August’s’ Finale: BrownBagBets Finishes Off Another Winning Month

What a night! With a massive 6-2 run last night, we’ve set ourselves up for an epic August finale. Our total bankroll for the month now stands at an impressive 176% of where we began, showing just how powerful the BrownBagBets approach can be when we stay disciplined and strategic.

As we look to the final day of August, we’re greeted with a robust selection of betting options across NCAA Football, the English Premier League, and Major League Baseball. It’s the perfect storm of opportunity, and we’re ready to dive in and close out the month on a high note.

This is what it’s all about—staying the course, sticking to the plan, and capitalizing on the right opportunities at the right time. Today is no different. We’ve got our sights set on some key plays across multiple sports, and with the momentum we’ve built, we’re primed to finish August exactly how we started it: winning.

Let’s finish this thing out strong and carry this success forward into September. The best is yet to come!

English Premier League: Everton at Bournemouth

Defensive Vulnerabilities: Everton’s defense has been inconsistent this season, frequently conceding goals even when they perform well offensively. This pattern makes it likely that Bournemouth could score.

Attacking Potential: Bournemouth has consistently found the net, including against stronger opponents. Their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses on the counterattack could lead to both teams scoring.

Pick: BTTS / Wager: 2%

English Premier League: Manchester City at West Ham United

City’s Dominance: Manchester City has been a powerhouse in the Premier League, often winning by more than one goal due to their offensive strength and squad depth. They consistently secure comfortable victories, especially against mid-table or lower-ranked teams.

Historical Trends: West Ham has struggled against top-tier teams like City. Recent encounters show that City has frequently won by at least two goals, making the -1.5 spread a solid bet.

Pick: City -1.5 / Wager: 2%

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals

Cubs’ Recent Surge: The Cubs have been on a roll, winning seven of their last eight games and staying within five games of the last NL wild card spot. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 10 runs per game over this stretch. Saturday starter Javier Assad has been a key factor, boasting a 2.84 ERA in August across five starts.

Nationals’ Inconsistencies: Washington has struggled, particularly in support of DJ Herz, who has faced erratic run support. The Nats have lost eight of his last ten starts, highlighting their issues in both pitching consistency and offensive support.

Pick: Cubs ML / Wager: 3%

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Cleveland Guardians

Guardians’ Home Advantage: The Guardians have been strong at home with a 41-24 record and have won 11 of their last 15 games by 2+ runs. They showed resilience by bouncing back in their last game against Kansas City. Despite a recent rut in August, their performance at home remains solid.

Pirates’ Struggles: The Pirates have been struggling, with a 6-17 record in their last 23 games and 10 of those losses coming by multiple runs. Their bullpen has been notably ineffective, contributing to their recent poor form.

Pick: Guardians -1.5 @ +130 / Wager: 2%

MLB: New York Mets at Chicago White Sox

White Sox’s Struggles: The White Sox have been in dismal form, with a 1-11 record in their last 12 games and 9 of those losses coming by multiple runs. They struggled even against a lackluster Rangers team, reflecting their poor performance.

Mets’ Opportunity: The Mets can take advantage of the White Sox’s woes. Chicago is 19-76 against winning teams, providing a favorable matchup for New York. The Mets are well-positioned to cover the -1.5 spread given their opponent’s current struggles.

Pick: Mets -1.5 / Wager: 2%

NCAA Football: Clemson at Georgia

Defensive Strengths: Both teams boast elite defenses, which was evident in their previous matchup that ended 10-3. The defensive prowess is likely to limit scoring opportunities.

Offensive Adjustments: Clemson’s offense is expected to take some time to hit its stride. With the Bulldogs dominating in Atlanta, a lower-scoring game is anticipated.

Pick: Under 48.5 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: Miami at Florida

Offensive Firepower: Miami boasts a top-tier QB-RB combination with Cam Ward and Damien Martinez, which should drive the game over the 54.5 total. Ward’s ability to connect with his receivers and Martinez’s ground game are expected to overwhelm Clemson’s defense, ensuring a high-scoring affair.

Miami’s Defensive Improvement: Miami’s off-season upgrades through the transfer portal have significantly enhanced their defense. While this boosts their overall performance, their offensive prowess combined with this strengthened defense makes a high-scoring game likely.

Defensive Stalwart: Florida’s defense remains formidable, yet they will face a Miami offense that’s improved and eager. The defensive strength might slow down Miami, but not enough to prevent the game from hitting the over. Expect Miami to score enough to push the total over 54.5.

Miami’s Road Advantage: Miami is considered a 63% favorite in this matchup, suggesting they are well-positioned to secure a victory despite the challenging environment. The tight game is anticipated, but Miami’s late-game execution, especially with Ward, should clinch the win.

Pick: Over 54.5 / Wager: 2%

Pick: Miami ML / Wager: 2%

NCAA Football: UTEP at Nebraska

Nebraska’s Offensive Transition: With freshman Dylan Raiola starting at quarterback, Nebraska is expected to face growing pains. Last season, the Huskers averaged just 18.0 points per game, and the adjustment to a new QB could further limit their scoring potential. This suggests a lower-scoring game, especially as the offense is still finding its rhythm.

Nebraska’s Defensive Strength: Nebraska’s defense was a top performer in 2023, ranking highly in rushing, total, and scoring defense. They held eight opponents to 14 or fewer points last season. Given their strong defensive capabilities and UTEP’s offensive limitations, it’s unlikely that the total will exceed 50 points.

UTEP’s Defensive Capabilities: UTEP also brings a solid defense to the field, having been one of the top defensive teams in C-USA last year. They return key defensive players, including pass rusher Maurice Westmoreland. This defensive strength suggests that they will keep the scoring low, contributing to an overall under.

Pick: Under 50 / Wager: 2%

NCAA Football: Miami - OH at Northwestern

Northwestern’s Strong Return: Northwestern boasts the highest defensive returning production in the country and ranks sixth overall. This stability on defense is crucial as they face a Miami - OH team that lost key offensive contributors, including their leading rusher and top receiver. The Wildcats’ defense should be able to handle the RedHawks’ offense, which is rebuilding.

Impact of Coaching Changes: The hiring of Zach Lujan as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator brings experience from back-to-back FCS champions South Dakota State. This new leadership could enhance Northwestern’s offensive capabilities, which, combined with their strong defense, provides a solid foundation to cover the spread.

Pick: Northwestern -3 / Wager: 2%

NCAA Football: UNLV at Houston

High-Powered Offenses: UNLV’s “Go Go” offense, led by new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, was explosive in 2023, averaging nearly 35 points per game. With key returnees like WR Ricky White III and Jacob De Jesus, and dual-threat QB Hajj-Malik Williams, the Rebels are expected to maintain their scoring prowess. Houston’s QB Donovan Smith, returning from a strong 2023 season with 22 TD passes, will need to keep up with this high-octane attack.

Defensive Concerns: Both teams have defensive issues that could contribute to a high-scoring game. UNLV allowed 44 points per game over their final three games last season, and Houston’s defense under new leadership will be tested by UNLV’s offensive firepower. These defensive vulnerabilities make it likely that both teams will score frequently, leading to a total that surpasses 54.5.

Pick: Over 54.5 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: Fresno State at Michigan

Transition Challenges: Michigan is navigating significant changes this season, including the departure of Jim Harbaugh and several key offensive players such as QB JJ McCarthy and RB Blake Corum. The Wolverines are integrating new talent under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore. Fresno State, led by interim head coach Tim Skipper, is also adjusting but retains a stable roster and experienced playmakers.

Experienced Bulldogs: Fresno State returns a strong offensive core, including QB Mikey Keene, who passed for nearly 3,000 yards in 2023. With a solid defense and key offensive weapons back in place, Fresno State is well-positioned to challenge Michigan’s revamped squad. This experience should help them stay within the 21-point spread.

Pick: Fresno State +21 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Texas A&M

Toughest Test for Notre Dame: Notre Dame faces its most challenging matchup of the season against Texas A&M. Despite having an easier schedule overall, this game against a formidable opponent will test their playoff aspirations. The Fighting Irish will need to navigate a tough defensive battle to secure a win.

A&M’s Defensive Strength: Texas A&M is anticipated to use its defensive prowess to edge out Notre Dame. With a strong defensive showing and the ability to manage a late-game rally, A&M is well-positioned to cover the spread. Expect a close, hard-fought game where A&M’s defense plays a crucial role in holding off Notre Dame.

Pick: Texas A&M -2.5 / Wager: 2%