The winner of multiple major national handicapping championships against world-class competition, the Wildcat returns. Including the 1997-2007 seasons in The Post, Cat’s 13-year record in print stands at 354-295 (54.5 percent) against the spread.
TOMORROW
Minnesota (+1) over PURDUE: Boilermakers have plagued slow Gopher defenses on West Lafayette grass since 1990, but DC/ex-Duke HC Ted Roof has revitalized Minny stop unit. So dismiss the history. Purdue’s allowing points in bunches, and Big 10 defenses have caught up with Boiler QB Curtis Painter’s tendencies. Off bye, Gophers healthier than they’ve been in a while. Give Joe Tiller credit for reviving a Purdue program facing difficult recruiting challenges, but it’s Tim Brewster’s time, now, at Minny. Aroused Gophers (+1) sustain rise, for one unit.
SUNDAY
Browns (+7) over JAGUARS: Brownies couldn’t quite pull off Giants/Redskins perfecta, but did hold Washington to two touchdowns while backdooring the number. Jags have played tight games all year; here’s another. Derek Anderson again responds to Brady Quinn looking over his shoulder; Anderson, Phil Dawson, and the Browns’ perky pass rush make this a nailbiter (+7), even without suspended Kellen Winslow, for one unit.
LAST WEEK: 1-1 (even units): Tigers failed to handle the pressure (Missouri, minus one unit). Always a gas to cover as a favorite despite allowing 41 points (Bears, plus one unit).
SEASON: 7-7-1 (even units).
To contact Cat about his comprehensive advisory service, write P.O. Box 739, Hightstown, N.J., 08520, or visit http://www.thesharpmoves.com.