Take the Double Extra Points

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Each week at the Double Extra Point, we aim to cover the Huskers from all angles. While our insights offer a blending of fact and opinion, our primary goal is bringing you the truth. On Fridays we will reach out to the degenerate gamblers in our midst. Throughout the season we will combine our unique perspectives with statistical analyses(like with calculators and stuff), to hopefully provide you with consistent winners. We expect to enable you to impress your friends by picking up a bar tab, by buying a round of Jager bombs, or by taking a date out for a nice seafood dinner…only to never call her again. As the season progresses, we will keep an ongoing record against the spread (ATS) so that you at home can choose your games wisely. Enjoy and be certain to let us know what you think and how you’re doing. REMEMBER - ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEB SITE IS FOR NEWSMATTER AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO VIOLATE ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS. It is braggadocio we endorse - not gambling.

Sammy Vegas

OKLAHOMA (-22) over UAB: Too much attention has been brought on a Bob Stoops led Oklahoma team for losing their starting QB in the offseason. What has been ignored is an Oklahoma defense that starts 11 future NFL prospects and has been considered by many to be the best in the country. UAB brings in a group of young players, which includes a new QB, to Norman to face that Oklahoma defense. The Sooners still have plenty of talent on offense, including future first-round pick Adrian Peterson. Look for Oklahoma to play with a big chip on their shoulders and to prove to their doubters that they are still a legitimate title contender.

INDIANA (-6.5) over Western Michigan: Last year Indiana finished 4-7, but with QB Blake Powers and WR James Hardy returning, they should have the offensive fire power to be even more competitive in the Big Ten in ’06. Indiana has always played well at home and with the potential to start 4-0 this season, they should not be overlooking their MAC foe. W. Michigan returns a wealth of starters including QB Ryan Cubit (the coach’s son). However, Indiana is 5-1-2 ATS against the MAC and coach Hoeppner should be familiar with W. Michigan from his coaching days in the MAC. This should have more than enough to cover a touchdown spread.

OREGON (-12) over Stanford: Surprisingly, Oregon arrives in the 2006 season, with a very talented defense that should allow them to compete for a Pac 10 title. Offensively, the Ducks are even more gifted and have one of the premiere backs in the country in Jonathan Stewart. Stanford does have ten starters back on offense, but that unit averaged only 316 yards per game in 2005. Oregon is 15-4 ATS in their Pac 10 opener and has without question on of the best home field advantages in the country. Oregon won last year’s meeting 44-20 and look for this year’s game to be equally as lopsided.

NEBRASKA 37 Louisiana Tech 17

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Jeffie Husker

Houston (-14) over RICE: I’ve got to go ahead and represent my current school with this pick. Loaded with experienced receivers, Houston also boasts a future NFL talent in veteran QB Kevin Kolb. Rice brings in a new defensive coordinator who must stop a Houston offense that scored at least 20 points in all 11 of their regular season games a year ago. Moreover, for the first time in decades, Rice is switching to a passing offensive scheme even though they still possess a wealth of players best suited for the option (sound familiar Husker fans?). In the end UH runs away with this battle for H-Town supremacy.

OLE MISS (-3) over Memphis: Memphis will be without standout running back DeAngelo Williams for the first time in years, and like Rice, they will convert a traditional running offense to a passing offense. Ole Miss brings in QB Brent Schaeffer (transfer from Tennessee) who provides a dual threat presence in the pocket with his superb athleticism. Memphis is only 5-22 straight up vs. the SEC, and with a superb defense, Ole Miss will get the win at home.

TEXAS TECH (-27.5) over SMU: Tech learned today that potential All-American wideout Jarrett Hicks could be declared academically ineligible this season. Expect this line to drop perhaps. However, SMU possesses one of the worst pass defenses in football and returns just one starter in the secondary. This is the same team that lost 66-8 last season to Texas A&M. Coach Leach has a wealth of talent even without Hicks in the lineup including possibly the best quarterback he has had in his tenure. Texas Tech is 11-1-1 ATS in their home openers. The spread should be covered by halftime.

NEBRASKA 45 Louisiana Tech 13

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Dr. D

TENNESSEE (+1.5) over Cal: Cal returns 15 starters from a year ago on a team that is looking to dethrone USC in the Pac 10. However, Tennessee is playing at home in one of the most intimidating venues in college football. Although they were 5-6 a year ago, Tennessee returns a wealth of talent including QB Erik Ainge. Cal will be tackling a new offensive scheme, the suffocating climate, and a road trip across the country. As a home dog, look for Rocky Top to topple the Bears in a mini-upset special.

WASHINGTON (-19) over San Jose St.: With Oklahoma on deck, the Washington faithful will view this game as a must-win. Facing one of the worst defenses in the country, Washington QB Isaiah Stanback should showcase his talent as both a runner and passer. With coach Tyrone Willingham sitting on the hot seat, look for him to get the most out of his players as the Huskies hope to use this game to build momentum.

AUBURN (-14.5) over Washington St.: Many experts consider Auburn a legitimate national championship contender. With two and three deep at every position, Auburn is much too athletic for the Pac 10 Cougars, who like Cal must travel down to the heat and humidity of the south. RB Kenny Irons from Auburn possibly could be the first back taken in next year’s NFL draft. Although Washington St. will be much improved on their 4-7 record from a year ago, they will be hard pressed to travel all the way to Alabama and not get taken behind the woodshed.

NEBRASKA 42 Louisiana Tech 14