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2011 Independence Bowl Game Notes

Jack Jones — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:40:47 +0000

The Big 12 and the ACC battle on the day after Christmas when Shreveport, Louisiana, serves as the location of the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, which features the Missouri Tigers and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

This will be the third time these two schools have ever met. The Tigers won the first two; racking up a 27-14 road victory in 1973 and a 24-3 score in Columbia during the 1976 season.

According to the latest Independence Bowl spread, Missouri is favored by 5 points, while the total is listed at 52.5 points.

Missouri

The Tigers won their last three regular-season games to end up fifth in the Big 12 (5-4). Most recently, Missouri posted a 24-10 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks. Missouri was 2-4 on the road this year, with three of those defeats by less than a touchdown versus bowl squads (Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas State).

The Tigers ranked 33rd in the nation in offense (32 points per contest) while racking up 472 yards per game (236 through the air, 236 rushing). James Franklin completes 63 % of his throws for 2,733 yards and 20 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, and is second on the squad in the running game with 839 yards and 13 TDs on 4.2 yards per tote.

When Franklin hands off, the top rusher was Henry Josey (1,168 yards and nine TDs on 8.1 ypc in 10 contests), who was hurt at the end of the regular season and leaves Franklin the best healthy ball carrier. When Franklin throws, his top targets are T.J. Moe with 54 catches for 649 yards and four scores and Michael Egnew with 47 grabs for 484 yards and three TDs.

The Tiger defense rates 44th nationally in points allowed (23 ppg), surrendering 382 yards per contest (247 passing, 135 via the run) while notching 26 sacks and forcing 20 turnovers.

Andrew Wilson paces the defense with 89 tackles, while Jacquies Smith has a school high five sacks and four forced fumbles with 34 tackles. Kenji Jackson has three interceptions, 71 tackles and one sack, with Like Lambert adding three fumble recoveries, 74 stops and a pick.

E.J. Gaines has a punt return for a TD, and Trey Barrow averages 45 yards per punt.

North Carolina

The Tar Heels are another school (Arizona State, Southern Miss) that will be coached by someone who will not return next year, as Southern Miss’ Larry Fedora will take over for North Carolina after this contest. Carolina finished fourth in the ACC’s Coastal Division (3-5) and comes into this game 2-4 in its past six matchups after starting the year 5-1. The Tar Heels are 1-4 away from home, with the lone win over East Carolina. However, three of its losses overall have come by seven points or fewer.

North Carolina ranks 44th nationally in points allowed (23 points per contest), allowing 353 yards per game (237 passing, 106 running) while totaling 25 sacks and forcing 23 turnovers.

Zach Brown leads this unit with 91 tackles (24 more than any other player) and three forced fumbles, chipping in 5.5 sacks, two picks and a fumble recovery, while Quinton Coples has 7.5 sacks, 51 stops, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Tre Boston paces the squad with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, chipping in 64 stops and a forced fumble.

Offensively, UNC ranks 57th in the country in offense (28 ppg) while recording 396 yards per game (249 via the pass, 147 rushing). Bryn Renner completes 69 % of his passes for 2,769 yards and 27 scores with 12 interceptions. The offensive line has given up 26 sacks.

Dwight Jones is the best pass catcher with 79 grabs (36 more than anyone else) with 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Giovani Bernard paces the rushing game with 1,222 yards and 13 scores on 5.4 yards per attempt.

Check out our college bowl predictions covering every single game and if you want to know who is favored to win we have the college bowl odds for every matchup at BetFirms.

Feist’s Early Bowl Previews

Jack Jones — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:23:40 +0000

If you are ready to finish out your season on a strong note, then handicapper Jim Feist is here to help. There aren’t many handicappers in the business that have been around as long as Feist has, dating back almost thirty years making noise on the Vegas strip. Don’t try to beat the bowl game lines on your own this year. Instead trust the expertise of one of the hardest working handicappers in the business so you can have a better chance of making yourself a profit.

As 2008 draws to a close, we find ourselves smack in the middle of the bowls. You shouldn’t be bowled-out with bowl picks, either, as the bowls slowly build to the crescendo that is the Texas/Alabama showdown.

Poinsettia Bowl (Wed., Dec. 23): Utah (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) Coach Kyle Whittingham has another balanced, strong team, averaging 29 points, 157 yards rushing and 220 passing. Who’s behind center? Junior QB Terrance Cain (11 TDs, 5 INTs) started the first 7 games but Whittingham replaced him with freshman QB Jordan Wynn (5 TDs, 3 INTs) the last four games.

Despite eight wins, Cal (8-4 SU/4-7 ATS) has been as unpredictable as any team in the country. The offense has talent, with QB Kevin Riley (17 TDs, 6 INTs), averaging 29 points and 175 yards rushing, 223 passing behind RB Shane Vereen (830 yards) and junior RB Jahvid Best (867, 6.1 yards per carry). The Bears own a 5-1 SU, 3-3 ATS bowl record under Jeff Tedford, including last year’s 24-17 win over Miami in the Emerald Bowl as 10-point chalk.

Hawaii Bowl (Thurs., Dec. 24): Aloha! There is no Hawaii, for a change, but SMU Coach June Jones returns to the stadium he helped put on the map. The real story is the Nevada ground game. If you haven’t seen this incredible Wolf Pack rushing attack, tune in because it is something special. (Follow Jim on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JimFeistSports).

Nevada (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) is on an 8-1 SU/6-3 ATS run. Coach Chris Ault runs the “Pistol” offense with junior QB Colin Kaepernick (19 TDs, 5 INTs, 1,160 yards rushing, 7.8 ypc), junior RB Vai Taua (1,345 yards, 7.8 ypc) and senior RB Luke Lippincott (1,034 yards, 7.7 ypc). Yes, you read those numbers right – a trio of 1,000 yards rushers, each averaging over 7.7 yards per carry! This ground offense is something to behold, averaging 40 points and 362 yards rushing per game. They will run, while SMU (7-5) throws all the time, averaging 28 points and 267 yards passing.

Car Care Bowl (Sat., Dec. 26): Why isn’t the Care Car Bowl in Detroit? Regardless, a pair of dynamite defenses and former NFL coaches meet as Pitt takes on North Carolina. Pitt has a balanced offense with senior QB Bill Stull (21 TDs, 8 INTs) and Freshman of the Year RB Dion Lewis (1,640 yards, 5.5 ypc), while the defense has a great pass rush with Mick Williams and Greg Romeus, Co-Defensive Players of the Year. They come into this one on a two-game skid, including a loss to Cincinnati, 45-44, for the Big East Championship, blowing a 31-17 halftime lead. Dave Wannstedt called it “a heartbreaking loss.”

North Carolina (8-4 SU, 6-4 ATS) has a shaky offense but a solid defense, led by junior QB T.J. Yates (12 TDs, 14 picks). Coach Butch Davis simplified the offense down the stretch with a line battered by injuries. Carolina had the ACC’s top defense and ranks sixth in the country, allowing just 267.8 yards per game. The Tar Heels have won five straight over ranked teams dating back to last season.

Music City Bowl (Sun., Dec. 27): Kentucky (7-5 SU/6-5 ATS) had all kinds of injury problems, but persevered under Coach Rich Brooks making a bowl. They were an underdog to Auburn and Georgia and won both convincingly. Kentucky lost their starting QB, as Mike Hartline (6 TDs, 7 picks) has a serious left knee injury, so freshman Morgan Newton (5 TDs, 3 picks) has taken over as the starter.

The offense is run-first and averages 27 points and 193 yards rushing behind junior RB Derrick Locke (843 yds) and Randall Cobb (537, 6.4 ypc). Hartline could participate in some practice drills and may be available. They still have one of the SEC’s worst defenses against the run, something Clemson will attack with RB C.J. Spiller (1,145 yds, 5.7 ypc). Clemson (8-5 SU/7-5 ATS) caught fire under relatively new coach Dabo Swinney, riding a 6-0 SU, 4-1 ATS midseason run, then fell flat the last two games, losing 34-17 at South Carolina and 39-34 to Georgia Tech in the ACC title game. For those focused on college football picks and totals, note that Clemson is on a 5-0 run over the total.

Independence Bowl (Mon., Dec. 28): Texas A&M (6-6 SU/ATS) Coach Mike Sherman has a strong offense behind junior QB Jerrod Johnson (28 TDs, 6 picks), who ran for 455 yards, freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (670 yards) along with freshman RB Christine Michael (767 yds, 5.1 ypc) and soph RB Cyrus Gray (752 yds). This offense is smoking, averaging 34 points, 190 yards rushing and 274 passing. The defense is terrible, giving up 32.7 ppg. They are 8-4 over the total.

Georgia (7-5 SU/4-7 ATS) had an up and down season, with a shaky offense under senior QB Joe Cox (22 TDs, 14 picks). That’s a lot of picks with a talented playmaker like 6-foot-4 sophomore WR A.J. Green (751 yds) to work with. Green, the SEC’s leading receiver, has a sprained left shoulder and didn’t play in the last two games. He is questionable for this game. More college football picks tidbits: The Bulldogs are 3-0 SU/ATS the last three years in bowls.

2009 College Bowl Previews: December 23rd-28th

Jack Jones — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:35:23 +0000

Bowl season is starting to pick up and Jim Feist wants to give you the heads up on making your college bowl picks this week. Here Jim provides some very useful information on each team in each match up. Remember that you can check the most up-to-date lines for all of these games with our college bowl odds.

Poinsettia Bowl (Wed., Dec. 23): Utah (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) Coach Kyle Whittingham has another balanced, strong team, averaging 29 points, 157 yards rushing and 220 passing. Who’s behind center? Junior QB Terrance Cain (11 TDs, 5 INTs) started the first 7 games but Whittingham replaced him with freshman QB Jordan Wynn (5 TDs, 3 INTs) the last four games.

Hawaii Bowl (Thurs., Dec. 24): Aloha! There is no Hawaii, for a change, but SMU Coach June Jones returns to the stadium he helped put on the map. The real story is the Nevada ground game. If you haven’t seen this incredible Wolf Pack rushing attack, tune in because it is something special.

Car Care Bowl (Sat., Dec. 26): Why isn’t the Care Car Bowl in Detroit? Regardless, a pair of dynamite defenses and former NFL coaches meet as Pitt takes on North Carolina. Pitt has a balanced offense with senior QB Bill Stull (21 TDs, 8 INTs) and Freshman of the Year RB Dion Lewis (1,640 yards, 5.5 ypc), while the defense has a great pass rush with Mick Williams and Greg Romeus, Co-Defensive Players of the Year. They come into this one on a two-game skid, including a loss to Cincinnati, 45-44, for the Big East Championship, blowing a 31-17 halftime lead. Dave Wannstedt called it “a heartbreaking loss.”

Music City Bowl (Sun., Dec. 27): Kentucky (7-5 SU/6-5 ATS) had all kinds of injury problems, but persevered under Coach Rich Brooks making a bowl. They were an underdog to Auburn and Georgia and won both convincingly. Kentucky lost their starting QB, as Mike Hartline (6 TDs, 7 picks) has a serious left knee injury, so freshman Morgan Newton (5 TDs, 3 picks) has taken over as the starter.

Independence Bowl (Mon., Dec. 28): Texas A&M (6-6 SU/ATS) Coach Mike Sherman has a strong offense behind junior QB Jerrod Johnson (28 TDs, 6 picks), who ran for 455 yards, freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (670 yards) along with freshman RB Christine Michael (767 yds, 5.1 ypc) and soph RB Cyrus Gray (752 yds). This offense is smoking, averaging 34 points, 190 yards rushing and 274 passing. The defense is terrible, giving up 32.7 ppg. They are 8-4 over the total.

2006 Independence Bowl

Jack Jones — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:22:58 +0000

Alabama and Oklahoma State will square off in the 2006 Independence Bowl to be played in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Crimson Tide had a disappointing season and were lucky to get to a bowl after only picking up 6 victories. The bad season cost Mike Shula his job after losing their last 3 contests to Mississippi State, LSU, and Auburn. This came one year after a 10-2 season in which they finished the year off with a win over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The Tide have been to more bowls and have more bowl wins than any other school in division I, and they are making their third straight bowl appearance. Alabama’s offense have been horrible on the road posting just 15.7 ppg.

Alabama and Oky State have never met on the football field, but both have played in this bowl game one time in the past. Alabama beat Iowa State 14-13 in 2001 while Oky State lost 33-16 to Texas A&M way back in 1981.

The Cowboys are playing in their 4th bowl game in the last 5 seasons even though they were only 3-5 in Big 12 play. Their 42-32 over Kansas could have played a big role in earning them a bowl bid, because Kansas at 6-6 was left off the bowl schedule. Their offense has been the bright spot on the team by posting more than 35 ppg. The Cowboys have lost three of their last 4, but against three of the top teams in the Big 12.

Look at our college football bowl picks page if you want to know who our experts are taking in this one.

Best odds:

Oklahoma State -2 -109 at Pinnacle
Alabama +2 -101 at Pinnacle

UNDER 51.5 -110 at BetCris
OVER 51 -110 at VIP

Widow’s 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:30:20 +0000

It was yet another one of the bowl picks offered by the Black Widow that ended with clients cashing their winning tickets. You know that there are just a few people in the world as gifted at beating the bowl game odds as the Widow is, just take a look at why he was on La Tech last night:

5* Wiseguy Independence Bowl BLOOD BATH on Louisiana Tech PK

This game will be an absolute BLOOD BATH from start to finish in LA Tech’s favor. This team has gone under the radar during the second-half of the season as they’ve played some of the best football in the country. LA Tech has won 4 of their last 5 games overall, finding their offense. The Bulldogs have put up 31 points or more in 4 of those 5 games, and their lone loss was a 31-35 setback against Nevada in their season finale. They let the Wolf Pack come back and win in that game when it looked like they had it under control. So now LA Tech will be determined to finish their season on a winning note, and not let that one loss to Nevada in a game they should have won linger in the offseason. Northern Illinois has simply coasted to the finish line. The Huskies lost 3 of their last 4 games, losing to Navy at home 16-0 to finish off the regular season. Northern Illinois doesn’t have the offense to keep up with LA Tech Sunday. They put up a mere 191 yards of total offense against the Midshpmen in that shutout loss. The Huskies are 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after scoring 14 points or less last game over the last 3 seasons. Northern Illinois relies too much on the run to be able to beat the Bulldogs Sunday. The Huskies run 38 times per game while throwing only 22 times on average. LA Tech has one of the best run defenses in the land, giving up a mere 100 rushing yards per game and 3.0 yards per rush. Nevada came in as the nation’s best rushing offense, and the Bulldogs held the Wolf Pack to just 103 yards on 42 attempts in their finale! They allowed 37 yards on 24 carries to New Mexico State, 30 yards on 28 carries to San Jose State, and 63 yards on 23 carries to Fresno State. Now that’s domination up front, and the front 7 by the Bulldogs are the reason why LA Tech wins this one in a BLOOD BATH. Plus, this is a HOME GAME FOR LA TECH played in Shreveport, LA. Northern Illinois will not travel well, and you’ll see that 80% of the fans will be cheering for the Bulldogs to finish off a great season. Take LA Tech and lay the points.

Martin’s 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:28:19 +0000

Wow, John Martin continues to impress with his bowl picks this season. There was no doubt in his mind that La Tech would beat the bowl game odds on the 2008 Independence Bowl and his clients profited yet again, let’s see why he was so confident in his selection:

5 Unit 2008 Bowl BLOWOUT of the YEAR on Louisiana Tech PK

I almost labeled LA Tech as my Bowl G.O.T.Y. when looking into this game! But there’s no doubt LA Tech will win in a BLOWOUT as the odds makers have one all wrong. So I decided the 2008 Bowl BLOWOUT of the Year was a sufficient label as LA Tech takes it to Northern Illinois all game. The Huskies are lucky to even be in this game after losing 3 of their last 4 games, including their season finale in a 0-16 shutout loss to Navy. The Huskies’ offense is one of the worst in football, as they are one-dimensional. Northern Illinois averages 169 rushing yards/game which is decent, but they only throw for 161 passing yards/game which will be their downfall Sunday. LA Tech will stop the run, forcing the Huskies to put the ball in the air and make numerous mistakes in the passing game. N. Illinois has a freshman QB under center and he’ll fold under the pressure of this bowl game, just as he folded down the stretch of the regular season. LA Tech allows a mere 100 rushing yards/game and 3.0 yards/carry. Their defense is outstanding against the run as you can see. LA Tech has really gotten their offense going, and they have won 4 of their last 5 games overall as a result. Their only loss was a 31-35 setback against a very good Nevada team to end the season, and they’ll be hungry to get back on the field and finish their season on a winning note following that loss. But during this 5-game span, LA Tech is scoring 35 points/game. They have rushed for 185 yards or more in all 5 games, topping the 200-yard mark 4 times. When they had to last game, they threw for 258 yards against Nevada in one of their best aerial assaults of the season. LA Tech is playing great football right now, and this is essentially a home game for them as its played in Shreveport, LA. They have all the momentum and it will carry over into this contest Sunday. Cash in with LA Tech as a pick ‘em.

InfoPlays 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:25:17 +0000

The InfoPlays team just keeps on cashing tickets for the clients who are following their college football bowl picks. This is a team of handicappers that works hard at analyzing the bowl game odds so when they release a play, you know they have taken a look at every angle and figured out which side or total has the best chance of winning. Take a look at why they liked the UNDER in the 2008 Independence Bowl to see what I mean:

8* Independence Bowl Total on LA Tech/N. Illinois UNDER 47.5

Reasons why the LA Tech/Northern Illinois game goes UNDER the Total Sunday:

1.) These are two teams that rely heavily on the run, which will lead to a low-scoring game. Northern Illinois runs the ball 38 times PG while throwing just 22 times PG. LA Tech runs 41 times PG while passing just 26 times PG. So expect both teams to keep the ball on the ground the majority of the time as this is a battle of field position.

2.) Both teams have solid defenses built to stop the run. LA Tech gives up just 100 RYPG and 3.0 yards per carry. N. Illinois allows 137 RYPG and 4.1 yards per carry. This Northern Illinois defense is stout across the board, giving up only 162 PYPG and 299 yards of Total Offense PG. All these numbers show you that the chances of a high-scoring game reaching anywhere near 50 points are slim to none.

3.) System Play. We’ll Play Under – Neutral field teams where the total is between 42.5 and 49 (N ILLINOIS) – average rushing team (140-190 RY/G) against a good rushing defense (100-140 RY/G) after 7+ games. This is a 26-6 UNDER System hitting 81.2% over the last 10 seasons. With two teams that rely on the run heavily, and each team stops the run very well, it would be foolish not to side with the UNDER Sunday. Bet the UNDER 47.5 points in the Independence Bowl.

Boyd’s 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:21:06 +0000

Another great night for those who follow the bowl picks by handicapper Jimmy Boyd. He spotted the total as one of the bowl game lines that he felt like the books made a mistake on. It’s tough winning all season long and if you don’t burn the midnight oil you are going to struggle to finish out the college season. Jimmy can be there to help, just sign up for a long term subscription of his selections and see how easy it can be to beat the spreads and profit!

3* Independence Bowl “TOTAL” Dominator on NIU/Louisiana Tech UNDER 47.5
Plays under on any team against the total (LOUISIANA TECH) – in a bowl game, in a non-conference game between two teams from second tier division 1-A conferences are 28-8 the last 10 seasons. Also, plays wnder – Neutral field teams where the total is between 42.5 and 49 (N ILLINOIS) – average rushing team (140-190 RY/G) against a good rushing defense (100-140 RY/G) after 7+ games are 26-6 the last 10 seasons. LT is 6-0 UNDER in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons and NIU is 6-0 UNDER after having lost 3 out of their last 4 games over the last 2 seasons. Pound the Under.

Altemus 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:18:25 +0000

Don’t take a chance with the bowl game lines this year, sign up for a long term package of bowl picks from champion handicapper Evan Altemus. This is an expert who studies the game and knows which games the book shave made a mistake on. Take a look at why he took La Tech in the 2008 Independence Bowl to see what I mean:

Louisiana Tech has some two strong advantages in this game. First, this game is being played in Shreveport, Louisiana, just an hour away from the Bulldogs campus. Almost all of the fans in attendance will be on their site, giving them a huge home field advantage. Teams playing this close to home have been almost unbeatable over the last few years. In addition, Northern Illinois’ strength on offense is running the ball. They must be able to move the ball on the ground in order to put points on the board. However, Louisiana Tech’s strength is stopping the run. They have one of the better rush defenses in college football, giving up just 100 yards on the season. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois’ rush defense has struggled all season. They are ranked 58th nationally against the run, giving up over 4 yards per rush attempt. In addition, the Huskies only have 13 sacks on the season, while allowing teams to convert 3rd downs at a 40% rate. The Bulldogs have an excellent running back by the name of Daniel Porter. He is relatively unknown but has power and speed. Louisiana Tech’s offense has improved since making a quarterback change to Ross Jenkins. He has thrown 7 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions and 1011 yards passing with a 54% completion rate. Louisiana Tech has several advantages in this game which will allow them to get an easy win.
3 UNIT SELECTION

East’s 2008 Independence Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:14:45 +0000

Mr. East works hard all season long and that is why he is so successful at beating the bowl game odds. Last night was another example as he took down the UNDER in the 2008 Independence Bowl, giving him yet another winner with his bowl picks. Take a look at his analysis as to why he liked the UNDER:

Did a lot of research on this one, and I’ll try and capture why I am so bullish on this total. Louisiana Tech has been considered a high powered offense all season. Lately, that is hard to argue as they posted an average of 34ppg in their last 5 games. I think the numbers are very fraudelent here, and I’ll show you how statistics can lie. Louisiana Tech had half their schedule vs teams that rank #77 on defense or lower. The average of 5 of these teams was #95 out of 120 teams, with the 6th being a div-2 team. Their offense flourished in these games. The numbers show 424 yards a game, which would rank #25, and 6.14 yards a play. They averaged 39.3ppg in these 6 games, which would have put them at #13 in points scored per game. Pretty impressive numbers. They also had 5 games vs teams that were in the top half of all NCAAF defenses in yards allowed, and one other game, way over their head vs Kansas. Those 6 games saw Louisiana Tech average 280 yards a game, which would of ranked #114, and 11.2ppg which would have ranked dead last! The 6.14 yards per play was reduced to 4.28. Northern Illinois played in an offensive conference, yet finished with a defense ranked #21 in the country. That puts N. Illinois in the group of teams that held LA Tech to 11.2ppg. N. Illinois is a very limited offensive team themselves that if the numbers prevail here, will be called upon to put up 38 to put this game over the total. That is an unlikely scenerio for a team that scored 17 or less 5 times, and averaged under 20 in the 4 games they faced teams heading to Bowls. I like this one to go way under the total, and it is my BOWL TOTAL OF THE YEAR!