Thursday Night Special
Texas A&M +2.5 at Miami
To us this is a no-brainer for 3 reasons.
1. The Aggies don’t let go of the ball: Texas A&M led the entire nation in time of possession last year and tied for second in fewest turnovers. With all of the key pieces in their loaded backfield back in 2007, the Aggies can count on more of the same ball-control game.
2. The Aggies also lead the nation in scoring on all 20 possessions within the red zone. Texas A&M’s quality of opponents in the first three weeks has been a little lacking, but 270-pound Jovorskie Lane can score against anyone, especially with the push A&M’s line provides. Quarterback Stephen McGee and tailback Mike Goodson are excellent foils in the Aggies’ option attack.
3. The Big 12 has already asserted itself against the Canes: Miami was embarrassed 51-13 by Oklahoma less than two weeks ago, a game in which the Hurricanes were outgained 411 yards to 139. Texas A&M visited the Sooners less than a year ago and lost 17-16, outgaining Oklahoma in the process and covering the spread as 2 ½-point underdogs.
PICK: Texas A&M +2.5. The Hurricanes, going back to the 2005 Peach Bowl, have lost seven of eight games against ranked opponents. Six of those eight games came against teams ranked 11-25, as the Aggies are going into Thursday night’s game.
Labels: ATS, college football, free picks, gambling, handicapper, spread
