TAMPA BAY BUCS (5-1) – (3-0 ROAD) vs. DETROIT LIONS (4-2) – (2-0 HOME)
T.B. OFFENSE (#12) – (109R – 244P) vs. DETROIT DEFENSE (#10) – (96R – 213P)
DETROIT OFFENSE (#11) – (129P – 225P) vs. T.B. DEFENSE (#14) – (88R – 231P)
VEGAS ODDS: DETROIT LIONS (-6) ~ TOTAL: (52 ½)
BUCS QB BAKER “THE COMEBACK KID” MAYFIELD GOES FOR 4TH ROAD WIN!
Well folks we get another Monday Night NFL Doubleheader and the first one pits two first place teams in what should be an exciting one if for no other reason than Bucs and their flamboyant QB Baker Mayfield is playing. So far this season that means heart attacks for fans of the Bucs and their opponents as well. Tampa’s first five games were decided by (3, 1, 2, 6 & 3) points before finally playing a game last week not decided by under a touchdown.
Even last week’s game vs. the Niners was close for most of the game as the game was (20-19) until late in the third quarter when Mayfield threw a 45 yard TD pass and the Bucs Defense held SF scoreless the final 17 minutes to win by 11. The Bucs have won all 3 Road games and a win here keeps them 2 games up on the surprising Panthers.
THE LIONS SIMPLY DO NOT LOSE BACK TO BACK GAMES!
One of the most insane streaks ever belongs to the Lions who have now gone 50 straight games without back to back losses. They are a perfect (11-0) Against the Spread in the last 11 after games they lost the previous week. They are only playing for the second time in that streak this year and off a sluggish opening week loss at Green Bay, the Lions bounced right back with a huge (52-21) win over the Bears the following week as the Offense gained a whopping (511) total yards and had the clean sheet of (0 sacks allowed, 0 interceptions, 0 fumbles lost).
That is what you call bouncing back strong off a bad loss. Last week the Lions Offense was completely shut down in KC by the Chiefs with only (98 Rush yards, 199 pass yards). The Offense just never got into any rhythm and left KC with a 13 point loss.
THE LIONS OFFENSE LIGHTS UP THE SCOREBOARD AT HOME THE PAST FEW YEARS!
So far the Lions have played 2 Home games and the Offense put up (52 & 34) points and dating back to all their Home games last year they’ve also scored (31, 42, 34, 23, 52, 52 and 42) points. Clearly there is no place like “DOME” for the Lions team. The wild thing though is the only time in past year plus when the Lions really didn’t score a ton of points was their week 2 loss last year, to none other than these Tampa Bay Bucs (20-16).
BOTH TEAMS ARE TOP 5 TEAMS BUT NEITHER REALLY IN TOP 10 OF KEY RANKINGS
Last year it seemed like week after week I was saying or writing about the Lions #1 or #2 Offense and this year they aren’t even Top 10 (#11 right now). What is more shocking is they only faced two Top 10 Defenses all season so far and have faced 3 of the five worst Defenses and still their stats are eye scratching thus far. There are some red flags the Lions have right now on Offense and it’s been the Offensive Line as both Guards (Ratledge & Mahogany) have struggled mightily.
You can look at the positives and see Goff is (#1) in Passer Rating (122.4) and his drop back success rate is second in the league (56%) but the main reasons for Red Flags are the OL Pass Blocking win rate is only (16th) and the Pressure Stop Rate on Goff is only (11th best) at (31%). The Lions have had numerous injuries to its OL so far and so they are mostly having Goff make short/quick passes and right now those passes are only at (6.7 yards per pass attempt) which is 3rd worst in the NFL. We often get fooled as Goff will go on crazy hot streaks completing 15 or so passes in a row but short passes are easy to complete.
FLIP SIDE
On the other side of the ball the Bucs Defense is ranked (#14) although, thanks to their Beast up the middle, NT Vita Vea, they are holding opponents to only (88) rush yards per game. He should have a field day vs. the Lions young Guards in this big MNF affair.
The strangest part of the Lions 3rd worst shortest yards per pass thrown is it’s actually better than last year when they were the league’s top ranked Offense. The great news in this matchup is the fact that the Bucs Defense (5th) worst at covering drop back passes under 10 yards in the air and then (5th) worst yards after the catch allowed. The Bucs Linebackers have been the weak link so far as they simply can’t cover opposing Tight Ends (4th worst) nor are they slowing RB’s out the backfield on passes (7th worst). This is a gigantic advantage for the Lions who possess a stud TE (Laporta) and a speedy stud RB (Gibbs), both who should fare well in the fantasy leagues.
THE LIONS SECONDARY & THE BUCS OFFENSIVE LINE/WR ROOM ARE INJURY WARDS!
The past two weeks, Bucs QB Mayfield (MVP top 3 right now) has passed for 341 and 296 yards. He will now face an almost fully decimated Lions Secondary that is littered with starters out to injury and now even worse off as healthy stud Safety Brian Branch is suspended for a stupid fight at the end of last week’s Chiefs game. The Lions will suit up more than one secondary player who hasn’t played a single snap yet this season.
Bucs QB Mayfield is (#5) in passer rating (108.5) and he’s completed 24 pass plays of 20 yards or more (3rd best). As of this article being written though his top 2 stud WR’s are both game time decisions (although Mike Evans looks like he will suit up). If the Bucs young stud WR Egbuka doesn’t suit up though that is a HUGE loss as he’s averaging (17.4) yards per catch and has (469) receiving yards and 5 TD’s and over and over has made big catches in late Bucs comebacks. Much like the Lions MASH WARD secondary, the Bucs OL will be starting a 3rd string RG and a 2nd string RT (Heck) who has allowed 23 QB pressures on Mayfield (2nd most any OT).
CAN BUCS QB MAYFIELD CONTINUE TO CARRY THE RUSHING LOAD?
The Bucs have also been hurt by an injury to starting RB Irving and Mayfield hasn’t gotten the greatest OL pass blocking (23rd in NFL in OL pass block win rate/24th in Pressure rate) so he’s been forced often to run for his life (24% teams rushes) and he has already gained (264) rushing yards at a whopping (7.2) yards per carry, including 11 rushing first downs. In this game though he is facing a solid Lions Run Defense that really held their own vs. Ravens QB L. Jackson (7R-35) and KC QB Mahomes (10R-35).
As great as Mayfield’s arm has been it’s also been his legs that have gotten multiple bigtime run plays in all these late comeback wins. Mayfield has passed the ball for (341 and 296 yards) the past 2 weeks so even a bad OL isn’t slowing his MVP type season thus far. I think Mayfield struggles for big rushing yards as the Lions stud Linebacker Jack Campbell is the #1 Run stopping LB in the league and will surely be spying Mayfield all game long to avoid any monster rushes although the Bucs aren’t winning with long runs any way as the longest non Mayfield rush all season is 16 yards.
TOP BETTING TRENDS/NUGGETS
1). TAMPA BAY BUCS: Last 6x they won by double digits the following game went “OVER” the posted Total all 6 games.
2). DETROIT LIONS: Four of their last 6 Monday Night games went “OVER” the Total.
3). Last year NFL Home Favorites: (Detroit in this spot tonight) before their “BYE” week played 8 “OVERS” and just 2 “UNDERS”.
4). PRIME TIME NIGHT GAMES: The Underdogs are a very profitable (15-7) ATS so far and last week both NFL Dogs won straight up.
5). DETROIT LIONS: Will finally get back stud DT A. McNeill who signed a 97 Million dollar contract in the Offseason.
FINAL PASS:
We definitely got a really fun matchup for this MNF early game as both QB’s can go off for huge games and both teams possess so many really talented Offensive players we should get an exciting one (heck it’s almost a certainty the Mayfield led Bucs play a close game) but to make a bet is so difficult as both have so many different areas of concern thru injuries or suspension and without being 100% sure who will even suit up and who will watch in street clothes. So making a winning prediction is moreso just tossing a dart here at the dartboard and praying for a winning bet.
I am sure if the Lions had a healthy Secondary and no suspension to Branch I’d be on the Lions. It’s games like these that the Props/Fantasy bettors have so much more to choose from. If the Bucs win here and Mayfield leads to another Comeback win then the Bucs to me are a Top 3 team. It feels to me though somehow the home crowd will “WILL” the home team to a nice “W” before heading off for their “Bye” week next week!
Enjoy the game and never bet what you can’t afford to lose.
The Bulls charge into Conference Play rested and ready for the Friday night lights.
South Florida (9-3; 6-2 American) faces Old Dominion (9-3; 6-2 Sun Belt) in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl on Dec. 17 at Camping World Stadium, Orlando. The Bulls pursue a third straight bowl win and a historic 10-win season.
South Florida (9-3; 6-2 American) will look to capture a third straight bowl victory for just the second time in program history when it faces Old Dominion (9-3; 6-2 Sun Belt) in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl on December 17 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game, presented by Coca-Cola, will kick off at 5 p.m. and air nationally on ESPN.
Cure Bowl Supports Cancer Research
The Cure Bowl is more than just football—it’s a fundraising event hosted by the Orlando Sports Foundation to support cancer research. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised over $6.35 million for the cause. Tickets start at $25 plus fees, and fans are encouraged to secure seats for this meaningful matchup.
Bulls Nation Ready for Orlando
USF Athletics CEO Rob Higgins emphasized the importance of the game: “The Cure Bowl supports a tremendous cause that we are excited to champion, and we look forward to our Bulls taking on a very talented Old Dominion team on Dec. 17. It’s a short drive for Bulls Nation to Camping World Stadium, and I look forward to a great turnout in Green and Gold as we pursue a third straight bowl win for just the second time in program history.”
Program Milestones for South Florida
This marks South Florida’s 13th bowl appearance, tied for the third-most in the first 25 seasons of bowl eligibility. The Bulls’ 8-4 bowl record ranks fourth nationally in winning percentage among programs with 10 or more appearances. Interim Head Coach Kevin Patrick noted the team’s focus on finishing strong and chasing a rare 10-win season.
Pursuit of a 10-Win Season
The Bulls aim to reach 10 wins for only the third time in program history, last achieved in 2017. They also seek a third consecutive bowl win, following victories in the 2023 Boca Bowl (45-0 vs. Syracuse) and 2024 Hawaii Bowl (41-39 in 5OT vs. San Jose State). The only other three-bowl streak came between 2008–2010.
Old Dominion’s Strong Season
Old Dominion enters the Cure Bowl with a 9-3 record, finishing second in the Sun Belt East Division. The Monarchs closed the regular season with five straight wins, including victories over Virginia Tech, Liberty, and Coastal Carolina. They boast the nation’s No. 7 rushing offense (236.9 ypg), No. 16 total offense (460.8 ypg), and No. 20 scoring defense (19.3 ppg).
Cure Bowl Legacy
Now in its 11th season, the Cure Bowl has become a staple of postseason college football. Last year, Ohio defeated Jacksonville State, while Tulane remains the only American Conference team to win the Cure Bowl (2018).
USF Offensive Firepower
South Florida’s offense ranks No. 2 nationally in total yards (501.7 per game) and No. 4 in scoring (43.0 points per game). The Bulls set a program record with five games scoring 50+ points this season. Eleven players earned all-conference honors, including First Team selections Mac Harris and De’Shawn Rucker.
Looking Ahead
USF will formally introduce Brian Hartline as the seventh head coach in program history on December 8 at the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center in Tampa. The event is open to the public and marks a new era for Bulls football.
college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders
By: Matthew Weatherby
White smoke has risen from the Nittany Lion atop Beaver Stadium. Penn State has its new Head Coach in Matt Campbell. It was 54 long days since the Nittany Lions fired now Virginia Tech Head Coach James Franklin. They got turned down, people paid, and honestly publicly humiliated throughout the process. Now Campbell from Iowa State is set to take over in Happy Valley. Hoping to calm the mobs coming for Pat Kraft and his job.
This report came a few minutes ago from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who said Penn State was finalizing a deal for Matt Campbell to become the head coach.
Penn State has finally found its guy, and funny enough, it is a similar route they took when they hired James Franklin in 2014. Franklin’s pedigree was that of a guy who appeared to do more with less. He was the most successful Vanderbilt Head coach until Clark Lea.
Campbell is the same. He won at his first stop, being Toledo’s Head Coach, where he went 35-15, good for a .700 winning percentage. Since he took the job at Iowa State, he has enjoyed some similar success, going 72-55 from 2016-25.
Now to the doing more with less portion. Over the 11 recruiting classes that he brought in at Iowa State, the average ranking was 55.8 in the national standings. Not exactly that of a top-tier program. He has developed that talent, however, with guys like Brock Purdy and Breece Hall being stars in the NFL now.
He also won Coach of the Year 3 times in the BIG 12, receiving the award in 2017, ’18, and ’20. Campbell was also the 2015 MAC Coach of the Year.
With the influx of cash I expect Campbell to receive, in terms of NIL money for the roster, it is not unreasonable to think of this as a great hire. With his coaching pedigree, you would expect the results he was able to give at Iowa State to only be magnified with a bigger brand and budget at Penn State.
What Campbell means for Penn State
It means that Pat Kraft might actually be able to sleep peacefully tonight. He has been contacting seemingly everyone, trying to get them to come to Happy Valley. None of those came to fruition; instead, he was getting them paid at the places they were already employed.
Here, the question that reigns supreme: will it be enough?
This search was an unmitigated disaster, from the inability to get anyone to take their money, all of the negative press, and the rumors of Jimmy Sexton freezing Penn State out for the way they handled Franklin. It could not have been worse for Penn State. You pair that with a group of Paterno people who wanted Terry Smith to be the Head Coach. I wonder if this hire is enough to calm the waters in Happy Valley.
One thing I do know for sure is that winning cures all. Matt Campbell might just be the guy to save Pat Kraft.
Capital Sports Network will be your home for Let ’em Run Happy Hour
Let ’em Run is breaking down races at some new venues, and we will continue to expand our horizons with a variety of tracks, as we listen to what our viewers and readers have to say.
We are breaking down interesting races at Laurel Park and Turfway Park (a little nighttime action) that will be run on Saturday. Then we turn our attention to Aqueduct on Saturday, where there is The Remsen Gr2, a Kentucky Derby prep, and the signature race…The Cigar Mile.
Saturday Roundup Reminder
Be sure to tune into the Saturday “Let ’em Run Roundup” at 12:30 where we will bring even more insight after any scratches and other changes. So catch us this weekend on multiple streaming apps and social channels!!
Race 6 — 2:23 EST — The Maryland Juvenile — 125K — 7 Furlongs (Dirt) Some talented 2 y.o.’s line up for this race, at the always tricky distance for young runners at 7 furlongs. I am going to lean on #3 Sometime 9-2. Was ambitiously placed in the Iroquois against some of the best milers in the division. Breeding out of Take Charge Indy, who came in 1st at The Florida Derby and The Clark Handicap, so the talent is there. The #4 Biker Bailey 4-1 came out of a Md 20k, but took over the field and posted a 70 BSF. Could go to the front and not look back. Bet = $10 Ex Box 3,4 = $20
Saturday 12/6 — Turfway Park
Race 7 — 8:55 EST — The Boone County — 125K — 1 ¼ (Synthetic) Big field to choose from gives us plenty of options and value to boot. Jockey Fernando De La Cruz hops aboard #10 Swift Delivery 5-1, 1 of 2 Mark Casse entrants. A failed turf experiment, in between two Gr3 races on synthetic, make this horse the one to beat. Tough post, but De La Cruz can work out a trip and close on the field. The #1 Funtastic Again 5-1, is the horse for course and surface. Has ran in a steady diet of 6 Graded races last 6x, and now gets relief and a good post to go to the front. Jockey Gerado Corrales is very familiar with this runner.
Saturday 12/6 — Aqueduct (Races 7–11)
Race 7 — 2:11 EST — Alw 88K N1X — 1 Mile (Dirt)
Nice start to the late P5 for Let ’em Run, with a big field of 12 runners. Hard to look past #6 Life and Times 8-5. As a student of pace figures, this runner has an early pace figure of 142!! Out of Justify, and 2nd time out runners for that sire often improve…scary. Likely to have some company up front, but just too fast. Bet = P5 = 6 / All / All / 6 / 2 = $78 (based on current entries)
Race 8 — 2:39 EST — The NY Stallion Series — 500K (Fillies) — 7 Furlongs (Dirt)
Another full field of 2 y.o. fillies running at 7 furlongs. Going with #12 Daniella Marie 6-1, the entry for the “other Chad”… trainer Chad Summers, who is heating up and excellent with 2.y.o’s. Jockey Kendrick Caramouche stays on, and never really asked her in last, when she won by 9 ¼ lengths. Likely post time fave #10 Hot Currency 7-2, looking to improve with stud jockey Flavian Prat retaining the mount.
Race 9 — 3:08 EST — The Remsen Gr2 — 250K — 1 ⅛ (Dirt)
Kentucky Derby prep race, with 12 runners ready to go. The #11 Talkin 5-1 for trainer Danny Gargan is my top choice. Gargan is looking to hit the Derby trail again with a good one here, out of top Sire Good Magic. Runner beat Further Ado in Maiden, and that runner is labeled as a Derby favorite, so why not this guy. Jockey Kendrick Caramouche has options from a tough post, with interesting Brisnet early and late pace figures both high, and nearly the same (early 106 / late 102). Once again the Flavian Prat runner #2 Paladin 3-1 will get much deserved attention.
Race 10 — 3:37 EST — The Cigar Mile Gr2 — 500K — 1 Mile (Dirt)
Really can’t see anyone beating the fast and talented #6 Phileas Fogg 8-5. Two new wrinkles; with blinkers going on and jockey Joel Rosario taking the mount. Trainer Rodriguez Gustavo gave him a break pointing to this race, and said “it’s showtime“; when asked how he was doing!!
Two notes per Brisnet, lone E speed, and best pace to the 6 furlong distance, by a lot. So should have company early, but will then pull away to the wire.
Race 11 — The NY Stallion Series — 500K — 7 Furlongs
Once again the Big A putting out a big field for bettors. Trainer Butch Reid has #2 Parker Boone 8-5 ready to make some noise. Runner won by 12 ¼ 1st time out and was under wraps early. Naysayers will say “who did he beat”, but runners out of Solomini are often very good, very early. Will have other speed to deal with, but a ground saving post should seal the deal.
Final Notes
Stay tuned as we continue to grow, and tune in on Saturday for our 12:30 Podcast, with scratches and changes affecting our picks. And as the saying goes, Let ‘em Run.
Politics8 years ago