October 2013 - Page 3 of 56 - National Football Post

Sidney Rice placed on injured reserve

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

The Seattle Seahawks placed wide receiver Sidney Rice on injured reserve after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

They promoted wide receiver Ricardo Lockette from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Josh Lenz to the practice squad.

Rice's season-ending injury coincides with the return of wide receiver Percy Harvin from a hip injury.

Rice has caught 15 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns this season.

The Seahawks narrowly defeated the St. Louis Rams on Monday night.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Week 10 college football betting primer

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Joe Fortenbaugh | Leave a Comment

This is the time of year when it’s important to take note of two situations that have a significant impact in college football handicapping: Five-win teams who are just one victory away from bowl eligibility, and national title contenders who need to decimate the opposition in order to impress the voters/computer/dude behind the curtain.

US PRESSWIREUrban Meyer's Buckeyes need to win…and win big.

The latter was on full display last week in Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes absolutely throttled the Penn State Nittany Lions, 63-14. Ohio State is on the outside looking in at the moment and needs several more performances like the one we saw last Saturday if Urban Meyer’s crew wants any chance to contend for the national championship.

With Alabama, Oregon and Baylor all on the bye this weekend, don’t be surprised if the Buckeyes (-31) take full advantage of the national stage for their tilt with Purdue prior to the Miami-Florida State showdown.

Last week: 3-4

Season: 32-20-1 (.615)

CLICK HERE to check out all of the current lines.

USF Bulls (2-5, 1-1 road) at Houston Cougars (6-1, 2-1 home)

When: Thursday, 7:00pm ET
Open: Houston -10.5
Current: Houston -17.5

USF in 2013: 3-4 ATS, 5-2 to the UNDER
Houston in 2013: 7-0 ATS, 4-3 to the OVER

Analysis: We’re getting the absolute worst of it here, but at least we’re getting it with a squad that has covered the number in every single game this season. Houston dropped a heartbreaker to BYU two weeks ago for their first defeat of the season and then traveled to the east coast for an early start time against Rutgers last Saturday. The result? A 49-14 ass-kicking that saw the Cougars roll up 611 yards of offense while outscoring the Scarlet Knights 21-0 during the second half. South Florida is averaging only 14.2 points per game this season, has notched a grand total of just six combined points over the second half of their last three games and is 7-20-1 ATS over their last 28 games overall. Meanwhile, Houston is 20-8 ATS over their last 28 games overall.

Notable Trends: USF is 0-9 ATS over their last nine Thursday games while Houston is 20-7 ATS over their last 27 games against teams with a losing record.

Pick: Houston (-17.5)

#21 Michigan Wolverines (6-1, 1-1 road) at #22 Michigan State Spartans (7-1, 5-0 home)

When: Saturday, 3:30pm ET
Open: Michigan State -3.5
Current: Michigan State -4.5

Michigan in 2013: 4-3 ATS, 5-2 to the OVER
Michigan State in 2013: 4-3-1 ATS, 5-3 to the UNDER

Brady Hoke's Wolverines have struggled big time on the road this season.

Analysis: The Wolverines are 0-5 against the number over their last five meetings with the Spartans and we don’t see any reason to believe why that trend will come to an end Saturday in East Lansing. Michigan State plays a clean brand of football that features a 2013 turnover differential of +6, sack differential of +12 and a stalwart defensive unit that is surrendering an average of just 12.3 points per game on the season (third-fewest in NCAA). In addition, Sparty is 20-8-1 ATS over their last 29 games against teams with a winning record while Michigan is just 7-20-1 ATS over their last 28 road games. Take note that Michigan’s only two road contests this season include a 24-21 squeaker over 0-7 Connecticut and a 43-40 loss at Penn State.

Notable Trends: Michigan is 3-7 ATS over their last ten games following a straight-up win while Michigan State is 10-4-1 ATS over their last 15 games following an against the spread win.

Pick: Michigan State (-4.5)

New Mexico State Aggies (1-7, 0-3 road) at UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (5-2, 2-0 home)

When: Saturday, 5:00pm ET
Open: UL Lafayette -27
Current: UL Lafayette -31

New Mexico State in 2013: 1-6 ATS, 6-1 to the OVER
UL Lafayette in 2013: 4-3 ATS, 4-3 to the OVER

Analysis: If there’s one thing New Mexico State does well, it’s get blown out on the road. The Aggies, who have dropped seven matchups this season by an average of 32.0 points per game, are just 2-26 straight-up over their last 28 road contests while getting outscored by an average of 26.2 points per game. In addition, New Mexico State currently ranks 115th in the nation in scoring (18.5 pts/gm), 126th in scoring defense (45.9 pts/gm) and is 3-13 ATS over their last 16 games overall. Meanwhile, UL Lafayette is 4-0 ATS over their last four home games and 7-1 ATS over their last eight games following a straight-up win. New Mexico State got their lone win of the season last Saturday (34-29 over Abilene Christian), so the Aggies can feel free to shut it down knowing they won’t go winless in 2013.

Notable Trends: New Mexico State is 0-6 ATS over their last six road games while UL Lafayette is 19-7 ATS over their last 26 games played on turf.

Pick: UL Lafayette (-31)

#11 Auburn Tigers (7-1, 1-1 road) at Arkansas Razorbacks (3-5, 3-2 home)

When: Saturday, 6:00pm ET
Open: Auburn -10
Current: Auburn -8

Auburn in 2013: 6-2 ATS, 4-4 to the OVER
Arkansas in 2013: 2-6 ATS, 5-2-1 to the OVER

It didn't take Gus Malzahn long to get Auburn back to its winning ways.

Analysis: How’s that move to the SEC working out for ya, Bret? Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema bolted a solid Wisconsin program last winter for Arkansas, where his inauguration into the powerhouse Southeastern Conference has resulted in a 45-33 home loss to Texas A&M, 30-10 road defeat at Florida, 52-7 home disaster against South Carolina and, most recently, a 52-0 road drubbing courtesy of Alabama. On the other side of the field this Saturday stands fellow first-year head coach Gus Malzahn, who has transitioned the Tigers from a 3-9 sewage treatment facility into a 7-1 contender that boasts an upset road win (45-41) over Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies. Note that Auburn has covered the number in five straight outings while Arkansas is just 1-6 ATS over their last seven games overall.

Notable Trends: Auburn is 4-0 ATS over their last four games against teams with a losing record while Arkansas is 3-13 ATS over their last 16 games against teams with a winning record.

Pick: Auburn (-8)

Pittsburgh Panthers (4-3, 1-2 road) at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-3, 3-1 home)

When: Saturday, 7:00pm ET
Open: Georgia Tech -10
Current: Georgia Tech -10

Pittsburgh in 2013: 2-5 ATS, 4-3 to the UNDER
Georgia Tech in 2013: 4-3-1 ATS, 5-3 to the OVER

Analysis: A three-game losing streak (vs. Virginia Tech, at Miami, at BYU) was immediately followed by a two-game winning streak (vs. Syracuse, at Virginia) putting Georgia Tech one win away from bowl eligibility exactly one week before the Yellow Jackets go on the bye, so Paul Johnson’s crew would love nothing more here than to qualify for the postseason before their November vacation. Pitt has covered the number in just one of their last five games and is 0-4 ATS over their last four road contests, while Georgia Tech is 6-1 ATS over their last seven home games.

Notable Trends: Pittsburgh is 4-9 ATS over their last 13 conference games while Georgia Tech is 8-2-1 ATS over their last 11 conference games.

Pick: Georgia Tech (-10)

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Bengals place Taylor Mays on IR

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

The Cincinnati Bengals placed safety Taylor Mays on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder.

He got hurt against the New York Jets.

Mays finished with 21 tackles, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery on two special teams.

He played in each of the eight Bengals games to date.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Hundley latest player linked to Jay-Z

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Jason Cole | Leave a Comment

It appears that rapper and sports agent Jay-Z is making inroads with another potential high pick for the 2014 NFL draft. UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley Jr., a redshirt sophomore, has had his representatives talk to Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation Sports, about possibly being his agent should Hundley declare for the draft in April.

Hundley is considered a potential first-round pick in what could be a very deep class of quarterbacks. Roc Nation already represents New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith and does marketing for New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. Outside of the NFL, the company has clients such as free agent second baseman Robinson Cano.

Roc Nation has also been linked with South Carolina standout linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney, a junior, was considered the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2014 if he declares. However, Clowney’s play has been inconsistent so far this season. Combined with quarter-backs such as Hundley, Marcus Mariota of Oregon and Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville being available, it’s highly questionable whether Clowney will go No. 1.

Follow me on Twitter @JasonPhilCole

Bills sign defensive tackle Stefan Charles

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

The Buffalo Bills signed defensive tackle Stefan Charles to the 53-man roster off of the Tennessee Titans' practice squad.

His addition comes one day after the Bills cut defensive tackle Jay Ross.

Charles spent the first eight weeks of the season on the Titans' practice squad.

A 6-foot-5, 323-pound defensive tackle, Charles entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Titans this year.

A native of Oshawa, Ontario, Charles played in 20 games at the University of Regina and totaled 74 tackles with 9.5 sacks.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Jared Allen 'proud' to still be with Vikings after trade deadline

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

Not traded after being the subject of trade talks leading up to the NFL deadline Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings star defensive end Jared Allen and his hefty salary remain with the NFC North club.

“Proud to still be a Viking,” Allen told FOX Sports. “I watched all the trade stuff like everyone else. It is a part of this business. 100% committed to turning this season around.”

The Vikings reportedly talked with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos about Allen, but woudln't budge of ftheir asking price for a second-round draft pick or a conditional third-rounder.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection will be a free agent and isn't getting a new deal from the Vikings in all likelihood.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Bills hire director of analytics

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

The Buffalo Bills have embraced analytics.

They hired Michael Lyons in a newly-created position: director of analytics

His job includes analyzing and developing strategic performance initiatives for everything from football operations, business development, and marketing.

“We welcome Mike to the Buffalo Bills organization,” Bills president and CEO Russ Brandon said. “He has an extensive skill set in analytics and we look forward to the many contributions he will provide our franchise.”

Lyons, 50, joins the Bills after 26 years as an information technology professional with the Xerox Corporation. Lyons served Xerox as a data analytics expert who was responsible for analyzing raw data and transforming it into useful information to create solutions for the business.

A native of East Aurora, NY, Lyons graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from MIT. He also earned a master’s in business administration from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

All eyes on Morris as 'Canes prepare for FSU

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Dave Miller | Leave a Comment

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After its upset victory over Florida in the second week of the season, expectations for Miami (FL) soared because of the way the defense stepped up despite entering the season with serious question marks.

But after close wins over North Carolina and Wake Forest the last few weeks, the biggest question mark now centers on senior quarterback Stephen Morris, who has underwhelmed this fall after winning the skills competition at the Manning Passing Academy this past summer. The QB combined to throw just one touchdown against four interceptions in the two close wins over the Tar Heels and the Demon Deacons.

Stephen Morris has tossed just one touchdown compared to five interceptions in the second halves of games this season.

And if the 22-point underdog Hurricanes have any chance to beat the Seminoles in Tallahassee on Saturday in the battle of Top 10 unbeateans, Morris is going to have to play like the potential NFL first-round draft pick that some scouts believed he could be — particularly in the second half and on third-down attempts.

The athletic signal-caller has had an up-and-down 2013 campaign, throwing nine touchdowns to just three interceptions in the first halves of contests this year. However, it's been a different story in the third and fourth quarters of games. Morris has tossed just one touchdown compared to five interceptions in the second halves of contests, and his completion percentage has also dropped in the final thirty minutes of games. Perhaps more indicting is his lack of production on third downs. Morris is completing just 40.9 percent of his throws with six interceptions on third downs this year — numbers that will lead to plenty of three-and-outs against coordinator Jeremy Pruitt's tough FSU defense this Saturday.

The 6-2, 218-pound Morris, who is averaging 209 yards per game through the air on 59.9 percent passing with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, certainly has placed plenty of doubt in the minds of some NFL scouts who believed he possessed first-round talent entering the season. While his arm strength is apparent, he has struggled with his accuracy and mechanics this fall.

Perhaps a right ankle injury is affecting the play of Morris more than he would let on. If the gimpy ankle continues to plague his production, then Jameis Winston and the 'Noles should have no problem with the 'Canes this week. Keep in mind that Al Golden's team has really only played one top-flight defense this year, and that was against Florida. Morris and the offense were held in check in the second half of that game, and it might suffer the same fate against the 'Noles unless Morris can deal with the expected pressure from FSU up front and clean up the mechanical issues that have affected his play throughout the season. Because Duke Johnson can't beat the 'Noles by himself no matter how impressive the sophomore running back has been in his short career.

<p> Is Morris poised to finally deliver a signature performance worthy of this past offseason's praise from some NFL scouts? We'll find out on Saturday.

Dave Miller, the college football editor and writer for the National Football Post, is on Twitter @Miller_Dave.

Source: Giants try out 20 players

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

The New York Giants tried out 20 players, including former New York Jets running back Miguel Maysonet, according to a league source.

They also tried out running backs Cam White, Keiland Williams, Kendall Gaskins, wide receivers Preston Parker, Danny Coale and Reggie Dunn, defensive end Kendrick Adams, quarterbacks Jerrod Johnson and B.J. Coleman, tight ends Colin Anderson and Bryce Davis, center Kevin Kowalski, kickers Brandon McManus and Patrick Murray, offensive guard Eric Olsen, offensive tackle Willie Smith, defensive back Trevin Wade, linebacker Lawrence Wilson and punter Brad Wing.

None were immediately signed to a contract, though.

The Giants are annually the leader in the NFL for tryouts to update their files and emergency lists.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Source: Raiders try out Sam Montgomery, Jaguars work out Cierre Wood, Willie Jefferson

Posted on 30 October 2013 | by Aaron Wilson | Leave a Comment

Cut by the Houston Texans for violating team rules, defensive end Sam Montgomery visited the Oakland Raiders, according to a league source.

Montgomery recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals.

Meanwhile, running back Cierre Wood and outside linebacker Willie Jefferson, the other two rookies cut by the Texans for violating team rules, worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Montgomery is a third-round draft pick from LSU.

He was released by the Texans this week and went unclaimed off waivers.

According to ESPN, the rookies were using marijuana.

Jefferson's agent told ESPN the players were smoking a cigar and that no illegal drugs were used.

The rookies violated team rules at the team hotel prior to the Kansas City Chiefs game and were sent home and deactivated.

“I feel like they wasted a big opportunity,” Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed said. “I’m sure they’re realizing it right now. It’s crazy and unfortunate because they had a great opportunity here to be successful. They just didn’t get it. I don’t understand why someone would do that to themselves.”

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.