Mizzou adds to Kansas’ woes
In terms of off-the-field problems, a big one is surrounding rotund Kansas coach Mark Mangino.
The Jayhawks' season has turned into a virtual train wreck, not just in regards to on-the-field performance but also in the arena of outside distractions.
If six straight losses after a 5-0 start is not enough, Kansas (5-6) has spent the past couple of weeks in a whirlwind of controversy amid allegations by some former players that Mangino crossed the line with verbal assaults that included references to race and other socioeconomic factors.
Kansas and Missouri, Big 12 Conference rivals, both enter today's "Border War" showdown in Kansas City, Mo., having fallen shy of their goals for the regular season. A victory in the rivalry, however, will take some of the sting out of the disappointment for one of the teams.
The Tigers (7-4) have more to be thankful for this holiday season because they are guaranteed a winning record.
Missouri, which had a Big 12-high six players selected in this year's NFL Draft, will not post a third straight 10-win season. But it has made positive strides with new quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
With Mangino barely hanging onto his job and Missouri seeking revenge after losing outright last season as a 151/2-point favorite, the Tigers are a solid choice at the betting window.
If you need a little more support for the selection, Kansas has dropped eight straight against the spread. Go with Missouri as a 3-point favorite.
Six more plays for today (home team in CAPS):
• SOUTH CAROLINA (+31/2) over Clemson -- At first glance, the Tigers, Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division champions, might jump out as the choice to some handicappers, but they have a bigger matchup on deck against Georgia Tech in the conference championship game.
The Gamecocks come from the stronger Southeastern Conference and should bring the kitchen sink against their rival.
• North Carolina (-51/2) over NORTH CAROLINA STATE -- The injury-plagued Wolfpack has allowed at least 30 points to every Division I opponent on their schedule, with the exception of South Carolina. Also, North Carolina State has posted just two victories over Division I foes (Pittsburgh and Maryland) this season.
• Tennessee (-3) over KENTUCKY -- The Wildcats' most recent victory over Tennessee occurred in 1984. Vols quarterback Jonathan Crompton has shown steady improvement. Kentucky has difficulty stopping the run, meaning Vols tailback Montario Hardesty could chew up big chunks of yardage.
• OKLAHOMA (-71/2) over Oklahoma State -- The Sooners are a much stronger team at home this season. The Cowboys have covered just one of the past five series meetings and are 11-23-11 against the spread in their past 35 games as road underdogs.
• IDAHO (-21/2) over Utah State -- This is a good spot to take the Vandals, who started fast and cooled down once the competition grew stiffer. Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle is expected to return from injury. The Vandals should be well rested off a bye, while Utah State is playing for the 11th straight week.
• Ucla-SOUTHERN CAL (Under 471/2) -- Neither team ranks in the nation's top 48 in total offense, and the Trojans have averaged 18.3 points in their past three games against Oregon, Arizona State and Stanford.
UCLA's 23 points last week against Arizona State was somewhat misleading as the Bruins scored two defensive touchdowns.
Last week: 7-0 against the spread
Season: 34-35-1
Texas-based handicapper Paul Stone of Vegassportsauthority.com is providing college football analysis for the Las Vegas Review-Journal this season.
