Missouri Tigers at Arizona State Sun Devils
Friday, 9/9/11, 10:30 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Arizona State -7
Current Betting Line: Arizona State -7
Opening Total: 52
Current Total: 53
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Missouri is coming off a lackluster 17-6 home win over the Miami (OH) RedHawks as 19.5-point favorites last week. “Offensively, we’re just very sporadic,” said Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel. “For the number of experienced players we have out there, that’s a little disappointing.” The Tigers defense definitely led the way by allowing just 270 yards of total offense. It was surprising due to the unit leading the Big 12 in scoring defense a season ago, allowing a shade over 16 points per game. Missouri is 5-3 ATS on the road in its last eight tries.
The Tigers will be putting on their streak of 22-straight non-conference regular-season wins on the line, last losing such a contest back in 2005 against New Mexico. Missouri quarterback James Franklin played decent in his first career start, taking over for NFL-draftee Blaine Gabbert, accounting for 201 yards of total offense. He ended the day completing 17-of-26 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown to go with a single interception.
Arizona State failed to cover as 37.5-point favorites in a 48-14 home win over UC Davis and will now hold a “Black Out” at Sun Devil Stadium Friday night. The Sun Devils were led by quarterback Brock Osweiler, who completed 19-of-26 passes for 262 yards and will not get ready for a stiffer challenge. “What happens sometimes is that you don’t look as good as you think you should,” commented Sun Devils head coach Dennis Erickson. “We are going to have to look at tape real quick and start getting ready for Missouri.” Arizona State and Missouri have faced each other five times, but not since the 2010 campaign. The Sun Devils trail the all-time series 3-2.
The Sun Devils defense is one of the best units in the country and tallied eight tackles for a loss or no gain last week. Arizona State finished with 143 such plays during the 2010 season. Many around campus are extremely excited at the team’s potential moving forward, especially considering 27 seniors litter the roster. Offensively, running back Cameron Marshall continues to get things done in the rushing game and receiving, finishing last week with 86 yards receiving and two rushing touchdowns on the ground.
Bettors will likely back the Sun Devils due to their 9-3 ATS mark at home, while the Tigers are 11-15 ATS over the last two-plus seasons.
Don’t miss out on a winning season and let the college football handicappers at Maddux Sports line your pockets with cash. Long term packages are available now!
