Bet √ : NCAAF Championship Saturday

 Welcome back, my college football betting friends. We've made it to Championship Saturday?!?

Unfortunately, that means we have arrived on the last Saturday with college football for a while, but we still have picks to make so let's take a Bet √ of the conference title games that caught my attention and you should consider wagering on. 

(Note: We are 34-23-1 so far in college football this season, including 3-1 last week with wins by Florida, Michigan and ATS cover courtesy of Auburn. Which reminds me: never, never equate recent bias to making college football bets because, for example, Alabama, a +6.5 'dog vs. Georgia this week, squeaking out a win in the Iron Bowl has no impact on what will happen in the SEC Championship Game. See below.)

Oregon (+2.5) vs. Utah: Here's another hot betting tip: There is no way to measure 'revenge' so we'll forget Utah beat Oregon 30-7 to end their national title hopes. And instead focus on the similarities with both teams - despite Utah jumping out to a 28-0 lead the last time both teams met with the aid of a punt return for a touchdown and several untimely turnovers. Oregon has also moved on quite nicely without injured receivers Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd. My gut also tells me there is a Mario Cristobal yet-to-be told storyline to this game. And remember: a few Cuban sandwiches, a box of croquetas de jamon and multiple shots of whiskey fit in perfectly on a Friday night. No matter where you're watching or betting.

Alabama (+6.5) vs. Georgia: It will be interesting to see how No. 1 Georgia, relatively unchallenged all season, reacts to any kind of adversary in this spot. The 'Dogs proved they could overcome mistakes vs. inferior competition the likes of Florida and Tennessee. But facing Alabama, loaded with skills players on both sides of the ball, including QB Bryce Young, is clearly a step up. I'll trust Young is able to make multiple throws in key spots here - like he did when 'Bama needed him most vs. Auburn. I'm not so sure Mr. Bennett can do the same against a 'Tide defense littered with stars accustomed to making big plays in big games. Besides, I'm already envisioning another plate of sausages and peppers. And Alabama vs. Georgia CFP rematch.

Iowa vs. Michigan (-10.5): So much for Jim Harbough not being able to win the big .. but why rehash Ohio St., porous on defense and not very well coached, being overvalued all season when the Wolverines are legit good on both sides of the ball, including on offense where they can hurt anyone with a vertical passing game at any point. Pour yourself some more whiskey before yelling 'redemption' - an important word to keep in mind if you're a serious college football bettor - and buy a betting ticket on Michigan to cover vs. an overrated Iowa team that might be lucky to find the end zone more than once. 

#betting #collegefootball #michigan #alabama #championshipsaturday #bets 

Second chance: Oregon (+2.5), knocked out of national title contention by Utah earlier this season, gets another chance against the Utes in the Pac-12 Championship Game. 

Hoop Dreams: Auto Nation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

 Has your insanely ridiculous Gators men's basketball fandom reached the point you go sleep downstairs each time your significant other comes to bed wearing a 'Noles t-shirt?

And you live in South Florida? 

You will get a chance to brag about how your favorite college basketball team owns the state when it comes to Div. I hoops, while smearing yellow mustard all over your significant other's white pants, on Saturday, December 11 when the Gators participate in the 2021 Auto Nation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. 

 The Gators, two-time national champions (2005-06, 2006-07), and one of the premiere brands in all of college basketball, will meet the South Florida Bulls in one-half of a full day of hoops, which will feature four state schools lacing them up for bragging rights. 

 Florida State also plays Central Florida as part of the 2021 Auto Nation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic.

So, are you ready to root on the Gators, and check out the Family 4-Pack for $99 right now? Visit www.orangebowl.org for more information on how you can purchase four tickets, which includes four hot dogs, four sodas and four bags of chips, to the 2021 Auto Nation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic.

#orangebowlbasketballclassic #gators #hoops #basketball #miami 

Bet √: NFL (Week 11) & NCAAF (Week 12) Pick$

 Are you miserable right now because you live somewhere in New Jersey - sorry - but are keeping your hopes high because you're new to betting college football and pro football games? 

No worries my new college football and NFL betting friend because you've arrived at the right place. And since I know you wish were biting into a well-pressed and flavorful Cuban sandwich, while sitting under a palm tree at the Fountainbleau Miami, not calling your cousin in Miami Lakes every two days to tell him Cherry Hill totally SUCKS, I'm going to provide an example of a point-spread (spread) breakdown with key pinpoints to try helping you make some money, before taking a look at a few games on the NFL/NCAAF betting board. Let's use Dolphins (-3.5) @ Jets as an example.

1.) The Dolphins, in this case short road favorites, have been set by oddsmakers to win the game by 3.5 points or more. If you bet the Dolphins, the Dolphins would have to win the game by at least four points. 

2.) The Jets, starting Joe Flacco as home underdogs vs. the Dolphins, would have to win the game straight up or lose by three points or less for you to win your bet.

3.) Opposite of the point spread, you will find a total which indicates the combined amount of points both teams are expected to score. The total increases and decreases depending on the number of bets on either the under total or over total.

Here is a Bet √ of my favorite plays this weekend, after going 8-5 overall last week to improve to 58-35-2 on the season. (Note: All lines provided here are likely to change. And please, please, bet responsibly while you wait for your leather jacket at the dry cleaners, or Georgia to lose.)

Patriots @ Falcons (+7) : One of the variables I would encourage you to factor in when betting on NFL games - or any sport - is sports psychology. Here is a perfect spot to do just that before going to the betting window. Hint: Super Bowl.

Cardinals @ Seahawks (+2.5): This line smells like bird ... considering the Seahawks were respectable before losing Russell Wilson to a finger situation. Now, Wilson, who has had another week to practice and work himself up to 100 percent, gets Arizona at home. Seattle has also been pretty good coming off a loss with Wilson at QB, including 32-14-3 ATS since 2012

Giants (+11.5) @ Buccaneers: Another example of being able to use sports psychology acumen - especially if you know or care to freshen up on your NFL history. Besides, the Giants, coming off a bye week and with a chance to get Saquan Barkley back, tend to play real close games vs. Tom Brady. And the Bucs, ravaged by injuries in recent weeks, haven't exactly been ATS money this season.

Michigan St. (+19.5) @ Ohio St. : Remember to always read in order to stay ahead of the betting market, my betting friends. With that little piece of betting advice out of the way, let's trust the Spartans scheme just enough on defense to stay inside the betting line. Head coach Mel Tucker, reportedly close to signing a long-term deal, is also making it rain .. at the club.

Arkansas (+21) @ Alabama: The 'Tide has been hanging out at home for a while, and things tend to get kind of weird this time of year. The 'Hogs also have a stingy enough pass defense good enough to stay close or even put a scare into Nick's Little Debbie's cabinet.

SMU (+12) @ Cincinnati: Can the Bearcats, CFP darlings for weeks now, keep up with the explosive Mustangs? Cincinnati hasn't been challenged for weeks. This will likely be the spot.

Smelly 'dog: The Jets (+3.5), expected to start QB Joe Flacco vs. the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon, are home underdogs in New Jersey.

#nfl #collegefootball #betting #miami #dolphins #bet #friends #newjersey #oddsmakers #seahawks #305

Bet √: NCAAF (Week 11) Pick$

 Are you brave enough to bet real money on New Mexico State as (+51.5) road underdogs at Alabama on Saturday, before or after ordering three Cuban sandwiches and a box of croquetas from Versailles in Miami because you can't believe Manny Diaz is still the head coach of the Hurricanes? 

If so, you're in the right place since I'm open to anything to help boost the economy in Miami, especially if it means eating croquetas de jamón from an iconic piece of the 305 to the point I feel like the zipper on my favorite jeans is going to fly off and hit the TV screen in front of me. 

 And trying to make you money with my college football picks. Here's a Bet √ of the Week 11 college football betting board. (Note: These are not actual college football betting picks, but instead a review of the Week 11 college football games I think deserve a look from a bet perspective. Come follow me around on Instagram @miami_by_fernie and drop me a DM. By the way: I've managed to go 25-18-1 overall with college football picks this season.)

Happy 51st anniversary to Versailles!!

Miami (-2.5) @ FSU: The Hurricanes - Yes. THE HURRICANES - arrive in Tallahassee as road favs, and in search of their fourth straight up win after weeks of rocky play which even sparked talk about Manny Diaz's job security in Coral Gables. Well, Diaz is still wearing the 'U' on his chest and QB Tyler Van Dyke is developing into a legit star. Any sight of a running game, which would lessen the pressure on Van Dyke, and the Canes have a chance of winning out.

North Carolina @ Pittsburgh (-6.5): Get those scoreboard operators at Heinz Field some extra ketchup because Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell are likely to bring plenty of mustard. These two teams have a history of playing close games, but I would advice to examine a side with the point spread.

Purdue @ Ohio St. (-20.5): Can the Boilermakers, who have recently stepped all over dreams in Michigan St. and Iowa, make enough plays on defense to stay within three touchdowns of the Buckeyes? That's like asking me if I can stop eating croquetas out of the box from Versailles. 

Georgia (-21) @ Tennessee: Here's another line that has dropped - despite the Bulldogs dominant presence over the series in recent memory, and having yet to allow more than 13 points in a game this season. How far have the Volunteers come? We're about to find out - just like I'm about to find out if I can finish my fifth competitive 26.2 mile run and survive to talk about it.

#betting #collegefootball #miami #bet #picks #hurricanes #georgia #bets #picks #roadfavs #homedogs #money #cubansandwiches #mannydiaz #305 #coralgables 

 

Bet ✓: NFL (Week 10) Pick$ (sort of)

 Welcome back, my NFL betting friends. 

It might be the midway point of the NFL season and the leaves around you might look a little weird, but just because you're on your third cup of hot cocoa and we're swimming naked in her pool, while enjoying a fantastic view of Biscayne Bay, doesn't mean Bet ✓ doesn't aim to educate you each time you come around here.

 So, with that in mind I would like to let you know that the Week 10 NFL betting board features a few 'trap games' - you know a game in which a significant favorite is facing an opponent with a losing record and/or one deemed 'easy to beat'. Kind of like when you buy store brand chocolate chip cookies, instead of Oreo chocolate chip cookies and you come to find out that the chocolate chip cookies are more crumbs than chewy as soon as you open the bag.

Be careful what you buy into - especially when betting on NFL games. Here is a soft preview of the Week 10 NFL betting board. (Note: This is kind of an educational ride and not actual NFL picks. If you want NFL picks, cookie reviews or any other form of multimedia content you can come follow me @miami_by_fernie on Instagram and DM me. All odds used at the time of this awesome writing are likely to change.) 

Ravens (-7.5) @ Dolphins O/U 46.5: TNF game for the road favorite Ravens just four days after needing a last-second FG to send the Vikings packing. Miami, on the other hand, would have trouble scoring two touchdowns in one night - at the same bachelor's party. Yet they are a tick over a touchdown home underdogs against a supposed AFC title contender. Use smart bet acumen, while trying to put your finger (sorry) on a possible storyline for this game. Hint: 'Perfect'.

Chiefs (-2.5) @ Raiders: Here's one of those point spreads likely to increase the way of Kansas City. Despite their current problems, the public still has a soft spot for Patrick Mahomes and Co. And the Raiders just got played ... by the GIANTS!!

Bills (-13) @ NY Jets: Another good example - I feel - where NFL bettors can hopefully benefit, if not learn something from. Buffalo, coming off a terrible loss as significant road favs, failed to score a touchdown against the Jaguars. Now, they're laying nearly two end zone flips as road favs for the second straight week -- despite obvious problems on offense. Meanwhile, the Jets will be on extra rest after playing a TNF game on Nov. 4.  

 

#nfl #betting #miami #roadunderdog #homedogs #dolphins #midseason #biscaynebay #bet #football #ravens #jets #jaguars 

 

Vicky Bakery: Made for Miami

 Can you smell the aroma of guayaba dripping off one side of the pastelitos you've been thinking about because you grew up in Miami and can't go an entire day without satisfying 'un antojito'? 

 Leave it to Vicky Bakery, where anytime of the day in Miami is the perfect time to satisfy your Cuban-bred cravings with everything from savory pastelitos de guayaba y queso to neatly-pressed sandwiches and cafecitos - among the many Cuban treasures you will find at one of the Vicky Bakery stops in South Florida.

 Vicky Bakery, serving your inner Cuban hips for six decades, and with close to two dozen stores in South Florida, including my favorite in Coral Gables where I can't help but order dos pastelitos de queso y un café con leche para llevar, always hits the 'sweet spot' when you need it the most. And best of all, Vicky Bakery, open early on weekdays, is ready for business at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. So, you, like me, have no excuse to really hit the 'sweet spot'!

Vicky Bakery is guaranteed to hit your 'sweet spot'. 

Bet √: Mid-season review

  It's November, the leaves and weather is still better in Miami than anywhere you happen to be, and we're so 🔥🔥 🔥 around here's its the perfect time to tell you that 51-31-2 (.700) in combined NCAAF/NFL picks, including 7-2 last week, sounds pretty damn good at the mid-point of the football betting season. 

You see: While I put a lot of time and thought into coming up with FREE betting picks every week around here in hopes you educating you a bit on how to correctly approach football games from a 💰 perspective. I hope I've helped you in some form or another because it's one of my passions and something I take seriously.

Now, here is a Bet ✓ of my results to this point in the season. 

And always remember: READ more than your closest competitor and try to come up with tomorrow's headline today. Because every football game -- aside from having a winner and loser, on most occasions anyway -- has a storylines so a bunch of pretty people can make a living screaming into a TV 📷 near you. 

 We hit the mid-season point with a 💰 line bang thanks to an NFL kicker who just last week appeared to die on the football field. But a last-second field goal was good enough to send us to 20 games over .500 for a total of ------ after correctly picking seven out of nine plays.

 Add a 7-3 Halloween Weekend and a winning week in mid-October - with a 5-2 second week of October mixed in - and an average September, if you want to consider a 21-14 month as such, was left in the rearview mirror. And we started it out 3-2 way back in late-August (Thank you, Illinois.)

It all adds up to 51-31-2 to this point, including 26-13-1 in the NFL and 25-18-1 in college football. Bottom line: Don't think you can predict every football game. Instead, do your homework, plenty of reading included, and study the point spreads as soon as they're available to you. 

Other than that, the sports betting industry is close to really opening up in Florida, so let's connect at @miami_by_fernie on Instagram and figure out how I can help you make 💰 while perhaps also solving some of your creative thinking problems. 

At the midway point: We're 26-13-1 overall in NFL picks heading into the second week of November.