Trace Adams
Trace Adams
1500* - Connecticut - 12pm, 500* - Boston College - 12pm, 500* - Wisconsin - 3:30 pm
I've been waiting for a Dave Wannstedt game to go the other way, and today is that day! Idle and rested last week, Connecticut has had 2 weeks to prepare for this game, while Pitt comes in off of back-to-back road games, and Navy in their last 3 games!
Defense prevails in this matchup. UConn is stout against the run, giving up just 86 yds per game ranking 5th in the Nation. That includes wins at Baylor against NCAA ranked #5 RB Jarred Slubi (8.1 yds per carry) and North Carolina's star RB Shaun Draughn. And, the Huskies rank in the top 20 nationally in pass defense as well which could spell trouble for over-confident Bill Stull, who has played well on the road, but was booed at home on his 2nd play from scrimage earlier in the year. If Connecticut stops him early and the crowd gets on him again, things could get dicey.
Pitt cannot stop the run, ranking 5th in the Big East. While UConn brings the # 3 and # 4 ranked RBs in the conferences (Todman and Dixon). Pitt's freshman RB Dion Lewis has done well to replace LeSean McCoy, but he's only faced soft rush defenses (Youngstown State-1AA; Buffalo-ranked 101; Navy-ranked 61; Louisville-ranked 43).
The Huskies have won 3 of the last 5 games in this series, and is seeking revenge after the loss last year.
1500♦ - Connecticut Huskies - 12:00 pm
Another dog that steps up, and gets it done today is Boston College. BC's lone road game thus far was that debacle at Clemson, so you can expect a fully focused effort today against an opponent that has beaten them in the ACC title game the past 2 seasons. I understand the Eagles offense is not spectacular, but then again, neither is Virginia Tech's, and the Hokies have had trouble delivering the knock-out punch when it comes to covering games in Blacksburg.
Tech is just 1-2 against the spread this year laying the wood, and are 4-9 against the spread as a home favorite their last 13. The Hokies grab the outright, but this one stays closer than expected. Take the visitor plus the points.
500♦ - Boston College Eagles - 12:00 pm
Looks like another dog play for me here at the Horseshoe, as the Badgers come in to town at 5-0 straight up, and come in to this game off a near-miss last season at Camp Randall 20-17 in a game that went off pretty much as a pick. Sure, Ohio State should prevail, as their defense is staunch enough to get the job done, but I have my questions about the Buckeyes offense and whether or not they can distance themselves from this team? I don't think they can. The Badgers are getting some solid play from QB Scott Tolzien, and RB John Clay, and that pop will be enough to keep Wisconsin from being routed this afternoon.
Remember, Ohio State is just 2-5 against the spread their last 7 as a home favorite, and 1-4 against the spread the last 5 times the Madison Boys have come calling wearing their road unis.
Take the points!
500♦ - Wisconsin Badgers - 3:30 pm
bought/paid/confirmed