Can the Jags Hold Off the Challenging Buccaneers?

The storm has passed, and now it is time for two of the NFL's teams in the Sunshine State, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7 SU & ATS in 2007 regular season; 2-0 SU & ATS in pre-season) play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5 SU & ATS in 2007 regular season; 1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS in pre-season) in NFL action that is set to begin at 7:30 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium (natural turf) in Tampa.

Saturday, August 23

BetUS NFL Betting Odds: JACKSONVILLE -3, Total 34.5

NOTABLE STAT: Tampa Bay was third in scoring defense in 2007 (16.9 ppg)

KEY NFL FOOTBALL BETTING TREND: Bucs are 5-1 SU in their last six in pre-season

In the BetUS NFL pre-season football betting odds, the Jaguars are listed as a three-point favorite, with the total posted at 34.5 points.

Here are some NFL betting trends as they relate to this matchup (reflecting numbers going into the 2008 season):

* JAX has won seven of its last ten games SU

* JAX has covered eight of its last ten games

* JAX has played eleven of its last 12 games OVER the total

* TB has lost four of its last five games SU

* TB has covered one of its last five games

* TB has played five of its last six games OVER the total

* TB has covered six of its last nine home games

Pre-Season trends:

* JAX has won seven of its last ten pre-season games SU

* JAX has played ten of its last 14 pre-season games OVER the total

* TB has won five of its last six pre-season games SU

Jacksonville, in their home game against Miami last weekend, dropped a 19-14 decision, but looked on paper like they played better. They converted six of 13 third downs (46%), and got serviceable efforts from at least two of its quarterbacks - Todd Bouman and David Garrard, who were 16 for 27 combined. They got nothing going on the ground, however; running backs gained only 32 yards, and one would have to believe Jack Del Rio was holding something back. Look for a little sharper offense in this third exhibition, which customarily serves as a "dress rehearsal."

The effort the Jags gave against the Dolphins didn't seem to upset Del Rio enough that changes were going to be made, though. One of the biggest, and most frustrating, pieces of news is that Derrick Harvey, the team's first-round draft pick, is still holding out, and he is the only NFL first-rounder who is not in camp.

In Tampa Bay, there have been a couple of big stories linked to each other in training camp. One is the team's pursuit of a deal to land Brett Favre from the Packers. The other is the fact that starting quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was unhappy with his contract as it was, became more disgruntled and insulted as Bucs' management went after Favre. On top of that, Garcia has been dealing with a calf injury and only just returned to practice. Joey Galloway, who has not been working out because of a groin injury, also just returned. It is questionable whether either man will play, and if either plays it is doubtful either will have an impact.