In today’s sports gambling world, second half opportunities have truly become godsend; giving gamblers the ability to hold off and make more educated decisions, after witnessing the trends and actions displayed during the first half of play. Quite simply: One can lay an initial pre-game bet, realize that they will more than likely lose, and then go back and cover their loss. Overall this season, I have been doing very well hitting on over 60% of my picks and making a few extra bucks here and there. Although some extra flow is fun in the end, the entertainment factor is what counts the most. My strategy is simple: the more football you watch, the more savvy you become. Below represents some circumstances in which I decided to test my luck on the second half. A few times this week after realizing that my first half bet would indeed be wrong; the third and fourth quarters of action have proved to be a great way to overcome lousy decisions . Below I will analyze all of my picks last week, starting on Halloween–with the Bengals at Dolphins and Arizona State at Washington. Have a great week and happy November!
ARIZONA STATE at Washington (+10.5)– Taylor Kelly had an amazing night compiling 7 total TDs and the Sundevils crushed Washington. With the game already in check, I decided to get greedy on a second half bet and as a result lost, while head coach Todd Graham decided to take his foot off the gas. WON 55-21
My Second Half Pick: ASU (-6.5): LOSS 13-7
Bengals at DOLPHINS (+3)– Despite the Jonathan Martin drama and the Dolphins inability to protect the quarterback, I had to go with Miami in a gamble. A loss in this game could have sent a team loaded with talent home and after four consecutive loses it was time finally time to get a victory at home. Overtime came and in the end: Safety. WON 22-20
Southern California at OREGON STATE (-4.5)– After seeing USC struggle this season, bad thoughts regarding the Trojans are hard to overcome. I watched the first half and USC’s rushing attack was stout and the offensive line came to play. WR Marqise Lee also played well catching 5 passes for 105 yards and a score. LOSS 31-14
My Second Half Pick USC (+3.5): WON 10-0
Michigan at Michigan State– I waited and Michigan State came to play at home. A worn out Wolverines defense simply couldn’t handle the physicality of the Spartans offense and RB Jeremy Lanford who contributed 120 yards and a TD.
My Second Half Pick MSU (-1/2): WON 16-0
Oklahoma State at TEXAS TECH– In this game my pick was wrong and in the end the Texas Tech defense was overwhelmed. LOSS 52-34
GEORGIA at Florida (+3)– Florida made a statement turning the contest into a game after being down by two touchdowns. PUSH 23-20
Colorado at UCLA OVER (59)– This game was an easy one to call, given I knew that the Bruins would easily put up over 40. After showing the ability to put up points it depended Colorado’s offense they just missed embarrassment putting up over 20. WON 23-45
MIAMI at Florida State (-21)– I knew coming into this game, that FSU was all around the much better squad however, I needed to take a gamble; in big games such as this one anything is possible. FSU rolls and makes the case for the number two slot compelling. LOSS 14-41
UTEP @ TEXAS A&M (-47.5)– Johnny Football goes: 16/24, 273 YDS, 4 TDs; 7 CAR, 67 YDS, 2 TDs WON 7-57
NEVADA at Fresno State (-24)– Despite being (7-0) at the time, I’ve noticed Derek Carr and the Bulldogs tend to always keep games close. After a tiring overtime victory in San Diego, I knew that the Wolfpack would be gunning for the upset. Not quite there, but enough points to cover is enough for me. WON 23-41
CHARGERS at Redskins PK– Suspected that traveling to the East Coast would pose problems however plain and simple: Don’t bet on SD. Ever. LOSS 24-30
FALCONS at Panthers (-9)– Despite the Panthers revitalized 2013 season, I still don’t trust QB Cam Newton. This time around however, I was wrong and the Falcons are really that bad. LOSS 10-34
Steelers at PATRIOTS (-5.5)– The Steelers are obviously down and after a stellar performance by tight end Rob Gronkowski, this game proved to be an easy pick. WON 55-31
Colts at Texans 2nd Half OVER/Under 20– Again, I waited and it proved to be a smart decision. Down 21-3 at the half, I knew that Andrew Luck and the Colts would come out in the third and put up points. In the end an easy victory and decision.
WON 27 points scored in 2nd Half
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