enough left in the tank to rank second in the league in scoring defense with 19 ppg allowed. Having to play so many conference games against opponents who had no reservations about throwing the ball down after down, it is a little surprising that the pass defense for the Pack played as well as it did, holding foes to just 190.7 ypg to rank first in the WAC and 45th nationally. A strong push up front started the process as Nevada ranked first in the league with 2.75 sacks per game and J.J. Milan earning all- conference honors as he picked up 9.5 sacks by himself. Joe Garcia and Nick Hawthrone locked down the secondary with a combined 10 interceptions, the latter scoring the only points of the game versus Boise State with a 45-yard return of an INT for a score.
One has to wonder how juiced the Hurricanes will be to send Coker out on a high note. Perhaps all the distractions and off-the-field issues have finally caught up to the once proud program, which is why Nevada could sneak out with the win.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Nevada 17, Miami-Florida 13
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Football Betting: Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards
Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.
Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.
Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.
Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.
All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.
A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.
For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.
2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1
Ron Brace (NE) 25/1
Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1
Darius Butler (NE) 40/1
Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1
Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1
Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1
Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1
Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1
Larry English (SD) 15/1
Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1
Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1
Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1
Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1
James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1
Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1
Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1
Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1
Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1
Roy Miller (TB) 20/1
Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1
Fili Moala (IND) 30/1
Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1
Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1
B J Raji (GB) 7/1
Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1
Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1
David Verkune (CLE) 20/1
Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1
Field (Any Other Player) 6/1
To visit this internet sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.
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The NFL preseason is approaching. Time for players, coaches and teams to turn over a new leaf. General managers have hired some new coaches, while coaches have added some offensive and defensive assistants to try and improve things. Here’s a look at some changes to look for in the preseason.
New York Jets: The Jets were one of the surprise teams in the NFL last season, making the playoffs under hard-driving first-year coach Eric Mangini. Mangini rebuilt the offensive line with rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson (the No. 4 pick in the 2007 Draft) and Ohio State center (the 29th pick in the first round). This season he upgraded the defense with rookie linebacker David Harris (Michigan) while the secondary picked up a much needed top-notch corner in Pitt CB Darrelle Revis (No. 14 overall).
The Jets have added balance to the offense for QB Chad Pennington with RB Thomas Jones, essentially stolen from the Bears. He will upgrade a New York ground game that was 20th in rushing with a weak 3.5 yards per carry. They have their first true feature back since Curtis Martin. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer prefers ball control, like his father Marty. In preseason, behind Pennington you’ll see second-year QB Kellen Clemens and mobile newcomer QB Marques Tuiasosopo.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The heat is on Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville as the Jaguars flopped last season despite a ton of talent. Keep in mind that under Del Rio the Jaguars have been outstanding in preseason with a 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS August mark. online football betting Their defense is loaded, it’s the offense that has been stuck in first gear the last few years.
Enter a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach. He will try and upgrade a passing game that ranked 24th last season. Del Rio has criticized wide receivers and Matt Jones this summer, both of whom have battled injuries. It will be interesting to watch the “new” Jaguars passing game in preseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Word out of Arizona is that the players like new coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was the Steelers offensive coordinator last year. We think of Arizona as all-passing because their running game has been awful of late because of a poor offensive line. However, keep an eye on the running game in preseason as they’ve made a lot of changes.
The new coach brings in Russ Grimm to coach the offensive line (Grimm did a marvelous job building the Steelers line). They took Penn State OT Levi Jones in the first round and signed two offensive linemen, Mike Gandy and Al Johnson, to provide depth. Reggie Wells was moved from right tackle to left guard and they want more speed out of the offensive line for pulling and traps, a Pittsburgh staple under Bill Cowher.
Atlanta Falcons: While all the attention has been focused on QB Mike Vick’s off-field problems, new coach Bobby Petrino is revamping the Falcons from an all-running team to a more balanced one. Petrino likes the experience of backup QB Joey Harrington and he has veteran backup Chris Redman, who used to play for Petrino at Louisville and knows his offenses better than anyone. Petrino wants Vick to be more of a pocket passer.
The addition of FB Ovie Mughelli is a sign Petrino wants a power rushing attack behind a physical fullback and newcomer WR Joe Horn should upgrade what was a below average wideout corps. Petrino is changing their old zone-blocking scheme to a more traditional in-line blocking scheme and the offensive line is bigger. Rookie DE Jamaal Anderson was grabbed in the first round and the secondary got younger with former Auburn cornerback David Irons, who the Falcons think was a steal as a sixth-round pick.
Cleveland Browns: The 2007 Browns look like a double-edged sword. There was the excitement of the offseason, trading for RB Jamel Lewis, upgrading the offensive line with Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas (the No. 2 pick in the draft) and free agent LG Eric Steinbach, then trading for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn when he fell to No. 22. GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel feel they have a talented, balanced offense with these new pieces, plus TE >Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards.
However, were these moves made in desperation? And were they foolish ones? The Browns gave up their 2008 first-round pick for Quinn and we all know QBs take time to develop. And even first-round QBs can be busts (Joey Harrington, Akili Smith). We also don’t know if the offensive line is that much improved (31st in rushing in 2007) and they did nothing to improve a defense that was awful against the run (142 yds pg allowed).
The Browns have a new offensive coordinator in Rob Chudzinski. This is a young offense and Quinn looked tentative, indecisive and inaccurate early in camp. Crennel will play Charlie Frye, Quinn and Derek Anderson in preseason. And there is a mixed bag for rookie QBs receiving significant starts: Tim Couch (14), Kerry Collins (13), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Vince Young (13), Joey Harrington (12), Matt Leinart (11) and Kyle Boller (nine). While all the focus will be on the Browns new-look offense, I’m more concerned with the defense.
Carolina Panthers: Coach Jon Fox loves the ground game, but Carolina has made some interesting changes for 2007. Fox fired offensive coordinator Dan Henning and brings in Jeff Davidson to run the offense. Davidson has brought in zone-blocking schemes to the Panther offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
In zone-blocking, offensive linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside. Keep an eye in preseason on how Carolina adjusts as it will take time to learn the system. Fox has been one of the top coaches in preseason, with a 15-5 SU, 12-7-1 ATS August record.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Terrell Owens is still here, but QB Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells are gone. New head coach Wade Phillips takes over, replacing Parcells. He ran the Chargers defense last season. Phillips was chosen by teary-eyed owner Jerry Jones partly because he is one of the best 3-4 coaches in football and the Cowboys have loaded up on players for that scheme.
Remember that Phillips was blitz-happy with the Chargers last season and early reports out of the Dallas camp have mentioned how the Cowboys have been blitzing a lot, a departure from Parcells. The theme of the 2007 Dallas defense appears to be one of attack.
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