- The Backyard Brawl has typically seen scores under 135 – much lower than the projected point total tonight.
- The Devils and Penguins both are looking to turn around their season and improve in the Metropolitan Division with a win.
- Despite being on the road, the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team are 1-point favorites against Rhode Island.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Before the Saturday of college football betting gets into full swing, some bettors may want to augment their bankroll heading into the weekend. On Friday, a strong variety of sports betting action is available with the help of games from college football, college basketball, the NBA, NHL, PGA, and even the ATP.
All of these situations allow for bettors to discover betting trends and lay their money down on the side of a line that works best for them. On Friday, the marquee matchups involve an ACC and Big 12 basketball battle between Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Starting a few minutes later, the Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Rhode Island to take on the Rams. In between these two games’ start times, an NHL duel between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils will also give the local bettors a Metropolitan Division showdown.
West Virginia Mountaineers Vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
The Mountaineers (-125) are the slight favorites in this ESPU broadcasted event. With a 1.5-point spread in their favor, West Virginia will look to keep improving, after a rough 12th season for Bob Huggins. Pittsburgh (+105) is led by Jeff Capel III, who did as expected in the tough ACC last season.
But the focus is on this year’s programs, and the “Backyard Brawl” saw WVU take the crown in their meeting last year 69-59. The Mountaineers lead the series all-time at 97-88 and are currently on a two-game winning streak. However, over the last 10 games, Pitt holds the edge, with a slight lead of 6-4.
With an over-under set at 145, bettors should consider taking the under with whichever team they are riding. The last time the total surpassed this mark was in 2010 – seven games back in the series – as these showdowns generally gives the victory to whichever team scores 60 first.
Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. New Jersey Devils
Both of these NHL teams have been struggling to start the season, but it is the Devils (EVEN) with the fewest points in the league. Despite being at the bottom of the NHL standings, they are still only slight underdogs to the Penguins (-110).
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On the puck line, oddsmakers at US sportsbooks are projecting the Devils (+1.5, -225) to cover the spread. As a team that has let up as many goals as the Devils though, bettors may enjoy the risk of taking the Penguins (-1.5, +195) simply for the payout.
The over-under for the game is slated at 6.5 points, as both teams look to get a win after a loss. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. EST and the game can be viewed on MSG+.
Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Rhode Island Rams
Though the Tide are known for their football prowess, they have been making basketball headlines under the new direction of coach Nate Oats. They are 1-1 to start the year but face a Rhode Island Rams team that was just about average last year.
As 1-point favorites on the road, Alabama (-120) should have enough firepower to take care of Rhode Island (EVEN). Kira Lewis Jr. will be the player everyone is watching tonight, as the sophomore guard can get it done on both sides of the ball.
Lewis has dropped 30 already once this year and has not been scared to take a tough (or open) three-pointer. If Lewis can stay out of foul trouble and play the typical near-full game he has played twice so far this season, the Tide should be able to move swiftly past the Rams.
The game will be broadcasted on NBCS and will start at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Michael spends most of his time betting on over/unders and analyzing algorithms in attempts to beat the book. His focus on statistics comes from an early understanding of mathematics as well as knowledge of opportunity costs. Michael enjoys playing basketball and reading about the NBA whenever he has the free time. When he is not writing, he can be found in Mississippi hitting the sportsbooks and enjoying a margarita… on the rocks, no salt.
