Michael Alexander

Rating: 2 Units

Since losing the series opener, Tampa Bay has won three straight, with the latest a 5-4 overtime win Friday night, and is rolling. History is on the Lightning's side in a big way. Teams that have won Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven Cup finals since the NHL went to that format in 1939 are 27-0 at closing out the series. Key to finishing off the Stars, though, will be keeping those emotions in check for puck drop. It's a common adage about the hardest win to collect being the fourth, but the Lightning certainly are carrying all the momentum, and are beating the Stars any way necessary. They won Game 2 by scoring three times in the first period and cruising to a 3-2 win. They took Game 3 handily in a 5-2 final and then erased a pair of deficits -- including a two-goal first-period hole -- in the most recent victory.

Rating; 2 Units

The Cadets have opened impressively enough, with a 776-112 rushing yard edge over the likes of Middle Tennessee State & Louisiana Monroe, which was something of a given, as those squads were hardly defensive stalwarts. The Bearcats, obviously, provide a much sturdier picture, returning 9 starters from last year's 48th-ranked stop unit. However, note that the Bearcats were stung for 353 yards by hapless Austin Peay in last week's cakewalk. Army has always been a thorn on the side of quality opposition, such as last year's 24-21 loss to Michigan, as a 3-TD dog

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Game of the Week

What a nice display that the Vols presented in last year's stretch, covering 6-of-8 (7-1 SU: Alabama), & only 7 points from an 8-0 spread run. They return 16 starters, including their top 3 QBs, & their entire "D" line. A year ago, they took the 'Cocks apart, with a 24-0 2nd half edge, & the series visitor is a profitable 18-5 ATS. Carolina is just 26-30 SU of late, ranking 104th in scoring & 97th in total "O" last year. Revenge won't work here

Rating; 2 Units

A year ago, the Gators finished 6th in the national polls, & deservedly so, as their 11-2 log was spoiled only by the likes of mighty Lsu & Georgia, while finishing 10th & 5th in total & scoring "D", & holding a 469-230 point edge in their last 13 lined games. Return 12 starters including QB Duo of Trask & Jones. The Rebels, however, are no pushovers, covering 7-of-last-8 (1-point miss vs A&M), & welcome aboard HC Lane Kiffin. Rebel yel

Rating: 3 Unit Big-12 Play of the Day

Okies' only road spread slip came at the hands of these Wildcats, featuring a 41-6 point run! 'Cats return only 3 offensive starters, which is crucial in staying with OU, which owns a mere 865-645 point edge in it last 21 games. Only 2-8 ATS (-96½ pts). The fact that the dog is 8-2 ATS in Kansas State games seems applicable, as well. However, we can't dismiss the history of this series, which shows home dominance. Okies

Rating: 4 Unit Big-12 Game of the Week

This is one that the Bears always get, & get in style, covering the last 8 vs the always struggling Jayhawks, with last year's rout just the latest. No letup the rest of the year for BU, so the getting is good vs this vulnerable squad which has allowed 38+ points in 7 of its last 9 outings, with the only misses coming in 31 & 34 allowances. Only caveat is fact that the Jays did cover vs bowl-bound BC, Oklahoma, Texas, & Iowa State last year. History call.