Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#7) Carolina Hurricanes | ML | . 

Even on the road, I believe that Carolina is the much better team in this matchup & should be able to get the job done here this evening. Don't get me wrong, this is a lot of juice to be laying on an away team. But, it's worth it. I'm a perfect 3/3 on the Hurricanes this season and will continue the winning here with this free pick. The defending champs smell blood and they are looking to dominate each and every opponent. Winnipeg finally dropped a game against Chicago last time out. The Jets have been really solid to start this season. But, the loss could be the start of a downfall. Either way, Carolina is the better team and I'm on the Canes tonight. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-1 Canes.

(#915) Tampa Bay Rays | ML | .

Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA) vs. Shawn Armstrong - Tanner Bibee/Joey Cantillo .

After Cleveland took Game 3, I believe that another response from Tampa Bay will be on the cards. Because the Guardians won Game 1, they can finish the series here at home with the later rounds of the MLB playoffs being a 2-3-2 best-of-seven instead of 2-2-1-1-1 like the other main sports. That being said, it's time for a Rays bounce back. Nick Martinez takes the mound & he's coming off the season of his career, posting an unreal 2.38 ERA in 16 starts on the road this season. On the other hand, the Guardians have elected to go with an opener. I'm expecting either Bibee or Cantillo to get the bulk of the innings for them though. Cleveland has been great throughout these playoffs. But, this is the time for the top team during the regular season to find a response. Expect them to get the job done here on Friday.

Burns' Prediction: 5-2 Rays.

(#189) Alabama Crimson Tide @ (#190) Tennessee Volunteers | OVER | . 

Even though Alabama is coming off a lower scoring game against #1 ranked Georgia, I believe that this Crimson Tide team is ready to break out again this weekend against Tennessee. Prior to the UGA game, the Tide had scored 45+ points in all five of their opening five games. They have an elite offense who will be eager to bounce back with a big one. 

This rivalry game won't be easy though with the Volunteers needing a win badly. The Vols have lost just one game as well. But, that game was also at home. Losing twice at home to conference rivals is never a good thing. Tennessee's offense has also scored 40+ in three games this season. This could be another instant classic & I'm expecting tons of points. 

Burns' Prediction: 41-28 Bama.

(#10) Tampa Bay Lightning | ATS | . 

Vancouver did have a bit of success against Florida in its last game. However, the Canucks ultimately blew the 2-0 lead and lost 2-3 in overtime. This time around, I'm expecting the Canucks to have a much harder time keeping their opponents off the board for so long. They had to stay in Florida over that time and this should be a game where Tampa dominates. The Lightning have won five of their first seven games this year. They are also 4-0 on home ice. That alone should tell you enough for this contest. I'm going with Tampa to win by multiple goals here at home. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-1 Lightning.

(#158) James Madison Dukes | ATS | . 

This line has come down significantly since it opened. I'm willing to pull the trigger now on James Madison. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the Dukes starting QB JC Evans is doubtful for this game. However, this team is built to win & are contenders to make the CFP if they stay perfect. Let's not forget that JMU is also 68-5 SU at home over the past 11 years & is also 34-16 ATS as a home favorite the past eight years. 

Georgia State has been dominant this season in its own right. However, the Panthers are 0-5 all-time against James Madison and they haven't been great under Dell McGee as a road underdog. I believe that James Madison will get the job done and win by double digits with or without its QB1. 

Burns' Prediction: 44-20 JMU.

(#164) Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns | ATS | . 

Despite scoring 55 points last weekend against Southern Miss at home, I'm still not sold on this Troy team. The Trojans had lost consecutive road games against both Missouri & Utah State by double digits. Now, they'll go on the road again for the third time this season. Let's also note that they allowed 34 points last weekend in that game vs. Southern Miss, who's 1-4. 

On the other hand, UL-Lafayette returns home after a one-point road loss last time out. The Ragin' Cajuns have yet to lose a game at home this season where they've won 38-7, 21-14 & 23-20 this season. They also put up 30 points against USC earlier in the year. I love ULL at home in this one on Saturday. 

Burns' Prediction: 34-19 ULL.

(#202417) VFB Stuttgart | ATS | . 

Even on the road, I'm expecting a massive performance from VFB Stuttgart on Saturday. Through the opening five games in the Bundesliga this season, Stuttgart has not performed the way I would have liked it too. While both teams are dealing with some injuries, Hamburg is definitely dealing with them much worse. 

Deniz Undav will be a focal point for Stuttgart in this one in my opinion. He's got the experience and he's already dominated in the World Cup as a super sub earlier this year. The talent edge is with Stuttgart as well. I'm expecting it to win this contest by multiple goals here. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-0 Stuttgart.

(#219) Fresno State Bulldogs @ (#220) San Diego State Aztecs | OVER | . 

Over the past few season, both of these two schools had tremendous defenses. That has simply not been the case for either team here this season, especially in the case of San Diego State. The Aztecs are allowing 35.0 PPG this season which ranks very low in the FBS rankings. That's including a historically bad 14-66 loss last weekend against Oregon State. 

Looking at Fresno State, it can put up some points. The Bulldogs put up 31 points in a loss last weekend against a tough Boise State defense. They've scored at least 26 points in each and every game this season a part from the opener against USC. With SDST at home, it should be able to score as well. I love the "over" in this one. 

Burns' Prediction: 38-24 Fresno State.

(#198) Mississippi Rebels | ATS | . 

I'm all over Mississippi this weekend against Missouri. Earlier this season, on College Gameday, the Rebels delivered a statement win against LSU here at home. Trinidad Chambliss has now led the Rebels to a 14-game winning streak here at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi also returns home after a monstrous road beatdown win against Vanderbilt. 

Missouri might have a 5-1 record as well. However, the Tigers haven't played in a road environment since that road loss against Mississippi State. They are a very solid team, led by a great offense. However, it's going to be a real test for them this weekend. Austin Simmons (Missouri QB) used to play for this Mississippi team and lost out on the starting job last season. While he might have extra motivation, sometimes that can back-fire. We've already seen how loud this Ole Miss crowd can get. Give me the Rebels by at least a TD here. 

Burns' Prediction: 34-20 Mississippi.

(#149) Pittsburgh Panthers | ATS | . 

Despite having a backup in at QB, I believe that Pittsburgh's out for revenge on Saturday after dropping the game to UNC last weekend. The Panthers are the much better team all around and can definitely limit the points of BC in this one. Let's not forget to mention that HC Pat Narduzzi is 18-5 ATS in his career as an away favorite. 

Looking at Boston College, it's 0-2 so far in conference play. The Golden Eagles have surprisingly kept their games close against both SMU & Virginia Tech. However, I just don't see the trend continuing with all of these losses piling up. Pitt is hungry. Lay the points on Saturday - at noon. 

Burns' Prediction: 28-13 Pitt.