North Carolina vs. Missouri 2011 Independence Bowl Picks: The Missouri Tigers football team takes the field one final time as members of the Big 12 Conference when they play the North Carolina Tar Heels of the ACC in the 2011 Independence Bowl. Mizzou rallied with three big wins to close out the regular season at 7-5 overall and finished fifth in the Big 12 standings at 5-4. Carolina ended its season at 7-5 but finished in next to last place in the ACC Coastal Division at 3-5. The Independence Bowl will be televised on ESPN2 with kick off time set for 5 pm ET.
Mizzou is favored offshore, currently listed at online sportsbook SBGglobal.com by -4 1/2 points (ATS), while priced to win SU at -200 on the College Football Odds moneyline. Tar Heels backers are getting +170 ML odds to win SU. Today’s combined score (over/under) is holding at 53.
North Carolina limped into the bowl season losing three of its last five games, but managed to avoid last place in the Coastal Division with a season ending victory over arch rival Duke. Mizzou comes to the Inedpendence Bowl looking for a fourth straight win after finishing the regular season strong winning its last three games, and four of its last five. Both schools split the season at 6-6 covering the line ATS and of the 24 combined games the schools played the OVER/UNDER game total split 12/12.
Tigers Head Coach Gary Pinkel is known more for his offensive approach but this year the Tigers defense really stood out. The defensive unit was especially strong against the run ranked fourth in the Big 12 in run defense and was second in total defense. Carolina’s strength on offense is in the running game led by freshman RB Giovani Bernard who rushed for 1,222 yards and 13 touchdowns.The Tar Heels will be playing their final game for interim coach Everett Withers, who will join Urban Meyer’s coaching staff at Ohio State.
I have to go with the favorites in this one, giving 4 1/2 points and playing the Tigers . My Pick Mizzou -4 1/2.
2011 Bowls Picks record to date – 4-2. After going 3-0 on Week 1 Saturday, I’ve missed the mark in back to back nights picking Florida International on Tuesday and TCU to cover Wednesday but bounced back with the Boise State pick.
Reno Gold crushed the bookies with his College Football Odds ATS and Totals picks from day-one of the 2011 College Football Season, hitting on 99 of 143 for an unprecedented 69% average. The good news for college football bettors is – RENO’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge subscribers big bucks. Be sure to check up on Reno Gold’s picks throughout the 2011-12 Bowl Season including the 2012 BCS Championship Game on January 9th. and Strike Gold with Reno Gold. Check daily for Reno Gold’s opinion on all the top bowl games each week for free, and sign up to get Free NCAAF Picks now!
