West Virginia isn’t a solid choice against Maryland
The West Virginia Mountaineers have been a high-scoring machine behind the explosive backfield combination of quarterback Patrick White and running back Steve Slaton.
Despite outscoring Marshall, 21-0, in the fourth quarter, West Virginia failed to cover as a 25 1/2 -point favorite last week in a 48-23 victory over its in-state rival. That’s one reason why the Mountaineers appear to be a little shaky as a 16-point favorite for tonight’s game at Maryland.
Like West Virginia, the Terrapins are 2-0, and feature a one-two punch in running back Keon Lattimore and quarterback Jordan Steffy. The defense also has been tough, limiting its first two opponents to a combined 176 yards (88 yards a game, which ranks No. 8 in the nation).
It should be noted the Mountaineers do not have a great track record against teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference. West Virginia is 2-10 in its last 12 games against ACC opponents.
With the nation’s top rushing offense, Air Force takes a 2-0 record and the role as eight-point underdog into its home game tonight against Texas Christian.
The Falcons would appear to be a problem bet when you consider Air Force is 0-8 against the spread in its last eight games on grass and TCU’s 9-2 record against the spread in its last 11 games. But TCU is coming off a tough loss to in-state rival Texas and is playing on a short week against Air Force’s high-powered triple option.
NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson may have overtaken Jeff Gordon in the Chase standings and is seeded first entering Sunday’s race at New Hampshire, but it’s Gordon whom the oddsmakers have as the favorite to win the Sylvania 300.
According to sportsbook.com, Gordon is a 9-2 favorite with Johnson at 5-1. Denny Hamlin follows at 6-1, Tony Stewart at 7-1 and Kyle Busch at 8-1. Dale Earnhardt Jr., who failed to make the cut in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, is listed at 12-1 along with Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick.
It should be noted that Johnson has won the last two NASCAR events and Gordon has not won a race since June 10.
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