Dave Cokin
Pick(s):
(315) Wisconsin vs (316) Illinois
Take (315) Wisconsin
I 've been a big Illinois believer since before the season started. But now everyone's arrived at the party and it's time to go the other way. Illinois has lost the last two games on the stats but managed to win both. That's lost on the public as they are now flocking to this team, thus we're seeing them now favored at home against an unbeaten opponent. Wisconsin hasn't been dominating, but they do keep on winning. Illinois is now in a new scenario as they're suddenly expected to win, and they'll have to prove to me they're able to handle that pressure. I'm expecting a very tough game here and feel the value is clearly with Wisconsin and the points.
(389) UNLV vs (390) Air Force
Take (389) UNLV
Rebels are back on the road off the extremely disappointing loss at Reno. But they're 1-0 in MWC play so the letdown should not occur. It's a great physical matchup for UNLV. They have a big and improving OL that should shred the small Air Force defensive front. I expect UNLV RB Summers to have a monster day. The Falcons were as fraudulent a 3-0 squad as you'll ever see and the results the last two weeks have been far more realistic. They're also running the shotgun more frequently and UNLV sees that every day in practice. I see the Rebels as the better team and expect them to win this game.
(391) Tulsa vs (392) UTEP
Take (392) UTEP
This might be the highest scoring game of the day. The Tulsa no-huddle attack is rolling in a big way. But their defense is pretty awful and the Hurricane is running into a very excited UTEP squad fresh off a spectacular OT win at SMU. The Miners are running the ball very well and should continue to do so here. Big home field edge for UTEP and the Miners are perfect as HD's since Price arrived. Expect a wild contest with many ebbs and flows, and it should go to the wire. Grabbing a FG with the improving home team is the way I'm playing, and I feel UTEP has an excellent chance to win it outright.