loading...
League Logo
CFB
League Logo
NFL
League Logo
CFB
League Logo
NBA
League Logo
CBB
League Logo
NHL
All
  • Loading...
loading...
Avatar
Avatar

Mike Tierney

Top Dog

A veteran sportswriter whose work appears periodically in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, Mike Tierney has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls. Mike does not consider himself a pet lover. But he likes 'dogs, preferring to evaluate each game from the underdog's point of view. Mike is 154-124-9 in the NFL the past two seasons, returning $1,586 to $100 players (every bet 1 unit). For Mike Tierney media inquiries, contact SportsLine@CBSInteractive.com.

@MTierneySports
LAST 73 CFB PICKS
+1389
RECORD: 45-28-0
# 4 NCAAF EXPERT
+1389
45-28 IN LAST 73 CFB PICKS

Get Access To
ALL PICKS FROM MIKE & THE REST OF OUR EXPERTS

Get Today's Winners Here

Mike's Past Picks

Dec 08 2024, 1:00 am UTC
League
Tigers
34
@ Mustangs
31
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
Analysis:

Switch the team names on the jerseys, and SMU would be spotting Clemson, which governed the ACC for years, more than a field goal. These Mustangs have pulled off a remarkable achievement: back-to-back unbeaten league records in separate conferences. Since a change with the QBs, they have scored at least 28 points in the past nine games. All four victories last month were by double digits. Flip to the defense, which has yielded at least 28 points to just one opponent. Clemson did win all seven ACC title matchups in Charlotte over a 12-year period In 2022, but this is not the big bully it once was.

Pick Made: Dec 04, 7:39 pm UTC on DraftKings
Dec 07 2024, 7:00 pm UTC
League
Jaguars
13
@ Tigers
41
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+380
6-2 in Last 8 NCAAF O/U Picks
Analysis:

Both defenses have got it going big-time. Jax State's has yielded 54 points in the last five outings, with a high of 17. Southern's has allowed 33 points in its last three games. In the regular season meeting, the teams landed under this figure with 48 scored, and Southern was fortunate to tally 15. The Jaguars were limited to 198 yards on offense. With other sportsbooks listing the total in the 40s, this figure has value.

Pick Made: Dec 06, 6:47 pm UTC on DraftKings
Dec 07 2024, 1:00 am UTC
League
Green Wave
14
@ Black Knights
35
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+190
3-1 in Last 4 ARMY ATS Picks
Analysis:

Odd as it might seem, this game is less important for one team than next week's. As much as Army would welcome an AAC title, given its druthers, it would prefer a win over Navy. Not that the Black Knights will take this lightly, but the motivational edge should side with Tulane. Additionally, the Green Wave has dealt with an option offense like Army's and pitched a shutout versus Navy. Army appears to have flattened out late in the season, scoring more than 21 points in just one of the past four games. While the Greenies did stumble against Memphis last week, its only other defeats were no-shamers to Oklahoma and Kansas State.

Pick Made: Dec 06, 5:10 pm UTC on Caesars
Dec 01 2024, 1:00 am UTC
League
Cavaliers
17
@ Hokies
37
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+173
4-2 in Last 6 VATECH ATS Picks
Analysis:

Virginia Tech could be down to its little-used third-string QB for this rivalry matchup. Redshirt freshman Pop Watson, who has never started, completed fewer than 50 percent of attempts in his only meaningful playing time. The spread is influenced by Tech's dominance: 18 straight-up wins in the last 19 meets. However, this is hardly a vintage Hokies team. The Cavaliers have emerged from a gauntlet in which they met four top 20 opponents in the past five outings. Tech, which has fallen three straight times, is a welcome relief.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 6:09 pm UTC on DraftKings
Dec 01 2024, 12:30 am UTC
League
Longhorns
17
@ Aggies
7
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+370
8-4-1 in Last 13 TXAM ATS Picks
Analysis:

Texas is getting knocked in CFP chatter about its unusually modest schedule for an SEC team. Fact is, nine of the Longhorns' 10 victories have occurred by double digits, so they have handled (almost) everything in front of them. The defense of late has been two cuts above the Aggies'. The spread was tamped down over the uncertainty surrounding Texas QB Quinn Evers (ankle), who reportedly will give it a try. The Longhorns would be comfortable gong to backup Arch Manning, who would provide more mobility against a defense that has yet to contain QBs on the move.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 3:53 pm UTC on Caesars
Dec 01 2024, 12:00 am UTC
League
Boilermakers
0
@ Hoosiers
66
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+380
6-2 in Last 8 NCAAF O/U Picks
Analysis:

One-win Purdue has not raised a white flag on its season, as indicated by a competitive 24-17 loss to Michigan State last Saturday. The Boilermakers will find inspiration here against its chief rival, with a chance to white-out Indiana from the playoffs. Speaking of white-out, snow is in the forecast, which should impede the offenses. Purdue has exceeded 21 points in just one game. Indiana is explosive, but the game tape from its 38-15 setback to Ohio State last week could offer clues on how to slow down the Hoosiers. They need not run up the score to impress the selection committee. Just win, baby.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 4:55 pm UTC on Caesars
Nov 30 2024, 8:30 pm UTC
League
Fighting Irish
49
@ Trojans
35
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+860
13-4 in Last 17 ND ATS Picks
Analysis:

Notre Dame is not just winning games. The Fighting Irish has covered in seven straight, with the average margin in the last six just over 33 ppg. Their points differential in FBS is the largest. Southern Cal lacks the offensive oomph to hang with the high-octane foes. QB Jayden Maiava makes only his third start. Beware throwing downfield. Notre Dame prevents mid-to-long-range completions better than any other defense in the land.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 6:20 pm UTC on Caesars
Nov 30 2024, 8:30 pm UTC
League
Bulldogs
13
@ Bruins
20
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+665
10-3 in Last 13 FRESNO ATS Picks
Analysis:

The last four meetings have been won by . . . Fresno? Indeed, including three at the Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs are unintimidated by their big instate brothers. They might find motivation in getting the popular Tim Skipper moved from interim to fully installed head coach. UCLA might have trouble filling the tank after an energy-sapping defeat against Southern Cal last Saturday. When playing a regular season game after confronting the Trojans, the Bruins have stumbled in seven of the past 10. With seven defeats this season, incentive to win for a bowl bid has vanished.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 6:34 pm UTC on Sugar House
Nov 30 2024, 8:30 pm UTC
League
Razorbacks
21
@ Tigers
28
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+380
6-2 in Last 8 NCAAF O/U Picks
+500
5-0 in Last 5 MIZZOU O/U Picks
Analysis:

Arkansas' team rank in the SEC -- second in offense, 14th in defense -- might suggest this total is low. However, the weather forecast justifies it. Light snow and freezing temps could lead to slippery footing. Missouri's rankings -- 11th offense, six defense -- further offers confidence with an Under. As potent as the Razorbacks are, they lean toward the ground. They do not score as much as their yardage hints at, so a moderate points total between the two is foreseeable.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 4:28 pm UTC on Sugar House
Nov 30 2024, 5:00 pm UTC
League
Wolverines
13
@ Buckeyes
10
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+718
15-7 in Last 22 MICH ATS Picks
Analysis:

We might never again see a spread this humongous in the series. Nor might we ever see one team this much superior to the other. Ohio State shrugged off the loss of its third O-lineman last week and pounded Indiana, which speaks to the Buckeyes' depth. The Wolverines not only lack depth but the usual batch elite starters. Two of them appear out here: future NFL CB Will Johnson for sure, primary WR Colston Loveland most likely. If coach Ryan Day can pour it on, suffice to say he will. The Buckeyes are not shy about scoring late in wrapped-up games, and Michigan has bedeviled him so much that a chance to run up the score will not be ignored.

Pick Made: Nov 30, 1:13 am UTC on Caesars
Nov 30 2024, 5:00 pm UTC
League
Cardinals
41
@ Wildcats
14
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+300
3-0 in Last 3 LVILLE ATS Picks
Analysis:

Louisville is unlikely to let pass an opportunity to bury a five-game straight-up losing streak in the heated series. Kentucky has withdrawn from the bowl picture with seven losses and is switching QBs to freshman Cutter Boley. The Cardinals have handled their travel-heavy schedule that includes six away games well -- beating Virginia, Boston College and Clemson while throwing a scare into Notre Dame. (Given the hour-plus commute to the stadium, this barely qualifies as a roadie.) The Wildcats' lone win in the last six outings came against FCS member Murray State. They might be in the mode of counting down the minutes to the end of a forgettable season.

Pick Made: Nov 26, 3:57 pm UTC on BetMGM
Nov 24 2024, 12:00 am UTC
League
Black Knights
14
@ Fighting Irish
49
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+860
13-4 in Last 17 ND ATS Picks
Analysis:

At the risk of painting service academy teams with the same brush, Notre Dame breezed past Navy and might find just a bit more resistance from the Black Knights. The Irish would be 9-1 ATS if not for a backdoor cover last week against Virginia. The expanded playoff format suggests Notre Dame, as an independent, must strive for blowout wins to secure optimal seeding. Army has not dealt with an offense nearly as potent as this one, and its undersized D-line could get pushed around. QB Bryson Daily missed a recent game with an injury. Given how much Army depends on him for rushes, he could get knocked around and banged up.

Pick Made: Nov 21, 4:49 pm UTC on Sugar House
Nov 23 2024, 8:00 pm UTC
League
Tigers
48
@ Braves
10
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+90
2-1 in Last 3 JACKST ATS Picks
Analysis:

First, seven players were suspended from this game for brawling. Then the league announced it would investigate whether Jax State improperly received video of a week-of-game practice of a previous opponent. Apart from those issues, the teams are comparable. Alcorn is 6-3 versus non-FBS foes. The Braves edged Grambling, which beat Jax State by 21. With a spot in the league championship game locked up, the Tigers might be less geared up than their hosts.

Pick Made: Nov 23, 7:07 pm UTC on BetMGM
Nov 23 2024, 6:00 pm UTC
League
Miners
0
@ Volunteers
56
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
Analysis:

SEC teams' habit of booking walkover opponents at the tail end of their schedules offers opportunities to receive humongous amounts of points. Even after losing to Georgia, Tennessee might want to dispose of UTEP early and then call off the dogs, especially with QB Nico Iamalaava not far removed from a concussion. The Miners lead the Mountain West in sacks, and their pass rushers can penetrate the backfield. Doubt we'll see Iamalaava in the fourth quarter. UTEP has covered in three of the last four outings, while the Vols have failed to do so in five of the last six.

Pick Made: Nov 21, 5:17 pm UTC on DraftKings
Nov 23 2024, 5:00 pm UTC
League
Hoosiers
15
@ Buckeyes
38
+1389
45-28 in Last 73 NCAAF Picks
+1335
40-24 in Last 64 NCAAF ATS Picks
+140
7-5-1 in Last 13 IND ATS Picks
Analysis:

The spread has bounced from high single digits as the public becomes increasingly leery of Indiana's credentials. True, the Hoosiers have played a relatively soft schedule, but they've handled all comers. The Buckeyes won't find points easy to secure with C Seth McGlaughlin, injured this week in practice, becoming the third O-lineman to go down. Musical chairs, which the Buckeyes have been forced to play all season with their blockers, continues. Indiana might be denied sustained drives, but QB Kurtis Rourke has mastered the big-gain completion. This could be an elimination game for the Hoosiers, unlike for Ohio State, so their motivation will be off the charts.

Pick Made: Nov 21, 5:31 pm UTC on Sugar House
© 2024 CBS INTERACTIVE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SportsLine and SportLine PRO are registered trademarks of SportsLine.com, Inc.FANS ONLY
In partnership with...247 Sports

FOLLOW US:

The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and SportsLine makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. There is no gambling offered on this site. This site contains commercial content and SportsLine may be compensated for the links provided on this site.