2% max recommended unless otherwise noted. 1% max recommended for soccer.
Top 10 under-the-radar stat stories of the college football weekend...
Three of the five most misleading scores of the week cost me six wins in the betting column. I promise not to sweat or swear at the gambling deities this week. A look-in at the stats behind the box score:
Most Misleading Scores
1. The stat line would predict Utah beat BYU 34 to 17, but that wasn't the final score, as the Utes suffered an upset loss in the rivalry game due to the luck of the game.
2. The stat line would also forecast Iowa State finally got their big win over instate rival Iowa, but that wasn't the final, as Iowa won by double digits in Ames as the ball, quite literally, bounced the Hawkeyes way.
3. The stat line suggests Tennessee nipped Pitt in a low scoring duel 27 to 17, but a few fumbles, a missed 4th and goal, an INT in the red zone, some untimely penalties, and a few injuries all broke the Panthers' way for the win and cover for the travelers.
4. Kansas offense actually got going, and the analytics would forecast a 32 to 45 loss for an easy cover of the 27 point spread at kickoff. Instead, the game finished right on the number, unless you're me, and you got the number a half point less.
5. The efficiency metrics would normally yield a 17 to 3 win for Syracuse over Rutgers, but the final score was flipped on the big board.
Biggest Surprises
6. Notre Dame's defense continues to struggle under celebrated new DC Freeman, as they gave up 5.6 yards per play and 29 points at home to MAC opponent Toledo, and needed a late rally to even win outright.
7.Meanwhile, Florida State's offense collapsed, as they suffered a humiliating home loss on the last play of the game to a bomb from Jacksonville State. Coaching seat already heating up again in Tallahassee.
8. Stanford returned to underdog form, and shocked the Trojans as 17 point dogs in the Coliseum, a pattern Stanford is known for in the David Shaw era, as they rediscovered the offense that disappeared in Dallas a week ago.
9. The Ducks answered the big question of the game -- which would fail to show up, the Duck offense or the Buckeye defense -- by responding with nearly 7 yards per play, an early lead they kept all game, and 35 points on the board. A big win as 15 point dogs in Columbus.
10. A&M barely survived their early QB injury to rally for a 4th quarter TD in Boulder and win against the Buffs.
*Note for future: I will send updates of late adds to the pick sheet, as those picks went 4-0 on Saturday in Bowling Green, South Carolina, Cal and Stanford. The notice update button is perfectly designed to provide those kind of late-breaking recommendations.
I had the ABSOLUTE PLEASURE of having Carlos Lopez, the Spanish Voice of My Tennessee Volunteers, join me on "Crick's Corner" yesterday & the man DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! He shares with us... His family's journey from Venezuela to America, his path that has led to him sitting in the booth now, as well his future plans for "Vamos Vols"!! I LOVE the PASSION this guy brings EVERY SINGLE DAY & I'm excited to see what's next for him because I believe the SKY IS THE LIMIT!! He has an unwavering faith in God, as well as an UNMATCHED DESIRE to spread a POSITIVE MESSAGE TO BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE!! The world needs MORE FOLKS like Carlos... I can promise you that!!! I have ZERO DOUBTS that God has selected the RIGHT GUY TO DELIVER HIS MESSAGE!! I wish him NOTHING BUT THE BEST & Look forward to seeing what the future holds in store!! Don't miss this GEM My Friends!!
Trust me... The Late, GREAT John Ward would be VERY PROUD!!!!
Good Luck, Good Gamblin, & Vamos Vols!!!!
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Bondi dismisses charges in Dr. Moore prosecution!
"Thank you @AGPamBondi for listening to the voters in the end and not letting this trial drag on another week.
I want to thank everyone who pitched in making sure Dr. Moore didn't serve any time and is not a felon."
https://x.com/AGPamBondi/status/1944081479459369090?t=r3_B7n5u52M2R4T8SHGCTg&s=19
“The United States of America won’t stand for a socialist New York City, never mind the Upper East Side. And not to mention the real estate moguls who’ve fallen in love for the first time with the current mayor, Eric Adams. They view him as the best bet against the pro-Palestinian and socialist Mamdani, whose policies would be bad for business.”
“Already, fundraisers are being held in the Hamptons and uptown, with high rollers writing checks and making pledges to support Adams, who looks as if he just won the lottery. Dapper and smiling while shaking hands, Adams is the sudden beneficiary of New York City’s richest residents.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/07/11/eric-adams-wealthy-voters-popular/