The Big One goes this week! Our College Game of the Year will go this Saturday, Sept. 23. This one should be over by halftime, as this team will have revenge, a huge edge in talent, and all the intangibles to make this game an absolute rout. I certainly hope you will join us in this moneymaking crusade.

One of the big factors I look at in making a selection is finding a great opportunity where a team will come in flat. In my opinion, Clemson falls into that category this week. The Tigers have played two consecutive emotional games on the road against Boston College and Florida State. Rest assured, Tommy Bowden wanted the Bowden Bowl victory last week and put a little extra into his preparation for that game. He got the victory and now his team hosts North Carolina, a mediocre team with a head coach on the hot seat.

Carolina has lost two home games to solid opponents - Virginia Tech and Rutgers - despite outgaining each of those teams in total yardage. A depleted Tiger defense and a club that is emotionally drained could spell big trouble for a 17-point favorite. Could this be an upset?

Before the season started, I thought Illinois might be one team in the conference that could be vastly improved and move to the middle of the pack in the conference standings. Clearly, that hasn't happened so far this season and it appears to be the same old Illini team. I am starting to realize why Florida axed Ron Zook. To have any chance for improvement during the conference season I felt it was imperative that they put forth a good showing against Syracuse. That didn't happen, and now it looks like another long and losing season in Champagne.

One of the biggest angles in betting can be playing a halftime line. How many games have you viewed, knowing that the first half score was totally misleading? A team may have completely dominated but because of turnovers or fluke plays trailed after 30 minutes of play. Also, finding potentially profitable middling opportunities is another way to take advantage of the halftime line.

A prime example of middling with the halftime line would be the Wisconsin/San Diego State game last Saturday. The Badgers were favored by 13.5 points at kickoff and were held scoreless in the first half. The Aztecs never threatened to score in the first 30 minutes and it was obvious that the Wisconsin defense was in complete control. Oddsmakers installed the Badgers as a 7-point second half favorite, which would have given an opportunistic bettor a 6.5-point middle.

Wisconsin eventually won 14-0, but had they not scored on a third-and-goal they would've been forced to take a field goal and would have won 10-0. Looking for middling opportunities can make you a healthy profit over the course of the year. It protects your investment with a chance to win on each side and opens up a spot to double your profits. This happens a couple of times each Saturday and don't be afraid to pounce when the time is right.

There isn't much to smile about in Titletown, USA, these days with the recent struggles of the Green Bay Packers. Despite the fact that they are squarely in rebuilding mode they still have an old man at quarterback. Green Bay has already used 14 rookies and I expect Brett Favre and the Pack to struggle all season long. After losing twice at home to open the year, they head to Ford Field to take on the Lions.

Detroit (0-2) is also winless, but I would consider them as the only side to play coming off their embarrassing performance in Chicago. They played Seattle tough in Motown and I think you can expect them to blow out the Packers.

I'd also like to take time to congratulate our very own Robert Ferringo, who has had a pair of articles published in High Roller Magazine. The article was titled, "Beat The Book This MLB Playoff Season". It was a very interesting read and some of those tips should help put money in your pocket. Robert joined our staff a few months ago and has been a great addition to our company. This young lad has a chance to be one of the best sports writers in the industry for years to come.

Also, congratulations go out to two of our advisory board handicappers. Allen Eastman continues to dominate the books and is coming off a big win in his NFL Totals Game of the Year. The Chiefs and Broncos combined to score just 15 points - more than three touchdowns below the opening number! So far he is 13-4 and +41 units. Vegas Sports Informer had a huge weekend going 7-1 in college and pro football. We hope they both continue their impressive start.

As for this writer, we did not have a good week but look to pick up plenty of units this weekend. In fact, we know we will. The highlight will be our College Game of the Year and it will go into the books as a win.

No question that Ohio State is No. 1 in the country and the Buckeyes are certainly favored to win the conference. However, OSU will get a stern test the next two weeks. They host Penn State this weekend then travel to Iowa City. Ohio State is posted as a 17-point favorite over Papa Joe, and if the Buckeyes get ahead early it will get ugly.

Some interesting news in the world of Internet gambling developed this week when Sen. Bill Frist (R. Tenn.) was shot down on his attempt to put the Internet gambling ban into a national defense bill. The following is an excerpt from the Las Vegas Review-Journal article written by Tony Batt:

"Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist tried to attach an Internet gambling ban to a defense bill last week but was rebuffed by two powerful senators, congressional sources said Monday. Despite the setback, advocates said the GOP leaders would keep trying to add an online gambling prohibition to must pass legislation until Congress adjourns this year.

Frist approached Sen. John Warner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and asked him to add an Internet gambling ban to a defense authorization bill, according to congressional staffers who requested anonymity. But after checking with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the ranking democrat on the committee, Warner, rejected the idea because an online wagering ban would not be relevant to defense legislation. A source close to Frist confirmed the majority leader made the proposal to Warner, but declined to elaborate."

If you have any opinion on the discussion we invite you to write your Senators and voice your concerns.

Just a reminder that if you own or manage a sports bar, we have a few boxes of schedules left and will gladly send you a complimentary case. Call our sports office direct 1-866-238-6696 to place your order.

That's it for this week,
Doc