Welcome back to another wonderful fall season. Some opening week plays...
Utah/Michigan over 40 (2 Units)- This line has actually dropped a couple points which makes it even nicer. I understand the belief that teams will struggle offensively in this one. After all, Michigan fans will need to purchase a program or media guide to identify any of their offensive personnel, and the Michigan defense should be a strength which should limit Utah's scoring. However, there are a few keys to this one that are going overlooked. First, these two teams will spread it out and run an up-tempo offense. There will be an incredible amount of offensive snaps on each side even if the teams don't air it out. Secondly, the Michigan defense has a lot of experience returning; however, they also have a lot of experience in getting thrashed by the spread offense returning. Finally, I think Rich Rod has got some people in place in the return game to at least get some great field position, if not score. Both teams have great opportunities to get in the twenties.
Michigan State +5 over California - Attention College Football bettors...John L. Smith and Bobby Williams have left East Lansing! I like this team and their leadership...both coaches and players. Now I still hate Sparty...don't get me wrong, but this is a team with serious talent and experience. I think Hoyer and Ringer are both going to have big years and Cal just isn't the type of defensive team to shut them down. Sparty usually starts strong then fades. They probably will fade in the Big Ten, but I like them early on.
South Carolina/NC State under 45.5 - ESPN must think that everyone will be tuned into the Democratic Convention on Thursday because this one has the chance to be a real snoozer. I just can't imagine the Wolfpack scoring and Spurrier doesn't have the talent to hang up a huge number. I'm almost glad I'll be in the office late on Thursday...this way I won't be tempted to turn on the TV.
Illinois +9 over Missouri - This one was circled early on. Missouri is the media darling, but they have no business laying more than a touchdown against Juice and the boys...especially at a neutral site...and on the turf. Zook has put together an athletic bunch, and even though he has most likely done it unethically, he has the talent to win this one outright.
BGSU +13 over Pitt - I saw some posts on this and you can refer to Spang and Falcon for more info...by the way Spang is right on about laying chalk with Pornstach. One win over West Virginia last December and now everyone is on the Pitt bandwagon. Well they will win this one, but they won't be able to control BG's offense enough to cover. In the MAC I also like Spang's take on Western...
Ohio State -34.5 over YSU - I got this at 5Dimes at 34 but I will post it at the current number. I can't fathom the Penguins scoring. Plus, the elegance of playing at the Shoe has diminished for this YSU squad since they went thru it last year. Less inspired this year + an even better OSU defense + a chance to show off Pryor to the home crowd = Cover.
Utah/Michigan over 40 (2 Units)- This line has actually dropped a couple points which makes it even nicer. I understand the belief that teams will struggle offensively in this one. After all, Michigan fans will need to purchase a program or media guide to identify any of their offensive personnel, and the Michigan defense should be a strength which should limit Utah's scoring. However, there are a few keys to this one that are going overlooked. First, these two teams will spread it out and run an up-tempo offense. There will be an incredible amount of offensive snaps on each side even if the teams don't air it out. Secondly, the Michigan defense has a lot of experience returning; however, they also have a lot of experience in getting thrashed by the spread offense returning. Finally, I think Rich Rod has got some people in place in the return game to at least get some great field position, if not score. Both teams have great opportunities to get in the twenties.
Michigan State +5 over California - Attention College Football bettors...John L. Smith and Bobby Williams have left East Lansing! I like this team and their leadership...both coaches and players. Now I still hate Sparty...don't get me wrong, but this is a team with serious talent and experience. I think Hoyer and Ringer are both going to have big years and Cal just isn't the type of defensive team to shut them down. Sparty usually starts strong then fades. They probably will fade in the Big Ten, but I like them early on.
South Carolina/NC State under 45.5 - ESPN must think that everyone will be tuned into the Democratic Convention on Thursday because this one has the chance to be a real snoozer. I just can't imagine the Wolfpack scoring and Spurrier doesn't have the talent to hang up a huge number. I'm almost glad I'll be in the office late on Thursday...this way I won't be tempted to turn on the TV.
Illinois +9 over Missouri - This one was circled early on. Missouri is the media darling, but they have no business laying more than a touchdown against Juice and the boys...especially at a neutral site...and on the turf. Zook has put together an athletic bunch, and even though he has most likely done it unethically, he has the talent to win this one outright.
BGSU +13 over Pitt - I saw some posts on this and you can refer to Spang and Falcon for more info...by the way Spang is right on about laying chalk with Pornstach. One win over West Virginia last December and now everyone is on the Pitt bandwagon. Well they will win this one, but they won't be able to control BG's offense enough to cover. In the MAC I also like Spang's take on Western...
Ohio State -34.5 over YSU - I got this at 5Dimes at 34 but I will post it at the current number. I can't fathom the Penguins scoring. Plus, the elegance of playing at the Shoe has diminished for this YSU squad since they went thru it last year. Less inspired this year + an even better OSU defense + a chance to show off Pryor to the home crowd = Cover.
