Locks
NCAA Football (0.75 Unit) USC/LSU Over 64.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:30 PM CT on ABC
I wish this total wasn’t on the north side of the key number of 63, but in the end I don’t believe it will matter. This should be a true shootout, with elite offenses trading shots back and forth all game against vulnerable defenses. While both teams are replacing quarterbacks who were Heisman winners, the infrastructure of both offenses are still intact and should help to create that anticipated shootout.
I actually don’t think USC will miss a beat at all going from Caleb Williams to Miller Moss, as the junior has plenty of experience in Lincoln Riley’s system. And that system is well-equipped to carve up any defense, especially one with issues like LSU has experienced in recent years. But until USC proves it can recruit defensive talent and make it work on the field, I’ll expect them to give up plenty of points. LSU lost a lot of offensive talent themselves, but Brian Kelly simply reloads, and should have what it takes to go shot for shot with the high-octane Trojans.
Degenerates
WNBA Indiana Fever/Dallas Wings Over 182.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 3:00 PM CT on NBA TV
This is an insanely high total for the WNBA, but if two teams might justify this kind of number, it’s these squads. They’ve already cleared it once in their only other meeting this season, combining for 194 points in a game just before the league went on break.
And since coming back from the Olympics break, both teams have been going wild offensively. The Fever have averaged 89.7 PPG in their 6 games, while the Wings have put up 88.8 PPG in their own 6 games. With these being two of the three most generous defenses in the league, continued hot shooting and up-tempo play will push this over the massive total.
Tiny Nick has gained +100.3 Units on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.