 |
 Basketball Betting |
 |
||||
|
 |
||||
|
||||
'Electrifying' Banks impressing Redskins coachesFootball Betting Lines08/16/2010 - ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -Brandon Banks has a bloodline for speed to offset a body not meant for football. The undrafted Washington Redskins rookie is no longer just a long shot to make the team, not after his 77-yard punt return for a touchdown against Buffalo on Friday. The 5-foot-7, 151-pound receiver out of Kansas State flashed his 4.24-second speed down the right sideline before performing hometown buddy John Wall's signature dance in the end zone. Yet, Banks is barely the fastest person in his family. It wasn't until middle school that he could outrun his mother, Sharonda Banks, who reached the U.S. Olympic time trials over 200 meters in 1995. His half-sister Gabby Mayo was part of an NCAA record 400-meter relay team while setting a Texas A&M record over 60 meters. Several uncles also ran track in college. ``I was a track guy, but I loved football more than track so I chose football,'' Banks said. Banks' rise is reminiscent of Redskins predecessor James Thrash, an unknown rookie receiver whose two kickoff return touchdowns in 1997 fueled a 12-year pro career. Banks might seal a roster spot with another score versus the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. ``Look at my size - I'm a short stature guy,'' he said. ``I'm a good special teams guy. It's what I've always been in high school and college. I'm a playmaker. I call myself 'Electrifying.''' Banks went undrafted despite ranking fifth nationally in kickoff return yards at Kansas State last season, including four touchdowns to tie for most in the country. Banks was Big XII Special Teams Player of the Year. Coach Mike Shanahan has noticed Banks, whose best chance of making the team is a returner. ``That's what camp's about - giving people an opportunity to make plays,'' Shanahan said. ``I can't say that it surprised me at all with the way he has played, not necessarily as a returner but as a wide receiver. He consistently makes plays; he has great speed, cutting ability and an excellent set of hands.'' Banks used his left hand to signal a tribute to Walls, now a Washington Wizards rookie who was in the FedEx Field stands as his boyhood pal's guest. The two often played basketball at the community center in Garner, N.C. ``John Wall is one of my best friends,'' Banks said. ``I talk to him on a daily basis. I'm real cool with him.'' Notes: Shanahan rated receiver Malcolm Kelly's hamstring at 50 to 60 percent and ``Very, very slim'' to return versus Baltimore on Saturday. Shanahan hopes Kelly returns next week. ... Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth worked some with starters in nickel packages. Shanahan was noncommittal on whether Haynesworth will be promoted from second team against Baltimore. ... Shanahan canceled the afternoon workout to take the team bowling.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
<< Reina's blunder is the least of Liverpool's concerns
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Every English Premier League season is a 38-game grind that spans nine months, so the events that take place on the opening weekend of the season are often long forgotten by the time the leaves begin t
<< Toulouse striker Pentecote set to miss six months
<< Kerr back to No. 1 in world rankings
<< Rachel Alexandra goes through Monday work
<< Liverpool will not appeal Cole red card
New QB Jake Delhomme steadying Browns >>
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -One drive. That's all it took for Jake Delhomme to convince Cleveland Browns fans not to worry about their starting quarterback.For the first time in ages, the Browns are not in the midst of a QB controversy and there isn't one bre
Blackhawks re-sign D Boynton >>
Grambling State star Anthony still hospitalized >>
Team USA turns the page >>
Zenyatta and Blame top thoroughbred poll >>
COLLEGE FOOTBALL BETTINGNCAA Football BettingMany fans thought it was the best side in the nation by the end of last season. This year, the polls have built on Georgia's momentum and granted it the No. 1 preseason ranking, followed by Ohio State and USC. (The Associated Press has the Buckeyes at No. 2; USA Today took the Trojans.) "To have people believing we have one of the best teams in the nation going into this thing, it's exciting for us," Bulldogs coach Mark Richt told the AP. "I don't think anything is guaranteed, but we certainly have put ourselves in position where at least the college football world thinks we're pretty good." Georgia Bulldogs - 9.5 wins There's no question they're good, but the Bulldogs have one of the toughest 12-game schedules in the nation, mostly because they play in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. Away games at No. 15 Arizona State, No. 7 LSU and No. 10 Auburn loom large, with contests between the hedges versus No. 24 Alabama and No. 18 Tennessee as well as the World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville versus No.5 Florida. Ohio State Buckeyes - 10 wins Like the Bulldogs, the Buckeyes also have a number of tough road contests in 2008. After two scrimmages dressed up as real games versus Youngstown State and Ohio, it's off to face USC. Other tough away games include No.13 Wisconsin in October and No. 20 Illinois in November. Granted, it should be pretty easy sledding at the Horseshoe. In fact, the only ranked team that travels to Columbus is No. 22 Penn State, in October. USC Trojans - 10.5 wins A similarly light schedule awaits the Trojans of Southern California, which is why the oddsmakers' total is one win more and the over is currently commanding -150 odds. Pete Carroll's troops only play three ranked teams in 2008, and all of those games are at home. After what should be an easy trip to Virginia to start things off on Aug. 30, the Trojans get two weeks to prepare for Ohio State in Los Angeles. Their two other ranked opponents, No. 21 Oregon and No. 15 Arizona State, visit in consecutive weeks to start the month of October. After that, the competition eases up. Of course, this is the same highly-touted school that lost to Stanford in 2007 and Oregon State in 2006. And don't discount the fact that USC plays its biggest rivals, Notre Dame and UCLA, back-to-back to close out the regular season. On paper, the Trojans are far superior, but motivation will be high for the Irish and Bruins, especially if their historic foes are in national-title contention. Odds to Win the Heisman Trophy Tim Tebow, Florida - 7/2 "There has never been anyone quite like him," Meyer told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I am very lucky to be his coach." Chris Wells, Ohio State - 5/1 The man they call "Beanie" was a star recruit out of high school, so it's not like nobody knew who the star tailback was before he rushed for 576 yards as a freshman in 2006 and 1,609 as a sophomore. But perhaps his finest moment came last year versus Michigan when he rumbled for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 14-3 victory over the hated Wolverines. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - 8/1 If the Bulldogs are to live up to expectations, they'll need a huge effort from their sophomore running back. This might be the last year of college ball for Moreno, who rushed for 1,334 yards and for 14 touchdowns as a freshman, while adding 253 receiving yards on 20 receptions, so expect big things for the man from Belford, N.J. Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting lines . |
|
