2009 UAB Blazers Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Neil Callaway, 3rd year (6-18 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Kim Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Eric Schumann (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (11 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Joe Webb)

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Offense: The bright side for the offense is that they return starting quarterback Joe Webb (6-4, 220), a senior, along with 10 other starters on the offense. The problem is the offense was ineffective last season, ranking 86th in the nation (22.8ppg) in points scored and 76th in the nation in passing (197.3ypg). Webb had 21 touchdowns in 2009, threw for 2,367 yards and ran for 1,021 yards, setting a single-season C-USA qb record. However, he also threw for 16 interceptions, the third-highest total in the conference. Senior Rashaud Slaughter led the team in rushing last year with 514 yards and four TDs. He also ranked second in catches with 29. Junior WR Frantrell Forrest (6-2, 195) is back after leading the team with 536 yards. The offensive returns all five starters, but are moving Greg Calhoun (6-3, 300) to right tackle and are searching for a new left tackle.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 31.3ppg and 429.9yds/game (106th in the nation). They did start to turn the corner the last three games, allowing just 13.7ppg. Up front, they return three of four starters including DE Bryant Turner (6-2, 260), who had four sacks last year. Junior Tim Davs (6-0, 275) moves from tackle to end to make room for senior NT David DeCordova (6-2, 280). Juco transfer Derek Slaughter (6-2, 245) could also make an impact up front. At linebacker, they must replace two starters. Freshman Daniel White (6-2, 220) will get an early nod in the middle, while junior Keon Harris (5-11, 205) is back (47 tackles). In the secondary, UAB must replace three starters in the secondary, including All-C-USA CB Kevin Sanders. SS Chase Daniel (6-3, 190) has the most experience after finishing tied for third in tackles with 47.

Outlook: UAB faces Rice and SMU at home to start the season, so they jump right into conference play. Their non-conference schedule features Troy, Texas A&M Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. They do take on Southern Miss at home and ECU on the road. Pretty tough schedule for a team that needs to rebuild their defense and find a consistent running game on offense.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Marshall Thundering Herd Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Mark Snyder, 5th year (16-31 overall)
Off. Coordinator: John Shannon (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Rick Minter (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (7 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: Marshall returns seven starters to an offense that produced just 20.5ppg and 330.4yds/game. Sophomore QB Mark Cann (6-4, 238) returns after throwing for 1,767 yards, but he struggled late in the season, completing just 30 of 70 passes in the final three games. Junior Brian Anderson (6-3, 217) played in the final when Cann was hurt and threw for 177 yards and three TDs (14-of-19). He moved past Cann with that effort but will also be pushed by juco transfers Press Taylor and Jacob Laudenslayer. At running back, junior Darius Marshall (great name) led the team with 1,095 yards, but only one TD in the last eight games. They have an outstanding tight end in senior Cody Slate (6-4, 220), who caught 40 passes for 510 yards. The receivers lack experience as there is hope that juco prospect Wayne Bonner (6-4, 210) will add size and 4.5 speed to a team lacking playmakers. The offensive line returns just two starters from a unit that allowed just 13 sacks. Fortunately, both tackles are back in sophomores C.J. Wood (6-5, 288) and Ryan Tillman (6-5, 282).

Defense: marshall returns eight starters on defense including all four on the defensive line. The defense was awful last season, especially against the pass, as six opponents passed for more than 300 yards against them. Five opponents rushed for more than 200 yards. The line is anchored by senior All-C-USA selection DE Albert McClellan (6-2, 252). At linebacker, senior Mario Harvey (6-0, 244) returns after leading the team in tackles with 107 and sacks with 4.5. The secondary is more of a concern as they have a pair of sophomore corners returning in DeQuan Bembry and T.J. Drakeford who should improve. Bembry had 80 tackles last season and a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss.

Outlook: Marshall opens with Southern Illinois at home, but then faces Virginia Tech. They also take on Bowling Green at home and rival West Virginia on the road. This is a pretty tough schedule for a team that has issues at quarterback and a defense that should be better but is still far off the rest of the league.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Central Florida Knights Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: George O’Leary, 6th year (26-36 at UCF, 78-69 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Charlie Taafe (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Huxtable (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Rob Calabrese)

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Offense: The Knights return 10 offensive starters and they add coordinator Charlie Taaffe, a former CFL coach and coordinator. That’s the biggest addition to an offense that ranked just 113th in the nation (16.6ppg) in points score and 119th (last) in the nation in yards per game (119). Sophomore Rob Calabrese (6-2, 218) returns at quarterback and he’ll have more responsibility as the passing game will be upgraded and the spread will be implemented. He has a deep receiving corps featuring the top three pass catchers from last year-Brian Waters (594 yards), Kamar Aiken and Khynest Williams. They also return HB/TE Corey Rabazinski, who missed most of last season with a leg injury. The running game returns sophomore Brynn Harvey (6-1, 202), who led the team with 519 yards. The offensive line features four players who were first-year starters a year ago.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 333.8 yards per game (43rd). Those are not bad numbers, but they had to play like USC to win because their offense couldn’t put points on the board. The front seven is strong, led by junior DE Bruce Miller (6-2, 258), who recorded seven sacks last year. They are also very strong at tackle, which is a major reason why the unit was first against the run in the conference last year (126.1ypg). The linebackers return two starters though they are moving one junior Derrick Hallman (6-0, 213) to free safety. Junior Lawrence Young (6-0, 205) though undersized, finished with 72 tackles last year. The secondary moves Hallman up from linebacker but that means they’ll still have four new starters. Potential starting CB Emery Allen also hurt his leg in the spring and might not be ready in the fall.

Outlook: UCF should be improved this season with 10 starters back and a new offense. The offense can’t be much worse than last year’s abysmal unit-even with the same players. They’ll open with Samford and then go right into conference play against a very tough Southern Miss team. They also host Buffalo, Miami (FL) and travel to Texas. Brutal schedule other than 1-AA Samford. They should be better than last year, but the record might not show it.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Memphis Tigers Predictions
2008 Record: (6-7, 4-4)
Coach: Tommy West, 9th year (47-51)
Off. Coordinator: Clay Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kenny Ingram (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12, (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Arkelon Hall)

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Offense: The Tigers return just four starters on offense, but one of them is senior quarterback Arkelon Hall (6-3, 225). Hall threw for 2,275 yards last season (12 TDs, 7 INTs) after transferring from a California junior college. He dropped 10 pounds, which should help his ability to run. However, he could be pushed by Brett Toney, Byron Ingram and Tyler Bass in the fall. At running back, senior Curtis Steele (6-0, 185) is back after rushing for 1,223 yards, as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. The receivers are very strong, led by seniors Duke Calhoun (6-4, 200) and Carlos Singleton (6-8, 220). Calhoun has 144 career catches for 2,058 yards, while Singleton adds 19 career touchdown receptions. The offensive line returns just one starter in RG Dominik Riley (6-4, 315), guards Ronald Leary (6-4, 313) and Malcom Ralws (6-5, 315) have some experience.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters and new coordinator Kenny Ingram, but the defensive brings back just one in junior end Jada Brown (6-2, 265). One impact player could be junior DT Justin Thompson (6-4, 290), who was a big-time juco prospect, who originally signed with Oregon. The linebackers should be a strength of the unit as they return all three starters. Senior OLB Greg Jackson (6-2, 212) is the playmaker, who recorded four sacks last year. They also add two transfers in James Hughes (6-0, 230) from Mississippi State and junior Derrick Odom (6-2, 202) from LSU, who could both be factors. In the secondary, the Tigers return three of four starters including senior safety Alton Starr, who led the team with 90 tackles last year.

Outlook: The Tigers face Ole Miss at home, followed by Middle Tennesse State on the road, Tennessee-Martin at home and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. In conference, games at Houston and a home game against East Carolina will be key. If they can find a consistent running back, they have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 East Carolina Pirates Predictions
2008 Record: (9-5, 6-2)
Coach: Skip Holtz, 4th year, (29-22 at East Carolina, 63-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Fitch (3rd year) and Steve Shankweiler (15th year)
Def. Coordinator: Greg Hudson (5th year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Patrick Pinkney)

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Offense: Patrick Pinkney returns after the NCAA gave him a sixth year of eligibility after missing the 2205 season recovering from shoulder problems after redshirting in 2004. He started in 13 of 14 games last season, throwing for 2,675 yards with just seven interceptions in 363 attempts. He should have an even bigger season with the return of receivers Darryl Freeney and Dwayne Harris, who led the way with 654 yards on 58 catches last season. The big concern is at running back where Norman Whitley (698 yards, 4 TDs) returns after taking a leave of absence in the spring. That leaves an opening for Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson because junior Jonathan Williams (380 yards) has legal issues and might not play this fall. The offensive line returns four starters from a strong unit.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a defense that allowed 21.1ppg (30th in the nation) last season and 330 yards per game (41st in the nation). The defensive line is experienced, led by end C.J. Wilson (6-4, 271), who led the Pirates in tackles for loss with 18.5 and 10.5 sacks. Tackles Linval Joseph (6-6, 300) and Jay Ross (6-3, 306) are sturdy against the run up the middle. The linebackers are anchored by senior MLB Nick Johnson (6-1, 215), who led the team with 102 tackles last season. Senior OLB Chris Mattocks (6-0, 210) is back after playing some at safety and linebacker last year. The secondary is the strength of this unit as FS Van Eskridge (6-0, 200) is back after picking off four of their 22 interceptions last year. He also finished third in tackles with 97.

Outlook: The Pirates open with a very tough FCS (1-AA) opponent in Appalachian State at home, and then face West Virginia and North Carolina on the road. They also host rival Virginia Tech at home in November. This is one tough schedule that features Southern Miss at home in the season finale.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

2009 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Predictions
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Larry Fedora, 2nd year (7-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Wyatt (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Todd Bradford (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Austin Davis)

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Offense: Austin Davis returns at quarterback after a record-breaking freshman season. He threw for 3,128 yards and 23 touchdown playing in the no-huddle spread attack. They also return senior RB Damion Fletcher, who led the conference in rushing with 1,313 yards but he was suspended in the spring and worked hard to get back in Larry Fedora’s good graces. At receiver, sophomore DeAndre Brown (6-6, 228) returns after leading all freshman in receiving with 1,117 yards, while scoring 12 touchdowns. He also missed spring ball after breaking his leg in their bowl game against Troy (30-27 win). The offensive line returns four starters and is a major strength.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 366.1 yards per game (65th in the nation). They did lose star LB Gerald McRath, a first-team all-league pick who left early for the NFL. Junior Anthony Gray (6-0, 301) returns at tackle, while sophomore Deddrick Jones (6-3, 242) is back at end. Martez Smith (6-0, 211), a hard-hitter at linebacker, returns for his junior season. They also add Hendrick Leverette (5-10, 221), a transfer from Pearl River (Miss.) Community College to compete for the job in the middle. The secondary returns an experienced crew, led by safeties Eddie Hicks (4 INTs) and Justin Wilson (4 INTs).

Outlook: The schedule is pretty tough as they open with Alcorn State, UCF and Virginia at home and then takes on Kansas on the road. They also face Louisville on the road in mid-October. The East divsion may be decided when they take on East Carolina on the road at the end of the season. This team is loaded, not just on offense, but the defense is also strong enough to make them a contender. They are a certain bowl team this year.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox
Free MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs (-115) – Fri June 26th 2009 4:05p
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Randy Wells finally picked up a win his last time out against the Cleveland Indians. It took him seven starts to do so, but it’s by no means been his fault. He’s unfortunately been the guy the Cubs offense can?t score for, and the bullpen has surrendered a number of leads late after he departed. On the year, the Cubs have scored an average of 3.75 runs per game while 3.75 runs per game have been scored in his eight overall outings. No wonder he’s just 1-3 even though he sports a stellar 2.57 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He’s been outstanding on the road boasting a 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, and he?s allowed just six earned runs and 14 hits with a K/BB ratio of 15/2 through 20.2 innings of his L/3 starts as a visitor.

Since returning from the DL, Jose Contreras has looked like a completely different pitcher than the one that got torched in his first six starts. In his L/3 outings, Contreras is 2-1 with a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP allowing just 12 hits and three ER’s with a K/BB ratio of 13/3. He did get roughed up his last time out against Cincinnati where he surrendered nine hits, but he still only allowed the Reds to plate three runs. The six inning effort at the ‘GAB’ was the first time he failed to go less than eight innings since returning from his Triple-A stint. Contreras has opposed the Cubs six times in his career and holds a 2-3 record with a 6.08 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.

This just makes no sense! How in the world are the Cubs favored in this game? The line reeks like you know what, so there’s only one thing to do. When something looks too good to be true, it usually is. The square side here today is the White Sox who are dogged at home against the struggling Cubs after just handling the best team in baseball. Back Wells and the visitors who would love nothing more than to turn their misfortune around with a big series win against their hated city rivals!

Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants
Free MLB Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers (-145) – Fri Jun 26 ’09 8:05p
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The Brewers are terrible at interleague play every season and they are probably really happy to be getting the Giants in town. The Giants are 5 games under .500 away from home this season and have struggled against the Brewers in the past. The Brewers have won 7 out of there last 9 games against the Giants and are 14-3 in there last 17 games in Milwaukee. The pitching matchup in this game is even with two outstanding pitchers on the mound in Matt Cain (9-1 2.28 ERA) vs. Gallarardo (7-4 3.00 ERA). On the road this season the Giants are only averaging 3.43 runs per game while the Brewers are averaging 4.29 runs a game at home so I see some value today in the better team at home in getting the much need win to stay in the hunt for there division.

Florida Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays u8.0 (-110) – Fri Jun 26 ’09 7:35p
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Josh Johnson of the Florida Marlins has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball, while James Shields of the Tampa Bay Rays has always pitched well at home, so do not expect much scoring at The Trop tonight.

Johnson is 7-1 with an excellent 2.66 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 105 innings, and just like many other pitchers that have undergone the procedure, he actually looks stronger and has more velocity after his Tommy John surgery. You will be hard pressed to find a more consistent starter than Johnson, as he has allowed three runs or less in 14 of his 15 starts this season and he is among the leaders in the Major Leagues with his 13 Quality Starts.

Shields has pitched well at home ever since he became a fixture in the Rays rotation, and this year is no exception. He is 4-2 with a 3.07 ERA here, as he has allowed three earned runs or less in six of his last seven home starts, and he allowed only four runs on the lone non-quality outing. He is also in great current form, with four Quality Starts in his last five outings after allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings vs. the New York Mets on Saturday.

Finally, the Under is 10-4 in all Shields starts this year, and given the quality of his mound opponent tonight, we look for that trend to continue.

MLB Free Pick: Marlins, Rays Under 8 (-110)

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Free MLB Pick: Philadelphia Phillies (-127) – Fri Jun 26th 2009 7:05p
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The Phillies are off a disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Rays last night by a 10-4 count and will be in a bounce back situation this evening vs a inconsistent Toronto Blue Jays team. I know the Phillies are slumping losing 8 of their L/9 , but with Cole Hamels (4-3.4.24 ERA) their southpaw starting pitcher this evening getting into top form Im betting on some positive results from the defending World Series champs. The Phillies southpaw starting pitcher is coming off one of his best starts of the season, recording a double-digit strikeout mark , while allowing just two runs in eight innings of quality work. Note: The Phillies are 4-0 in Hamels last 4 road starts . The Blue Jays have lost 7 of their L/10 at home vs a LH starter….Play on the Phillies