Vegas Play of the Day: Memphis Express at Birmingham Iron

Sun, Feb 10, 2019 (11:41 a.m.)

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Memphis Express plus-3 at Birmingham Iron: $330 to win $300

Christian Hackenberg is a punch line. The former second-round pick was a bust in the NFL, leading him to the Memphis team in the new Alliance of American Football where many expect a similar result.

How else to explain this line swelling from minus-1 to minus-3 over the last two days? It’s hard to find much information on the AAF yet with the league in its first week of play, but it’s not difficult to find people making fun of Hackenberg.

Too bad the former Penn State quarterback and five-star recruit might have the last laugh. Reports on Hackenberg have been strong from those who have seen him in practice and in exhibition games.

It’s hard to believe he’ll be at that big of a disadvantage to Birmingham’s Luis Perez, a Division II legend. Memphis may also have a coaching advantage with Mike Singletary — words I never thought I’d type — against Birmingham’s Tim Lewis.

Lewis was a lifelong coordinator in the NFL, while Singletary at least broke through to get some experience as a head coach. Look for a close game that Hackenberg may just win at the end for his team.  

Current Standings: Keefer (26-23-2, $11,566), Brewer (16-15-2, $11,290), Emerson (3-3, $7,242), Grimala (15-15-1, $4,650)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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