Should bettors take Nebraska & Iowa on Moneyline?
By Brandon Shively
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) - I am back this week and would like to continue to look at some key games that I am seeing as potential upsets and value for the bettor.
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Wagering on the money line can pay great rewards when finding the right team in the perfect situation. So let's take a look at the games that kick off 2014 and let the winning begin.
Nebraska vs. Georgia (Gator Bowl- Jacksonville, FL) - The most important factor when looking at this game is that Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is out and Hutson Mason is making only his second career start. This is a big stage for him to play in and Mason does not have good chemistry with what is already a thin Georgia receiving core. WR Chris Conley is doubtful for this game also and he is the Bulldog's #1 receiver on the season. Mason's first start of the season was the Bulldog's last game of the season. Georgia won the game 41-34 in overtime but they were actually down 20-0 in the 2nd quarter and got outgained 495-437. Another key note is that this is a revenge game from last year's bowl game when Georgia beat Nebraska 45-31.Georgia was actually down in that game 31-23 before rallying for the win. So there is definitely value with Nebraska as they have a bad taste in their mouth from last year's bowl game. I have seen underdogs with balanced offense perform well so far this bowl season and would not be surprised if Nebraska pulls the upset. Nebraska is a +310 on the money line. This is a great low risk high reward play.
Lean: Nebraska on the Money Line
Iowa vs. LSU (Outback Bowl- Tampa, FL) - This is another game where the starting quarterback is injured. LSU's Mettenberger is out and true freshman Anthony Jennings will be making his first start. This is a huge downgrade and one that Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz should have plenty of time to capitalize on. Ferentz is not a stranger to being a underdog in a bowl game either so he will have his troops ready to put up a fight as he is 6-2 ATS his last 8 games as an underdog in bowl games. Iowa has the better quarterback in this game clearly and they have a running game that will wear opposing defenses out. LSU' run defense was down this year as they allowed 149 yards a game on the ground. The Iowa Buckeyes were a mission team this year and they are in a position to pull a possible upset this afternoon. I am currently seeing Iowa +240 on the money line. This is another low risk, high reward play.
Lean: Iowa on the Money Line
And there you have it guys. Here are the best 2 MONEYLINE VALUE PLAYS on the board to wrap up the bowl season. Hop on board with me and bring the NEW YEAR in with a BANG. I am on a RED HOT 19-7 (73%) Run in NFL and NCAAF Combined.
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