Insider's Edge Sample

Insider's Edge
Wednesday, September 11, 1996

	We've always believed, and have stated many times, that more games
are won on the line of scrimmage than any other place.
	Good skill people sure make it easier, but they can't do it by
themselves.
	Which is why the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-2. Which is why the
Kentucky Wildcats are 0-2.
	A talented backfield; solid secondary; good receiversall necessary.
But, without the offensive line, nothing else matters. Watch Nebraska.
Watch Penn State. This fact is hammered home play after play after
play.
	A college scout we like was 1-5 this past weekend. A pro selector we
have a lot of confidence in was 1-2. At least we weren't the only one
to be glad when Tuesday morning came and we could begin work on a new
week's slate of games.

	RESULTS FOR WEEK TWO
	College
	3-star college (0-2)  minus 6 units
	2-star college (0-2)  minus 4 units
	1-star college (1-1)  even

	PRO
	3-star pro (1-1)  even
	2-star pro (0-1)  minus 2 units
	1-star pro (1-2) minus 1 unit

	Total for college  minus 10 units
	Total for pro  minus 3 units
	Total for the week  minus 13 units
	Total for the season  minus 17 units

	THREE STAR COLLEGE
		MISSISSIPPI (+9 1/2)  Mississippi's defense played well last
year. Well, except against Auburn. Rebels held six teams to less than 300
yards, but allowed season high 527 to Auburn in worst loss of season
for new coach Tuberville. Mississippi is 4-1 against the line in home
openers last five years and 9-3 in lined openers. Home field advantage
adds up to cover.

	LOUISVILLE (-1)  We expect Baylor to make noise this season, but
because of losses on defense, don't think the Bears will be able to
stop teams like a year ago. Coach Cooper of Louisville needs this game
and scouts report Louisville offense ready for home opener. Louisville
defense will make the difference.

	TWO STAR COLLEGE
	MICHIGAN (+8 1/2)  The return of nine starters on defense should
be very important in this televised road game for Michigan. Wolverines
have not been good home favorite lately, but have made up for it with
gutsy road record. Michigan is 8-0 against the line as dogs in first
away game and 7-0 against non conference as road dog since 1976. Nine
win interim campaign got Carr head coaches job. First biggie for him
comes Saturday.

	VANDERBILT (+17)  With the way Vandy's defense played against
the Damers, and extra time to prepare, we expect Commodore's to stay
within this number. Bama not ready to roll up big number. See low
scoring game, like 10-0.

	ONE STAR COLLEGE
	CALIFORNIA (-3)  We like to use stats and trends, but have to go
against one every now and then. This line is low because San Diego
State won eight games last year, but didn't get sent to a bowl game
(because they lost their last two home games). Though San Diego State
return 16 starters, we look for Cal to use the revenge factor in its
favor in this spot. The stat we're bucking  Cal is 0-10 against the
spread as favorites with revenge. Hey, they're due.

	SAN JOSE STATE (+27)  Stanford allowed over 400 yards a game
last year, and defenses like that have trouble covering big spreads. The
last four years, Cards are 2-9 against the line as home favorites. Too
many points.

	THREE STAR PRO
	MINNESOTA (+3 1/2)  Minny is doing enough to win. Really, that's
all you ever need to do. But, we like them getting points in place where
they have performed well under current coach. Vikings are 3-1 last
four in Chicago and host in this series is just 2-7 since 1991.

	TWO STAR PRO
	SEATTLE (+3 1/2)  Seattle has been waiting for this game after last
season's losses to Kansas City in first and last games of season.
Seahawks might have just been playoff bound had it not been for those
two losses. Seattle very nearly packed its bags and left town, so at
home is clearly the placed for revengeand now's the time.

	PITTSBURGH (-3)  We liked Pittsburgh last week and are sticking
with them for Monday night encounter. Steelers are 7-3 as home favorite on
Monday night and Buffalo is 3-5-1 as road dog. Like teams that rise to
the occassion against adversity. Pittsburgh fits the bill (no pun
intended).

	ONE STAR PRO
	DETROIT/PHILADELPHIA (over 42 1/2)
	NEW YORK/MIAMI (under 39)