FCS Season Preview: Missouri Valley
NCAA Football Betting Lines
08/25/2010 -
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Southern Illinois having won a record
14 straight conference games and gone 15-1 since the Missouri Valley Football
Conference replaced its old Gateway name in 2008, it is easy to overlook
something about the team rightfully installed as this year's preseason
favorite:
The Salukis lost 25 lettermen and return only nine starters.
Hey, no MVFC rival will be shedding tears any time soon for the Salukis, but
there just might be a title race after all within a conference deep with
talented teams.
South Dakota State, the MVFC runner-up last season, is loaded again. Plus
longtime conference power Northern Iowa is hopeful of getting back on track
(if a 7-4 season if off track), and Illinois State and Missouri State should
field strong teams again.
"It's difficult to get through one week undefeated let alone the entire
season," said SIU coach Dale Lennon, whose team went 8-0 in conference play
and 11-2 overall last season. "And I think everyone kind of adapted that
philosophy, where you do just take it one week at a time and you just try to
keep the focus on yourself and not get caught up with anything on the
outside."
SIU's biggest losses were All-America running back Deji Karim, who last season
finished third for the Walter Payton Award which honors the FCS' outstanding
player, and linebacker Brandin Jordan, their leading tackler.
Still, while the Salukis lost a lot in quantity, they return so much in
quality players. Starting quarterback Chris Dieker is back to run the offense,
and the Salukis had five players on The Sportsbook Betting Lines/Fathead.com FCS
Preseason All-America Team, second only to Appalachian State's seven. They
were cornerback Korey Lindsey on the first team; junior fullback John Goode
and junior tackle David Pickard on the second team; and senior safety Mike
McElroy and senior place-kicker Kyle Dougherty on the third team.
"Personnel-wise is probably where I think they separated themselves a little
bit last season," Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley said. "They had very good
personnel and very good defensive personnel."
SIU's perceived challengers are bunched together on its schedule. The Salukis
visit Illinois State on Oct. 2, host Northern Iowa on Oct. 9 and South Dakota
State on Oct. 16 - at their new 15,000-seat Saluki Stadium - and, after a bye,
travel to Missouri State on Oct. 30.
"The preseason vote lasts one day. And then you go to work." South Dakota
State coach John Stiegelmeier reminds of what could be a terrific race.
Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2010 Missouri Valley Football
Conference race.
The Sportsbook Betting Lines's predicted order of finish:
1. Southern Illinois
2. South Dakota State
3. Northern Iowa
4. Illinois State
5. Missouri State
6. Youngstown State
7. North Dakota State
8. Western Illinois
9. Indiana State
Offensive Player of the Year: Kyle Minett, RB, South Dakota State
Defensive Player of the Year: Antoine Wilkinson, LB, Missouri State
1. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SALUKIS (11-2 overall; 8-0 MVFC)
COACH: Dale Lennon (20-5 in two seasons at SIU; 122-38 in 13 overall seasons)
STARTERS RETURNING: 9 (6 offense/3 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: LT David Pickard, Jr.
DEFENSIVE STAR: CB/PR Korey Lindsey, Sr. (63 TT, 2.5 TFL, 6 INTs, 4 PBU, 1 FR;
5.2-yard punt return average)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Chris Dierker, Sr. (101 of 175 for 1,326 yards, 10 TDs and 5 INTs; 3
rushing TDs)
QB Paul McIntosh, So. (78 of 116 for 888 yards, 8 TDs and 3 INTs; 87 carries,
588 yards, 6 TDs)
RB/KR Lucien Walker, Sr. (55 carries, 243 yards, 1 TD; 25.9-yard KO return
average)
RB Shariff Harris, Jr. (Pittsburgh transfer)
RB Steve Strother, So. (38 carries, 154 yards)
FB John Goode, Jr. (7 receptions, 35 yards, 4 TDs)
WR Joe Allaria, Sr. (52 receptions, 697 yards, 4 TDs)
WR Jeff Evans, Sr. (18 receptions, 319 yards, 3 TDs)
WR John Lantz, R-Fr.
TE C.J. Robertson, Jr.
LG George Danilkowicz, Jr.
C Bryan Boemer, Jr.
RG Jesse McMullin, Jr. (Iowa Western CC transfer)
DE Chance Coda, Jr. (27 TT, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 7 QBH, 1 FR, 2 blocked kicks)
DE Kyle Russo, Jr. (25 TT, 6.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 FR)
DE Jason Seaman, Sr. (22 TT, 2 sacks)
NT Derrick Nsubuga, R-Fr.
OLB Robert Spann, Sr. (24 TT, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF)
OLB Connor James, Jr. (42 TT, 2 QBH, 1 FF)
OLB Jayson DiManche, Jr. (4 TT)
ILB Stephen Franklin, Sr. (38 TT, 2 PBU, 1 FF)
SS Mike McElroy, Sr. (78 TT, 7. TFL, 7 INTs, 4 PBU)
FS E.J. Clark, R-Fr.
CB James McFadden, So. (17 TT, 2 PBU)
CB Michael Thornton, Sr. (22 TT, 1 PBU)
CB T.J. Shine, Jr. (Butler CC transfer)
PK Kyle Dougherty, Sr. (19 of 25 FG, 49 long, 53 of 55 PAT)
P Austin Pucylowski, Fr.
OUTLOOK: Saluki Stadium will be the place to be as SIU replaces old McAndrew
Stadium. Since 2003, the Salukis are 41-6 at home, including 37-2 in the
regular season. A year ago, the Salukis spent the final three weeks of the
regular season as the No. 1 team in the nation. This year, they don't seem
quite as strong, but the depth in their program will allow them to overcome a
lot of the personnel losses. In his career, QB Dieker is 15-4 as a starter,
and he's healthy again after a broken left clavicle sidelined him following
the seventh game last season (backup McIntosh is solid as well). Expect the
Salukis to pass a little more this season. They have had a 1,000-yard rusher
in 11 of the past 12 seasons, but might rely on a committee this year as they
replace Deji Karim. Pickard and Boemer anchor their offensive line. While the
defense returns only three starters, the secondary is among the nation's best
with Lindsey and McElroy. The defense usually is adept at forcing turnovers (a
plus-17 ratio last season). Not to be overlooked is PK Dougherty, who is
closing in on the school field-goal and scoring records. The Salukis have
qualified for the FCS playoff appearances in seven straight seasons - second
only to Montana's 17 - and expect to be back as MVFC champions.
2. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE JACKRABBITS (8-4 overall; 7-1 MVFCC)
COACH: John Stiegelmeier (83-60 in 13 seasons at South Dakota State)
STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (5 offense/7 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: Kyle Minett, Sr. (270 carries, 1,304 yards, 16 TDs; 19
receptions, 143 yards, 1 TD)
DEFENSIVE STAR: LB Derek Domino, Sr. (100 TT, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 INTs, 2 PBU, 1
FR)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Thomas O'Brien, So. (126 of 220 for 1,448 yards, 11 TDs and 9 TDs)
RB Tyler Duffy, Sr. 76 carries, 265 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Aaron Rollin, So. (11 receptions, 113 yards)
WR/KR Tyrel Kool, So. (17 rushes, 96 yards; 26.1-yard KO return average)
WR Brandon Hubert, R-Fr.
WR Trevor Tiefenthaler, R-Fr.
TE Colin Cochart, Sr. (26 receptions, 240 yards, 5 TDs)
C Ryan McKnight, Sr.
RT Jon Fick, So.
OL Alex Parker, R-Fr.
OL Bryan Witzmann, R-Fr.
LT Alex Dominguez, Jr. (Antelope Valley College transfer)
LT Tyler Luethje, So.
NT Ross Basham, Sr. (21 TT, 1 FF)
NT Brian Fischer, Sr. (19 TT, 4 TFL, 3 sacks)
DE Jake Steffen, Jr. (30 TT, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT, 6 QBH)
CB/KR Cole Brodie, Sr. (71 TT, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 FF; 28.8-yard KO return
average)
CB General Parnell, Sr. (23 TT, 4 INT, 1 PBU)
CB Rodkem Matthews, Jr. (16 TT, 3 PBU)
SS Conrad Kjerstad, Sr. (81 TT, 5 INTs, 6 PBU, 1 FR)
FS Anthony Wise, Jr. (52 TT, 3 PBU, 1 FF)
FS Corey Jeske, Sr. (28 TT, 2.5 TFL, 1 INT)
PK Kyle Harris, Jr. (9 of 15 FG, 49 long)
P Dean Priddy, Sr. (41.2-yard punt average)
OUTLOOK: Standouts in the senior class will power the Jackrabbits. RB Minett
is an All-America who enters the season with 3,069 rushing yards and 42 total
touchdowns in his career. McKnight might be the best center in the FCS. LB
Domino knocks down opposing players like his name. SS Kjerstad is always
around the ball and headlines a secondary which returns its four starters. The
special teams also are excellent and QB O'Brien should improve after making
six starts last season. The 6-4, 255-pound Cochart, another senior, is a huge
target at tight end, but the Jackrabbits have little experience at wide
receiver. What might be even tougher to overcome is the road schedule in the
first half of the season, games at Delaware (Sept. 11), Nebraska (Sept.
25), Northern Iowa (Oct. 2) and Southern Illinois (Oct. 16). Their most recent
road game was a puzzle, an FCS playoff game when they surrendered 34
unanswered points in the fourth quarter of a 61-48 loss to Montana. The
Jackrabbits are 13-3 in two seasons of MVFC play. Getting back to the playoffs
as the conference champion is their goal.
3. NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS (7-4 overall; 5-3 MVFC)
COACH: Mark Farley (82-32 in nine seasons at Northern Iowa)
STARTERS RETURNING: 9 (3 offense/6 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: RB Carlos Anderson, So. (114 carries, 541 yards, 4 TDs; 15
receptions, 110 yards,
1 TD)
DEFENSIVE STAR: LB Jamar Thompson, Sr. (86 TT, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PBU)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Zach Davis, Jr. (18 of 37 for 230 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs)
QB Tirrell Rennie, Jr. (Ellsworth CC transfer)
RB Matt Strathman, Sr. (39 carries, 264 yards, 2 TDs)
FB/TE Ryan Mahaffey, Jr. (7 receptions, 50 yards, 3 TDs)
WR/RS Jarred Herring, Jr. (27 receptions, 516 yards, 3 TDs; 22.7-yard KO
return average)
WR Maurice Turner, Jr. (20 receptions, 266 yards, 1 TD)
WR Josh Collins, Jr. (32 receptions, 502 yards, 1 TD in 2008; missed last
season)
WR Terrell Sinkfield, R-Fr.
TE Schuylar Oordt, Sr. (18 receptions, 358 yards, 5 TDs)
TE Darion Howard, R-Fr.
C Brian Palangi, So. (Northeastern transfer)
DE Darren Branch, Jr (27 TT, 3 TFL)
DE Ben Boothby, Jr. (27 TT, 5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF)
LB L.J. Fort, Jr. (70 TT, 4.5 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FF)
LB Shawn Gerard, Jr. (18 TT, 2 TFL)
LB Sam Tim, R-Fr.
CB Andre Martin, So. (44 TT, 3 PBU, 2 INTs)
CB Terrell McBride, So. (41 TT, 2.5 TFL, 3 PBU)
S Tre' Canady, Jr. (27 TT, 1 PBU)
DB James Conley, Jr. (26 TT, 1 INT, 1 PBU)
FS Garrett Scott, So. (25 TT, 2 PBU)
PK Billy Hallgren, Sr. (13 of 17 FG, 42 long; 43 of 43 PAT)
P Kyle Bernard, So. (36.8-yard punt average)
OUTLOOK: The defense will have to carry the MVFC's most storied program (14
conference titles, including nine outright). Only three offensive starters
return, and none reside on the offensive line. The good news is 5-foot-8 RB
Anderson is ready to step into a starting job and be a dominant player in the
MVFC. Collins, Turner and Oordt are reliable receiving threats who will help
Davis try to replace Pat Grace, the All-MVFC first-team quarterback last
season. The defense may be more experienced, but it suffered big losses as
well, including DE James Ruffin, the MVFC Co-Defensive Player of the Year; LB
Josh Mahoney, the leading tackler; and SS Quentin Scott, another first-team
all-conference selection. Thompson, who split time between safety and
linebacker last season, returns to lead the defense, which is tough against
the run. The Panthers will have to get it done with balance. If they can
weather a difficult first half of the season, a big second-half run could
carry them back to the FCS playoffs after they missed them last season.
4. ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS (6-5 overall; 5-3 MVFC)
COACH: Brock Spack (6-5 in one season at Illinois State)
STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (9 offense/9 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: QB Matt Brown, So. (226 of 352 for 2,369 yards, 11 TDs and 6
INTs)
DEFENSIVE STAR: S Kelvyn Hemphill, Sr. (71 TT, 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU,
1 FF)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Drew Kiel, Jr. (20 of 22 for 140 yards and 1 TD; injured last season)
RB Clifton Gordon, Jr. (150 carries, 542 yards, 7 TDs; 21 receptions, 169
yards, 1 TD)
RB Ashton Leggett, Jr. (Michigan State transfer)
WR Tyrone Walker, So. (37 yards, 485 yards, 3 TDs)
WR Marcus King, Jr. (9 receptions, 72 yards)
WR Marvon Sanders, Jr. (Eastern Michigan transfer)
WR Matt Younger, Fr.
WR James Shaughnessy, Fr.
TE Casey Cline, Jr. (16 receptions, 195 yards)
LT Chris Riley, Sr.
LG Nick Bledsoe, Jr.
LG Charles Dennis, Jr.
C Cal McCarthy, Jr.
RG Keenan Wimbley, Jr.
RT Dane Zumbahlen, Sr.
DE Nick Broome, So. (28 TT, 1.5 TFL, 6 QBH, 1 FF)
DT Eric Brunner, Jr. (47 TT, 7 TFL, 2 PBU, 7 QBH, 1 blocked kick)
DT Mike Piton, Sr. (23 TT, 2 sacks, 1 FR)
DL Shelby Harris, R-Fr. (Wisconsin transfer)
OLB Austin Davis, So. (60 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 PBU)
MLB Josh Howe, Jr. (51 TT, 4 TFL, 1 PBU)
OLB Mike Zimmer, So. (48 TT, 4 TFL, 1 INT, 1 PBU)
MLB Leonard Hubbard, So. (Wisconsin transfer)
S Casey Kociuba, Sr. (33 TT, 3 PBU, 1 FF)
S Jermaine Malcolm, Sr. (34 TT, 1 INT, 3 PBU)
CB E.J. Jones, Sr. (36 TT, 3.5 TFL, 6 INTs, 3 PBU)
PK Steven Fetzer, Sr.
PK/P Mike Wood, R-Fr.
OUTLOOK: After making a three-game improvement in Spack's first season, the
Redbirds are eyeing the next step, including the FCS playoffs. There are 12
transfers from FBS schools on the roster. QB Kiel suffered a season-ending
wrist injury in the first game last season, but Brown came on strong and
earned MVFC Freshman of the Year honors, leading the conference's top-ranked
passing offense. Brown remains the starter this season. The offense will be
strong, including the return of all five starting linemen and productive RB
Gordon, who is challenged by the newcomer Leggett. The question is, how do the
Redbirds replace Eyad Salem, who set a school single-season record with 92
receptions last season? The 4-3 defense was more active last season, gaining
as many sacks (25) as it had in the two prior seasons combined. The standouts
are Brunner in the middle of the D-line and SS Hemphill making plays across
the field. With a bunch of key players in their junior and sophomore seasons,
the Redbirds are building toward a title run next season, but they're anxious
to break through this season. They fell by 21 points to South Dakota State and
20 to Southern Illinois last season.
5. MISSOURI STATE BEARS (6-5 overall; 4-4 MVFC)
COACH: Terry Allen (18-26 in four seasons at Missouri State; 113-85 in 17
overall seasons)
STARTERS RETURNING: 17 (8 offense/9 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: LT David Arkin, Sr.
DEFENSIVE STAR: ILB Antoine Wilkinson, Sr. (113 TT, 5 TFL, 1 INT, 8 PBU, 1 FF,
2 FF)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Cody Kirby, Sr. (181 of 293 for 2,120 yards, 11 TDs and 16 INTs; 3 rushing
TDs)
RB Stephen Johnston, Jr. (injured last season)
RB Chris Douglas, Jr. (72 carries, 325 yards, 4 TDs)
RB Makael Cooper-Falls, So. (92 carries, 424 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Cadarrius Dotson, So. (28 receptions, 244 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Jermaine Saffold, Jr. (25 receptions, 439 yards, 3 TDs)
WR Adrian Williams, So. (10 receptions, 90 yards)
WR/KR Julian Burton, Fr.
WR/QB Trevor Wooden, R-Fr.
LG Travis Simmons, Jr.
C Erik Dahl, Sr.
RG Bob Shapel, Sr.
RT Jake Duron, Sr.
DE Waylon Richardet, Sr. (43 TT, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FR)
NT Mikel Ruder, Jr. (46 TT, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU)
NT Tevan Ferguson, So. (19 TT, 1 blocked kick)
OLB Michael Keck, Jr. (65 TT, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 FR, 2 FF)
OLB Terian Washington, Sr. (49 TT, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 PBU, 1 FF)
ILB Adam Beauchamp, Sr. (80 TT, 3 PBU, 1 FF)
ILB David Ingram, Jr. (13 TT)
FS Derek Miller, Sr. (70 TT, 4 INTs, 1 FR)
SS Skylar Smith, Sr. (94 TT, 3.5 TFL, 5 PBU, 1 FR)
CB Jimmie Strong, Jr. (42 TT, 1 INT, 4 PBU)
CB Howard Scarborough, R-Fr.
P Jordan Chiles, Jr. (40.1-yard punt average)
OUTLOOK: The Bears get the MVFC's lower-tier teams to open their conference
schedule, so they could be in the title race at midseason. That's when they
will have to take the next step after they enjoyed their best season under
Allen in 2009. The defense improved immensely last season and returns its top
nine tacklers, led by Wilkinson, the MVFC Newcomer of the Year who was third
in the conference with 113 stops. Kirby is looking to cut down on his
conference-high 16 interceptions. It won't be a bad idea to hand off the ball
more because Johnston, who averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2008, is healthy
again and joining last year's rushing leader, Cooper-Falls. The backs will
work behind a veteran line which is anchored by Arkin, one of the better
offensive linemen in the FCS. The next step for the Bears is to beat the
better teams in the MVFC. With a veteran squad, this could be the season.
6. YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS (6-5 overall; 4-4 MVFC)
COACH: Eric Wolford (first season)
STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (6 offense/7 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: WR/KR Dominique Barnes, Sr. (60 receptions, 762 yards, 8 TDs;
19.5-yard KO return
average)
DEFENSIVE STAR: FS Andre Elliott, Sr. (63 TT, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1
blocked kick)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Kurt Hess, R-Fr.
QB Najee Tyler, R-Fr. (Purdue transfer)
QB Mark Kanetsky, Jr. (3 of 4 for 30 yards and 1 TD)
TB/KR Jamaine Cook, So. (20 carries, 111 yards; 21.2-yard KO return average)
TB Torrian Pace, R-Fr.
TB Adaris Bellamy, Fr.
FB Kyle Banna, Sr.
LT Andrew Radakovich, So.
LG Erik Rodemoyer, Sr.
LG Zach Larson, Fr.
C Justin Rechichar, Sr.
RG Bobby Coates, Sr.
RG Marc Stevens, So. (Bowling Green transfer)
RT D.J. Main, So.
DT Torrance Nicholson, Sr. (26 TT, 1 PBU, 1 blocked kick)
DE Stephen Meadows, Jr. (26 TT)
DE Luke Matelan, Sr. (11 TT, 1.5 TFL, 1 PBU)
OLB David Rach, Jr. (23 TT, 1.5 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 FF)
MLB John Sasson, Jr. (50 TT, 3 TFL)
OLB Deonta Tate, Jr. (35 TT, 2.5 TFL)
CB Brandon Ross, Sr. (47 TT, 2 INTs, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF)
CB Jamarious Boatwright, Fr.
SS Nick Gooden, Sr. (20 TT, 1 blocked kick)
SS Donald D'Aleiso, Fr.
PK Stephen Blose, Sr. (9 of 16 FG, 48 long)
OUTLOOK:
Wolford, a Youngstown native, arrives from the University of South Carolina to
try to jump-start a program that has struggled the last two seasons and really
hasn't been the same since Jim Tressel departed for Ohio State in 2001. The
skills positions were hurt by graduation. Replacing QB Brandon Summers and top
TB Kevin Smith will be difficult. Hess enters the season as the starting QB,
but Tyler is a touted quarterback who transferred in from Purdue. The
offensive line is experienced and Barnes is a superb wide receiver. The
defense was better than the offense last season and the return of experienced
linebackers and defensive backs help cushion concerns upfront. Outside Barnes,
there isn't a lot of star power with the Penguins, but a lunch-pail attitude
may be best as the team tries to climb some rungs in the MVFC ladder.
7. NORTH DAKOTA STATE BISON (3-8 overall; 2-6 MVFC)
COACH: Craig Bohl (52-25 in seven seasons at North Dakota State)
STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (6 offense/6 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: RB/RS D.J. McNorton, Jr. (64 carries, 282 yards, 2 TDs; 10
receptions, 115 yards,
2 TDs; 22.5-yard KO return average; 14-yard punt return average)
DEFENSIVE STAR: DT Matthew Gratzek, Sr. (50 TT, 10.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 FR)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Jose Mohler, So. (43 of 72 for 635 yards for 6 TDs and 2 INTs)
QB Brock Jensen, R-Fr.
RB/WR Matt Voigtlander, Jr. (15 carries, 152 yards, 1 TD; 6 receptions, 132
yards, 2 TDs)
RB Mike Sigers, R-Fr. (injured last season)
FB Lee Vandal, Sr.
WR Warren Holloway, Jr. (33 receptions, 514 yards, 1 TD)
WR Gary Williams, Sr. (12 receptions, 271 yards, 2 TDs)
TE Matt Veldman, Jr. (15 receptions, 191 yards, 3 TDs)
TE Landon Smith, Sr.
LT Michael Arndt, Sr.
C Austin Richard, Jr.
OT Billy Turner, Fr.
DE Coulter Boyer, Jr. (45 TT, 10.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 4 FF)
NG Matt Phillips, Sr. (28 TT, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF)
NG Leevon Perry, R-Fr.
ILB Preston Evans, Jr. (96 TT, 6 TFL, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick)
OLB Brandon Jemison, So. (61 TT, 1 FR, 1 FF)
OLB Chad Wilson, Jr. (Snow JC transfer)
LB Matt Anderson, Sr. (22 TT, 2 TFL, 2 FR; injured last season)
LB Grant Olson, Fr.
SS Cyrus Lemon, Sr. (24 TT, 1 INT, 2 FF)
FS Daniel Eaves, Jr. (45 TT, 4 PBU)
CB Derrius Colvin, Sr. (21 TT, 2 PBU)
CB Brendin Pierce, So. (27 TT, 3 PBU)
CB Josh Gatlin, Sr. (12 TT)
PK Ryan Jastram, Jr. (1 of 4 FG, 35 long; 6 of 6 PAT)
P John Prelvitz, Sr. (39.3-yard punt average)
OUTLOOK: Bohl has been successful at North Dakota State, but the Bison's
transition into the MVFC has been a learning process - 9-13 overall and 6-10
in conference play over the last two seasons. Last year's 1-7 start was the
worst since 1962 (0-10). An improved defense gives the Bison hope, but they
will have to weather trips to Kansas (Sept. 4) and Northern Iowa (Sept. 11) to
open the season. The defensive line is particularly strong with Boyer and
Gratzek prone to get into opposing backfields. Evans and Jemison are excellent
young linebackers. The Bison have run the ball well in recent seasons, but
have lost star RB Pat Paschall (1,397 yards, 16 TDs last season). McNorton
racks up all-purpose yards and hopes to become the featured back. The Bison
return leaders on the line in Arndt and Richard. Mohler was the starting
quarterback the last four games a year ago, and the Bison scored 91 points
over the final two games. As the team matures, it will be interesting to see
if the Bison can knock over top-tier teams in November.
8. WESTERN ILLINOIS FIGHTING LEATHERNECKS (1-10 overall; 0-8 MVFC)
COACH: Mark Hendrickson (first season, but 5-10 as WIU's acting head coach)
STARTERS RETURNING: 11 (6 offense/5 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: WR Lito Senatus, Sr. (65 receptions, 819 yards, 5 TDs)
DEFENSIVE STAR: LB Kyle Glazier, Sr. (120 TT, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 PBU, 1
FR, 1 FF)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Matt Barr, Sr. (59 of 104 for 914 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs)
QB Wil Lunt, So. (104 of 196 for 994 yards, 4 TDs and 12 INTs)
RB Caulton Ray, So.
RB Marva Carley, So. (24 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD)
FB Josh Gabelman, Jr. (22 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD)
WR Terrien Crump, Jr. (18 receptions, 235 yards)
LT Matt Hulbert, Sr.
LT Enock Presendieu, Jr.
LG Max Dancer, So.
C Jordan Valle, Jr.
RT Mike Lamphear, Sr.
DE Mike Stieren, Sr. (32 TT, 8 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FF)
DE Victor Visoky, Sr. (25 TT, 3 QBH, 2 FR)
NT Alex Martinez, Jr. (Los Angeles Pierce College transfer)
NT Brent Turner, Jr. (Chabot College transfer)
LB Brandon Kreczmer, Sr. (88 TT, 9 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 FR, 2 FF)
LB Mike Garoppolo, Jr. (12 TT, 2 sacks)
Rover Kevin Palermo, Jr. (28 TT, 2.5 TFL, 1 FR, 1 blocked kick)
CB Kieron James, So. (32 TT, 5 PBU, 1 FF)
FS Terry Barney, Sr. (35 TT, 5 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR)
FS Keith Enderlein, Jr. (Delta College transfer)
SS Tim Franken, Jr. (34 TT, 2 TFL)
SS Raynard Pamilton, Jr. (Delta College transfer)
PK Charlie Jouett, Sr.
P Chris Fuchs, Sr. (38.2-yard punt average)
RS Todd Speight, Sr. (20.9-yard KO return average, 1 TD; 11.2-yard punt return
average, 1 TD)
OUTLOOK: The bottom fell out on the Leathernecks, who won their opener against
Sam Houston and lost their final 10 games to wind up in the MVFC basement.
Hendrickson, the longtime offensive coordinator, knows the program well as he
has served as acting head coach in each of the last two seasons because of Don
Patterson's health concerns. The Barr-to-Senatus combination could be
electric. Barr threw for a school record 437 yards in last year's opener, only
to be hurt after four games. The Leathernecks might not struggle to replace RB
Dre Gibbs, who rushed for 1,110 yards, as they have a balanced unit, including
Ray. LB Glazier's 120 tackles led the MVFC. The special teams feature Speight,
one of the better returnmen in the FCS. Expect a more aggressive style this
season and perhaps some transfers factoring into important roles.
9. INDIANA STATE SYCAMORES (1-10 overall; 1-7 MVFC)
COACH: Trent Miles (1-22 in two seasons at Indiana State)
STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (10 offense/8 defense)
OFFENSIVE STAR: LT Josh Jellison, Sr.
DEFENSIVE STAR: OLB Aaron Archie, So. (117 TT, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FR)
OTHER KEY PLAYERS:
QB Ronnie Fouch, Jr. (Washington transfer)
QB Travis Johnson, So. (22 of 48 for 152 yards and 3 TDs)
RB/KR Darrius Gates, Sr. (74 carries, 266 yards; 27.1-yard KO return average)
RB Shakir Bell, Fr.
FB Brock Lough, Jr.
WR Larry Lacotti, Jr. (18 receptions, 101 yards)
WR Bryant Kent, Sr. (20 receptions, 326 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Demory Lawshe, Fr.
TE Michael Mardis, So. (12 receptions, 105 yards)
TE Alex Jones, Jr. (5 receptions, 54 yards)
LT Justin Wood, So.
LG Mike Smith, Jr.
C FN Lutz, So.
RG Ben Geffert, Jr.
RT Evan Borchers, Jr.
DT Rod Hardy, Jr. (42 TT, 11 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 FF)
DT Lawrence Young, Jr. (12 TT, 3 TFL)
DE Ben Obaseki, Fr. (32 TT, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 blocked kick)
OLB Dillon Painter, So. (20 TT, 1 INT, 1 FR)
MLB Austen Wozniak, So. (29 TT, 3 sacks, 2 FF)
LB Jacolby Washington, So. (66 TT, 7 TFL)
CB Larry Carter, Jr. (55 TT, 1 INT)
CB Andrew Blackmon, So. (32 TT, 2 INT, 1 blocked kick)
S Alex Sewall, Jr. (84 TT, 2 TFL)
DB Ryan Roberts, Jr.
PK Braulio Martinez, Jr. (5 of 12 FG, 40 long; 12 of 12 PAT)
P/QB Matt Seliger, Jr.
OUTLOOK: Youth abounds with the Sycamores, who return 41 letter-winners after
Miles seemingly threw every freshman and sophomore into the mix last season.
The experience should pay off with an improved season. There isn't any room to
fall farther, either, considering the Sycamores are 2-60 over their last 62
games, including a 32-game losing streak that they snapped versus Western
Illinois last season. The Sycamores were outscored 390-99, so both sides of
the ball need considerable improvement. After playing musical chairs at
quarterback last season, help has arrived in transfer Fouch, who started eight
games for Washington in 2008. Roberts, last year's top QB, was moved to the
secondary. Gates and Bell will handle the rushing. OLB Archie emerged as a
standout as a freshman, finishing second in the MVFC with 117 tackles. The
Sycamores only beat Western Illinois last season and will visit the Fighting
Leathernecks on Sept. 25.
<< Edmonton hopes to turn season around in clash with Saskatchewan
Edmonton, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Edmonton Eskimos soldier on this weekend
as they entertain the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a Western Division showdown
at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night.
Both teams enjoyed a week off recently, alt
<< It's first vs. worst in the West, as Stamps visit Lions
Vancouver, BC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A couple of teams heading in opposite
directions in the CFL's Western Division clash at Empire Field in Vancouver
for the second time in less than a month as the British Columbia Lions
entertain the Calgary Stam
<< Aluko claims WPS Player of the Week
Kennesaw, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - English forward Eniola Aluko was named Women's
Professional Soccer Player of the Week for Week 19 after scoring what would
prove to be the decisive goal to lead the expansion Atlanta Beat to a vital
3-2 vic
<< Cards, Pirates play rubber match at PNC
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to come through with an
impressive victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Repeating such an
effort has been a big problem for the last-place club as of late, however.
The Pirates
<< Pirates shoot for rare series win over Cardinals
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to come through with an
impressive victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Repeating such an
effort has been a big problem for the last-place club as of late, however.
The Pirates
Bolts re-sign Downie >>
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have reportedly re-
signed restricted free agent Steve Downie.
According to TSN of Canada, the right winger signed a two-year, $3.7 million
deal.
Downie, 23, had 22 goals, 24 a
Juventus confirms Aquilani move >>
Turin, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Juventus announced on Wednesday that the club
has acquired Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani on loan, with an option for
a permanent move for $20 million at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old Aquila
Hara will take charge of Japan on interim basis >>
Tokyo, Japan (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hiromi Hara, the technical director of the
Japanese Football Association, will take charge of the national team for a
pair of upcoming friendlies as he continues to search for a new manager.
Japan adv
FIBA World Basketball Championship Preview - Group A >>
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
Country: Angola
FIBA Ranking: 12
Head Coach: Luis Magalhaes
Key Players: Joaquim 'Kikas' Gomes, Olimpio Cipriano
Overview: For years, the Angolan team has been associated as the African
nation C
FIBA World Basketball Championship Preview - Group B >>
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
Country: Brazil
FIBA Ranking: 14
Head Coach: Ruben Magnano
Key Players: Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Tiago Splitter
Overview: Under the guidance of new head coach Ruben Magnano, who had
pr
NFL Football Betting Online
In terms of sports wagering, the NFL is "the most popular game in town." The explanation behind that is easy.
It is called the "pointspread."
Many years ago, NFL games, as well as the more popular college games, used straight odds as a vehicle for betting. For example, if the Bears were playing the Giants, and it shaped up as a competitive contest, the Bears might be, say, a 7/5 favorite. If they were playing an also-ran, it might be 10/1. Well, there is a point where a line becomes prohibitive, as far as betting the favorite. And who would waste money betting an underdog that has virtually no chance? Such a setup did not contribute to promoting betting action.
But in modern sports betting, a "pointspread" is used.
A NFL pointspreads are exactly that, a pre-established point difference between the two sides that will, for all intents and purposes, create a handicap that evens things out, and in doing so, produces comparable wagering activity on both sides of that proposition. So in lieu of a odds figure in which to bet the team to win outright, the Bears might be a three-point favorite over the New York Giants, and a 17-point favorite over the also-ran. Now that the team that is the underdog can "get" points, there can be equal action on both sides.
In sportsbooks, this is usually done with efficiency by charging the losing bettors 10% extra - in effect, bettors are laying 11/10 on those games. So they are actually betting $110 to win $100. If they lose, they pay the "vig." If they win, they simply collect.
The establishment of the pointspread as the corner stone around which team sports like football can be wagered upon was truly what brought gridiron betting into the stratosphere for online football betting .
Don't believe it? Just take a look at what happens around the Super Bowl.
Stay with us here as we take you through the best in NFL action on a consistent basis, with advice columns as well as handicapping selections. If you're looking for college football betting, that's in our NCAA section, which you can reach by clicking here. And if you're looking for a different kind of football, such as the Canadian Football League, which we'll deal with occasionally, or the Arena Football League, which we really like, you can find it in our Miscellaneous section by clicking
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting odds .
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook betting credit cards
Police report: Terrell Owens hospitalized after attempt
Terrell Owens will address the media at a 3:15 p.m. ET news conference outside the Cowboys' practice facility after an internal police report indicated he tried to kill himself by overdosing on prescription pain medication, even putting two more pills into his mouth after a friend intervened.
The Dallas police report said Owens was asked by rescue workers "if he was attempting to harm himself, at which time [he] stated, 'Yes.'"
Owens left the hospital late Wednesday morning, giving reporters a "thumbs up" but making no comment as he was driven away in an SUV.
Michael Irvin said that Owens denied he attempted suicide and said he was rushed to the hospital as a result of an adverse reaction to medication. And a source close to Owens told Michael A. Smith that Owens wasn't attempting suicide.
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders said he spoke with Owens shortly before his release from the hospital and that Owens was in good spirits.
"The fact that it has been reported a suicide attempt, he's laughed at that notion. It was a case that medication that was taken wasn't accepted well in his system with the other vitamins he's on," Sanders said.
The series of events began a little before 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Owens' publicist, Kim Etheredge, said she was at Owens' home when he took pain medicine for his broken right hand. Concerned by how he began acting, Etheredge said in various interviews Wednesday with Dallas-area media that she called 911. Owens was taken to a hospital, with Etheredge saying it was an allergic reaction to the medicine.
But early Wednesday, several media outlets received a police report -- that had yet to be released by the authorities -- saying Owens had attempted suicide by overdosing on the painkillers, even putting two more pills into his mouth after an unidentified friend intervened.
The police document, first reported by WFAA-TV, said Owens was asked by rescue workers "if he was attempting to harm himself, at which time [he] stated, 'Yes.'"
When officially released by police, about half the document was blacked out, including the phrases "attempting suicide by prescription pain medication" and "a drug overdose," as well as the details of Owens having two pills pried from his mouth and Owens saying "Yes" when asked if he intended to harm himself.
Etheredge, who said she was the friend cited in the police document, told Dallas-area media Wednesday that the police got the story wrong.
The tape of the 911 call could help clear things up. The Associated Press filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to get its contents, but fire department officials said it would not be available before late Wednesday.
The police report said the 32-year-old Owens told his friend "that he was depressed." Details of the police report were first reported by WFAA-TV.
The friend, who is not identified in the report, "noticed that [his] prescription pain medication was empty and observed [Owens] putting two pills in his mouth," the police report said.
Using her fingers, the friend attempted to pry them out of Owens' mouth. Owens told police he had taken only five of the 40 pain pills in the bottle he'd emptied before the incident.
Etheredge told the Star-Telegram that Owens was "fine."
Etheredge said she called 911 because Owens was groggy and lethargic. After taking some supplements "it kicked in a reaction" with the painkillers, she told the Star-Telegram.
"Here's a person whose body is so clean, it really had a negative reaction to the medication and supplements he was taking," Etheridge told The Morning News. "Thank goodness someone was there to call an ambulance."
Police Lt. Rick Watson said he could only confirm that paramedics called police to say they were taking Owens to the hospital. He said no more details would come from the police because no laws were broken.
It is not a crime in Texas for a person to attempt suicide.
"This is a high-profile person. We looked into it and we determined it is not a criminal offense," Watson said. "This a medical type of situation that occurred."
Watson and fire department spokesman Joel Lavender cited privacy laws for the lack of information they could provide. Lavender said more details could come from the 911 call. The Associated Press filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to get the contents of the call.
"Let's just look at the tape, review the tape," Lavender said. "I'll give you an honest answer once I know something."
At the police news conference, Watson released a version of the police narrative with certain sections blacked out. The full report was obtained by several news outlets and reported first by WFAA. The AP received the full version from WFAA.
According to the police report, Dallas Fire and Rescue was called regarding someone "attempting suicide by prescription pain medication." Officers arrived to find Owens being stabilized by ambulance workers, who then took him to Baylor University Medical Center.
Owens was hospitalized late Tuesday because of what his publicist said was an allergic reaction to pain medicine he was taking for a broken hand. Doctors reportedly tried to induce vomiting.
Owens, one of the league's top receivers during his 11-year NFL career, is best known for wild stunts on the field and other publicity-seeking antics off it.
When the Cowboys signed him to a $25 million, three-year deal in March, they said their background checks indicated no red flags. In fact, team consultant Calvin Hill -- who mostly deals with troubled players -- said during training camp that his department was not involved with Owens because he didn't have a history of those kinds of problems.
He missed most of training camp, and three of four preseason games, because of a hamstring injury. He was late for work during his recovery and was fined for it, but Owens laughed it off, saying he overslept. He said it had happened before, though not with Dallas, and would probably happen again.
Owens broke the bone leading to his right ring finger during a game a week ago Sunday. The next day, doctors screwed in a plate so the bone could heal without fear of further damage. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said last week that the pain medicine made Owens ill.
Owens had not practiced since the injury, but because Dallas had a bye this past weekend he did not miss a game. He was expected to practice Wednesday, and Parcells had said there was a chance Owens could play Sunday against Tennessee.
Owens had been especially looking forward to the Cowboys' game after that -- Oct. 8, in Philadelphia, against the team that dumped him midway through last season only months after he helped them nearly win the Super Bowl.
Owens was seen laughing and joking on the practice field Tuesday morning. He chatted briefly with reporters in the locker room in the afternoon and seemed fine. A 2-inch scar on the top of his hand was puffy but not wrapped, and he said the swelling was doing down.
While in the locker room, he took a pill from a white paper bag and looked at another medicine bottle that was in the bag. He also called a business partner about a towel-wrap venture they're starting and joked to TV cameras that he wasn't talking until Wednesday and it was only Tuesday.
"My little boy knows better than that," he said, laughing, as he plopped onto a sofa in the middle of the locker room.
Also Tuesday, Owens was involved in launching a national campaign for the National Alliance to End Abuse, an organization aimed at helping at-risk youngsters. He appeared at a high school Tuesday morning and was scheduled to visit others but had to cancel because of changes in the team's practice schedule.
Owens has played two games for the Cowboys, catching nine passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. For updated football betting lines and Dallas Cowboy Superbowl odds visit online sportsbook MySportsbook.com
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Bonds nearly hits HR 751, SF wins
4 and drove in
a pair of runs, and Barry Bonds nearly hit homer No. 751 as San Francisco beat
1, in the middle contest of three at AT&T Park.
6) allowed five hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, fanning
eight and walking three.
game slide.
Bonds, who came within five homers of Hank Aaron's record on Friday, went
1 with three walks, an RBI double and scored twice. The double ...
read more
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