by Doc - 09/07/2005
Our selection service started the season on a real positive note, as we posted a 5-2 record and picked up +12 units over the long weekend. The big disappointment came with New Mexico, who lead UNLV 17-0 in the first half, then went into a shell and had to hang on for a 24-22 victory. We did hit our Top Play of the Week as Arizona stayed with Utah throughout and even had an opportunity to win the game at the end.
I attended the Bowling Green - Wisconsin game this past Saturday and what a performance by both offenses. The Badgers looked to be in real trouble in the first half as the Falcons really took it to them. QB Omar Jacobs really looked good for Bowling Green and I have no doubt that this young lad will eventually be playing on Sunday. The real star of the game was Badger RB Brian Calhoun, who rushed for 258 yards and five touchdowns. Calhoun starred at Colorado for two seasons before transferring back to his home state of Wisconsin to play for the Badgers. He sat out last season and tried to make up for that in just one game. No question, Brian will gain 1,500 yards or more this season if he can stay healthy. This guy is the real deal and should have another big game against one of the worst defenses in the country as Temple is set to invade Madison. I personally had no opinion on the BGU-UW game but as I told many callers; I cannot go against Wisconsin at home only giving two points. I do want to caution anyone who has jumped on the Wisconsin bandwagon to stay clear because I see real problems with their schedule in the future.
One of the upcoming games that caught my eye early this week is Wake Forest going to Nebraska. Nebraska at home laying only seven against a team that was beaten by Vanderbilt to open the season. What the hell have the oddsmakers been smoking? I called my Husker connection and he made it clear that the struggles against Maine were definite problems. This team has yet to master the West Coast Offense and does not look any better this year then last. In fact, my connection likes Wake Forest. I am not sure I agree with that, as I will be sitting this one out. If the Huskies lose a few early, I have to believe the alumni will start to grumble.
One of the big upsets of the weekend had to be TCU knocking off Oklahoma. The Sooners did lose heavy numbers to graduation and one has to wonder if breaking in a new quarterback will be a problem all season long. Oklahoma is back home this weekend against Tulsa and the oddsmakers felt that the first game was fluke as they have installed OU as a 30-point favorite. Tulsa does have a problem on grass, as they are just 1-19 straight up and 3-17 against the spread in the past twenty games. I would have to lay the points here in a probable rout.
Who is my team in the NFL to go against this season? That would be the Green Bay Packers. Mark my word; this team will struggle this season. Favre will play his heart out and have some good games, however too many positions have question marks. The front four can be run or and will be a major problem. I personally would love to see Favre go out having a great year and another Super Bowl ring, but it will not happen this year.
Speaking of the NFL, Our Pro Game of the Year will go this Sunday. In the 33 years of business, I have never released this game in week one of the regular season but with the success that we had in the preseason, this is certainly an opportunity that is too good to pass up. The team that we are looking at will have a much-improved season, in contrast to its opponent. I see nothing but tough times ahead for this team and we will be going against them early in the season before they are properly adjusted.
I wanted to make a mention about the offshore industry. Do not cut yourself short, shop for the best line as it often means the difference between a few extra units in your pocket each season. One of the offshores that we endorse is Legendz Sportsbook. Bet the Legend is their motto, and it may be one of the fast rising offshore books in the industry. This week they have a special promotion for Doc's customers. Deposit $150 and get $150 Free! To take advantage of this promotion give them a call at (800) 556-7536 and be sure to tell them Doc sent you.
Talking about offshores, I see a major offshore book announce that former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura will become a new spokesperson for the industry. He quotes, " I feel strongly that people should be able to choose how they spend their entertainment dollars," said the Governor, "It's none of the government's business."
He remains a strong supporter for online gambling and he realizes that people are going to gamble and the government should take note of his views.
We have some great games on the college horizon in addition to our Pro Game of the Year. The feature game takes place Saturday night in Columbus as the Longhorns take on the Buckeyes. This is a game that features two top-5 teams and the winner will have the inside track to the Rose Bowl. Earlier in the day, Notre Dame will travel to Ann Arbor for their annual meeting with Michigan. With the impressive performance by the Irish, the early line has them as only a seven-point dog. Is that enough? I will have the answer! For more information about the Big Ten, check out Max's Big Ten News and Notes column at www.docsports.com.
In handicapping one is always looking for a game with a revenge factor. This early in the season one very seldom finds a game. One that is on tap this weekend is Michigan State at home against Hawaii. We had the Spartans as a big play last year, only to get it handed to by the officials on numerous bad calls including a kickoff return for six that was called back on a phantom clipping call. MSU has not forgotten about this and will be ready to destroy the Warriors in East Lansing. Obliviously the oddsmakers have noticed this as well as the Spartans come in as a 33-point favorite. However, as I look farther notice how they played on the road last year. They played four road games and gave up 41, 51, 69, and 70 points. I look for the Spartans to remember what happened last year and run the score up.
Our football schedules have been going at an unbelievable pace. This year we have printed a few thousand extra as in past year's in you own a sports bar we would be glad to send you a case FREE of charge. Call (800) 356-9182 or (866) 238-6696 for details.
Don't forget that our NFL Game of the Year goes this Sunday. This will be a six-unit play and we are confident we will get the money. To sign-up for this play call us on Friday at (800) 356-9182 or (866) 238-6696.
Doc's Sports Handy Links:
Football Picks
2005 college football schedules
Doc's Sports Recent Articles:
2005 Big Ten preview
2005 MAC Preview
NFL Rookies