2U Ohio State -23.5:
Ohio State has been on cruise control thus far. First chance to come out and really prove it in a conference game. I don't think Ohio state will have to dig too deep in this one to cover the number. Michigan State has been handing the ball away like Halloween candy and this will be the best defense they've seen yet. If Ohio state creates a few short fields this one can get lopsided fast. I don't think this is the week Chiles and the Spartans figure it out.
1U Indiana -6.5
1U Indiana/ Maryland Over 50.5
two for one special here. I'm riding with Indiana a bit longer. IU has been rolling and they also get their prove it spot this week.
I've been riding with them since Cignettis approach has been to pummel teams and build swagger heading into conference play. This one here is a must win for IU to keep the confidence alive.
Now this will be the best defense the Hoosiers have faced, specifically up front- but I think they're up for the challenge. Maryland has been a bit leaky in the secondary, being ranked 103 in passing yards allowed, giving up 7 yards/ attempt- where they've thrived is forcing turnovers- grabbing 5 picks on the year. That being said, Rourke is much better at taking care of the ball then the other. QBs they've seen.
On the other side of the ball- this is where we'll learn more about this "stellar" Hoosier defense. I'm skeptical that they're that improved. The Maryland offense will be far and away the most competent they've seen all year. I do think the Terps will be able to score in this one, - if they get to 21, I think this comfortably hits the over.
1U IL +17.5
tough road game for IL here- hate betting against Penn state in happy valley, but 18 seems a bit high. Don't like how public this dog has seemed. While Franklin has done a good job ATS as a double digit favorite, I think that's a bit misleading. Watching Penn State, it always feels like when they play a decent team they never really just step on their throat and fhey kinda just let them linger around.
so give me Illinois to cover. This team proved they have fight in them against Nebraska- now they have an opportunity to go on the road and test themselves against a top 10 team. Penn state has looked explosive offensively, but against who? The Illinois defense is more tested and has made teams earn it- the longest score against them this year is 13 yards.. if they can scratch and claw with Penn state here, they can make the offense uncomfortable.
on the other side of the ball, IL will need to establish some success with the run, which they've not been great at year to date. However, Penn state will have to respect their passing game- Altmyer has played great and Franklin and Bryant are legit threats that can hurt a Penn state secondary that's banged up and has shown vulnerabilities. I don't think IL can win this one, but 17.5 seems a bit high.
1U Nebraska -10.5
Not a long winded write up here. Nebraska and lost a heart breaker last week and get the perfect rebound chick with a bad Purdue team. Purdue hasn't shown much offensively to like, I'm expecting the huskers to force Purdue to throw the ball, something they haven't been good at. Interested to see how Purdue handles a competent passing offense.
1U teaser Wazzu +13.5 Over 58.5
not buying the Boise defense being fixed. Two high flying offenses clash in what should be a shootout. I think it'll be tough for either of these teams to pull away. I like Wazzu +6.5 and over 65.5, but would rather play it as a teaser.
Getting late- will try to finish write ups in the morning- few more:
2U Bama/GA 1H Under 24.5 (-120)
2U Michigan -10.5
Maybe 1-2 more
