BSNblog

Northwestern upset Wisconsin 33-31 at Ryan Field in Week 12.

Northwestern covered as a 7-point home underdog in that contest, while the final score played OVER the 48.5-point total.

Bodog Sportsbook currently have the Tigers listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Wildcats, while the game's total is sitting at 55.

Auburn was defeated 26-21 in Week 13 by Alabama as a 12.5-point underdog. That game's 47 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 47.

Darvin Adams had four catches for 138 yards and a TD in that loss.

Outback Bowl officials have announced an agreement to extend its contract with the BigTen Conference through the 2013 college football season. The bowl will continue to have the third pick of teams from the conference to play on New Year's Day in Tampa, Florida.

Real Madrid extended examination of the nominations of the Brazilian Andre Santos, 26, left-handed side of the Turkish team Fenerbahce, and David Luiz, 22, a central defender Portuguese Benfica.

Meanwhile, Ace published a list of 14 defenses that could anchor in a merengue club, also including Luiz, but also fellow Cleiton Xavier, 26, (Palmeiras / Brazil), or the young Spanish Sergio Canales, 18 years, much promise from Racing Santander.

Among others mentioned include Brazilian Maicon (Inter Milan), Serbian Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Portugal's Bruno Alves (Porto) or French Benoît Trémoulinas (Bordeaux).

However, Real Madrid will take its time to decide until late January to check on how he behaves in the absence of defense Pepe, knee surgery and out of competition for six months, according to sports dailies.

Argentina's Ezequiel Garay who is now being replaced by Pepe and Real Madrid coach, Manuel Pellegrini, recently ruled out signing a defender during the winter and said that given the serious knee injury to Portuguese Pepe.

Expert Sports Handicapping Odds: Texans -7.5

The Houston Texans are a 7.5-point favourite over the New England Patriots – yes, you are reading that right.

The reason for the difference is that the Patriots have already clinched a spot in the playoffs while the Texans desperately need to win – and get some help – to even make the playoffs.

The Texans are 8-7 and have won three straight games and might be facing a team that doesn’t have much to play for. On the other hand, the Patriots may be more interested in this game than people are letting on.

New England hasn’t had much rhythm this year but spoke about carrying it over into next week. Even so, they probably won’t play hard for more than just a half if all they want is rhythm.

The Texans have been a team that chokes away big contests all year long and while they have a great chance to win this game, given their track record, they probably won’t cover a big spread.

5Dimes Sportsbook Reviews Pick: Patriots +7.5

Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets

NFL Betting Lines: Jets -10

The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets will play next week in a game that has plenty of playoff implications. Both have different goals in mind so it will be interesting to see whether those goals coincide or diverge.

The Bengals can potentially improve their playoff standing and climb to the No. 3 seed if they were to win and the New England Patriots were to lose. On the other hand, if the Jets win, it means that the Bengals will greatly increase the chances of the Pittsburgh Steelers not making the playoffs.

For the Jets, the strategy is simple: win and you’re in.

Just two weeks ago, Jets head coach Rex Ryan thought that his team was eliminated from the playoffs but they now control their own destiny.

There is a great chance that the Bengals hold out many of their starters and give the Jets an easy time of things, which means that winning should be rather easy for them.

Normally, this would be a great matchup against one of the league’s best rushing teams against one of the league’s best run defences but that won’t be so sexy if only one team is trying.

The Bengals want the Steelers out so look for them to lay down like kitty cats in this game.

NFL Odds Picks: Jets -10

Sports Betting Odds: Titans -3

The San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans will be playing on Christmas day, which will give us a Friday game this week instead of the usual Thursday night contests.

The Chargers have won 17 straight games in December and nine straight games overall, which gives you an indication of just how they are playing right now. Last week, they locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC as they disposed of the pesky Cincinnati Bengals at home.

This week, the Chargers won’t have as much motivation to play hard as the Tennessee Titans, who are fighting for their playoff lives, but they should be able to succeed nonetheless. The Titans have a very weak secondary, which is ranked 31st in the NFL, and the Chargers have one of the best passing games around.

With Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson all playing as good as anyone at their respective positions, the Titans will have a tough time slowing them down. The Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now and there is no reason to bet against them – especially if they are an underdog. This will be a slugfest but the Chargers will come out on top.

5Dimes Reviews Picks: Chargers +3

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

NFL Betting Lines: Packers -13.5

What has happened to the Seattle Seahawks? At the beginning of the season, a lot of people expected the Seahawks to compete with the Arizona Cardinals for the division in the NFC West but as the season has played out, that has been far from the case.

The Seahawks are abysmal this year and have just five wins on the year. Those wins have come against Jacksonville, San Francisco, Detroit and St. Louis (twice). Last week, the Seahawks hit a low point as they were blown out at home by the one-win Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The task increases exponentially this week as they face the Green Bay Packers, who are the hottest team in the NFC. In most cases, this could be a letdown situation but the pass-heavy Packers are going to carve up the Seahawks secondary, which is one of the worst in the league.

The Seahawks have quit on the season while the Packers are still rolling. This one will be as one-sided as it looks.

NFL Picks: Packers -13.5

The Barcelona player scored 1073 votes and going well into Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, second today with 352 in a list that also included the Spanish nominees Xavi Hernandez (196), Kaka (190) and the Spanish Andres Iniesta (134) . In total, 147 coaches and captains of national teams cast their vote.

"It is my great honor to receive this award because it gave colleagues from other teams. This means ending a great year for Barcelona, my classmates and me," said Messi shy after receiving the award from President of UEFA, Michel Platini.

At 22, Messi spent a year as a few glorious. The Argentine won everything he could to win, both individually and collectively.

The FIFA award for Best Player of the Year, voted by all the coaches and captains of national teams, joined the prestigious Golden Ball gave the magazine France Football in early December and the designation of best player of Champions and World Cup.

But mostly he joined the six titles of Barcelona. Messi was the star of the team that wrote in 2009 one of the most brilliant pages in the history of club football. Barcelona won the Spanish League, Copa del Rey, Champions League, the Super Cup of Spain and Europe on Saturday, the Club World Cup.

In fact, the Argentine, with Xavi and Iniesta, barely had time to digest the victory to the students in Abu Dhabi, where he was again decisive scoring it 2-1 in overtime, a goal with his chest to reach only the geniuses.

The three players flew five hours today aboard a private plane from 30 degrees Celsius in Kuwait until the zero of Zurich, in reality only a "technical stop" on the way home.

Messi, who suffered a small sprain during the Club World Cup, will check tomorrow in Barcelona for the Argentina team doctor to decide whether to play the friendly match against Catalonia. "I'll talk to Diego (Maradona) and see if I play or not," he said.

Hence, according to his brother, Rodrigo, Messi family will travel to Argentina to spend some days in their home, Rosario. All were now near the Barcelona forward, his parents, George and Celia, and his brothers, Rodrigo Matias and Marisol.

The Messi will not enjoy a long vacation, because the template is called again on 29 December to prepare for return to competition on Saturday, January 2 at Villarreal.

But the work can wait. Today was the day of praise. The winner's name was not revealed until the end of the gala at the Palace of Congresses in Zurich, FIFA headquarters city, but everyone knew who would win.

Cristiano Ronaldo himself, his great rival, admitted even before the ceremony. "He had a very good year, played very well. I have no doubt that is going to win today," said the Real Madrid side, who won the award in 2008.

"It's unique," agreed his two teammates, Xavi and Iniesta, men to whom the same as those responsible Messi says he can shine, the brains of Barcelona.

The attacker "FC Barcelona" is the first Argentine player to win the award in its 19 editions. It was also the first to receive the Golden Ball but has yet to earn the unconditional love of his country's fans, who after emigrating to Barcelona 13 years to feel like yet entirely its own.

"I'm tired, but it bothers me a bit," he said of the criticism in his country for its poor performance with the selection. "I'm Argentine and I feel the shirt as anybody."

"I was lucky to get everything with my club and I love it do with the Argentina shirt," he said. Next year will have the opportunity to prove at the World Cup in South Africa, although there will be in hand or Xavi or Iniesta.

But that will be in 2010. Today was the day to remember 2009 as he himself said, "a perfect year."

Surprise? ... In any way, we saw the Saints go problems against teams of lesser caliber than the Cowboys.

Each week, New Orleans exhibits shortcomings in several of the lines (except the game against New England).

Dallas did what all or most of the teams had been doing, which is putting pressure on Drew Brees, only Dallas unlike others, also had the white covered Brees for almost the entire game, reducing the MVP candidate to a more deadly.

Brees harassing fire and deceit, excellent coverage of the deep zone and the ability to specify quickly and convincingly, the Cowboys were gradually choking the Saints who did not know how to attack a defense with experience.

The possession time was another factor used by the Cowboys to stop this offensive recording 36:26 for 23:34.

"All the goals we set for ourselves are still there," said Marques Colston resigned his face.

Sure, the Saints winning their next two games against Tampa Bay and Carolina claim to have the playoffs at home. But know the question of whether manage a game against an opponent with more experience as Philadelphia, Dallas and Minnesota, will be present until a rival in front of your caliber or higher than them.

"If we play in the playoffs like we did today, we will have the same result tonight," said safety Darren Sharper for the Saints.

Drew Brees was sacked 6 times, dropped the ball with 6 seconds left on the clock with the Saints down by seven points.

The victory leaves the Cowboys with a 9-5 mark pending what you do today to get Philadelphia to San Francisco, the Eagles win today and next week, Dallas also assuming it does, the final game of regular season the face in a likely duel for the NFC East.

The Saints lost for the first time this season and failed to score three touchdowns for the first time this season. The Cowboys won for the first time in their last game in December.

Tony Romo has not returned to throwing an interception in his last 156 deliveries, and this is her longest stretch.

The Wyoming Cowboys and the Fresno State Bulldogs will both be gunning for a victory when they meet at University Stadium in the New Mexico Bowl.

Bodog Sportsbook currently have the Bulldogs listed as 10½-point favorites versus the Cowboys, total is sitting at 55½.

Ian Watts kicked a field goal with under two minutes remaining to give Wyoming a 17-16 victory over Colorado State in Week 13. Wyoming won that game as a 2.5-point underdog, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 48.5.

QB Austyn Carta-Samuels ran for two touchdowns in that win.

Ryan Colburn's pass to Devan Cunningham completed a two-point conversion with two seconds left to give Fresno State a 53-52 win over Illinois in Week 14.

The Bulldogs covered the 2-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 59.5.

St. Petersburg Bowl: Central Florida Knights vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Central Florida Knights and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will both be trying to pick up a win when they battle at Tropicana Field in the St. Petersburg Bowl.

Bodog Sportsbook currently have the Scarlet Knights listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Knights, total is sitting at 44.

Brett Hodges posted two touchdown passes to lead Central Florida to a 34-27 win over UAB in Week 13.

The Knights covered the 3-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 53.

Tom Savage threw for 153 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions for Rutgers in a 24-21 loss to West Virginia in Week 14.

The Scarlet Knights did not cover the 1.5-point spread, while the final score played just UNDER the posted total of 43.5.

Sportsbook Odds: Titans -3

The Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans are both battling for their playoff lives, although the Dolphins have a much better chance to make the playoffs.

As it stands know, the Jacksonville Jaguars did the Dolphins and Titans a big favor on Thursday night. They lost at home to the Indianapolis Colts, which dropped them from the No. 6 seed in the AFC to the No. 9 seed. The Titans are currently all the way down at No. 11, but they are just one win away from the Baltimore Ravens, who are 7-6 in the No. 6 spot.

The Dolphins won on the road in Jacksonville last week and will definitely have a tough task winning two straight on the road.

For the Titans, they’ll get Vince Young back into the lineup, which obviously makes a big difference. He was forced out of last week’s contest with a hamstring injury and Kerry Collins finished the game.

Overall, these are two fairly equal teams with similar styles. Both teams have young quarterbacks that are getting better, both teams rely on the running game and both teams play defense. With all things equal, home field advantage should be the difference as the Titans find a way to win.

NFL Betting Picks: Titans -3

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets

5Dimes Reviews Odds: Jets -3.5

The Atlanta Falcons have been in a nose dive for weeks and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better this week. One week after a valiant effort nearly helped them knock off the top team in the NFC, the Falcons head on the road to East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Falcons are an indoor team heading outdoors and they will likely be without their starting quarterback, Matt Ryan, and starting running back, Michael Turner.

Meanwhile, the Jets are expecting their starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez, to be back in the lineup.

The Falcons were 4-1 at one point this season but have lost six of their last eight games. Part of the reason they have fallen flat on their face is the fact that their defense is one of the worst in the NFL.

This week, the Jets should be able to wear the Falcons down, who will be playing with backups. The Falcons were competitive over the last three weeks with backups, but those games were at home. It will be different on the road.

Sports Betting Systems Picks: Jets -3.5

Central Florida Knights versus Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Bookmaker Sportsbook Reviews Odds: Rutgers -3

The Central Florida Knights will take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the St. Petersburg Bowl this weekend. Geographically speaking, Central Florida should have somewhat of a home field advantage with this contest being played at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, whereas the Scarlet Knights will have to travel across the country for this game.

Sports gambling experts are curious to see how this Big East-Conference USA game plays out as the sportsbook odds makers have set up a small spread. The Scarlet Knights are favored by three points, mostly because they come from a stronger conference.

Central Florida should be very pleased with themselves this year and they have already had a successful year regardless of whether they win a bowl or not. They were 4-8 in 2008 so an 8-4 year was a pleasant surprise. One of the biggest changes for George O’Leary’s squad is the fact that their offense is producing significantly more.

The biggest change was senior quarterback Brett Hodges, who was a Wake Forest transfer. The Knights were 7-2 with Hodges as a started. Overall, the offense produced nearly 120 more yards and 10 more points per game from this year to last year.

One thing bettors will have to take into account is just how hot this UCF team is heading into the bowl season. They won their last six Conference USA games to finish the season and their only loss came to No. 2 Texas on November 7th.

For Rutgers, they are bowling for a fifth straight year and are just one of nine FBS teams to win their last three bowl games overall.

Overall, Rutgers is a very young team and while they are likely to have a bright future, they might show some nerves in this contest. Quarterback Tom Savage has played like a rookie, which means he’s been excellent at times and at others, he has struggled mightily. He completed just 52.3% of his passes this year.

The real boiling point of this game will be the Rutgers offensive line. They allowed 39 sacks this year and the UCF defense can get pressure. If they rattle Savage, they’ll win this game outright.

College Football Betting Picks: Central Florida +3

Sportsbook Odds: Chargers -7

The Cincinnati Bengals had an easy stretch of three straight games against the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Now they are in a very tough stretch where they played the Minnesota Vikings last week and will head to the West Coast to face the San Diego Chargers this week.

The Bengals have been one of the surprise teams in the league this year and while a lot of people are quick to anoint them as elite, last week’s lost in Minnesota indicated that they have some work to do.

Another loss this week to San Diego will further hammer that point home.

Interestingly enough, the Chargers and Bengals are closer related than most people might think. The Chargers are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a 10-3 record. Meanwhile, the Bengals are currently the No. 3 seed with a 9-4 record. If the Bengals can win, they will take control of the No. 2 seed, a better home field advantage and a first-round bye. If not, the Chargers will essentially clinch the seed.

The Chargers are on fire right now and it doesn’t look like anything will derail them. They have won eight straight games and they have won 15 straight games in December.

For the Bengals, this is their second consecutive road game and they will be a little tired after that first loss.

Sports Picks: Chargers

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

NFL Odds Odds: Broncos -12

The Oakland Raiders have come back down to Earth. A couple of weeks ago, their win in Pittsburgh made the country think – just for a split second – that they had potentially turned a corner.

Then their home loss to the Washington Redskins reminded everyone that the Raiders are still the Raiders.

In typically Oakland fashion, they only show up about once a month. They had been playing well under quarterback Bruce Gradkowski but he appears to be lost for the season, which will severely hamper any of their hopes.

The Broncos are in need of wins to stay alive in the AFC playoff race and they won’t mess around in this game. They’ll force some mistakes from turnover-prone quarterback JaMarcus Russell and get a rather easy with and cover in this contest.

Sports Betting Picks: Broncos -12

DOLPHINS (+3) over JAGUARS

This is almost like a “mirror match,” isn’t it? Both teams call Florida home, run the ball very well, struggle to defend the pass and are just OK against the run. A closer look, however, shows that Miami has some key advantages. First of all, Jacksonville has the league’s most embarrassingly bad pass rush. The Jags have a pathetic 12 sacks in 12 games – five fewer than any other team in football. Young Miami quarterback Chad Henne can make plays with his rocket arm if given time to throw. He could light up a Jacksonville secondary missing Rashean Mathis. The Dolphins, who rank third in the league with 35 sacks, should quiet the already-quiet Jacksonville crowd. Go with the Fish’s NFL odds.

VIKINGS (-6.5) over BENGALS

The Bengals embody that Venus flytrap discussed earlier. We didn’t trust them against Green Bay, Pittsburgh (twice) and Baltimore (twice) and they scorched our NFL picks with upset wins. It’s true that Cincy is a force in the AFC, already 9-3, allowing a league-low 15.6 points per game and boasting the NFL’s No. 1 run defense. It’s also true that the Vikings weren’t themselves last week, as Brett Favre threw three picks, Adrian Peterson ran for 19 yards and Jared Allen went sackless. But the Bengals’ senses may be dulled from consecutive games against Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit. The Vikings are also undefeated at home. Favre in particular loves the Metrodome in 2009, throwing 16 touchdown passes versus one pick there. Look for Minnesota to show some resolve and bounce back.

COWBOYS (-3) over CHARGERS

I’m I crazy enough to pick Diego Sanchez in UFC 107 betting plus pick the Cowboys even though the Chargers have won 15 straight December games? Yes. Despite their December dominance and seven straight victories this season, I’m not convinced the Chargers are legit yet. Five of their nine wins came against Cleveland, Oakland (twice) and Kansas City (twice). Suddenly, their No. 8 pass defense looks pretty inflated, doesn’t it? It’s especially alarming that Brady Quinn threw for three touchdowns on them last week. Tony Romo’s late-season choke jobs have been well documented over the years but he really showed something last week at the Meadowlands, throwing for a career-high 392 yards and three scores. Maybe he’s over the hump. I’d pick the home team here.

Milan's Brazilian striker, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, the vote to beat Argentine striker Lionel Messi and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result, announced today, was decided by votes received each year between 2000 and 2009.

Ronaldinho, 29, was chosen as the best footballer in the world by FIFA in 2004 and 2005, and won the Golden Ball in 2005.

Army Black Knights vs Navy Midshipmen

Saturday, December 12, 2:30 p.m. ET

Favorite: Navy -14

Army has a long way to go before we can trust its NCAA football odds against Navy. The Black Knights lost 34-0 to Navy last season and have been outscored 72-3 over the last two meetings. It’s possible, however, that Army can mount a better offense this time around. Its rushing attack ranks 14th in the nation. Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman was hardly tested as a passer, throwing just 90 times, but he was featured as a runner, leading the team with 690 yards on 191 carries.

Eventually, Army has to see what it has with Steelman as a downfield passer. Considering that Navy ranks 60th in the country against the pass and allowed 365 yards through the air against Hawaii, now would be a logical time for Army to experiment. Given their conservative game plan to date, however, I wouldn’t count on it happening in my football picks.

Navy brings a similar offense to the table, ranking third in the country and calling a disproportionate amount of running plays versus passing plays. Ricky Dobbs is the Midshipmen’s “quarterback” but was their primary ball carrier all year, rushing 252 times for a whopping 23 touchdowns. If Army contains Dobbs, Vince Murray can step up; he ran for 884 yards this season and exploded for 248 rushing yards against Hawaii.

The problem for the Black Knights is that Navy matches up as a better version of Army. Both teams run the ball extremely well but Navy simply does it better. Army may have narrowed the gap since last year but that may pull them within 20 points, not 14. Expect a decent game but Navy should cover the spread and extend its winning streak.

Sportsbook pick: Navy -14

Pittsburgh Steelers (-10) @ Cleveland Browns

Thursday, December 10, 8:20 p.m. ET

OK, Pittsburgh. The practical joke’s over. You really had us with those losses to Kansas City and Oakland. Can you get back to business and destroy Cleveland, please?

Talk about a bizarre slide. Possibly enduring the dreaded Super Bowl hangover, the Steelers have lost four straight games for the first time in five years – including a total heartbreaker to the Raiders in the dying seconds last week. Even with Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward both possibly out this week, however, sportsbook bettors would be crazy to go against Pittsburgh. The Steelers a tough defensive team in a must-win game, as a loss could virtually eliminate them from playoff contention. Facing the worst defense in football, the Steelers have to romp, don’t they?

NFL betting pick: Steelers -10

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings (-6.5)

Sunday, December 13, 1:00 p.m. ET

Going against the Bengals is playing with fire this season; they burned many a bettor by shocking the Packers, Steelers (twice) and Ravens (twice). But playing football against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome is also an extremely tall order. Minny will be angry after the Cardinals pummeled them last week. In the comfort of their own home, they’ll do anything in their power to get their pass rush going again. It could be a long day for Carson Palmer. Also, though the Bengals play tight “D,” Brett Favre has a 119.1 passer rating and 16:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He’s converted from Lord of the Green Bay Tundra to Dome Dynamo. Expect a nice bounce-back performance for the Vikes.

NFL betting pick: Vikings -6.5

Arsenal, third, recovered after two consecutive defeats and won 2-0 at Stoke City, while Liverpool drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers, which was again with Sam Allardyce after heart surgery.

In a vibrant party, Chelsea went ahead after eight minutes with a goal from Emmanuel Adebayor, although the Congolese team managed to equalize for eight minutes before halftime.

Claimed that Chelsea goal in the play the ball touched the arms of Micah Richards, although it was clearly unintentional. "The referee made his mistakes," said Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Didier Drogba came close to scoring in the initial, but the City finalized the win with a shot from Carlos Tevez in minute ten of the second half.

Philadelphia Eagles (-5-5) @ Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, December 6, 1:00 p. m. ET

Normally, the Eagles and Falcons would be an exciting game to watch, but this game is shaping up as an online sportsbook rout for Philadelphia. The Falcons don’t defend well; they rank lower in total yards allowed than any other team with a winning record. Even without DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb can burn Atlanta’s secondary using Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant.

The Falcons won’t keep up offensively, either. Matt Ryan is out with a toe injury, Michael Turner aggravated his ankle sprain and left tackle Sam Baker may not play either. Backup quarterback Chris Redman did an admirable job taking the Falcons downfield to beat Tampa Bay last week but the Eagles, who love to blitz, are a much bigger challenge. Philly should dominate.

NFL betting pick: Eagles -5.5

Baltimore Ravens @ Green Bay Packers (-3)

Sunday, December 6, 8:35 p.m. ET

It was clear after last season that Aaron Rodgers was an All-Pro-caliber quarterback so it’s no surprise that he’s been dominant this season. But who saw Green Bay’s NFC-best defense coming? The Pack were expected to have growing pains as they converted to a 3-4 scheme under Dom Capers but have adjusted quickly against both the run and the pass. Charles Woodson has been amazing, winning Defensive Player of the Month twice already. Against a possibly hobbled Joe Flacco, who sometimes struggles with his reads, the Packers could get some takeaways.

Baltimore defends the run very well and likes to blitz but they haven’t been a particularly effective group all season. The Ravens let Dennis Dixon make several big plays on them in his first NFL start at Baltimore. What, then, will Rodgers do to the Ravens secondary at Lambeau Field? This matchup favors the Pack just as Florida Alabama betting picks will trend toward Tim Tebow and the Gators.

NFL betting pick: Packers -3

(1) Florida Gators vs (2) Alabama Crimson Tide

Saturday, December 5, 4:00 p.m. ET

Favorite: Florida -5.5

There’s little questioning Florida’s status as big favorite in college football betting this week. The Gators are seeking a third national title in four seasons; quarterback Tim Tebow has a shot at a second Heisman Trophy; the Gators also beat Alabama in last year’s SEC title game 31-20. The Crimson Tide are clearly the underdogs.

How much does Florida’s offense revolve around Tebow? The big quarterback had 98 more carries than any running back on the team, amassing 796 yards and 13 scores. Tebow also threw for 17 touchdowns versus just four interceptions; not only does that stat reflect his versatility, it also shows that he’s not totally alone in Florida’s scheme. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez have been reliable targets for him.

Florida more than backs up Tebow with the nation’s No. 1 defense. Returning every starter from their 2008 championship season, the Gators are a force at every position. Linebacker Brandon Spikes is the leader and must be at his best against a run-heavy Alabama squad. The “D” always gives the offense chances to win, never allowing more than 20 points in a game this season.

The Crimson Tide have to hope their line and running game trump the stingy Florida defense. Mark Ingram, also a Heisman candidate, had a banner season, rushing for 1,429 yards and 12 touchdowns. His effort in last week’s Iron Bowl was a major red flag, however; he ran for just 30 yards in 16 carries. Alabama won’t have a prayer if Ingram doesn’t make plays this Saturday. Quarterback Greg McIlroy is capable; he threw for two scores last week to pick up Ingram’s slack. But Florida’s defense is not Auburn’s; it wants to force McIlroy to make plays. McIlroy is more of a caretaker than a go-to guy and can’t carry his team to victory.

Alabama’s defense will work hard to keep the game close with its top-five rush and pass defenses and ability to force turnovers. But the Gators can win in more ways. Look for Florida to key on Ingram and force Alabama into a passing shootout. That plays into the Gators’ hands. Go with Florida in your weekend football picks.

Online sportsbook pick: Florida -5.5