Weather Wagers: October 26, 2022

Weather Wagers covers all out of doors sports activities and the way climate would possibly impression the betting traces and the result of video games. That’s been established by now in case you are a fan of this podcast. While we cowl quite a lot of sports activities and groups, it’s additionally no secret that being born and bred in Central PA and graduates of the high-quality Penn State meteorology program that we’re followers of Penn State, the Phillies, and the Eagles. While we strive to not let our fandom maintain us from being goal, this week’s podcast is all about PA! It may very well be one of many largest sports activities weekends for Pennsylvania groups ever. And that’s no exaggeration. The Phillies journey to Houston to kick off the World Series on Friday and Saturday nights, Penn State welcomes Ohio State on Saturday afternoon, and the Eagles welcome the Steelers on Sunday afternoon. Will we even have the ability to catch our breath after this week? Maybe not. We are prepared to interrupt down the matchups, the climate, and our picks this week. Let’s go!

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Ohio State @ Penn State, Saturday at Noon, Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA, Ohio State -15.5, O/U 61

It needs to be no shock that the Buckeyes come to Beaver Stadium as a giant favourite. They are enjoying like a whole workforce loaded with 4- and 5-star expertise. Some analysts consider this workforce is healthier than Georgia. With C.J. Stroud already a Heisman entrance runner and receivers like Jaxson Smith-Njigba (who’s coping with an damage), Emeka Egbuka, and even former Penn State recruit Julian Fleming at his disposal, it’s no surprise this workforce can rating at will. The protection for the Buckeyes is loaded as effectively solely permitting 15 factors per recreation to opponents. They aren’t going to be afraid of a Noon kick at Beaver Stadium the place the group doubtless gained’t be as huge of an element as they had been final week through the Whiteout. Penn State comes into this matchup with a powerful efficiency towards Minnesota, however will that actually translate? Sean Clifford was named Big Ten offensive participant of the week, which James Franklin emphasised in his weekly press convention. The operating recreation appeared extra full final week as did Manny Diaz’s protection. It’s simply going to be one other “prove it game” to me this week. While Penn State has performed Ohio State shut many instances, I believe this Buckeyes workforce is on a distinct degree. A degree that Penn State needs it may very well be at, however fairly clearly isn’t. It will probably be a beautiful October day for a soccer recreation too with sunny skies and temperatures within the 50s. I’ll lay the factors with the highway favourite right here. Ohio State -15.5.

Kentucky @ Tennessee, Saturday at 7:00pm, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee -12.5, O/U 63.5

This recreation is a really sneaky good recreation for the SEC East. Neyland will probably be rocking with no climate threats right here both. Temperatures will probably be within the higher 60s for kickoff. Tennessee is again and enjoying lights out below Josh Heupel and one other Heisman candidate in Hendon Hooker. Hooker has thrown for over 2,000 yards this season and 18 touchdowns whereas the Volunteers common 50 factors per recreation! Kentucky isn’t going to play useless although as they’ve their very own QB that likes to make waves in former Penn Stater Will Levis. He isn’t as electrical as Hooker, however he doesn’t must be. He is efficient. And that’s been adequate this season to maintain Kentucky ranked and thriving. Under Mark Stoops Kentucky can also be recognized for a stout protection permitting solely 17 factors per recreation. In reality, if Tennessee has a weak point, it could be its protection, because it tries to outscore groups and has thus far been capable of succeed with this fashion. Kentucky although could also be a distinct animal and attempt to play keep-away from Hooker and use its stable protection to make this a four-quarter recreation. If it does, it could have an opportunity. I like Stoops and Kentucky and would contemplate choosing them to maintain this shut if this was being performed at Kroger Field. Considering it’s at Neyland Stadium, nevertheless, provides Tennessee the sting right here. Heupel and Hooker could also be one of the best duo since Cagney and Lacey. I’ll lay the factors with the house workforce right here. Tennessee -12.5.

Michigan State @ Michigan, Saturday at 7:30pm, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI, Michigan -22, O/U 54.5

Michigan State at Michigan is normally value some thrills, however Michigan State isn’t a great soccer workforce this season. Meanwhile, Michigan is. And they’ll doubtless be the extra bodily workforce that Michigan State tries to be throughout these rivalry video games. J.J. McCarthy has been respectable for Michigan, however it’s the operating backs of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards which have been the celebs of the offense, simply the way in which Jim Harbaugh likes it. Michigan is scoring over 40 factors per recreation in comparison with simply 27 for Michigan State. They are additionally solely giving up a stingy 12 factors per recreation in comparison with 27 for Mel Tucker’s protection. Can Payton Thorne actually be the man on the highway to maintain this factor shut? I extremely doubt it. I actually need to take Michigan State right here as they usually play Michigan shut. However, very similar to the Ohio State recreation above, I’ve seen sufficient to know that one workforce is simply flat out higher. Michigan to cowl at residence, regardless of the large quantity. Another recreation with pretty climate and no points. Wolverines -22.5.

Phillies @ Astros, Friday @ 8:03pm, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Houston -1.5, O/U 6.5

The Astros had been probably the greatest groups in baseball this previous season and are actually undefeated this submit season. Now they must tackle one of many hottest groups in baseball with the Phillies coming to Minute Maid Park able to seize extra magic of their historic submit season run for the ages. A traditional is already brewing with Zach Wheeler slated to tackle Justin Verlander. Both pitchers are aces however Wheeler has the higher ERA this submit season with a 2.82 in comparison with Verlander’s 6.30. The Phillies have performed effectively even on the highway this submit season and can look to attempt to steal one of many first two video games in Houston earlier than returning to Philly on Monday. Weather gained’t be a priority right here as Houston has a retractable roof on Minute Maid Park, however there will probably be some storms within the space for this recreation. I say the Phillies steal Game 1 because of Wheeler’s pitching and the offensive hearth energy which has carried them this far. The 1-5 hitters are simply going bonkers, and they’ll want that to proceed in Houston if they need this magical run to proceed. Give me Phillies -1.5 in Game 1.

Phillies @ Astros, Saturday @ 8:03pm, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Houston -190 to win sequence

As of this writing, not a lot is understood about Game 2, besides that the Phillies will doubtless be beginning Aaron Nola. Both he and Wheeler have been fairly good this season, however sooner or later, at residence, Houston would be the higher workforce. Nola struggled towards the Padres in Game 2 of the NLCS and will face the same end result right here. You simply must assume that Houston’s bats will probably be an excessive amount of in considered one of these video games. They are undefeated within the submit season for a motive. Baseball is at all times robust to name from day-to-day, but when the Phillies can cut up the primary two, they need to be pleased. Wheeler doubtless provides them a greater probability to take action in Game 1. I’ll take Houston ML for Game 2.

Steelers @ Eagles, Sunday at 1:00pm, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, Eagles -11, O/U 43

For as soon as it feels just like the Eagles have the higher hand on this matchup of Pennsylvania’s NFL franchises. The Eagles are the one undefeated workforce within the NFL and are rolling. They common 27 factors per recreation and permit solely 17. They are averaging over 400 yards per recreation and look to have discovered their QB in Jalen Hurts. Everything is clicking for second 12 months head coach Nick Sirianni. Meanwhile, the alternative is true for the Steelers. They look hapless and misplaced. They don’t have any QB and went from utilizing Mitch Trubisky to Kenny Pickett, who provides them some hope. Their protection has been something however a Steel Curtain as they permit over 23 factors per recreation and are solely 2-5 on the season. Something is off with Mike Tomlin’s workforce and maybe they’ll reevaluate issues within the offseason earlier than draft time. Either method, the Eagles enjoying on the Linc will completely give them the sting right here. I like this workforce and I’ll lay the factors this week. Eagles -11.

TCU @ West Virginia, Saturday at Noon, Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV, TCU -7.5, O/U 69

Country roads, take me residence, to an exquisite Saturday in Morgantown, West Virginia. That’s the extent of the nice news for this workforce as undefeated TCU involves city for a Noon kick. TCU is within the Top 10 and seeking to maintain an amazing season going towards a 3-4 West Virginia workforce that may’t get it collectively this 12 months below head coach Neal Brown. It appears to be like from the surface like Brown may very well be in hassle on the finish of the 12 months if this slide continues. It doubtless will on Saturday. TCU is scoring nearly 45 factors per recreation and Max Duggan appears to be like like a Heisman candidate to me. He has nearly 1900 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season. The offense is dynamic and new head coach Sonny Dykes has this workforce enjoying like a Big 12 title contender or probably even a playoff contender. J.T. Daniels isn’t the QB some projected him to be and whereas the stats appear okay, it clearly isn’t translating to crucial stat: wins. I like TCU to enter Morgantown on these nation roads and canopy. TCU -7.5.

Oregon @ California, Saturday at 3:30pm, California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA, Oregon -17, O/U 58

Has there ever been a extra dramatic turnaround in school soccer than these Oregon Ducks? After getting blasted by Georgia within the opener 49-3, they’ve rattled off 6 straight wins and knocked off a Top 10 UCLA workforce final week in Autzen Stadium. They appeared good doing it too. How about Bo Nix? The switch QB from Auburn who exhibits indicators of Good and Bad Bo has been extra Good as of late with 17 touchdowns on the 12 months after getting blanked in that first outing. California simply can’t appear to get it finished below Justin Wilcox and are sitting at simply 3-4 this season. The method Oregon is enjoying below Dan Lanning, I anticipate their dominance to proceed towards a mediocre at greatest Cal workforce. Quack, quack. Oregon -17.

Broncos @ Jaguars, Sunday @ 9:30am, Wembley Stadium, London, Jaguars -2.5, O/U 39

There are some unhealthy NFL groups on the market and this week a number of matchups function two towards each other. This occurs to be one with two 2-5 groups squaring off. To make it worse, the NFL is sending them to London. Now one other nation should endure by means of horrible soccer. Probably not the easiest way to develop the sport internationally, however hey, it may’t be worse than soccer, proper? Actually, it may. Broncos and Jaguars followers would possibly vote to maintain their groups in London if that was an possibility. If there may be one saving grace it’s that this recreation is on streaming solely. ESPN + to be precise. When followers can’t discover a recreation there may be usually complaining and Twitter meltdowns. This week, followers is perhaps relieved they’ll’t watch this one. Russell Wilson isn’t understanding. Seattle is probably going grateful to be rid of him and the Broncos are caught with him for now. He solely has 5 touchdowns thus far this season! Jaguars followers have seen flashes of hope with Doug Pederson calling the pictures and sure a number of the performs. Trevor Lawrence is younger however proficient. Certainly the Jags are higher off with out the poison of Urban Meyer within the locker room they usually must win one other recreation sooner or later. Why not towards a fledgling Denver workforce who appears to be like hapless each single week? Why not in London at Wembley Stadium? I just like the Jags to get it finished. I’ll lay the factors abroad. Jacksonville -2.5.

Here’s a abstract of my picks for the week.

Games of the Week

Ohio State -15.5

Tennessee -12.5

Michigan -22

Phillies -1.5 Game 1

Phillies ML Game 2

Under the Radar Game

Eagles -11

Brett’s Best Bets

TCU -7.5

Oregon -17

Jaguars -2.5

Penn State, the Phillies, and the Eagles all on a roll? Am I in heaven? It feels prefer it. But that might all come crashing down this weekend with an Ohio State beatdown, Houston doubtlessly beginning 2-0 earlier than coming again to Philly, and the Steelers pulling an upset off on the Linc! Why so damaging you ask? Have you seen the groups I root for? Given the historical past, I hope I’m fallacious, however I might not be far off. No matter what, it is going to be a weekend for the ages and one Pennsylvania gained’t quickly overlook with all these video games lining up without delay. Enjoy it and good luck this week. Whether you wager huge or wager small, climate makes an impression on whether or not you lose or whether or not you win all of it.

-Brett Thackara

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What a fall to recollect thus far for me as a sports activities fan! Now the stakes are at their highest with the Phillies within the World Series, Penn State taking over Ohio State, and the Eagles defending their undefeated file towards a down Steelers workforce. Plus there are a slew of different nice matchups to observe. Here is what I’m considering!

Ohio State @ Penn State, Saturday at Noon, Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA, Ohio State -15.5, O/U 61

This is a giant level unfold for what historically has been a detailed recreation. I name this recreation a rivalry though neither faculty acknowledges it as such. C.J. Stroud is a distinction maker for the Buckeyes, Jaxson Smith-Njigba nevertheless could also be restricted because of an damage. The Buckeyes haven’t performed a powerful schedule with maybe their greatest win popping out of convention with their early matchup towards Notre Dame. That recreation didn’t seem like a dominant win for Ohio State both. I’m positive Penn State can maintain this shut with the weapons they’ve at tight finish and operating again. I’m anxious the Penn State wideouts wouldn’t have sufficient skill to outrace the proficient Ohio State protection. In the fourth quarter I concern OSU lastly pulls away regardless of an amazing general effort from Penn State. Ohio State -15.5.

Kentucky @ Tennessee, Saturday at 7:00pm, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee -12.5, O/U 63.5

Tennessee has the win of the 12 months below their belt by beating Alabama within the waning moments of the 4th quarter in Rocky Top two weeks in the past Josh Heupel and his Heisman candidate Hendon Hooker need to maintain the nice vibes going, however that is the primary time these two have been informed how nice they’re for weeks on finish. Will Levis and the Kentucky Wildcats are nonetheless a great workforce, and have desires of a big bowl recreation. I’m not positive Kentucky has sufficient hearth energy on offense to maintain up with Tennessee, however I do know that Tennessee doesn’t have one of the best protection which might doom the undefeated run. Kentucky retains it nearer than anticipated and ultimately I like Tennessee to proceed their magical run. Kentucky +12.5.

Michigan State @ Michigan, Saturday at 7:30pm, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI, Michigan -22, O/U 54.5

Michigan confirmed me one thing towards Penn State. They are a powerful and tremendous bodily workforce up entrance. Michigan State then again has been a large disappointment after such a poised run final 12 months. This level unfold appears too huge, nevertheless I believe Michigan State will wrestle to attain. Michigan ought to have their method operating the ball and good play motion recreation calling to enrich the run. Michigan wins in a reasonably straightforward fashion- Michigan -22.

Phillies @ Astros, Friday @ 8:03pm, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Houston -1.5, O/U 6.5

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Phillies @ Astros, Saturday @ 8:03pm, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Houston -190 to win sequence

I’m going to lump the primary two video games of the World Series collectively. The Phillies are coming into the World Series as sizzling of a workforce as you possibly can find- besides possibly the Houston Astros. After all, the Houston Astros are loaded with stellar pitching (beginning and reduction) and with a star-studded lineup. The Phillies must stay sizzling to pose a risk to this American League juggernaut. The fast dispatching of the Yankees proves how potent this Astros workforce is. The recreation 1 starter for Houston has not but been introduced, however simply earlier than publishing this text I’ve discovered by means of varied media retailers that Aaron Nola will get the ball in recreation 1. I really assume the Phillies might take management of this sequence with a recreation 1 win. They have gained recreation 1 in every sequence in these playoffs, and I search for that to proceed. Phillies win recreation 1 at -1.5, however I’m not assured the Phillies can sweep the video games in Houston. Look for the Phillies to return residence for video games 3-5 with an opportunity to complete the entire dang factor in Philly. Houston Game 2 ML, Phillies take the World Series although!! Again all of it hinges on recreation 1 to me, or a minimum of getting one of many video games in Houston.

Steelers @ Eagles, Sunday at 1:00pm, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, Eagles -11, O/U 43

Eagles come of the bye week as the most well liked workforce, and probably most full workforce within the NFL. They additionally get a delicate touchdown to kick off this subsequent stretch of video games by getting the Steelers at residence. Kenny Pickett or whoever at quarterback, it is a struggling offense in Pittsburgh. Plenty of followers are calling for Matt Canada’s job and this recreation might add extra gasoline to the hearth because the Steelers face off towards a turnover-aggressive Eagles protection. Jalen Hurts might hit some highway bumps towards a stingy Steelers protection, however general him and this excessive flying offense ought to cruise to victory. Eagles -11.

Oklahoma State @ Kansas State, Saturday at 3:30pm, Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS, Kansas State -1.5, O/U 56

Oklahoma State performed effectively towards Texas final week, however coming into Manhattan towards a formidable Kansas State workforce ought to pose a tricky take a look at. Mike Gundy and Spencer Sanders appear to have some magic about them this season. In addition, Adrian Martinez is having a stellar season for the Wildcats, however accidents might maintain him lower than 100% this week. This line is shut, and it needs to be the sport of the week in my book- a real Big 12 nightmare with no protection! Give me Oklahoma State to remain on their profitable methods at +1.5.

Missouri @ South Carolina, Saturday at 4:00pm, Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC, South Carolina -4, O/U 46.5

The Gamecocks are sizzling coming into this recreation towards Missouri! Shane Beamer’s squad simply knocked off the much-maligned Jimbo Fisher Texas A&M workforce and can attempt to maintain their momentum of a 4 recreation profitable streak towards a struggling Missouri program. These groups are within the decrease tier of the SEC, however it needs to be a decent recreation. I give the house workforce Gamecocks the slight benefit right here and take them at -4.

Bears @ Cowboys, Sunday at 1:00pm, Texas Stadium, Irving, TX, Cowboys -9.5, O/U 42.5

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are poised to make a run as they return to full energy. The Bears are recent off a powerful win towards the New England Patriots. The Bears are at all times stable on protection, and maybe their offense is approaching! This is a big unfold for the Cowboys, and I believe the Bears maintain this recreation shut. Give me the Bears to cowl at +9.5.

Games of the Week

Ohio State -15.5

Kentucky +12.5

Michigan -22

Phillies -1.5 Game 1

Phillies ML Game 2

Under the Radar Game

Eagles -11

Doppler Dandies

Oklahoma State +1.5

South Carolina -4

Bears +9.5