The New York Yankees turn to their ace pitcher on Thursday night in Baltimore as they face the Orioles.  Chien-Ming Wang goes for his 8th win of the season against Daniel Cabrera and the Orioles.  Wang is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.51 while Cabrera is 6-8 with an ERA of 4.98. Sportsbooks report that most early betting has the public taking the favored Yankees on the road.

Wang had a no decision in his last start against San Francisco but he has pitched well in nearly every start this season.  This will be his first start against Baltimore this season.

Cabrera pitched well in his last start, throwing five no-hit innings before leaving after six innings.  Cabrera throws a lot of pitches because he leads the league in walks with 49.  Cabrera has not had much success against New York as the team is 2-6 in his last 8 starts against the Yankees.

The Yankees are -175 favorites with a total of 9 Under (-115) .

Here were the betting statistics heading into Wednesday’s game. The Yankees are 6-14 in their last 20 vs. the American League East. The Yankees are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Yankees are 1-6 in their last 7 games as a road favorite. The Yankees are 8-2 in Wang's last 10 starts as a road favorite. The Yankees are 11-3 in Wang's last 14 starts vs. the American League East. The Yankees are 40-17 in Wang's last 57 starts as a favorite.

The Orioles are 8-20 in their last 28 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Orioles are 4-11 in their last 15 overall. The Orioles are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. the American League East. The Orioles are 1-8 in their last 9 home games.

The Orioles are 0-6 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Orioles are 7-19 in Cabrera's last 26 starts as an underdog. The Orioles are 2-6 in Cabrera's last 8 starts vs. Yankees.

The Over is 4-1 in the Yankees last 5 vs. the American League East. The Under is 15-5-2 in the Yankees last 22 games as a road favorite. The Under is 17-8-3 in the Yankees last 28 road games. The Under is 9-4-1 in Wang's last 14 starts vs. the American League East. The Over is 8-1-1 in the Orioles last 10 overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Orioles last 7 home games. The Over is 13-3 in Cabrera's last 16 home starts. The Over is 4-1 in Cabrera's last 5 starts a home underdog. The Under is 5-2-1 in Cabrera's last 8 starts vs. the Yankees.

MLB Preview
Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Thursday, 9:40 pm Eastern

Wolf comes into the game at 8-6 with an ERA of 4.32.  He allowed six runs in 5 and 2/3 innings in his only start against Arizona this season and took the loss.

Randy Johnson will make his return from a herniated disc in his back.  The question will be how well he pitches coming back from the injury.  He was pitching superbly before going on the DL.  He is 4-0 with a 1.52 ERA in his last five starts.

The Diamondbacks are -138 favorites with a total of 8.5 Under (-115).
  

Here were the betting statistics heading into Wednesday night’s game.  The Dodgers are 11-2 in their last 13 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Dodgers are 23-11 in their last 34 vs. the National League West. The Dodgers are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Dodgers are 1-8 in their last 9 games as a road underdog. The Dodgers are 6-2 in Wolf's last 8 starts on Grass. The Dodgers are 2-5 in Wolf's last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Dodgers are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Arizona.

The Diamondbacks are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Diamondbacks are 8-2 in their last 10 games as a home favorite. The Diamondbacks are 6-14 in their last 20 Thursday games. The Diamondbacks are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. the National League West. The Diamondbacks are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. The Diamondbacks are 5-0 in Johnson's last 5 starts. The Diamondbacks are 4-1 in Johnson's last 5 starts vs. the National League West. The Diamondbacks are 7-3 in Johnson's last 10 home starts. The Diamondbacks are 1-4 in Johnson's last 5 home starts vs. the Dodgers.

The Over is 4-1 in the Dodgers last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. The

Over is 7-2 in the Dodgers last 9 overall. The Over is 4-1 in Wolf's last 5 starts vs. the National League West. The Over is 4-0 in the Diamondbacks last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter. The Over is 4-0-1 in the Diamondbacks last 5 games as a home favorite. The Over is 7-0-1 in the Diamondbacks last 8 home games. The Under is 21-5-2 in Johnson's last 28 starts overall. The Under is 21-7-1 in Johnson's last 29 starts vs. the National League West. The Under is 4-0 in Johnson's last 4 home starts vs. the Dodgers.

MLB Preview
Minnesota Twins (42-38) at New York Yankees (37-41)
Monday, 7:05 pm Eastern – ESPN  

Opening Line: Yankees -125, Total 9.5 Over (-120)

Roger Clemens goes for career win #350 tonight as the New York Yankees host the Minnesota Twins.  This is a critical series and a critical week for the Yankees who are in danger of completely falling out of the playoff race.  Clemens is 1-3 on the season with an ERA of 5.32 and hasn’t won since his first start against Pittsburgh on June 9th. LTSF reports that early wagers have the public loading up on the Yankees.

Clemens pitched well for five innings in his last start giving up no runs but allowed four runs in the 6th inning in a 4-0 loss to Baltimore.  Clemens is 23-13 with a 3.02 ERA in 43 career starts against the Twins. He's 3-1 with a 1.37 ERA in five starts against the Twins at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees are a -200 favorite with a total of 9 over (-120) .

The Yankees have lost nine of their last 11 games, including Sunday's 11-5 loss to Oakland. "It seems like every team that's playing us is playing pretty good," said Derek Jeter, "You try to stay positive but, yeah, it gets frustrating." The Twins go with Boof Bonser (5-4, 4.65), who was terrible in June going 1-3 with a 6.91 ERA in five June starts. "Obviously, this month hasn't been going my way. I have to go out there in another five days and try to turn stuff around," he said. "I am in a slump. It is like when a hitter goes 0-for-10 or whatever. It's a bad month." The Twins lost on Sunday 1-0 to Detroit.

The Yankees have won 13 of their last 15 regular-season home games against the Twins and won two of three against them in Minnesota earlier this season.

The Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Twins are 1-6 in their last 7 Monday games. The Twins are 9-3 in Bonser's last 12 starts as an underdog. The Twins are 7-3 in Bonser's last 10 road starts. The Twins are 0-4 in Bonser's last 4 starts vs. the American League East. The Twins are 7-19 in the last 26 meetings in New York.

The Yankees are 9-3 in their last 12 games as a home favorite. The Yankees are 1-4 in their last 5 Monday games. The Yankees are 1-6 in their last 7 overall. The Yankees are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Yankees are 21-5 in Clemens' last 26 starts vs. the American League Central. The Yankees are 1-4 in Clemens' last 5 starts. The Yankees are 4-0 in Clemens' last 4 starts vs. the Twins. The Over is 6-1 in the Twins last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Over is 4-1 in the Twins last 5 games as an underdog. The Over is 4-1 in the Twins last 5 road games. The Under is 15-6-1 in the Twins last 22 vs. the American League East. The Over is 5-1-1 in Bonser's last 7 starts as a road underdog. The Under is 4-1-2 in the Yankees last 7 vs. the American League Central. The Under is 4-1 in the Yankees last 5 overall. The Under is 8-1-1 in Clemens' last 10 starts as a favorite. The Under is 4-0-1 in Clemens' last 5 home starts vs. the Twins. The Under is 7-1-1 in Clemens' last 9 starts vs. the Twins. The Under is 22-8-1 in the last 31 meetings in New York between the two teams.

MLB Preview

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers

Tuesday, 10:10 pm Eastern – TBS

Opening Line: Dodgers -143, Total 8.5 flat

Two of the better teams in the National League meet on Tuesday as the Braves and Dodgers meet in Los Angeles.  Kyle Davies (3-7, 5.42) goes for the Braves while the Dodgers send Randy Wolf (9-6, 4.33 ERA.) LTSF reports that early wagers have the public taking the traveling Braves with a comeback of +132.

Davies was excellent last time out but still took the loss.  He allowed two runs and three hits before leaving in the 7th inning.  The six strikeouts by Davies were the most since his first start of the season. 

Randy Wolf was able pick up his 9th win of the season in his last start due to great run support.  He walked six in six-plus innings but the Dodgers scored 9 runs in the victory.  Wolf seems to get a lot of run support on a regular basis and he may need it on Tuesday.  He is 4-9 lifetime against the Braves.

The Dodgers are -142 favorites with a total of 8.5 Over (-120) .

Heading into Monday here were the betting statistics. The Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. The Braves are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. the National League West. The Braves are 2-5 in their last 7 games as a road underdog. The Braves are 3-8 in Davies' last 11 starts as a road underdog. The Braves are 3-11 in Davies' last 14 road starts. The Braves are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers are 6-1 in their last 7 Tuesday games. The Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. the National League East. The Dodgers are 14-5 in their last 19 games as a home favorite. The Dodgers are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. The Dodgers are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Dodgers are 4-0 in Wolf's last 4 starts as a favorite. The Dodgers are 7-3 in Wolf's last 10 starts.

The Under is 4-0 in the Braves last 4 vs. the National League West. The Over is 4-0 in the Braves last 4 overall. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Braves last 9 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Over is 5-0 in Davies' last 5 starts vs. the National League West. The Over is 6-2 in Davies' last 8 road starts.

The Under is 6-2 in the Dodgers last 8 games as a home favorite. The Over is 19-9 in the Dodgers last 28 games as a favorite. The Over is 7-3 in Wolf's last 10 home starts. The Over is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings between the two teams and the Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.

The Nationals are expected to call up Tim Redding for the start on Tuesday.  Redding is 9-5 this season for the AAA Columbus Clippers but has an ERA of over 5 runs per game.

Here were the betting statistics heading into Monday’s game.  The Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a favorite. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last 9 games on Grass. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last 9 overall. The Cubs are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Cubs are 4-1 in Zambrano's last 5 starts. The Cubs are 20-6 in Zambrano's last 26 road starts. The Cubs are 8-3 in Zambrano's last 11 starts vs. the National League East. The Cubs are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.

The Cubs are -185 favorites with a total of 8.5 flat .

The Nationals are 3-8 in their last 11 home games. The Nationals are 3-10 in their last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Nationals are 2-7 in their last 9 games as a home underdog. The Nationals are 1-5 in their last 6 games on Grass. The Nationals are 2-11 in their last 13 Tuesday games. The Nationals are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Over is 5-1 in the Cubs last 6 overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Cubs last 6 road games. The Over is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Over is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 games as a favorite. The Under is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Over is 9-4-1 in the Cubs last 14 vs. the National League East. The Over is 10-1 in Zambrano's last 11 starts vs. the National League East. The Over is 16-6 in Zambrano's last 22 starts as a favorite.

The Under is 6-1 in the Nationals last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Under is 7-2 in the Nationals last 9 games as an underdog.

MLB Preview
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals
Tuesday, 7:05 pm Eastern – WGN

Opening Line: Cubs -187, Total 8.5 Over (-120)

The Cubs send their ace Carlos Zambrano to the mound on Tuesday as they continue their series with the Nationals.  Zambrano is looking for his 10th win of the season.  He is 9-6 with an ERA of 4.20.  Since early June, Zambrano is 4-1 with an ERA of 1.43.  In his last game against Colorado he struck out eight and gave up two runs on five hits in six innings. LTSF reports that early betting has the public on the favored Cubs and expects the total to go over.

The Nationals are expected to call up Tim Redding for the start on Tuesday.  Redding is 9-5 this season for the AAA Columbus Clippers but has an ERA of over 5 runs per game.

Here were the betting statistics heading into Monday’s game.  The Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a favorite. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last 9 games on Grass. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last 9 overall. The Cubs are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Cubs are 4-1 in Zambrano's last 5 starts. The Cubs are 20-6 in Zambrano's last 26 road starts. The Cubs are 8-3 in Zambrano's last 11 starts vs. the National League East. The Cubs are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.

The Cubs are -185 favorites with a total of 8.5 flat .

The Nationals are 3-8 in their last 11 home games. The Nationals are 3-10 in their last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Nationals are 2-7 in their last 9 games as a home underdog. The Nationals are 1-5 in their last 6 games on Grass. The Nationals are 2-11 in their last 13 Tuesday games. The Nationals are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Over is 5-1 in the Cubs last 6 overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Cubs last 6 road games. The Over is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Over is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 games as a favorite. The Under is 4-1 in the Cubs last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Over is 9-4-1 in the Cubs last 14 vs. the National League East. The Over is 10-1 in Zambrano's last 11 starts vs. the National League East. The Over is 16-6 in Zambrano's last 22 starts as a favorite.

The Under is 6-1 in the Nationals last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Under is 7-2 in the Nationals last 9 games as an underdog.

MLB Preview

Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers

Wednesday, 7:05 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: Tigers -130, Total 9.5 Flat

The Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers continue their series in Detroit on Wednesday as Jake Westbrook (1-3, 6.10 ERA) faces Kenny Rogers (2-0, 0.75 ERA).  These are the top two teams in the American League Central and the division lead has gone back and forth. Early betting at LTSF has the public all over the Tigers at home.

Jake Westbrook will be making his third start since coming off the DL and is starting to look like his former self.  Against Tampa Bay he was superb, retiring 16 of 17 at one point.  He has allowed just four runs in his last two starts covering 14 innings.  He has struggled against Detroit in his career going 4-7 with an ERA of 6.53.

Kenny Rogers is looking like his former self and it hasn’t taken long.  In his first start of the season he was superb and in his last start against Texas he allowed only one run in six innings.  Rogers is 16-16 with a 5.28 ERA against the Indians in his career.

The Tigers are -126 favorites with a total of 9.5 flat .

Here were the betting statistics heading into Tuesday’s game.  The Indians are 5-0 in their last 5 overall. The Indians are 4-1 in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Indians are 10-3 in their last 13 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Indians are 15-5 in their last 20 vs. the American League Central. The Indians are 4-1 in Westbrook's last 5 starts. The Indians are 11-4 in Westbrook's last 15 starts on Grass. The Indians are 2-5 in Westbrook's last 7 starts vs. the Tigers. The Indians are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings when Westbrook faces Rogers.

The Tigers are 28-11 in their last 39 games as a favorite. The Tigers are 7-3 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Tigers are 9-4 in their last 13 overall. The Tigers are 2-5 in their last 7 games as a home favorite.

The Tigers are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. the American League Central. The Tigers are 15-3 in Rogers' last 18 starts vs. the American League Central. The Tigers are 20-4 in Rogers' last 24 starts as a favorite. The Tigers are 13-3 in Rogers' last 16 home starts.

The Under is 5-0 in the Indians last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Under is 6-0-1 in the Indians last 7 road games. The Over is 9-3 in the Indians last 12 vs. the American League Central. The Over is 8-3-1 in Westbrook's last 12 starts as a road underdog. The Over is 19-7-1 in the Tigers last 27 games as a home favorite. The Over is 24-9-2 in the Tigers last 35 vs. American League Central. The Over is 26-11-3 in the Tigers last 40 overall. The Under is 5-0 in Rogers' last 5 starts overall. The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the two teams. The Under is 4-1-1 in Rogers' last 6 starts vs. the Indians.

MLB Preview

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees

Saturday, 3:55 pm Eastern

Opening Line: Yankees -130, Total 9 Over (-115)

Roger Clemens goes for career win #351 on Saturday as the Yankees host the Angels.  John Lackey looks for his 12th win of the season on Saturday against New York.  Lackey is 11-5 on the season with an ERA of 3.04.  Clemens comes into the game at 2-3 with an ERA of 4.26. LTSF reports that early betting has the public taking the Yankees at home.

Lackey has been solid all season for the Angels and is on the All-Star team.  He went 7 1/3 innings in his last start against Baltimore holding the Orioles to four hits, three walks and three earned runs.  Lackey is 3-3 with an ERA of 3.95 at Yankee Stadium but overall he is 4-6 with an ERA of 5.35 in 11 starts against New York.

The Yankees are -133 favorites with a total of 9 Under (-115) .

Roger Clemens was dominating in his last start against Minnesota.  He gave up only one run and two hits over eight innings in winning his 350th game.  He has owned the Angels in his career going 29-9 with an ERA of 2.53 against them.

Here were the betting statistics heading into Friday’s game.  The Angels are 10-2 in their last 12 vs. the American League East. The Angels are 22-7 in their last 29 Saturday games. The Angels are 11-5 in their last 16 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Angels are 4-0 in Lackey's last 4 starts vs. the American League East. The Angels are 7-0 in Lackey's last 7 road starts. The Angels are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York. The Angels are 5-2 in Lackey's last 7 starts vs. the Yankees.

The Yankees are 7-2 in their last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Yankees are 12-4 in their last 16 home games. The Yankees are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. the American League West. The Yankees are 16-5 in Clemens' last 21 Saturday starts. The Yankees are 5-0 in Clemens' last 5 starts vs. the Angels.

The Under is 4-1 in the Angels last 5 road games. The Under is 7-2 in the Angels last 9 vs. the American League East. The Under is 5-2 in the Angels last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Under is 5-1-2 in Lackey's last 8 road starts. The Under is 4-0 in Lackey's last 4 road starts vs. the Yankees. The Under is 4-1 in the Yankees last 5 vs. the American League West. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Yankees last 9 overall. The Under is 4-0 in Clemens' last 4 starts overall. The Under is 9-3 in Clemens' last 12 Saturday starts. The Under is 5-2 in Clemens' last 7 starts vs. the American League West. The Over is 4-1-1 in Clemens' last 6 starts vs. the Angels. The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York between the two teams.

MLB Preview

Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox

Saturday, 3:55 pm Eastern – FOX

Opening Line: White Sox -128, Total 9 Over (-120)

The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox continue their series on Saturday as Boof Bonser opposes Mark Buehrle.  Bonser is 5-5 with a 4.76 ERA on the season while Buehrle is 5-4 with an ERA of 3.26. LTSF reports that early betting has the public taking the White Sox at home.

Bonser has been up and down for the Twins this season.  He usually has one bad inning that costs him and that was the case against the Yankees were a rough sixth inning gave him the loss.  The good news for Bonser is that he is 1-1 with an ERA of 3.00 against Chicago.

Buehrle has pitched better than his 5-4 record this season.  In his last start against Baltimore he went 7 and 2/3 innings and gave up just two runs but the bullpen collapsed and the White Sox lost the game.  Buehrle is 18-10 with an ERA of 3.76 in his career against Minnesota.

The White Sox are -126 favorites with a total of 9 Over (-120) .

Here were the betting statistics heading into Friday’s game.  The Twins are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. the American League Central. The Twins are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. The Twins are 5-0 in Bonser's last 5 starts vs. the American League Central. The Twins are 5-2 in Bonser's last 7 Saturday starts. The Twins are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.

The White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The

White Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 overall. The White Sox are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. the American League Central. The White Sox are 2-7 in their last 9 home games. The White Sox are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The White Sox are 21-6 in Buehrle's last 27 Saturday starts.

The White Sox are 19-7 in Buehrle's last 26 starts vs. the American League Central. The White Sox are 5-1 in Buehrle's last 6 starts vs. the Twins.

The Over is 5-1 in the Twins last 6 vs. the American League Central. The Over is 4-1 in Bonser's last 5 starts vs. the American League Central.

The Under is 4-0 in the White Sox last 4 Saturday games. The Under is 5-0-1 in the White Sox last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Under is 10-3-1 in the White Sox last 14 overall. The Under is 5-1-1 in Buehrle's last 7 starts overall. The Under is 6-2-2 in Buehrle's last 10 starts vs. the American League Central. The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago between the two teams.

With football camps starting in less than a month, teams are now being fully scrutinized for the upcoming season. Football bettors are also busy prepping for the action ahead. One of the key things to look at each preseason is a team’s schedule, since scheduling plays a large part in any successes or failures. StatFox has put its computers to work running the formulas to determine which teams have the easy or difficult slates. We’ll be analyzing the results in college for the next two days, then the pros on Saturday and Sunday. In this first of the two-part college piece, we look at the schedule breakdowns in the BCS conferences.

Note: Conference Rankings are given in order of degree of difficulty. For example, Floida State's average opponent power rating for 2007 is 42.25, which is considered more difficult than Miami’s 39.50.

ACC
Hard Schedule – Florida State Easy Schedule – Virginia Tech

You have to wonder if the night Florida State lost to ACC champion Wake Forest (say that 10 times with conviction) 30-0 at Tallahassee, that venerable head coach Bobby Bowden decided enough was enough and changes had to be made in the coaching staff. Five assistants were sent packing and the same number came thru the door the other way. This will not be any easy transition year with just five home games (Alabama in Jacksonville) and a brutal November with trips to Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida. Some oddsmakers see 16 returning starters plus both kickers and have made the Seminoles a favorite in the conference; it could easily be tough times again in Tallahassee. Virginia Tech has removed some of the bad elements out of the program and is situated to make a serious run again in the ACC with toughest games at home, save Clemson and Georgia Tech. They are +250 to win ACC and other than game at LSU figure to be 11-1 or 10-2 headed to conference title game.

ACC Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. FLORIDA ST: 42.25 -(#6 of 119)
2. DUKE: 42.23 -(#7 of 119)
3. BOSTON COLLEGE: 41.64 -(#10 of 119)
4. MIAMI: 39.5 -(#31 of 119)
5. N CAROLINA: 39 -(#34 of 119)
6. WAKE FOREST: 38.92 -(#36 of 119)
7. MARYLAND: 38.67 -(#37 of 119)
8. NC STATE: 38.5 -(#40 of 119)
9. CLEMSON: 38.25 -(#42 of 119)
10. VIRGINIA: 38 -(#45 of 119)
11. GEORGIA TECH: 37.83 -(#47 of 119)
12. VIRGINIA TECH: 37.75 -(#49 of 119)

Big 12
Hard Schedule – Nebraska Easy Schedule – Kansas

The burden of proof falls to transfer QB Sam Keller to lead Nebraska back to Big 12 title game with just 13 returning starters. Much of this will be new to the Arizona State transfer except for the Sept.15 home game against likely top ranked USC. The week before, they will travel to Wake Forest to face their diversified offense. Big 12 play shows road games at Missouri and at Texas, plus November trips to improving Kansas and Colorado. The Huskers are +350 to snag conference crown. Kansas head coach Mark Mangino is hoping a year of experience for his 16 returning lettermen will make the difference after they lost four leads in the second half. (Two in 4th quarter) Four home non-conference games against inferior opponents and not having Texas or Oklahoma on the gridiron schedule should all but guarantee the Jayhawks return to a bowl game this season.

Big 12 Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. NEBRASKA: 43.42 -(#4 of 119)
2. COLORADO: 40.83 -(#17 of 119)
3. IOWA ST: 40.33 -(#19 of 119)
4. TEXAS A&M: 40.17 -(#22 of 119)
5. OKLAHOMA ST: 39.83 -(#25 of 119)
6. BAYLOR: 39.5 -(#29 of 119)
7. TEXAS: 39 -(#35 of 119)
8. KANSAS ST: 38.25 -(#43 of 119)
9. MISSOURI: 38 -(#44 of 119)
10. OKLAHOMA: 37.25 -(#50 of 119)
11. TEXAS TECH: 36.75 -(#55 of 119)
12. KANSAS: 33.83 -(#73 of 119)

Big East
Hard Schedule – West Virginia Easy Schedule – Rutgers

It was a banner year for the Big East since its reconfiguration and they hope the good fortune continues, presumably with three Top 20 teams in preseason polls. Rutgers magical 11-2 was punctuated by destroying Kansas State in Texas Bowl. With QB Mike Teel and All Big East RB Ron Rice back, another special season could be on tap. The first five games are at Rutgers Stadium (7of 8) and they will be favored in each one. Conference contenders South Florida and West Virginia are at home with only season ending game at Louisville looking real negative. The Mountaineers will be ranked in the Top Five in almost every poll with 16 starters back, including QB Patrick White and RB Steve Slaton. Rick Rodriguez has the toughest schedule in the league; however is not that overbearing at #28 overall with this much talent. At Maryland always presents a challenge as will road trips to South Florida, Rutgers and Cincinnati. The Mountaineers are showing up +1200 (4th choice) to be BCS champions.

Big East Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. W VIRGINIA: 39.64 -(#27 of 119)
2. PITTSBURGH: 37.93 -(#46 of 119)
3. SYRACUSE: 37.23 -(#51 of 119)
4. CINCINNATI: 37.15 -(#52 of 119)
5. CONNECTICUT: 35.33 -(#62 of 119)
6. LOUISVILLE: 35.15 -(#64 of 119)
7. S FLORIDA: 34.54 -(#68 of 119)
8. RUTGERS: 33.08 -(#79 of 119)

Big Ten
Hard Schedule – Michigan State Easy Schedule – Northwestern

Another attempt at rebuilding in East Lansing as former Ohio State assistant and Cincinnati head coach Mark Dantonio takes over. Dantonio is more low key and tough minded and will need to be a big influence after the three opening home games. The road schedule may be as difficult as any in college football, highlighted with contests at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa. Home games at Spartan Stadium will be no picnics with Michigan and Penn State wearing road uniforms in November. After a conventional off-season, second year head coach Pat Fitzgerald is positioned to be battling with Michigan State for a lower tier bowl game. The Wildcats return 15 starters, including juniors Tyrell Sutton at running back and signal caller C.J. Bacher. Northwestern should be favored in all four non-Big Ten tilts and be competitive all conference home games including Michigan. Most intriguing contest should be against the Spartans after they blew a 35-point lead at home last season losing 41-38 as 9.5-point underdogs.

Big Ten Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. MICHIGAN ST: 41.42 -(#12 of 119)
2. ILLINOIS: 39.83 -(#24 of 119)
3. PURDUE: 38.58 -(#38 of 119)
4. MICHIGAN: 37.83 -(#48 of 119)
5. IOWA: 37.08 -(#53 of 119)
6. WISCONSIN: 36.83 -(#54 of 119)
7. OHIO ST: 35.75 -(#57 of 119)
8. PENN ST: 35.75 -(#58 of 119)
9. INDIANA: 35.42 -(#61 of 119)
10. MINNESOTA: 35.25 -(#63 of 119)
11. NORTHWESTERN: 34.83 -(#65 of 119)

Pac 10
Hard Schedule – Washington Easy Schedule – California

While California may have the easiest schedule in the Pac-10, it is anything but simple ranking 22nd in the StatFox rankings. Hosting Louisiana Tech and at Colorado State should produce easy victories. A home revenge opener against Tennessee will draw immediate attention and the conference slate will have enough landmines, nonetheless if the Bears play up to expectations the +200 second choice to win the Pac-10 could be in reach being the home team against USC. Perception is a tricky thing, as third year coach Tyrone Willingham has the same record after two seasons as the coach who was fired before him Keith Gilbertson (7-16). As all signs are pointing to improvement, the schedule is brutal and considered the most imposing in the country. Starting with the second game of the season, it reads like this; Boise State, Ohio State, at UCLA, USC, at Arizona State. It closes with home games against Cal and in-state rival Washington, followed by a trip to the islands to take on a very good Hawaii team. Chances of a Huskies bowl game, Aloha.

Pac 10 Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. WASHINGTON: 46 -(#1 of 119)
2. STANFORD: 45 -(#2 of 119)
3. UCLA: 44.83 -(#3 of 119)
4. OREGON: 43.33 -(#5 of 119)
5. WASHINGTON ST: 41.67 -(#9 of 119)
6. ARIZONA: 41.25 -(#13 of 119)
7. USC: 41.17 -(#14 of 119)
8. ARIZONA ST: 40.92 -(#15 of 119)
9. OREGON ST: 40.83 -(#18 of 119)
10. CALIFORNIA: 40.25 -(#21 of 119)

SEC
Hard Schedule – Vanderbilt Easy Schedule – Arkansas

It’s a good thing Vanderbilt scheduled Richmond and Eastern Michigan this season, because the rest of games are treacherous. While few teams will have the experience the Commodores have (18 starters back), few will have to play at Auburn, at South Carolina, at Florida and at Tennessee. Home games with Alabama and Georgia, plus a non-conference closing game with Wake Forest spells trouble at Vandy. Arkansas has arguably the softest slate in the SEC and they will need it. Hard to find two better running backs than Darren McFadden and Felix Jones on one team, unfortunately a grand total of just 10 starters are back for this campaign, including four on defense. The four non-conference games would make would make Syracuse hoops headmaster Jim Boeheim plush. The Hogs will be favored in all home games, and road ventures to Bama, Tennessee and LSU are spread out. Houston Nutt’s squad is +300 (third pick) to win SEC West.

SEC Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. VANDERBILT: 41.45 -(#11 of 119)
2. TENNESSEE: 40.92 -(#16 of 119)
3. KENTUCKY: 40.33 -(#20 of 119)
4. OLE MISS: 39.93 -(#23 of 119)
5. S CAROLINA: 39.75 -(#26 of 119)
6. MISSISSIPPI ST: 39.54 -(#28 of 119)
7. GEORGIA: 39.5 -(#30 of 119)
8. AUBURN: 39.33 -(#32 of 119)
9. ALABAMA: 39.17 -(#33 of 119)
10. LSU: 38.54 -(#39 of 119)
11. FLORIDA: 38.33 -(#41 of 119)
12. ARKANSAS: 34.17 -(#71 of 119)