JOHN CHANG
20 Dimes Illinois -3
For most of their rivaled history, Ohio St has owned the Illini. I expect today to be another story. Despite the fact that they've lost 8 in a row to OSU at home, we have to look at this game differently. Illinois is a serious contender this year. They're exciting to watch because they can do it on both sides of the ball. Their defense is tenacious, leading the conference in sacks and ranking number 15 in the nation in yards allowed. They love to stuff the run, and that'll be important against the Senior Dan Herron. Illinois also speciaizes in takeaways. This is a squad that's managed to force a turnover in 21 consecutive games. Offensively, Illinois is dangerous and can beat you in a variety of ways. Their rushing attack is multi-faceted, sending a tandem of running backs at the defense before letting QB running threat Nathan Scheelhaase loose for a big gain. Scheelhaase can also burn a defense through the air, and a lot of that credit has to go to WR phenom AJ Jenkins. Jenkins is someone a defense has to account for on every play. He lines up all over the place, and that makes him a matchup nightmare. I love this situation for the home team.
10 Dimes Stanford -21
Stanford is turning into the most reliable bet this year. Andrew Luck has been carrying his team to 5 straight covers against the number, and it's not only their aerial assault that's been winning games for them. Stanford sports a mean defense that's only allowing around 10 points per game. The Cardinal have been destroying opponents, and the Cougars don't have much of a defense. This looks to be an easy cover for our boys.
10 Dimes Duke +13
10 Dimes BYU +3
ASA
5* Michigan St
4* Baylor
4* Northwestern
3* Navy
3* Marshall
Inside Info
3* Navy
2* Mississippi St
KELSO
200 Units Washington
JACK HOWARD
20 Dimes Oklahoma State -7
Last year Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden torshed Texas's secondary which sent three guys to the NFL for 409 yards resulting in a 33-16 victory. The Longhorns got smoked last week as they gave up 55 points against the Sooners in the Red River Rivalry. This week, they are going up against the number one offense in the country which averages 51 points per game. Look for Blackmon and Weeden to put up big numbers against a very inexperienced Texas secondary. Prediction: 42-27 Cowboys
10 Dimes Michigan St. -3
Last year running back Edwin Baker had 147 of MSU's 249 rushing yards against the Wolverines. Did Michigan's defense improve that much? The main reason for Michigan's success early on the past two seasons is that they have played no one. Last year, the Wolverines started off a perfect 5-0, but the tides quickly changed once Big Ten play began as the Wolverines dropped six out of their last eight games, including a 52-14 defeat in the Gator Bowl. I think we have the same scenario going on for the Wolverines in 2011. Defensively, the Spartans have showed they have a blueprint for slowing quarterback Denard Robinson down as they held him to 86 yards rushing with three interceptions in last year's 34-17 win. Look for Michigan State to once again force Robinson to stay in the pocket and make throws to beat them. I think Michigan State will win this game, but I don't think it's going to be as land slide like last year. Prediction: 27-20 Spartans
10 Dimes Florida -2.5
10 Dimes Texas -150
Preferred Picks
4* N Illinois
3* Navy
3* Wake Forrest
3* Michigan St
Brandon Lang
75 Dime Washington State +21
15 Dime Utah State -3
Big Money
Nevada
Harry Bondi
4* Baylor
4* Michigan St
4* Auburn
Bob Balfe
Texas Rangers -150
The Rangers have been great at home all year and will want to wrap up the series to avoid a Game 7. Texas puts up so much offense and they have the better pitcher on the mound tonight. Look for the Rangers to hit themselves into the world series tonight. Take Texas.
Northcoast
4* GOW Georgia -11.5
4* Pittsburgh -6
4* Penn St -12
3* Michigan St -3
3* Missouri -15.5
EA Sports Consultants
100* Michigan St. -2.5
Both of these bitter rivals come into this game ranked in the Top 25. Michigan is 6-0, ranked #10 in the Coaches poll and is coming off a 42-28 come from behind victory at Northwestern. The Maze 'n Blue were down 24-14 at half and rallied to outscore the Wildcats 28-0 in the second half behind another great performance by their leader and playmaker Denard Robinson. Michigan St’s last game was two weeks ago, where they defeated the Buckeyes 10-7 in Columbus. The folks at Michigan St. knew what they were doing when they set the schedule up giving their Spartans a bye in between Ohio St. and their hated rival Michigan. The Spartans come into this contest with a multitude of factors on their side. They are now the more rested team coming off a bye, and will be enjoying the Home Field advantage in this one. The Spartans will carry a ton of confidence into this game. The Spartans' Seniors are 3-0 vs. the Wolverines and have defeated them by a combined total of 37 point the last three years. The Spartans have a Sr. game manager in Kirk Cousins, who is not always the prettiest but just wins games. However, the biggest edge the Spartans have in this contest is their defense. They have one of the finest defensive units in the land. Michigan will not go up and down the field on them like they have vs. weaker foes such as Northwestern or Minnesota. This defense will not allow Robinson the big play, instead they will force him to take Michigan down the field in small chunks, something he is not apt to do. The total is under 50 for a reason in this game and it is because it, Vegas understands that this game is going to be played at Michigan St’s pace. How can anyone back a Michigan defense that has given up over 950 total yards to the 2 best teams they have played (Notre Dame and Northwestern)? Brady Hoke has done a nice job so far, but Michigan is still a work in progress, not a Top Ten football team. When this season is over they will be lucky to still be in the Top 25. Michigan is severely overvalued at this point, because of their large margin of victory and their quarterback’s flashy style. Michigan is 0-12-1 ATS in their last 13 conference games with revenge, so let’s not use that as a reason to back the Wolverines. Every intangible points to the Spartans in this one, as do our models; not to mention the fact that they are flat out the more talented team. Michigan St. dominates this from start to finish, 31-13.
100* Navy +4
This is a spot that handicappers dream about when we go to sleep at night. What we find here are two teams that appear to be heading in opposite directions. Navy will come into this game off back to back SU losses to Air Force in OT and Southern Miss at home. If you remember we used Southern Miss as a 50* winner last week vs. the Midshipmen, who were completely taken apart allowing over 60 points to the Golden Eagles. On the other hand Rutgers comes in off back to back SU conference underdog revenge wins at the “Cuse” and at home last week against Pitt. These past results have given us incredible line value in this game. If this contest were played three weeks ago, after Navy had taken South Carolina to the wire on the road, the Midshipmen would have been 7 to 10 point favorites here. Let’s not downgrade the Naval Academy too much for their poor performance last week, they were in a bad spot coming off an emotional loss to fellow Academy school Air Force. Even last week the Navy offense produced 550 yards and zero turnovers. That kind of production is unheard of. The biggest reason Rutgers is 4-1 is because they are a ridiculous +13 in turnover margin just 5 games into the season. To steal a poker term, Rutgers is “running” incredibly well. Last week Rutgers somehow managed to score 34 points off of just 14 first downs and 271 yards of total offense. Rutgers is not a very good football team and they are doing it with smoke and mirrors. Navy will not turn the ball over, and therefore Rutgers will have to drive the length of the field something their offense is not accustomed or built to do. Rutgers being favored here is strictly based on public perception. Navy is 30-5 ATS as road dogs off back to back SU losses. That stat illuminates the great amount of pride and resiliency the players have at the Naval Academy. Those that wear the Midshipmen uniform are some of the most quality, disciplined individuals in our country. Losing two in a row and giving up 60 will not sit well with them. Navy travels well and this is a very short trip. The Scarlet Knights have three conferences foes on deck. We suggest you take the points, but you will not need them. This one will be over by the start of the fourth quarter.
50* Utah +6
50* Ohio State +3.5
50* Oregon State -3
50* Oregon -14
25* Temple -21
25* Mississippi +26.5
25* E Carolina -14
25* New Mexico State -1
25* Utah State -3
Cowtown
3* Missouri
Carolina Sports
5* Toledo
4* Georgia
4* Virginia
3* Navy
3* Florida
3* Virginia Tech
3* Washington St
Lenny Stevens
20* Northwestern
20* Michigan St
10* Stanford
10* Virginia Tech