B1G Week #9...

B.A.R.

B.A.R.

CTG Partner
Staff member
We're nearing crunch time in the conference, and things are starting to clear up as to who is who in this conference...

Quickly recapping last week...

Nebraska struggled on Friday night in Minnesota. A low-scoring first half turned into a rather comfortable Minnesota win. The story of this game was the running game. Taylor was excellent while the Huskers couldn't muster anything at all on the ground.

Wisconsin continues to tumble. I barely saw this game, but I see that Ohio State struggled to run the ball again. This is definitely the interesting part in a month or so, once they start to face good teams. The other surprise was the 42 pass attempts by Sayin in a 34-0 win. Either way, he was highly efficient!

Indiana seemed to have an early hangover from the Oregon game. That is to be expected. They got the offense going, though, and cruised vs Michigan State. The bright spot for Sparty was Chiles was very solid. That is a big heading into the Super Bowl.

USC could have won this game in South Bend. That required mistake-free ball, and the coach not calling idiotic plays in the rain. Too bad. That win would have potentially been huge for a playoff spot. Sloppy losses in the Midwest will cost this team at the end of the season. The run defense is their Achilles heel.

UCLA struggled for a lot of this game before getting going in the 4th quarter. Maryland has been reeling lately, but was a tough out vs the Bruins. Nice balanced offense by the UCLA team, the turnovers kept the score total lower.

The Rutgers fades continue to feed families...

Oregon amassed 750 yards of offense. They averaged 14.0 ypp and 11.3 ypc. Goodness...

Big win for Sherrone and the Wolverines. Missing your best offensive player stings, but I believe, for one game only, that was a blessing in disguise. Jordan Marshall is the type of back that becomes stronger as the game/carries accumulate. He also knew he wasn't going to see the bench after a few bad runs. He was excellent in this game and looked like Alabama Bowl Game Jordan Marshall. Bryce was hella good at QB as well. He completed 21-27 and frankly take away drops that is 24-27. Those aren't even drops due to his laser arm. Just garden-variety drops. He was showing some nice touch, and those early summer mornings with TE3 Tonelli were paying off! Andrew Marsh continues to grow week by week! The defense was much more disciplined, and the heat is off Wink, at least for a week.

This was a critical game for UM. Washington is a bowl team with a dangerous QB. A loss there, and the talking heads were going to have a field day. Now, this team SHOULD be 9-2 entering "The Game" but let's go one week at a time. This is still the youngest team in the conference, and injuries are mounting!

First game without James Franklin, but the result is the same. The Nittany Lions have lost 4 straight. They and Clemson might be two of the most disappointing teams in ages. They led for a lot of this game but Iowa won that 4th quarter. The Hawkeyes beat up PSU on the ground.

You may have noticed I rarely cover Northwestern games. This is true, as the only one I really concentrated on was the Oregon affair (was stalking a live TT). Heckuva shut-out vs the Boilermakers. The Cat's killed the time of possession and beat up Purdue on the ground. The game was marred by 6 turnovers and isn't one the children should have been watching.

The Northwestern schedule moves to the interesting category the next month... We'll see if this defense is for real as they can make their push for a bowl and also toss in an upset or two...

@Nebraska
@USC
Vs Michigan
Vs Minnesota
@Illinois


ONTO WEEK #9...

Mercy rule in Eugene? The Ducks are nearly 5 TD favorites here. Dante should cook early and often as the Badgers only resistance is the run defense...

Rivalry special in Iowa City as Minnesota comes in. Can we trust another over in a Hawkeyes game lined under 40?

Washington returns home to face Illinois, which is well rested. The Huskies have been going back and 4th the past month or so. I am sure they are glad to be back home. The Illini should be able to pass the ball well vs UW. I'll be potentially stalking a live total here.

Oh no, Rutgers is heading to Purdue. What do we do when we have a double fade involved? Rutgers as road chalk is a wild thought. I'll be capping this one a bit harder for sure.

Is it bounce back time for the Huskers, but this is also a time to check out if the Cats are for real. I certainly am not interested in laying over a TD with these Huskers.

Red-hot UCLA heads east to face the #2 Indiana Hoosiers. Fox Big Noon game here -wild eh? So, that is the old 9 am start for the Bruins.

For the FOURTH consecutive year, TV has decided that the battle for Paul Bunyan will be played in primetime. C'mon. This is starting to become a bit ridiculous. Michigan State has struggled quite a bit in October, coming off a pasting in Indiana. They did play pretty well the first 20 minutes before the talent disparity caught up to them. Chiles really recovered from the terrible game vs UCLA and looked much better. Michigan comes in off their best all around game this year.

No matter the records, this is a rivalry and this year especially, MSU's Super Bowl. Smith might not have the same 'hate' as the last few coaches but he wants this game badly, I'm sure. He's on the hot seat via the fanbase right now. That is a pretty quick turnaround by the faithful in their assessment of Coach Smith.

Michigan has one nice road win, in Lincoln, and two bad ones at night time. This is once again a night game, albeit vs a much lesser opponent. The bye week looms and a comfortable win here would be a nice send-off. We'll see about Justice Haynes. The key here is that Wink calls a solid game and the OL continues to grow. Underwood is a Detroit kid, so he understands the importance of this game for sure.

Should be a great week in the conference!! Talk to me!!
 
Michigan -12.5, Oregon -32.5, minn +8.5 were all bets for me on fd open. Somewhat concerned minny gets bullied in the trenches here but backing Fleck getting over a td with a painfully low total is an auto play for me
 
Great post. A few of my recap thoughts:
- OSU running game is a real problem. A lot of the fanbase is skapegoating the right side of the OL, esp RG Tshabola (his PFF grade is awful and has seriously regressed from average 2024; RT Daniels' grade isn't great either, but he's a sophomore while Tsabola is a RS JR). I wouldn't be surprised is Josh Padilla (backup C) is inserted in his place. No question, fixing what ails the running game problems is CRD's #1 priority during the bye.
- OSU D is a problem too but in a good way.
- Made an offhand comment about Sherrone and the M O Saturday and was rightly corrected for scoreboard watching rather than digging into the real causes. Good recap above. Marshall looked good and Marsh seems to always look good. Underwood's ceiling is so high.
- M D taking less chances and looking solid - definitely will consider MSU TT under this week.
- Really like this Gophers team, esp now that Taylor is healthy. I expect to be on them this week vs Iowa even thought PRs would say the line is about right (was hoping it might go to 10 but not looking like it). There is no guarantee Iowa scores 9+ to be able to cover.
- Tough loss for Huskers - you're right, felt like their O never got started and once Gophers had the lead, they controlled the game. There's still a lot of good about this season (they're learning to play winning football and win as a fave - more in the comeback vs MD than the upset at Minny which definitely was a setback) - home vs USC then at UCLA will tell a lot about them. Not betting their game vs Mildcats, but have a feeling that Huskers get right here.
- This almost certainly is Fickell's last game for Wisconsin - think they'll fire him during the bye after letting him wear the loss in Eugene. Will definitely be on Ducks, probably 1H and TT but if Wisky doesn't score, all options are good ones. What a run of games - @ Michigan, Iowa, OSU, @ Oregon L4 (not to mention Bama W3) - then gtfo.
- Loved how Oregon bounced back at Rutgers after the Indiana loss. As expected, Lanning's antidote was hanging a big number in Piscataway.
- Rutgers D is so bad. Will probably pass on over at Purdue this weekend (takes 2 to make an over, and Boilers O looked really bad at Northwestern last week).
- UCLA's turnaround is such a great story. They went from quit watch to being a completely different team. I know it's a 9 am body clock game but couldn't resist them at +24'.
- Maryland lost another close one to drops them to 4-3. Three straight Ls sounds like a normal October for the Terps, but these were very competitive losses and this team looks much more built to last than prior versions, esp the D. And they have a legit QB in Washington (gotta get him better weapons).
 
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Nebraska just has to make a change at
RT. A cone would do a better job. The OL coach is Raiola's uncle. He's been a complete failure, but they cant fire him apparently.

Holgorson has been a bust at OC in my mind. All these skill guys that would start most places and they're just not getting it done way too much of the time. Very disappointing.
 
cubsker said:
Nebraska just has to make a change at
RT. A cone would do a better job. The OL coach is Raiola's uncle. He's been a complete failure, but they cant fire him apparently.

Holgorson has been a bust at OC in my mind. All these skill guys that would start most places and they're just not getting it done way too much of the time. Very disappointing.
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Have to agree re: Holgorson and I know a lot of people had high hopes. Rhule has to find the right offensive guy because that's not his skillset.
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Great post. A few of my recap thoughts:
- OSU running game is a real problem. A lot of the fanbase is skapegoating the right side of the OL, esp RG Tshabola (his PFF grade is awful and has seriously regressed from average 2024; RT Daniels' grade isn't great either, but he's a sophomore while Tsabola is a RS JR). I wouldn't be surprised is Josh Padilla (backup C) is inserted in his place. No question, fixing what ails the running game problems is CRD's #1 priority during the bye.
- OSU D is a problem too but in a good way.
- Made an offhand comment about Sherrone and the M O Saturday and was rightly corrected for scoreboard watching rather than digging into the real causes. Good recap above. Marshall looked good and Marsh seems to always look good. Underwood's ceiling is so high.
- M D taking less chances and looking solid - definitely will consider MSU TT under this week.
- Really like this Gophers team, esp now that Taylor is healthy. I expect to be on them this week vs Iowa even thought PRs would say the line is about right (was hoping it might go to 10 but not looking like it). There is no guarantee Iowa scores 9+ to be able to cover.
- Tough loss for Huskers - you're right, felt like their O never got started and once Gophers had the lead, they controlled the game. There's still a lot of good about this season (they're learning to play winning football and win as a fave - more in the comeback vs MD than the upset at Minny which definitely was a setback) - home vs USC then at UCLA will tell a lot about them. Not betting their game vs Mildcats, but have a feeling that Huskers get right here.
- This almost certainly is Fickell's last game for Wisconsin - think they'll fire him during the bye after letting him wear the loss in Eugene. Will definitely be on Ducks, probably 1H and TT but if Wisky doesn't score, all options are good ones. What a run of games - @ Michigan, Iowa, OSU, @ Oregon L4 (not to mention Bama W3) - then gtfo.
- Loved how Oregon bounced back at Rutgers after the Indiana loss. As expected, Lanning's antidote was hanging a big number in Piscataway.
- Rutgers D is so bad. Will probably pass on over at Purdue this weekend (takes 2 to make an over, and Boilers O looked really bad at Northwestern last week).
- UCLA's turnaround is such a great story. They went from quit watch to being a completely different team. I know it's a 9 am body clock game but couldn't resist them at +24'.
- Maryland lost another close one to drops them to 4-3. Three straight Ls sounds like a normal October for the Terps, but these were very competitive losses and this team looks much more built to last than prior versions, esp the D. And they have a legit QB in Washington (gotta get him better weapons).
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Sometimes with a running game or pass protection, one move can be immense. I think we'll really notice the Mich line improving over the next month she building on last week. Just a hunch.

That's the one issue for the OSU running game -- although they know it's not up to par -- they haven't faced the adversity to address it head on. Bye week is coming at a good time in general I would assume.

As an OSU fan, are you bored yet? The excitement of the Texas game seems like ages ago. I guess if there is any season to have a boring schedule, this one with a frosh QB is perfect.

Good point on the bye week and Fickell. What's next for his career? Obviously he isn't made for Big Ten Football. So interesting how g.ood he is a just below that level though.

Michigan D was much more disciplined. I'm still not sure what happened in that lockerroom and between players/coaches and Wink -- but it worked.

No worries about the mid game comment last week. If I had seen just the score and nothing else -- versus a below average defense -- I would have thought the same!

I made money on that Oregon game but not nearly enough. I wanted to continue to dip in live market but was trying to be responsible. Blasphemy!

I'm a big fan of Taylor for Minnesota as well... 14 carries vs Purdue (although 6 catches) and up to 24 carries this past week. He looks back to true form, ready to go! I like rooting for the Detroit kid, unless playing vs UM.

Yeah the Purdue offense makes this Rutgers game more of a challenge, unfortunately. Watch and stalk.

Lastly, that's really the cap on the Terrapins. We all know their fades over the years. That was starting a bit but maybe this edition has more pop in them? I'm watching them closely because that's an interesting one for Mich the week before The Game, on the road.
 
cubsker said:
Nebraska just has to make a change at
RT. A cone would do a better job. The OL coach is Raiola's uncle. He's been a complete failure, but they cant fire him apparently.

Holgorson has been a bust at OC in my mind. All these skill guys that would start most places and they're just not getting it done way too much of the time. Very disappointing.
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I forgot the Uncle is involved.

Interesting. And yeah, that's an uncomfortable situation.
 
B.A.R. said:
Sometimes with a running game or pass protection, one move can be immense. I think we'll really notice the Mich line improving over the next month she building on last week. Just a hunch.

That's the one issue for the OSU running game -- although they know it's not up to par -- they haven't faced the adversity to address it head on. Bye week is coming at a good time in general I would assume.

As an OSU fan, are you bored yet? The excitement of the Texas game seems like ages ago. I guess if there is any season to have a boring schedule, this one with a frosh QB is perfect.

Good point on the bye week and Fickell. What's next for his career? Obviously he isn't made for Big Ten Football. So interesting how g.ood he is a just below that level though.

Michigan D was much more disciplined. I'm still not sure what happened in that lockerroom and between players/coaches and Wink -- but it worked.

No worries about the mid game comment last week. If I had seen just the score and nothing else -- versus a below average defense -- I would have thought the same!

I made money on that Oregon game but not nearly enough. I wanted to continue to dip in live market but was trying to be responsible. Blasphemy!

I'm a big fan of Taylor for Minnesota as well... 14 carries vs Purdue (although 6 catches) and up to 24 carries this past week. He looks back to true form, ready to go! I like rooting for the Detroit kid, unless playing vs UM.

Yeah the Purdue offense makes this Rutgers game more of a challenge, unfortunately. Watch and stalk.

Lastly, that's really the cap on the Terrapins. We all know their fades over the years. That was starting a bit but maybe this edition has more pop in them? I'm watching them closely because that's an interesting one for Mich the week before The Game, on the road.
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Man, I live in Cleveland, had Browns tickets for 26 years and was an OSU fan during the John Cooper era. I was at the MSU loss in ‘98. I’ve been to dance recitals. I will never be bored with a team winning like this. Now, their games don’t always have volume in 4Q but they generally stay on tv #1 and honestly there have been some fun 4Q defensive plays as they focus on allowing no garbage points (Wisky game was notable). And you’re right, good time for it with Sayin getting live reps. Much better teams are coming.

I think Fickell comes back to OSU (his wife will be thrilled) and I could actually see Franklin in Madison (not sure that’s what he wants but I think it could be a good fit; he’ll have his sights on UCLA or UF). I don’t know that all of the failure here should be blamed on Fickell - I know Wisky’s NIL operation was woefully inadequate under Chryst, and the B1G eliminating divisions was bound to slap them hard. You can’t just turn that boat around overnight (and using Cincy’s template?). I think Fickell is at OSU a year or two, could maybe try a return to lower level or be DC if/when Patricia goes back to NFL?

Really think this year’s MD team is different because of the D. We shall see.
 
Nebraska’s blocking was so poor last game. I came away very unimpressed with Minny. Feel like even Iowa can dominate them. Minny was able to play from ahead vs a dead Nebraska team.
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Also, I do not see how MSU scores 17+ this weekend. Really starting to like their TT under (along with Ducks 1H TT over).
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Capping this without any fandom/hate/etc this makes sense.

A few worries...

1. Going into the season, I polled some friends on the # of Bryce interceptions and the range was 8-14. I believe I said 11-12. He's a rookie and I expected we'd see about 1 per game on average. He's at TWO so far. Very impressive! The one vs USC was on 3rd and long, I believe, right after a semi dropped TD. Bad throw, but he had to make something happen imo. So, bottom line, he's protected the ball well.

Still, those are the types of things I like to cap when looking at TT unders. Just a thought with a young kid, on the road, at night.

2. MSU past teams love trick plays, especially in games vs UM as the underdog. Anything to fire the team up or gain an advantage.

Again, food for thought.

3. Lastly, how does Wink call this game? Is he super aggressive or more like last week? I'd assume more like last week as this MSU offense is not all that explosive. The base defense should be able to contain them.

Bonus: Nick Marsh is the type who can than a 150-200 yard game and put his name in the lore of this series. Remember, Cade McNamara accumulates more yards than the ENTIRE MSU team 4 years ago, but Walker took the game over in the 2h.

This is definitely an idea I'll be looking at situationally. As far as the TT unders. Mich should control the trenches and that bodes well for the unders.

Hopefully a running clock with Mich grabbing a solid lead and burning that clock!
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Man, I live in Cleveland, had Browns tickets for 26 years and was an OSU fan during the John Cooper era. I was at the MSU loss in ‘98. I’ve been to dance recitals. I will never be bored with a team winning like this. Now, their games don’t always have volume in 4Q but they generally stay on tv #1 and honestly there have been some fun 4Q defensive plays as they focus on allowing no garbage points (Wisky game was notable). And you’re right, good time for it with Sayin getting live reps. Much better teams are coming.

I think Fickell comes back to OSU (his wife will be thrilled) and I could actually see Franklin in Madison (not sure that’s what he wants but I think it could be a good fit; he’ll have his sights on UCLA or UF). I don’t know that all of the failure here should be blamed on Fickell - I know Wisky’s NIL operation was woefully inadequate under Chryst, and the B1G eliminating divisions was bound to slap them hard. You can’t just turn that boat around overnight (and using Cincy’s template?). I think Fickell is at OSU a year or two, could maybe try a return to lower level or be DC if/when Patricia goes back to NFL?

Really think this year’s MD team is different because of the D. We shall see.
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That 1998 MSU OSU game is still highly memorable myself as a teenager. Bill Burke MSU QB, right?

Yep, Burke.

He was 18-46 passing. Wow. 323 yards though.

Osu scored 17 in the 1st quarter and only 7 more after. Truly a huge upset that season.
 
B.A.R. said:
Capping this without any fandom/hate/etc this makes sense.

A few worries...

1. Going into the season, I polled some friends on the # of Bryce interceptions and the range was 8-14. I believe I said 11-12. He's a rookie and I expected we'd see about 1 per game on average. He's at TWO so far. Very impressive! The one vs USC was on 3rd and long, I believe, right after a semi dropped TD. Bad throw, but he had to make something happen imo. So, bottom line, he's protected the ball well.

Still, those are the types of things I like to cap when looking at TT unders. Just a thought with a young kid, on the road, at night.

2. MSU past teams love trick plays, especially in games vs UM as the underdog. Anything to fire the team up or gain an advantage.

Again, food for thought.

3. Lastly, how does Wink call this game? Is he super aggressive or more like last week? I'd assume more like last week as this MSU offense is not all that explosive. The base defense should be able to contain them.

Bonus: Nick Marsh is the type who can than a 150-200 yard game and put his name in the lore of this series. Remember, Cade McNamara accumulates more yards than the ENTIRE MSU team 4 years ago, but Walker took the game over in the 2h.

This is definitely an idea I'll be looking at situationally. As far as the TT unders. Mich should control the trenches and that bodes well for the unders.

Hopefully a running clock with Mich grabbing a solid lead and burning that clock!
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This echoes my thinking in a number of levels, thank you for the thoughts. I start with #3 - overall game script esp UM D playing more as it has the last few weeks, get a lead and lean on the run game and choke the opponent out. MSU O doesn't have many advantages in this one and can't get off the field on D.

UM D was proud to hold UW to 7 last week and I think they're taking points allowed super personally as all good Ds do. Those garbage time TDs that Chiles had late vs USC aren't going to be acceptable. Totally agree on TOs and trick plays, those are wildcards any game and way more important here (esp trick plays). At the same time, I don't see how MSU gets to 17 without flukes, which are always out there. Feel like UM D is easily the best unit in the game, that will dictate how it's played big-time, and that unit expects to walk off the field Saturday allowing 10 pts max.

Great point on Underwood protecting the ball, the one vs USC was def. memorable for over holders. I really love Nick Marsh, he's so good and you're right could put his stamp on this game like Walker did.
 
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Interesting on the Grateful Dead Oregon uniforms. How does that work with licensing? Would GD enterprises be paying the uniform company as advertising their "brand" or would the university or uniform company be paying GD enterprises for the right to use the Steal Your Face logo on the shoulder pad? Had some tapes, Dead shows in Oregon were always good. Lots of hippies there...well, too many...still, but...yeah
 
B.A.R. said:
That 1998 MSU OSU game is still highly memorable myself as a teenager. Bill Burke MSU QB, right?

Yep, Burke.

He was 18-46 passing. Wow. 323 yards though.

Osu scored 17 in the 1st quarter and only 7 more after. Truly a huge upset that season.
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Great call on Burke! That stat line was unreal. Sedric Irvin also was 1-1 6 yds.

That 7 points was due to a long Damon Moore INT return. John Cooper completely turtled up, didn't get the ball to David Boston nearly enough and got super predictable with the lead. OSU had 4 fumbles (lost all 4) and an INT. By the time Cooper realized he had to abandon the prevent offense, it was too late.

It was absolutely chilling live. I've never seen that many people so quiet. Like funeral quiet. You could've yelled from the upper deck and been heard on the field, probably. Bet the MSU section was loud but that was nowhere near me.
 
s--k said:
Interesting on the Grateful Dead Oregon uniforms. How does that work with licensing? Would GD enterprises be paying the uniform company as advertising their "brand" or would the university or uniform company be paying GD enterprises for the right to use the Steal Your Face logo on the shoulder pad? Had some tapes, Dead shows in Oregon were always good. Lots of hippies there...well, too many...still, but...yeah
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I think that's Nike paying the Dead to use their logo, and probably gives them some creative involvement/approval of final product. The real question is how much is Nike paying, because as you point out, the Dead are getting pretty good exposure out of this.
 
They should do all music through the PA Dead songs. There are plenty of upbeat rockers that could fit a sporting event. Doubt any of the players would like that, would be about as cool of a theme to compliment the jerseys that I can think of. Dancing ducks painted on the field like he dancing bears would be nice too
 
I was hoping Mark Gronowski would have a nice final college season for himself in Iowa. I saw him play vs Albany and it was really bad. Just checked in on him and it hasn't gotten any better - it is beyond awful! He has a 0-4 TD-INT ratio in 5 games vs P4 teams this year. Buddy, it doesn't tarnish his SDSU legacy, but this is a bad way for him to end his career
 
For some reason hard to get BIG capping done for this weekend.

Have MSU +14.5. Wolv's victory over Huskies was solid, but...........Huskies not so good East of the Mississippi. Sparty has nothing to lose so why not.

Wisc at Oregon, my weather report says 100% precip with 18mph winds. Probably why line has dropped a little.

Illinois at Washington, more precip, 98% chance, less wind, 11 mph. Maybe Husky ML.
 
V.K. said:
For some reason hard to get BIG capping done for this weekend.

Have MSU +14.5. Wolv's victory over Huskies was solid, but...........Huskies not so good East of the Mississippi. Sparty has nothing to lose so why not.

Wisc at Oregon, my weather report says 100% precip with 18mph winds. Probably why line has dropped a little.

Illinois at Washington, more precip, 98% chance, less wind, 11 mph. Maybe Husky ML.
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Yeah I saw some nasty weather in Oregon. Yuck.

So probably all of the Pacific Northwest.
 
Mostly out of pocket today.

One bet and it pushed.

Might get going here a bit now...

I think we continue to see points out in Washington, especially the Huskies.

2h TT solid at 14 or live at extra juice at 34.5.

Worth a unit or two.
.
 
B.A.R. said:
Mostly out of pocket today.

One bet and it pushed.

Might get going here a bit now...

I think we continue to see points out in Washington, especially the Huskies.

2h TT solid at 14 or live at extra juice at 34.5.

Worth a unit or two.
.
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Push or a win with 14+ mins left depending on what you played.
 
I don't know who those are but guessing Michigan players while they could well be Lions players
 
Prop wise ...

MSU secondary is wretched and Underwood over props are generally money via passing. I do think Mich runs a fair amount and a blowout could prevent extra passing...

Still, lean over on Bryce.

Lean over on both Marshes, especially Nick.
 
I will say, wrong conference, but as mentioned elsewhere I think BC is live in some shape or form.

+25.5?
+14 first half?
Live market?

Think it over...
 
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