08/27/2008 - Columbus, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes have lost the national title game the last two years, and they hope for another chance to capture college football's ultimate prize as they begin the 2008 season against Youngstown State.
Last season ended with a 38-24 loss to LSU in the championship game, but that defeat should not completely overshadow a third straight Big Ten Championship. Also, it should be pointed out that the 2007 team was rather young, a statement that is backed up by the fact that both the offense and defense welcome back nine starters in 2008. Coach Jim Tressel has the talent in place to win it all, and he would love to prove his doubters wrong.
Youngstown State competes at the FCS level and is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Penguins are ranked 12th nationally at that level. Despite a 7-4 overall finish a year ago, there is a wealth of returning talent in place.
Ohio State and Youngstown State met on the football field for the first time last season, and the Buckeyes cruised to a 38-6 victory.
Last season, Youngstown State averaged 27.4 ppg and 366.8 total ypg. Of the 35 touchdowns that the offense scored, 28 of those came by way of the ground attack. Rather than rely on one player to carry the load, YSU used a backfield-by-committee approach in 2007, and more of the same is expected this fall. Expect the team to rely on senior Kevin Smith, who rushed for 610 yards and 10 touchdowns on only 123 carries. He is more than capable of an increased workload, but 20 carries per contest may be a stretch.
As for the versatile Ferlando Williams, he led the team in receiving with 42 catches for 499 yards while also rushing for 464 yards and nine scores. Williams averages 6.3 ypc, impressive by any standards. It looks like Todd Rowan will get a chance to lead the offense from his quarterback position, but he leash may be short.
YSU was a strong defensive team in 2007, limiting the opposition to 18.5 ppg and 318.2 total ypg. The play against the run was impressive, as the Penguins held foes to 3.5 ypc. As for the pass defense, the team finished with more interceptions than touchdowns allowed. The top four tacklers from the squad are gone, so there are some big shoes to fill.
It will be hard to get a good look at the quality of this defense in the opener, as Ohio State is simply too talented for any FCS defense. But players like senior defensive tackle Mychal Savage and Andre Elliott can be counted on for outstanding effort.
In his first year as the starter at Ohio State, quarterback Todd Boeckman put up big numbers (2,379 yards, 64 percent completions, 25 TDs), garnered First Team All-Big Ten honors and led his squad to the BCS National Championship Game. Still, most of the off-season talk revolved around ultra-talented quarterback Terrelle Pryor, the top-rated high school player in the nation, who is waiting in the wings and will likely see the field in some capacity as early as this season opener. Still, Tressel values the experience of Boeckman. "There's no price tag on experience and he (Boeckman) can now evaluate things from a whole different perspective. I think it is a lot easier for him to step up and take charge of a football team."
Tailback Chris Wells rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore despite a few nagging injuries, and he is among the top candidates to hoist the Heisman Trophy this year. OSU is set at wideout, with top receivers Brian Robiskie (55 rec., 935 yds, 11 TDs) and Brian Hartline (52-694-6) back in the fold. Even the offensive line is flush with veteran leaders, highlighted by All-American tackle Alex Boone (6-8, 312).
Two-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis (also last year's Butkus Award winner, Nagurski Award winner and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year) will be playing on Sundays soon enough. So will All-Big Ten corner Malcolm Jenkins. Much to the delight of Buckeye fans, both decided to return to campus rather than leave early for the NFL, and they will be on the field against Youngstown State.
The Buckeye defense ranked No. 1 last season, allowing just 233 yards and 12.7 points per game. The most significant departure is defensive end Vernon Gholston, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the year, although there is a wealth of depth to replace him. Cameron Heyward came on to accumulate 10 tackles for loss in place of injured starter Lawrence Wilson, who is back after being forced to redshirt the final 12 games. All-Big Ten linebacker Marcus Freeman (105 tackles) will once again team with Laurinaitis (121 tackles, five sacks in 2007) to form a nasty tandem in the middle of the field, while the entire secondary returns, including Jenkins (47 tackles, four INTs).
<< Wake Forest and Baylor battle in Waco
Waco, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Art Briles era begins in Waco this Thursday,
as the Baylor Bears host the 23rd-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the
season opener for both programs.
After stumbling to a 3-9 finish, including a season-endin
<< Hokies and Pirates clash in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 17th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies have
their eyes on another ACC title and BCS Bowl and begin their quest for the
latter with their season-opener in Charlotte on Saturday, against the East
Carolina Pirates.
<< Bulls set to ground Skyhawks in season opener
Tampa, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The South Florida football program emerged as a
force on the national level last season and the 19th-ranked Bulls will now try
to continue that success in 2008, as they host the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks
in the open
<< Fifth-ranked Gators open 2008 slate against Warriors
Gainesville, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The fifth-ranked Florida Gators open up
their 2008 schedule this weekend, as they welcome the Hawaii Warriors to the
mainland for a gridiron clash in Gainesville.
Urban Meyer has another loaded team followi
Dortmund inks Lee from Tottenham >>
Dortmund, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - South Korea international Young-Pyo Lee
has ended his three-year association with Tottenham by completing his switch
to Borussia Dortmund.
The 31-year-old made 93 appearances for the club followin
Portsmouth's Kranjcar set for three-month injury absence >>
Portsmouth, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Portsmouth's Croatia international
midfielder Niko Kranjcar is set to be sidelined for around three months after
undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old went under the knife on We
Milner targets Newcastle exit >>
Newcastle, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Newcastle United have been rocked by the
news that winger James Milner has handed in a transfer request at St James'
Park.
The 22-year-old has been with the Magpies since the summer of 2004, when h
Blackburn signs Australian midfielder Grella >>
Blackburn, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Blackburn Rovers have completed the
signing of Australia international midfielder Vince Grella on a four-year
contract from Italian club Torino.
The 28-year-old will cost Rovers around $6.4
MySportsbook.com is one of the most efficient and professional online sportsbook today. While some sportsbooks only excel during the busiest seasons, MySportsbook is an excellent choice for the player who wants year-round quality. From their baseball true dime line to their interactive wagering, MySportsbook makes sure their clients would miss them if they went elsewhere.
Players won’t find any novelties at this sportsbook. The site is clean and simple and most importantly, fast. Customer Service handles matters in an expedient manner and accounting does everything possible to assure players that they have full control of their funds. The online banking center is open 24/7 in which time Neteller payouts are processed.
Management’s background and understanding of sports gambling has helped make them pioneers in the online betting market. MySportsbook was the first betting site to offer sports wagering in the best form. Interactive wagering was first offered in 1997. Players who don’t stop wagering when the game begins consider this sportsbook a true asset.
Players who are looking for outstanding value, extensive wagering options and inexpensive payouts will appreciate what MySportsbook.com offers. Those who are looking for perks and high bonuses would be best suited in a sportsbook geared towards the regular player.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your sports betting needs.
MySportsbook.com Releases World Series Championship Lines
New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox early favorites to win 2008 World Series
The Major League Baseball season starts this weekend and MySportsbook.com, a leading online sportsbook for over 8 years, is the first to offer baseball sports betting lines on who will win the 2007 World Series.
"The World Series is the biggest baseball event in the sports betting world and MySportsbook.com is excited that we are first to market with betting lines on every team," says Tim Dalton, Marketing Director, MySportsbook.com. "We are getting things ready for a great baseball season and our members are looking forward to our Player Payback Bonuses, as well as Dime Lines, all season long."
Going in to this weekend, MySportsbook.com's favorites to win the World Series are the New York Yankees at 7-2 and last year’s winners the Chicago White Sox at 9-2.
"These betting lines are ripe for the picking," Dalton added, "baseball fans know that the season is long and many factors, including players staying healthy, will affect these Future odds as the baseball season progresses. Betting on your favorite team in the beginning of the season could prove quite lucrative. We are seeing examples of this right now in the NCAA College Basketball Tournament with a lucky few that placed pre-season bets on George Mason to win it all. Anything can happen."
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Mastercard needs..
About www.MySportsbook.com
MySportsbook.com is the foremost online sportsbook offering Internet wagering to its worldwide customers. Fully licensed and regulated in St. John’s, Antigua since 1997, MySportsbook.com offers a complete range of online casino games, sports betting lines, poker tournaments and horse racing offtrack betting daily through its portfolio of companies and managed services. With over 7 years of experience, MySportsbook.com has become one of the most respected companies in the gaming industry by providing unparalleled 24/7 customer support and timely payouts. MySportsbook.com is part of the SportingBet PLC group of companies that is publicly-traded on the London Stock Exchange ( LSE ) under the symbol SBT.L. MySportsbook.com provides a secure environment for sports and casino wagering and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including MAXIM Magazine, Cigar Aficionado, and CNN’s Paula Zahn Now among others.
Sports Betting News: NFL Team History | Football Betting | Baseball Betting | Basketball Betting | Hockey Betting | Golf Betting | Tennis Betting | Auto Racing Betting | Horse Racing Betting | Soccer Betting