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It all comes down to this as the #1 ranked Louisiana State University Tigers battle against the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA on January ninth. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is no stranger to this match, winning the national tournament in 2009 and additionally winning it with LSU as a head coach in 2003. LSU head coach Les Miles is additionally no stranger at this instant as he’s won the national tournament in 2007. Two great teams and head coaches meeting on a collision course in what is sure to be an awesome game. The oddsmakers currently have this at Alabama (-1) with the over-under set at 40 points.
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The LSU Tigers come into play unbeaten at 13-0 with an 8-0 record in the SEC. They’ve additionally gone a staggering 8-0 versus ranked teams with wins over #3 Oregon, #25 Mississippi State, #16 West Virginia, #17 Florida, #20 Auburn, #2 Alabama, #3 Arkansas, and #14 Georgia. This game is a rematch of the classic November fifth game at Alabama with the Tigers winning in ot over the Tide 9-6. The Tigers have an awesome offense ranked 12th in the country with 38.5 ppg won. LSU’s actual weapon is their defense which is ranked 2nd in the country with only 10.5 ppg allowed. Senior Qb Jarrett Lee with 1,306 passing yards and also a 152.0 rating mans the Tigers passing attack. With each adding up over 700 yards on the ground, the tandem of sophomores Michael Ford and Spencer Ware pace the LSU running attack. CB Tyrann Mathieu ended 5th in the Heisman race while nabbing 6 interceptions and gaining 173 yards off of those picks which rate first in the country.
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The Crimson Tide come into this match trying to get revenge for their loss to LSU back in November. With a 7-1 record in the SEC, the Tide has gone 11-1 in total. They’ve gone 4-1 versus the Top 25 this year with wins over #23 Penn State, #14 Arkansas, #12 Florida, and #24 Auburn. The aforementioned game versus LSU in November was their only loss. The Tide has averaged 36.0 ppg on offense with an outstanding running game. As great as LSU is on defense, the Tide are even greater at it ranking first in the country only giving up a mindboggling 8.8 ppg. The CrimsonTide place the offense in sophomore Qb AJ McCarron’s hands, McCarron has 2,400 passing yards and a 149.8 passer rating. Junior Running back Trent Richardson ended 2nd in the Heisman whereas gaining 1,583 rushing yards and 20 td’s on the ground.
The Falcons hope that slipping into the playoffs undetected in 2012 will allow them greater results, following finishing with the best record in the league last year, and getting dismissed in the 1st round by the Packers. Atlanta concluded 10-6 this year, earning them a 1st round wild-card game with the NFC East winning New york giants (9-7).
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For the Jan 8 – Falcons versus Giants game, nonetheless, New York appears to have the traction proceeding into the playoffs. Sportsbooks have recognized this, and made New York a 3-point fave. This is perhaps a shocking position for a squad that lost 4 contests in a row in November-December. The Giants had to rely on huge errors by their division rival Dallas Cowboys to allow them an chance to get to the playoffs. A win over Dallas in week 17 secured them the division championship.
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New York players may contend that their losing streak this year came when starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw was wounded. And this is a legitimate argument, as 3 of 4 losses in that streak came when Bradshaw was on the bench. Now that he is back the Giants have looked like a different squad, winning two must-win contests in a row over hard competition (New York Jets and Dallas).
Atlanta won 3 of their last 4 contests arriving into the playoffs, but Atlanta has had trouble all year versus winning squads. Atlanta is just 2-4 versus squads that concluded over .500. Only two weeks ago, they were blown out by the Saints, 45-16.
Both squads are headed by quality quarterbacks, the Giants by Eli Manning and the Falcons by Matt Ryan. The difference in this game, nonetheless, could be in qb strain. The Giants defensive line can get to the qb, and documented 48 sacks this year, great for 3rd in the league. The game will be based on how well Matt Ryan and the Falcons offensive line can resist the strain of the Giants’ defensive front.
This game between the Pittsburgh steelers and the Cleveland Browns will offer two teams who have diverse goals for the last two contests of the year. The Steelers are currently in the playoff competition and are just only getting set for the playoffs. The Browns on the other hand have had a pretty negative year and are only trying to salvage their year with a handful of more wins. Both teams nonetheless will be competing hard despite the difference in their records. It will likely be a pretty close game if both teams play hard.
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The Steelers are currently 11-4 and have only come off a big win vs the St. Louis Rams. The Browns have lost 5 consecutive contests whilst the Steelers defeat the Rams 27-0 and shown incredible defense. The Browns last game vs the Ravens exhibited just how tough it is for the Browns to score plus they are definitely going to have a hard time with the Steelers defense. However, a solid chunk of the game will rest on the squad’s stars and how they are going to play under pressure. Watch for both teams finish with a flurry since the regular season is almost done.
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The Browns will pray that Hardesty will control the ground game whilst the Steelers are focusing on Big Ben to drive the team for big passes that will lead to multiple tds. The Browns nonetheless will have to work together as a unit to manage to defeat the Steelers as the expertise is definitely on Pittsburgh’s side. Both teams will look to play hard and keep it a minimal scoring game but watch for a dominating performance by Big Ben and the Steelers. The Browns will just have an opportunity if the Steelers totally break down offensively but this is very unlikely.
The Eagles (7-8) are going to visit the Washington Redskins (5-10) in an NFC East divisional game in their final game. Both squads are at the bottom of the division rankings and have been removed from playoff contention this year. Philadelphia had a lot of press buzz before the start of the year being described the dream team with their impact in the free agent market.
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Nevertheless, they have not quite lived up to the really high expectations and have had their fair share of challenges this year with accidents to essential players such as quarterback Michael Vick. They still have something to play for as Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid is possibly on the hot seat for remaining the squad’s coach next year.
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With an injury to his toe, Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu is doubtful to play one time again. Their absence of depth at the running game combined with their vulnerable offensive line will be tough to get over with essential Philadelphia Eagles defensive players doing well such as defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole. It will be up to Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman to have an excellent passing game for them to have any type of chance. The Philadelphia Eagles are averaging about 400 yards on offense per game and you can expect them to do just as well with the team of a healthy Michael Vick at quarterback and running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel isn’t likely to compete with a hamstring injury.
In spite of both squads not earning a playoff place for the 2011 year, they still would like to end on a good note and come out on top for the final game of the year. The Eagles are faves in this particular game to the underdog Washington Redskins with a line of -9. The over/under for points is at 46.5.
The final week of the nfl regular season finds a match a lot of people imagined would settle who would be NFC West Division Champion before this year when the San Francisco 49ers visit the St Louis Rams. Instead, the san francisco 49ers have already clinched the division and the St Louis Rams have one of the worst records in football.
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Playoff Ramifications
This game actually has obvious playoff implications, as odd as it could seem. Whereas the St Louis Rams are awful, the amazing turnaround of the san francisco 49ers has them seeded number two in the NFC playoffs. The problem for the san francisco 49ers is they’re being hotly pursued by the Saints who are merely one game behind. The excellent news is that by just winning this match, the san francisco 49ers can wrap up the position. Unless they meet the Packers, the seed, doing this would give them home turf advantage through the playoffs.
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Standing of Teams
The squads come into this match heading in 2 distinct directions. The san francisco 49ers are on a roll. At 12-3, they have a middling offense, but one of the most fearsome defenses in the nfl. This is especially negative news for the 2-13 St Louis Rams, which have the most awful offense in the nfl and have been shut out in 2 of the last four matches. As the St Louis Rams have a pretty solid defense and should be able to limit the san francisco 49ers offense to 21 points or so, this match won’t be a blowout, nevertheless.
Match Outlook
This could be one of the uglier matches of the weekend. The St Louis Rams are 2-13 in a negative division and the san francisco 49ers have everything to play for. Despite the fact that the game is in St Louis, the sportsbooks look to feel the same way with San Francisco favored by 10.5 points. The over on the game is 35.5 points. It will be a huge shock to see them lose and San Francisco should be greatly favored in this match. That being said, the 35.5 figure is hopeful in my humble view given the nature of the offenses involved.
Christmas is the reason why so much individuals are pleased this week. However the individuals who love basketball have more grounds than just Christmas. It indicates the start of a year that was postponed for over a month due to the fact of a lockout. The Dec 25 – Orlando Magic versus Oklahoma City Thunder game is a very anticipated game of the 5 contests that are planned on Christmas Day. Every one of the planned contests throughout that day will surely be watched by the fans and individuals who love betting will be gambling for the squads that they root for.
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The Thunder which is led by Kevin Durant is among the favorite squads this year to make a run for the championship. Though their competitors are relatively youthful and they need more knowledge, they’ve done so well on their own that they gave the Mavericks a tough time throughout the playoffs. They’re supposed to do greater this year and the squad will surely learn from its blunders. Kendrick Perkins is in a much greater shape at this time and is far more athletic and serious to play against. With all the key competitors in their squad coming back, there is no reason why OKC won’t arrive at their goals.
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The Orlando Magic on the other hand is having a tough time trying to add quality competitors to support Dwight Howard. Howard has asked for a trade already and he may just leave Orlando to play for a squad that has a greater prospect of reaching the Finals if they do not perform any greater or get a good competitor. Turkoglu isn’t the competitor he used to be so somebody has to step up for the squad.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are much deadlier in comparison to Orlando who count on Howard all the time. The prospects are in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder plus they are supposed to win. This is because nobody in the Magic’s squad can defend Kevin Durant.
On Dec 24, the tenth anniversary of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl takes place in Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii when the Nevada Wolf Pack takes on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. With Southern Miss at -6 with the over/under at 62, the sports book has its eyes on this game also.
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Nevada enters into Honolulu with a 7-5 overall record and a 5-2 record great enough for 2nd place in the WAC. The Nevada Wolf Pack have gone 0-2 versus rated foes this year. Nevada’s power doesn’t come through the air; it comes right at their foes with a 251.8 rushing yards per game average. That average is rated 6th in the nation and combined with their passing, the Nevada Wolf Pack average 522.8 yards of total offense per game which additionally ranks 6th countrywide. Nevada is now in their 3rd distinct stint with renowned hall of fame head coach Chris Ault. Freshman Qb Cody Fajardo and senior Qb Tyler Lantrip are heading Ault’s pistol offense is a double-fisted attack. Senior Wide receiver Rishard Matthews has been amazing all year with his 91 receptions ranking ninth in the nation.
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With an 11-2 overall record with a 6-2 1st place exhibiting in Conference USA, Southern Miss has had a extraordinary year. They have competed with one rated squad this year and soundly beat undefeated number 6 Houston 49-28 a few weeks ago and smashed the Cougars opportunity for a BCS bowl game in the process. The head coaching spot at Southern Miss is a lame duck position as Larry Fedora is coaching his final game with the Golden Eagles. Fedora was named the new head coach of the Tar Heels on December ninth; he has managed a 33-19 record over his 4 years in Hattiesburg.
Senior Qb Austin Davis heads Southern Miss behind center. Senior WRs Ryan Balentine and Kevin Bolden are often a possible deep menace whilst freshman RB Jamal Woodyard is reliable on the ground.
In the 1980′s and 1990′s, these two squads could have been a lock for a Fiesta Bowl or one more BCS-type game however the BCS method was not in place back then. These two squads can still put on one heck of a show despite the fact that players and systems could modify over the years. The Seminoles battle against the Fighting Irish in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando on December 29th. We have Jimbo Fisher versus Brian Kelly rather than Bobby Bowden versus Lou Holtz in what is sure to be an awesome game. The sports book seems to agree with Florida State at -3 and the over/under at 47.
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The Seminoles come into the Citrus Bowl with an 8-4 overall record and a 5-3 record in the ACC Atlantic Division. As brought up, Jimbo Fisher is the heir apparent of Bobby Bowden and Fisher’s record now sits at a respectable 18-8 following two full seasons. Simply giving up 15.2 ppg which rates fourth in the country, FSU’s offense averages 31.7 ppg and the defense locked down rival squads. FSU’s passing game is dealt with by junior Qb E.J. Manuel.
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Notre Dame come into play with an 8-4 record as an independent, averaging 30.5 ppg on offense and 20.9 ppg on defense. Brian Kelly is attempting to boost on his legacy and the foremost successes than he’s had in Cincinnati and Grand Valley State.
Sophomore Qb Tommy Rees is at the lead of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame presents a damaging running game with the tandem of junior RB Cierre Wood and senior RB Jonas Gray. With shades of Irish great Raghib Ismail, junior WR Michael Floyd rates 8th in the country with 95 receptions. Junior TE Tyler Eifert is a able and reliable 2nd option for Rees.
If you are an Nfl enthusiast, this should be a solid contest to watch. In week 15 the St Louis Rams fell to the Bengals 20-13. On Monday the Pittsburgh steelers played like they were in the dark at Candlestick Park. They simply managed a field goal in the third quarter and fell to San Francisco 20-3.
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Week 16 will not be critical to the St Louis Rams season. It will likely be a different story for the Pittsburgh steelers. They have secured the playoffs, nevertheless they’ll be battling to attain a greater seeding in the playoffs. Due to the fact the St Louis Rams will have nothing to lose arriving into this game, in no way can they let up. Squads that have nothing to lose usually play loose and come up with a huge game.
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Injuries
could also play a part in this game. The Pittsburgh steelers qb Ben Roethlisberger is playing on an injured ankle. This could unquestionably affect his mobility. As of December 17, 2011, seven participants were viewed as out or sketchy. Roethlisberger played Monday night. It could have been a huge danger for the Pittsburgh steelers. If he re-injures the ankle he might not make the playoffs. One of their top defensive participants Troy Polamalu is getting by on a hamstring muscle injury. If the hamstring is re-injured and he has to sit out, there will be a huge hole in the defense. Therefore, there are some participants they’re likely to sit out for rest if the Pittsburgh steelers develop a large lead vs the St Louis Rams.
The sportsbooks in this game just can’t keep the number still. They have ranged from St. Louis +7, Pittsburgh -7 up to St. Louis +16, Pittsburgh -16. So wait a little while longer and then find some excellent odds if you want to get some action on this specific game. It should be a great game.
