I haven't posted many plays this season as it's been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde zig-zag journey, but I have found success with first half plays. Now that we're about 10 weeks into the season, everyone's had time to figure out their rotations, weaknesses, and strengths. It doesn't mean there won't be upsets, it just helps me sort out the current trends from the overall amalgam.
These are all 1st half plays. Play them individually or in a round robin.
Boise St. -3.5 (3-3) at Air Force (1-6). The Broncos are deeper in every way.
BYU -3 (5-3) at San Diego (2-6). BYU is #1 in points scored and are just a whirlwind in the first half. They overwhelm the opponent before they have a chance to adjust.
Fresno State -4 (4-2) vs. Nevada (2-3). Fresno is an xlnt 1st half team and is on the rise. Nevada will compete, but they just don't have the horses.
N. Arizona pk (3-3) at Montana State (1-5). An established core of returning starters at NAU. MSU is still looking for their identity.
A
Other games. All lines are for the whole game.
I like Sac State (6-1) +2 at Weber State (3-4), but this is their first real conference game and Weber State is a tough out.
Montana (5-1) -13 should beat S. Utah (2-4) handily, but 13 points for the whole game is a lot to lay. However, Montana has 2 guys over 17 ppg whereas SU's best scorer averages 12. Montana also plays some D, so I expect them to wear down SU in the 2nd half.
UCI (3-1) at Hawaii (2-2) is anyone's guess. It's always tough for teams to go to Hawaii. UCI is still missing the big guy, but they've made the adjustments. Hard to pick this one.
St. Mary's (7-1) -2.5 at Portland (3-5). Portland is sneaky good and I'm not sure how St. Mary's will respond after the beatdown at Gonzaga.
Riverside (2-3) +8.5 at Cal Poly (2-3). CPU is hard to figure out, but UCR is on the rise and has played better than their 2-3 records shows. They might even be a live dog depending on CPU's mindset.
Utah State (4-2) at UNLV (1-5). Anyone's guess. UNLV has been a decent first half team, but they lack the depth and coaching to succeed or put away their opponents. Utah State has shown marked improvement. If UNLV loses, look for the fans to call for Coach Rice's quick exit.
#32 San Diego State (5-1) at #48 Colorado State (4-2) -2. Will be a battle of wills as each team plays a different style. Truth be told, no on earth plays like San Diego State so either the Rams hit their shots and force the Aztecs to keep up, or else it will be a long day in Fort Collins.
Long Beach (3-1) -5.5 at Northridge (2-3) I like the 9er's in this one, but these inner city games are really a crap shoot. LB beat UCI a few weeks back and I'm sure that was a huge boost to their confidence. Northridge is scrappy, but just doesn't have the talent Long Beach gets. I'll go out on a limb and take Long Beach here.
That's about it for today.
As always, these are just my opinions so do your own analysis before taking my or anyone's recommendations.
BOL.
It's going to be 80 degrees here in Laguna. Does life get any better than this?